Ansley Jones

As a bgirl, community activist, dance historian, writer and researcher, and always a student of hip hop culture and dance, going to Snap, Pop & Lock is a must! Coming from the South, the opportunities to learn about hip hop dance are scarce, especially first-hand. I came to New York City for a semester as a graduate student and no where have I seen the history of hip hop dance integrated so well into a movement class as Snap, Pop & Lock!
This class begins with a warm-up that combines common forms of exercise with hip hop movements, strengthening the dancer’s technique by building endurance. In the second part of class, students learn the various forms, techniques, and styles of hip hop dance (which are integrated quite beautifully). Learning these foundational forms strengthens the movement quality of any dancer: from the commercially-influenced to the old school rocker. Finishing with a meditative cool-down, Snap, Pop & Lock is designed to work the mind, body, and soul.
Personally, Snap, Pop & Lock continues to teach me about my body and ways to progress as a dancer and educator. I love the incorporation of freestyle and the way it is utilized in the class setting. Freestyling is the way I (and many other hip hop dancers) communicate and allowing students to hone their freestyle within class is wonderful. Students are asked to freestyle during large or small breaks in class together, facilitating a comfortable and stable environment that encourages growth. This concept is good for dancers experienced in freestyling and it’s great for dancers who may be shy about beginning. The structure, in addition to the positive energy of Snapshot and WandeePOP, allows for a level of spirituality in class. In the past, it was hard for me to freestyle fluently in a four walled studio with mirrors, let alone other people. However, the musical vibe, the invitation to freestyle as a group, and the angelic instruction of Snapshot and WandeePOP creates the feeling of going to the club or freestyling in my room to manifest right in the studio!
Having our elder generation of women hip hop dancers inspires me to the very core of my being. Having these two phenomenal women as teachers inspires me to keep going through all the challenges I have faced as a bgirl. I would recommend this class to dancers and non-dancers alike, people looking to work out and have fun at the same time, or anyone interested in movement. Snapshot and WandeePOP’s backgrounds in fitness, health and wellness make the class experience all the more worthwhile.
From Snapshot and WandeePOP’s number one fan, I thank you so much for the wonderful experiences time after time and for being the true teachers of hip hop dance and culture that you are!
Ansley Jones
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