Titusville Library Presents "What is Hip-Hop as a Dance Style" on Tuesday

 

By Reba Williams, Branch Manager| Titusville Library 

Have you ever wondered what hip-hop dance looks like? Would you like for someone to teach you a move or two?

Then join us at Titusville Library from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 5, for "What is Hip-Hop as a Dance Style." The class instructor is Birmingham native Winston Strickland, who founded M.A.D. Skillz Dance Co. in 2003. Check out this YouTube video of M.A.D. Skillz Dance Co. in action.

The style of hip-hop dance, like hip-hop itself, is sometimes a bit hard to define. Lots of styles have developed in and around the genre, and many people have very strong opinions on what is and isn’t a part of the accepted canon.

Strickland will present a class where we can dance and learn about the articulation of dance in a fun, friendly environment. The class is open to both novices and accomplished dancers.

Strickland, who has led hip-hop classes for several years during the Birmingham Public Library Summer Learning programs, is an accomplished dancer who has performed across the nation. He is also an actor who has graced the stage in local theatres and national venues in such productions as Annie, The Wiz and "God's Trombone.

Winston Strickland, founder of MAD Skillz Dance Co.

Strickland has performed with Umdabu South African Dance Co. and as a back-up dancer for such platinum recording artists as Outkast, Mary J. Blige and Keith Sweat. He has also produced a television show for 95.7 Street Jamz and production for his M.A.D. Skillz Dance Co.

In 2003, Strickland founded M.A.D. (Music and Dance) Skillz Dance Co., an Alabama statewide organization of elite teens who aspire to reach the world with their original style of dance. The group does it all, from hip-hop to jazz, ballet, praise, African, and modern dance. M.A.D. Skillz Dance Co. has performed over 40 shows a year, including New York's Showtime at the Apollo, MTV's dance reality show pilot, Chris Rock's movie "Good Hair," BT's TV show "Tears, Shears & Beauty, BET's "106 & Park" (seven time), UAB step show, ESPN, SWAC, and the Alys Stephens Center.

Strickland has been recognized by the National Library of Congress, and been featured in Who's Who in Black Birmingham and Birmingham magazine.