Review | Laura Money
Are you ready to get down to it, shake your groove thing and dance all night long? Then you need to join in with the Cultural Renegades as they party in hip hop dancehall style and shake the hell out of the De Parel Speigeltent this FRINGEWORLD 2021. It’s a full hour choc-a-block with hip hop, r&b, spoken word poetry, breakdancing, and pop and lock dance moves – and that’s just the warm up. The big theme here is a celebration of unity and self-expression. Cultural Renegades pull you into their dance circle and celebrate you like the beautiful person you are, they boost each other up and the support is heartwarming and overwhelmingly uplifting.
You may initially walk into the tent, but this soon gives way to dancing as the beat pumps through every bit of the building. This shack is shaking with the sheer exuberance and passion of its dancers. There are video screens featuring the fam who are stuck elsewhere and it’s a fitting tribute to what is obviously a tight knit group. They explode out onto the ‘stage’ which is really just a circle in the middle – it takes you straight back to the hip hop culture that would create a cypher in the middle of a group – giving dancers the chance to riff and show off their moves. And this is no sit and watch kinda show – you are part of that circle – you are the show – and the renegades make you feel more than welcome.
The two emcees bring the love with thoughtful and powerful poetry and spoken word. They speak to underground cultures, blackness, privilege, rising up and helping each other to rise. The audience nod in appreciation at every word – they celebrate you – lifting up size queens and good men, spreading kindness, tolerance and acceptance, and overall respect. It’s the most inclusive environment where every whoop or exultation is hailed and valid. There are no wrong moves – you are joyfully initiated into the world of the Cultural Renegades and they encourage you every sashay of the way!
Every dance move is explosive and original – the dancers take turns at jamming and step it up every damn time. I don’t know what the moves are called but I don’t have to, because the encouraging cheers come from both the crowd and the crew – there is an invisible inclusive safety net under every performer and it’s woven with heart and love. There are head spins, booty shakes, pop and locks, and many other amazing hip hop moves. Things can get as interactive as you feel comfortable as the crew guide you through some group dances and then encourage a Groove Train style dance off at the end. It’s life affirming, sheer exuberance. You’ll move parts of your body you didn’t even know existed and keep that swagger all through the night.
Cultural Renegades gives you an uplifting baptism of fire through dance – they embrace you as one of their own and buoy you up on their own energy. Hip hop and spoken word strengthen the bond of humanity, unifying and empowering us. The crew are not only phenomenally talented but are cultural ambassadors for love and life and are truly inspirational.
Join in the party HERE
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