Capitalizing on the popularity of hip hop, social worker and long-time B-boy Stephen Leafloor has been bringing positive hip hop workshops to the north, this time to the remote hamlet of Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. While dancing to the beat, kids are encouraged to blend their rich, ancient culture with a modern one. Between back spins and body-waves, they discuss bullying, body image, single parenting, drugs, alcohol, anger and suicide. Because of the healing power of dance, five days later they emerge not only better dancers, but more confident kids who have a clearer idea of how to balance their cultural identity with modern times.
In addition to supporting the Dance strand in the Arts Education curricula, this video could be used in Wellness 10 when discussing the impact of mental health on the wellbeing of self, family and community.
This is a particularly valuable resource for teachers who are working with at-risk students.