Discovering the Rhythm: Freeflow’s Intro Dance Workshop
As someone who has long been captivated by the vibrant world of street dance, attending Freeflow’s introductory workshop was both an eye-opening and challenging experience. Freeflow, a dance club established at the University last spring, recently held its first general interest meeting of the semester in the Leibner-Cooper room, inviting students to immerse themselves in the dynamic culture of street dance.
A Welcoming Atmosphere
The workshop attracted around 30 enthusiastic participants, all eager to explore the art of street dance. It kicked off with a dynamic stretching session, followed by an invigorating cardio workout. Under the guidance of Freeflow’s eboard members, juniors China Huang and Emma Wang, attendees were organized into four staggered rows in front of wall-length mirrors. As I glanced around the room, it was evident that everyone had come prepared for the occasion. The fashion choices were a testament to the street dance culture: oversized cargo pants, slouchy hoodies, black caps, and slick white sneakers dominated the scene. Even the highlighter-yellow “Feel the Sting” shirt made a stylish appearance, expertly cropped for an off-shoulder look—a bold move for anyone, especially for someone like me who rarely sports school merchandise.
The Energy in the Room
As we transitioned into splits—a moment that was both painful and awe-inspiring—I couldn’t help but admire the sheer flexibility and athleticism displayed by my fellow participants. The palpable enthusiasm in the room was infectious, creating an atmosphere that felt both exhilarating and familiar. Despite having spent countless hours in the “mirror-room,” the rhythmic movements and pulsing hip-hop beats transformed the space into a vibrant street dance facility. It was a revelation, a glimpse into a world that felt like home, even though I had never truly encountered it before.
The Roots of Freeflow
Freeflow was born out of a desire for freestyle and experimentation. Lucy Ming, a junior and dance captain, shared her experiences from her home in Singapore, where the street dance scene is thriving. “We have what we call ‘OGs,’ the originals, the founders,” Ming explained, referring to the local mentors and dance teachers who inspired her journey into dance. While street dance is gaining traction globally, the scene in Rochester remains relatively sparse. Last year, Ming participated in a cipher—a dance circle where individuals take turns freestyling in the center—during the UR-hosted inspireJAM, a festival dedicated to hip-hop culture.
Embracing Freestyle
Ming emphasized the challenges of freestyling, describing it as a daunting concept. “It’s about going into movement without knowing what’s going to happen, what music will play, or what you’ll do,” she said. Overcoming the fear of exploring movements that might feel awkward or “ugly” is crucial for dancers. “The fear of exploration is the biggest inhibitor,” Ming noted, highlighting the importance of trusting one’s body and embracing the beauty of imperfection.
Learning the Choreography
The workshop continued with an hour dedicated to learning choreography to the 2021 R&B track “I Like Dat” by Kehlani and T-Pain, led by Ming. True to its beginner-friendly promise, the session was engaging and fast-paced. Ming introduced us to classic street dance moves, including my personal favorite, the reverse running man—a playful combination of hopping and sliding that creates a cartoonish backward run. “Do what feels comfortable, what feels natural,” Ming encouraged as we navigated the choreography.
As we progressed to learning the routine at half-speed, the energy in the room was palpable. Although I found myself slightly overwhelmed—dance being a foreign language to me—I managed to keep up. However, once the tempo increased, I regrettably lost track of the moves. The workshop concluded with participants filming progress videos and capturing a group picture to commemorate the successful general interest meeting.
Looking Ahead
Freeflow has exciting plans for the future, including a variety of events such as ongoing workshops open to all students, ciphers, and dance battles. The club aims to foster a community where students can explore their passion for dance and connect with others who share their enthusiasm.
For those interested in diving into the hip-hop scene on campus, Freeflow invites you to follow them on Instagram at @freeflow.ur and join their CCC for updates on upcoming events. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a curious beginner, Freeflow offers a welcoming space to express yourself through the art of street dance.
