ABSTRACT
Peace, love, unity, and having fun are original intentions of Hip Hop according to Afrika Bambaataa, among other central Hip Hop figures in the 1970s and 80s. This chapter develops a pedagogy that encouraged a deeper look at Hip Hop called the circle pedagogy or circular approach for Hip Hop dance classes, workshops, and lecture presentations in academic and community spaces. The circular approach allows us to recognize and kinetically imagine the cultural history, energy, and wisdom in Hip Hop dance culture. The chapter shares some ways that the circle pedagogy has been applied to teaching experiences to help students expand their sense of community. There are four major principles based on Hip Hop wisdom that define the circle pedagogy. The first principle is love energy. The next circular principle is elemental synergy. The fourth and final principle: no “me” without “we” and vice versa means that the individual is always connected to the community.
