I’ve been contemplating the commercialization of underground cultural movements, and how their essence is lost in translation when they are adapted to fit the conventions of mass appeal. Although this process will affect various elements of a given subculture, my thoughts have focused on artistic movements, specifically dance. I have been b-boying (b-boying is the real name of the dance form commonly known as break dancing) for the past nine years and I would like to share my observations regarding the differences between the true art form and its commercial counterpart.
B-boying is an art form centered on foundational dance steps while relying heavily on improvisational choreography: a breaker must be both a dancer and a choreographer. Breakers must be ever ready to adjust their movements to accommodate the ever changing beats of a DJ. I’d like to take this time to clear up a common misconception. It is called breaking because it is generally done to the break beat of a song, not because you break your body when you do it. Like any other dance, breaking is about the dancer’s connection with the music. Street dance culture celebrates music, movement, and originality but these important features are neglected when we it represented in mass media.
The recent trend in Hollywood films to portray the life and culture of street dancers (You Got Served, Step Up, etc.) fail to accurately represent the art form. I believe that the main factor in this inaccuracy is the fact that to assimilate a subculture into popular requires the removal of arcane but essential elements to gain mass appeal. This process creates a superficial representation that can be enjoyed by the masses because it requires little to no prior knowledge to appreciate. Street dancing in its commercialized form has fallen victim to this artistic sterilization.
The positive side of this commercialization has been the increase in paid performance engagements for street dancers, and I admit that I have personally benefited from it. However, although the performers themselves may have a strong knowledge of their art forms, you are still likely to see a slightly inauthentic show. People like to see dynamic movement and impressive feats, because dancers and choreographers this is the type of artistic product they create. If you want to make money you have to give the people what they want.
Commercialism has not destroyed the purity of this art form altogether. Many of these dancers dance for the love of their art, and attend peer judged competitions where their skill will be most appreciated. There are also specific night spots where these dancers frequent. The artistic integrity of this subculture still thrives in underground events that can be found throughout the world… If you know where to look.
I’ll let you in on a few spots that I’ve found to be haven of street dance:
The Gathering (Last Thursday of every month at the Rotunda 4014 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA)
Modern (DC)
Shelter (NYC)
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3 comments:
this isn't a freaking blog, it's an intro to a thesis paper. you obviously feel very strongly about the issue but articulated your thoughts quite clearly. it made for a very interesting read and i must say that i've had many similar thoughts, although not centered around b-boying or even dance (as i know nothing about either of these, really).
all good art of every genre must go underground these days, mainstream culture hates it. it's very sad.
is this topic something you've done actual research on, or is this just a product of informed observations and experience? i could see interesting research paper-age coming out of this from you, although perhaps that's just me, my sick, twisted, paper-writing-loving mind, and my strange unfaltering devotion to academia. (?)
It is just informed observation. I started dancing well before its recent popularity, so I've witnessed this commercialization. I also know that preparing for a performance and preparing for a competition are two completely different things. I admit to a degree of "selling out" but if you expect people to pay to see you dance you have to be willing to entertain them.
I may actually expand this concept into a thesis paper in the future. Thanks for the suggestion.
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