TAHLEQUAH —
Thanks to an onslaught of television programming featuring dancers from all genres, many youth are putting down their iPods and video controllers this summer, and opting to dance instead.
Tuesday, six girls ranging from ages 6-10 participated in “Hip Hop Anonymous,” a dance camp hosted by Northeastern State University’s Continuing Education Office.
All confessed to enjoying one dance TV show or another, but the most popular, by far, was “Shake It Up,” a Disney production.
Mika Allen, 9, a visitor from Sallisaw and participant in the camp, gets lots of inspiration from the show.
“I just love to watch ‘Shake It Up,’ because of how they dance,” she said. “I love dancing. I took lessons from Mrs. Jordan, where I live. I also like to do art.”
Before the class began, Mika demonstrated her stretching abilities for the other girls, doing back bends and crab walks.
“I can’t do a somersault, though; it’s too hard,” said Mika. “I’ve danced hip-hop before, and I’ve been rehearsing it off of ‘Shake It Up’ on TV.”
Alexis Bowen, 6, of Dallas, is visiting a cousin who lives in Tahlequah, and decided the camp would be fun.
“I’ve never taken dance lessons before,” said Alexis. “But I watch ‘Shake It Up,’ too. I’m hoping I can shake things up a little after I learn here, but I’m not doing the splits. That would hurt.”
DeeAnn Amlin, NSU student and instructor for the course, is somewhat of a hip-hop veteran. She began dancing at age 5, but didn’t learn the hip-hop style until she was in her teens.
“When I was little, hip-hop wasn’t really offered,” said Amlin. “When I was 12 or 13, I was introduced to it in competition, and I began seeing it on TV dance shows; that’s when started learning the moves.”
At first, Amlin said, she felt awkward making the hipster moves, as she’d been trained in ballet, tap and jazz.
“It was my least favorite form, because I hadn’t grown into my dancing abilities,” said Amlin. “Once I learned the basic movements, it became one of my favorite styles. I like it because it’s not a strict technique, and you kind of get to do your own thing.”
Amlin danced for Tahlequah High School’s pom squad and taught the other members of her team hip-hop dancing.
“Then, when I enrolled in ballroom dancing here at NSU, the instructor asked me to teach the other members of the class the hip-hop moves,” she said. “I’m always willing to teach it because it’s so much fun for me.”
After a brief trek from the Continuing Education office to the Shawnee Street Theater, the class learned to stretch before starting the dance class.
Then, the fun began.
Amlin began teaching basic moves, including the up-rock, the six-step and the slide.
A couple of participants were unsure of the six-step, and Amlin backed things up, making sure each child was confident before moving on.
“Now, let’s put the moves to music!” said Amlin. “Feel that beat? You want to move into your up-rock to the beat.”
Before long, all six girls were popping and locking, hoping to give their Disney idols a run for their money.
Local News
Related Photos
-
NSU Hip Hop Anonymous camp instructor DeeAnn Amlin, left, gives Alexis Bowen tips on the six-step during lessons Tuesday. Teddye Snell
Discussion
Pop, lock and slide
- Local News
-
-
Grave circumstances
Cemeteries are often thought of with solemnity. If monuments are properly preserved, they can be a boon to genealogists and historians, and provide a place for generations of family to gather and remember lost loved ones.
-
Bike trails will increase cycling interest
One of the most unique uses for a stationary bicycle is to power a generator connected to a blender, making a juice drink in a tiny store in a jungle, as demonstrated on a Travel Channel show.
-
Second Begay jury trial to begin
Despite new DNA evidence introduced in the case, a district judge has decided to go ahead with a man’s second planned jury trial on child sex abuse charges.
-
Lawns will need extra TLC this season
Summer is almost here, and before the mercury hovers at the century mark, local residents are working to get the lawns in shape.
-
Wheelin’ our way
Freewheel representatives were in Tahlequah Wednesday, scouting their upcoming route.
-
Rock gets 17 years for burning baby
A Cherokee County mother charged with using an iron to burn her 14-month-old baby last year will spend 17 years in prison as part of a plea agreement on child-abuse charges.
-
Anti-smoking bill draws mixed reactions
Anti-tobacco legislation recently signed into law by Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin has some local residents expressing concern over what they view is another liberty lost, while others are pleased with measures they believe will protect public health.
-
Two snared after taking marijuana
Two people were arrested this week after authorities found them to be in possession of marijuana.
-
Two hurt in attack at apartment
Two people were hospitalized and a third was arrested Wednesday morning after an attack at Pleasant View Apartments.
-
Feds mull lowering blood-alcohol cutoff to .05
Federal safety investigators are encouraging all states to lower the existing blood-alcohol content cutoff of .08 to .05, and local authorities have varying opinions on the request.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
