Hip Hop Talks: Angela Gladue’s Classroom Dance Lesson

“You can do anything you want!” Angela Gladue exclaimed. She is a hip hop dance teacher with the National Arts Centre who delivered a lesson to Peetabeck Academy School in Fort Albany First Nation, Ontario. She shared with the class how she first became inspired at age 12, when she watched the Magoo Crew breakdancing in Edmonton. Although she was shy, she didn’t begin immersing herself in hip hop culture until she was 18.

Angela spoke about the origins of hip hop culture and breakdancing, first engaging the class to guess where they began before sharing the actual history. She explained the different components of hip hop dance, such as top rock, drops, and footwork. To start, she demonstrated grooving, showing them the bounce and the rock.

“If it feels weird, that’s okay. Let it feel weird. Try your best and have fun, because that’s what it’s all about,” she encouraged. The class followed Gladue’s dance movements to hip hop songs, smiling throughout as they built their skills. They practiced their bounces, explored different hand movements, hopped and spun around, and learned some basic drops.

After all that hard work, students took a stretch break and were encouraged to stretch any time their muscles tightened. Gladue shared how, as a beginner dancer, she struggled with shin splints while practicing every day during her lunch breaks. The class laughed as she demonstrated her awkward walk. A gymnast friend eventually taught her how to stretch properly, and the shin splints went away.

Next, Gladue led the class through a dance combining all the components they had learned. They grooved, top rocked, and practiced drops. She guided the students to proper form, asking them to make a figure four with their legs and then elevate it.

“All of this takes practice. It’s so much fun when you nail a move though. And then when you battle people, it gets even more fun. I love battling because it challenges you to be your best, put your whole self out there, and be yourself,” she beamed.

In closing the session, Gladue encouraged the students, saying, “It looks like you’ve been doing this a while. It looks like you do hip hop all the time. You’re natural dancers. Keep it up! Don’t stop.” She also shared how she used to practice in her bedroom when she was growing up.

In Connected North sessions like these, students have the chance to explore creative outlets for expression in supportive, nurturing environments. They are given space for play and imagination, while also engaging with artists and athletes who share their experiences. They build self-confidence and gain access to Indigenous role models, connecting with people from the community who have pursued opportunities and can set an example of what is possible.

Most of all, they learn they can do anything they set their minds to — just as Angela Gladue reminded them.