The Peru Hip Hop Scene and Lessons from Henry Link

I’ve always wanted to learn how to dance. I’ve also always known that I’m not very good at dancing. I’m clumsy and forgetful, which are the two qualities that work against learning choreography.

Peru Hip Hop y Henry Link en Lima

Roy and I just got back from surveying the Peru hip hop scene in Lima where Henry Link taught a 2-day workshop.

Considering how Roy’s a dancer, I had silent lofty dreams of being in his dance group and doing shows with him, but they never panned out. The positive side is that I’ve probably danced more over these last few years than I have in the rest of my life. Unfortunately, during those various times that I’ve tried to dance, I only gave myself more reason to cement the fact that I can’t really dance well at all. I’ve danced less and less, and have settled into living vicariously through Roy’s dance escapades instead.

Our most recent adventure involved the Peru hip hop scene in Lima. Roy attended a 2-day hip hop workshop in Lima led by Henry Link of the Elite Force Crew who is considered one of the founders of freestyle hip hop. I was lucky enough to be able sit in and even ask a question the second evening:

Do you think someone can learn how to dance hip hop even if they don’t have the rhythm and attitude?

Link’s answer was a resounding and eloquent “Yes.” To summarize, he believes that rhythm can be learned through practice, and attitude is expressed through understanding how music is meant to make others feel. In response to another question, he went to explain that once you learn a dance move, it’s yours. It’s not about perfect imitation because he’ll look around the dance room and even admire how others do his move in a slightly different way.

So I’m back to my lofty dreams. I liked it here in the clouds anyway.

When was the last time someone encouraged you to keep on dreaming and how’d they do it?

8 Responses to The Peru Hip Hop Scene and Lessons from Henry Link

  1. It’s lofty dreams which keep us working hard. Imagine if we had no goals to challenge us… I’d love to go hiphop dancing! The last time I did that was in college…years ago.
    Pepper Tan recently posted… Tips On Decorating Your SunroomMy Profile

  2. I was recently offer a promotion to a position I have held several time with other companies but would have been a great accomplishment to achieve with the company I am with now. Senior management was very encouraging, my wife was very encouraging. But in order for me to achieve my dream it would mean my wife would have to lose hers. We both work for the same company and would have to relocate for me to be promoted. There would be no position for her to fill at the location we would transfer to so she would have to leave the company she has worked for and managed at for 19 years. As much as I would have loved to achieve my dream to be promoted I wasn’t willing to burst the dream she is already earned. I turned the promotion down.

    • You did?! Abe, you have such a big heart. That’s such an important component to dreaming, sharing and encouraging the dreams of our loved ones. Dreams then combine and grow together. I imagine that you didn’t feel like turning down the promotion was much of a loss knowing how it would maintain your wife’s dream. Just beautiful. =)

  3. I’ve had a lofty dream of widespread recognition as a writer, which may or may not happen. But I’m grateful for the limited recognition! Besides, it’s one of those things I’ll do regardless because of the personal satisfaction. So keep on going, Sam! It sounds like fun and something you enjoy. I believe practice can only help us get better! :-)
    Adriene recently posted… Geographical Ideations (poem)My Profile

    • You are *already* a widely recognized writer, Adriene! =) I continually look up to you and how you’ve established yourself in the writing world. Thanks so much for the support and you keep at it too, friend. =)

  4. While people, on occasion, have encouraged me to dream, this has really been the exception rather than the rule. Fortunately, I’ve had many dreams throughout my life that I’ve been able to realize through internal motivation and willpower. My latest dream is to write another novel. I’m hoping that I can muster the internal energy to realize that latest dream

    • Your comment had me reflecting on my own personal experiences and I think I’ve had a bit of both — encouragement from others and internal motivation. I’m super excited to have the opportunity to read another novel of yours, Vinny! Can’t wait! =)

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