Teacher Training Seminars
Bridging Hip Hop Culture & Dance Education
Live Workshops
Virtual Trainings
Certification Programs
Based on subjects from The Comix Method's Certification, you can get a specialized teacher training at your convention, studio, or event.
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Who Am I?
Perhaps the most important thing to understand about me is that I don't consider myself a guru of Hip Hop, or a master of the culture. I consider myself a student of it, and I've been one for more than 20 years. I've battled. I've formed crews and been part of crews. I've trained, performed, auditioned, choreographed, and danced in videos. I've learned directly from people who have dedicated their lives to Hip Hop, and I've spent years listening, learning, asking questions, and developing my own understanding of the art form.
I've also spent more than two decades learning how to teach it.
I've trained dancers throughout the United States and internationally. I'm the director of an established dance company, a college professor of Hip Hop, and faculty for conventions and organizations throughout the dance industry. I've taught virtually every combination of age, level, class size, and learning environment you can imagine. Those experiences have given me something I believe is particularly valuable. I understand both sides of the equation.
I understand Hip Hop as an art form and culture, and I understand the realities of teaching it inside a dance studio.
That's the foundation of the Comix Method.
My goal isn't to tell you that there's only one way to teach Hip Hop. It's to give you the knowledge, context, structure, and teaching tools to do it with greater authenticity and intention. Hip Hop has played an enormous role in my own life. I've learned from it, been challenged by it, and grown because of it. The information I pass on comes from those experiences, and from continually questioning, studying, and refining how that knowledge can be passed on to the next generation of dancers and teachers.
Whatever kind of experience you need from an educator, I've probably encountered some version of it.
The Comix Method brings all of that together: authentic Hip Hop knowledge, practical teaching methodology, structured curriculum, and artistic development.
My job is not to make you a copy of me.
It's to help you become a better Hip Hop educator.
I created this training so that I could be part of the solution. If you are like many teachers or dance studio owners, you know that there is a lack of consistent or reliable information available for Hip Hop. Maybe you live in an area where there just isn't a ton of training for this sort of thing. While there are some wonderful Hip Hop teachers out there, there aren't enough to cover all the classes we offer around the world. No one wants to cut their Hip Hop program because they don't have a teacher. What do you do? For starters, seek out that rare knowledge.
But where?
This course is the exact kind of training you need to get the ball rolling.
This is your start.
Chances are, if you're on this page, I don't need to tell you what's missing already. Whether you're a teacher yourself, a street dancer, or a studio owner, There are many ways you can benefit from the training I offer.
Street Dancers-
I'm going to teach you all about the education process. Class structure. Methods for teaching. We're going to work on how to speak the language of our students and inform. Not just "show". I'm especially interested in working with street dancers as I hope to see more and more learn about the education process so that their vast knowledge is given the opportunity to thrive in more dance environments. There are so many dancers out there who have far more knowledge than I do. Those who have lived through the history of this art form. If you haven't had the opportunity to learn education methods, I want to work with you. From this approach, I do much less in terms of teaching you terms & technique. Instead, we discuss what you know and how it can be best expressed in a range of learning environments.
Dance Teachers-
We're going to talk about all the terms and techniques behind hip hop and street styles. I'm going to show you where they come from and how they SHOULD influence your modern movement. You will know how to make Hip Hop authnetic. Not just in choreography or technique, but in the very experience your dancers get in the classroom. You will see the references I use and the places to go to dig even deeper into the history of the art form. You will learn how to seek out your local community and teachers like me to help you continue to gain strength as a true Hip Hop educator. Consider my work a bridge between your world and Hip Hop's world.
The Program
This course is the basis for the dance teacher certification (The Comix Method) that I developed. While there are core elements covered in every training seminar, your workshop can be modified to your own preference. It is strongly recommended that you choose at least a 4 hour course for the standard necessary information to be applied. Training can be adjusted and extended in a number of ways. 2 day courses cover much more terminology and allow an opportunity to be further observed and corrected with your new lessons. Choose any number of focus points from The Comix Method below:
Breaking ( B-boy, B-girl, Breakdance ) - Terminology, Technique, History
Hip Hop - Original Party Dances, Modernized Movement, Technique, History
Locking - Soul Dances, Terminology, Technique, History
Popping - Style Variations, Terminology, Technique, History
Rhythms - The importance of the "Bounce" and its various approaches
Discussion - Class Structure, Discipline, Choreography Approach, Tips
Discussion - The History of Hip Hop
Creative Movement - exercises to build on freestyle and choreography creation
Class Exercises - Games, Challenges, and other things to try with your students
Class Types - Approaching class based on age, size, gender
Want an in-person seminar or a private virtual training session for your studio? Scroll straight to the bottom for the inquiry form.
Certified Teachers Get It All!
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These training seminars have been running for over a decade! They are perfect for hitting specific subjects, prepping new teachers, and giving a strong overview of techniques and rules for a Hip Hop program. If you want to go further and get more in-depth training as well as countless resources, consider getting certified to access every single thing I offer teachers!
Judging hip hop
Judges,
Do you have trouble finding the words to critique hip hop at dance competitions? How would you like a crash course in terminology?
This course is a little different from my other hip hop courses. Warmups and education methods take a back seat and we focus on what we see in choreography. In this class, I will break down the structure of choreography in hip hop, breakdancing, popping, and locking numbers. I will teach you about the most important terms as well as proper posture & rhythms professional choreographers use.
Are you sure the dancers should be smiling in this section? Do you know what part of the body is responsible for rhythm in that piece? Is the repetition youre witnessing actually an integral part of the dance culture?
I'll answer all of these questions and many more as I help you understand what you're seeing. At the end of the course, you’ll be able to identify proper technique and give detailed critiques throughout the length of the entire hip hop production.
*While we will physically review movement, this class isnt specifically for hip hop dancers. Students of this class can opt to participate for example or simply analyze the movement discussed
Live Video Training
To get live training without waiting for an in-person workshop, you can set up an appointment for video consultation. You get terminology, technique demonstrations, and of course corrections and tips on what you learn. You may request this sort of consultation for standard format workshops, or the training for competition judges. Fill out the form below and ask me about video training!
Inquire About a Teacher Training