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Dining In Denim

Feelin’ The Beat With Markese

February 16, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

(contributed by Cora Davis and Amanda Farnsworth)

Markese Hunter lives as if music is always playing the background. If he doesn’t have drumsticks in his hand, you’re likely to catch him freestyling or choreographing instead. He has a gift for sensing rhythm wherever he goes–which he used to choreograph a dance to “Lift Me Up” by David Guetta (ft. Nico & Vinz and Ladysmith Black Mambazo).  Check it out below:

Sometimes, it’s the beat of a song that inspires him to put moves to music. But this time, he was inspired by the lyrics. “This song has a lot of inspirational things in it, so I knew it was good to put some inspirational moves in it. Something hyped up, to get the creative juices flowing,” he said. The lyrics that inspired him the most:

“I’m just like you, why you trynna bring me down?

I’m just like you, help me turn this thing around.”

This lyric expresses something Markese feels deeply: how important it is to realize that we are all alike; and that when we work together, we can make this world a better place.

If you watch New Expression perform, you may see several unique original moves in Markese’s choreography. One of these moves he named the “Jump Dab.”  He explains, “The ‘Jump Dab’ came from the ‘Dab.’ A lot of people know the ‘Dab’ from Cam Newton doing it. The ‘Jump Dab’ is a flavor that we added to it.”

Whether it’s the “Dab” or the “Dougie,” Markese makes sure that his dances are simple enough for all ages to be able to dance along. “I slow them down. Like how we changed the ‘Dab’ to the ‘Jump Dab,’ you gotta work with people and meet them where they’re at. That’s what I did. I try not to make it too complicated or hard, so everyone can dance to it without thinking about it so much when they’re dancing,” he said.

 

Choreographer and NXP Ambassador Markese.Choreographer and New Expression Ambassador Markese. [Read more…] about Feelin’ The Beat With Markese

Filed Under: New Expression Tagged With: Choreography, Dance, Dining In Denim, Express Yourself, Leadership, New Expression, Use your voice, Youth Programs

I Am Something New

February 5, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

(Contributed by Jarah Botello)

On January 23rd six New Expression students took the stage at Dining In Denim to present a spoken word piece called “I Am Something New.”  Check it out!

This piece was a culmination of several weeks of research, discussion and rehearsing in which students chose a human rights activist from history with whom they connected. The students were challenged to find quotes and historical facts about the activist and to really dig into why they felt particularly drawn to that person.

Malachi Black, 16, chose to research Julian Bond, co-founder of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and former president of the Southern Poverty Law Center. “I chose him because he fought for human equality, and I will too. We both believe that everybody is equal, black or white – gay or straight – Muslim or Christian,” Black said.

As the students learned more about each person they studied, they began to see how similar they were to those in history that had made such courageous and positive changes across the world.

The students performance of the spoken word piece was powerful and received a standing ovation – not because every word was articulated and recited perfectly, but because the performers truly respect the legacies of the activists they learned about and believe that they too can stand up against injustice to represent something new in the world.

Like Julian Bond, Nelson Mandela, Malala Yusafzai, and John Lewis, these students are catalysts. Equalizers. Change makers. Freedom Fighters.  They are Something New.

Filed Under: New Expression, New Way Tagged With: Dining In Denim, Express Yourself, New Expression, New Way, Something New, Spoken Word

Meet Patricia!

January 28, 2016 by Becca Armstrong

Contributed by Promise Farnsworth.

Meet Patricia.

Self described as tall, kind and brown skinned, Patricia is a passionate spokesperson for human rights in her hometown of Selma, AL. She recently traveled to Larkspur, CO to perform at a fund raising event for Something New where she spoke with confidence about John Lewis – someone who inspires her to make a difference and stand up for the people in her own town that can’t speak for themselves.

Mural, Refugees Welcome
Patricia, welcoming refugees to her small town with big history.

[Read more…] about Meet Patricia!

Filed Under: New Expression, New Way Tagged With: Civil Rights Service Learning, Dining In Denim, Interview, John Lewis, New Expression, Selma, Something New

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