IOWA STATE HIP HOP CLUB [DUBH]

 

If you find yourself on this page, I would like to personally welcome you to a very special corner of my heart. The Iowa State Hip Hop Club [coined “DubH” as an abbreviation of the double “H’s” in Hip Hop] is a dance club that welcomes both experienced and non-experienced members and is the largest student-lead club on the university’s campus, with peak membership having reached 450+. To join, one simply attends a showcase at the start of semester where choreographers give a glimpse of the dances they created. Then, members select the dances they wish to participate in, attend weekly hour and a half long practices, and at the end of the semester we put on a show for 900+ attendees.

To say this club changed my life would be a massive understatement. As a shy freshman who didn’t know another soul going into college (except my older brother who was graduating in the near future), this group welcomed me in and became a true family. I was fortunate to act as Co-Event Coordinator and Vice President on the club’s Cabinet as well, but the most rewarding position I ever held was as a Choreographer. For 5 years I had the opportunity to open my arms to both old and new club members, welcoming them in the same way so many alumni did before me.

I never realized the impact I might have on these individuals, nor the impact they would have on me, but looking back now I know one thing for sure - DubH was the most diverse, inclusive, and courageous group I have ever had the honor to be a part of. Despite the struggles of college and life, these students showed up week after week, pushing themselves outside of their comfort zones, making new friends, and ultimately learning life lessons that, truth be told, no one would really grasp until years down the road. I find myself in this position now … looking back at all I learned and accomplished during my time with the club. Of all the cherished memories I have, one thing stands out clearly in my mind. This club gave me a platform to help change lives by encouraging members to be unapologetically who they are … simply by giving me a supportive environment to be myself in as well.

 
 
 
 

Decades Remixed Dance [2016] || One of my favorite dances I’ve choreographed. I aimed to mix a little old school with a little new school. By the end of it, you’ll be saying, “You’re killing me Smalls!”

Party Rock Mix [2013] || The very first dance my brother and I choreographed together. We joined the club as hesitant, quiet kids, but after one year of expressing ourselves, we thought “Hey, we can do this too.” We became the choreographers who cared more about entertaining the audience and less about technical skill.

 
 
 

90s Mix [2015] || A testament to our childhood - who doesn’t love to throw it back once and awhile? This semester, choreographers were also asked to create video introductions to their dances, which was just another creative challenge my brother and I took to a whole new level.

Will Smith Mix [2014] || We kept it fresh with this number and created a mix that celebrated one of the greatest entertainers in history - Will Smith… (ok, we might be a little biased with that one). Featuring another original video introduction to set the mood and a few famous dance moves along the way.

Photos courtesy of numerous DubH photographers including Kali Pix, Kylie Vetter Photography, Jenna Lambertz, and myself.

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