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Dropping into the Calgary bar scene, you would think the only grooves Calgarians know how to get down to are indie rock synths, annoying electronica, or country. Not so, dear reader, thanks in part to the efforts of one Mrs. Tara Wilson, the owner of Wilson Dance Projects.
Wilson is a formally trained dancer who cares for the Calgary hip hop dance community like they’re her own children. Since 2001 she’s brought in the originators of urban dance styles like popping, locking, house and b-boying (under the Get Down! summer camp moniker) to teach children and adults alike the technique and history of hip hop and funk culture.
And having trained under these same creators, Wilson teaches classes herself around the city during the year. She continues to be heavily involved in the local hip hop scene, popping her head into every event that supports its growth and helping out where she can. It’s like community service meets customer service; now that’s mad skill.
In short, Wilson brings a sought-after service to a fledgling community and a growing city with more passion and a bigger smile than you can shake a tail feather at.
Thx Erin! Cool post.
Do you know if Wilson offers classes for people like me? I danced a lot as a kid, but want to get back into it? What’s the deal?
Hey Melina!
I’m assuming you’re referring to hip hop/funk style classes? I actually know a lot of people who have a similar experience that I’ve met at one of Tara’s classes. They jump right in and seem to get along fine.
I recommend taking workshops with the U of C’s Hip Hop and Funk Styles club because they’re all taught at an intro level. The club is on Facebook; search for “Hip Hop and Funk Styles Club”, but classes don’t start until September.
But still check out Get Down 2009, which happens at the end of the month. Classes are sometimes really small, so the instructor will teach at a level that suits the students, but they will usually go over technique every time.
Thanks for reading!