A+U: Vahe - Hip Hop: Modern Folklore of the USA
This lecture and workshop will focus on hip-hop dance as a cultural phenomenon that emerged in communities across the United States and on its evolution from its original street forms to its current manifestations in the battle, theatrical, and commercial scenes. In the theoretical section, we will explore the historical context of the emergence of hip-hop culture, individual dance styles, and their transformation over time under the influence of social, musical, and media changes.
The practical portion translates these principles directly into movement: working with groove, rhythm, musicality, freestyle, and authentic expression. Emphasis is placed on understanding the origin of movement, the dancer’s conscious decision-making, and the ability to develop one’s own identity without losing respect for the culture’s roots.
A music lover with a passion for dance, a director and choreographer originally from Armenia who now lives and works in Prague. He currently works as a promoter, movement director, and instructor. During his active dancing career, he won numerous prestigious dance battles, including Juste Debout East, SDK Housedance Final, Dance Floor Attack (DFA), and Druhá Šance. Through dance, he has traveled the world and, at the same time, brought world-class artists to the Czech Republic through dance workshops. He has established collaborations that have led to theater projects and choreographies that redefine the perspective on urban dance in the Czech Republic. He organized the Hejbejse dance battle, which introduced new perspectives and concepts to the Czech dance battle scene. He is currently dedicated to organizing and producing the international dance festival Tancesraz, which brings together and builds upon all his experience to date. He has performed on theater stages and concert stages alongside leading musicians and artists. As a movement director, he has contributed to many significant projects, including the successful show DYKUVZDÁNÍ at the O2 Arena, which he created together with his wife, Zuzana Akopjan Veselá. Together, they also lead the dance company BRWNS, which focuses on creative work and education.
Studio of ARCHA+: Zlatnická 8