Above & Beyond: Thank You, Lansing School District and Sexton High School (Vol. 1)

As the Lansing School District went back to in-person learning this year, AOTA instructors James Gardin and Young Heat joined them at Sexton High School!

Teachers at Sexton and AOTA instructors worked together utilizing hip-hop to revamp class curriculum and connect with students in a way that translates to current times.

Thanks for a great 2021/2022 school year, LSD and Sexton! | Hip Hop. Education. Community. All of the Above. – Photos by MilesYoung Media

Breaking 101 + 102: The Next Movement

We’re grateful for every student, parent, instructor, and supporter that made our second 8-week session at Foster Community Center a success!

The spring session of Breaking 101 and Breaking 102 classes have wrapped. We put a bow on them with a wonderful speech from our instructor Young followed by a class photo.

We’re looking forward to the next session and we hope you are too. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss enrollment information and updates.

We’ll see you at the summer session! | AOTA – Photo by Sunshine

Youth B.A.R.S: New Release Coming Soon

The YOUTH B.A.R.S students are in the final weeks of completing a song they’ve constructed. From concept, production, and lyrics to recording and engineering, these kids have something to say and we’re ready to listen.

Stay tuned to hear it through our newsletter!

Shout out to our program coordinator and instructor, James Gardin for championing and encouraging Lansing’s youth! |AOTA – Photo by MilesYoung Media

Breaking 101: Fist Coalition

No one is left out.

Following a cypher where all the young breakers showcase their ever-improving skill, Breaking 101 and 102 instructor Tabor aka B-boy Flava Vitz gives words of affirmation along with pounds and fist bumps to each student.

Tabor rewards the class for their attentiveness and effort. In return they reward him with their smiling faces of gratitude. | AOTA – Photos by Yo Joe Photo

Above & Beyond: AOTA at Black Wall Street of Lansing’s 2nd Annual 5K Family Fun Day

Members of All of the Above Hip Hop Academy – Rayshawn “Y’z Council” Grisson, Ozay Moore, Alexis Rosado, James Gardin, and Rashad Muhammad - took part in Black Wall Street of Lansing’s 2nd Annual 5K Family Fun Day!

Our crew enjoyed the great weather, fun and festivities, and were happy to support this community event.

Y’z and Ozay provided an excellent mix of music for everyone to vibe to while Alexis and James took 1st and 2nd place in the 5K respectively!

Hip Hop. Education. Community. All of the Above. | AOTA – Photos by Alexis Rosado

Breaking 101: With Correct Technique

Our young breakers learn the fundamentals from our esteemed instructors. Young and Tabor take the students through the steps. From there it’s just them being creative.

They get to polish valuable techniques during our classes, but that’s also a time and space for them to explore what happens when their athleticism meets their imagination.

We’re never surprised but always impressed by the amazing things they do! | AOTA - Photos by Yo Joe Photo

Above & Beyond: Smile

This is what we want the community to see whenever they attend one of our classes, sessions, or events.

This is what we want the community to walk away with after sharing time and space with us.

This is what we want to pass along to one another no matter where we are or what we’re doing.

Hip Hop. Education. Community. All of the Above.  | AOTA – Photo by Yo Joe Photo

Breaking 101: Stand Up

Our Breaking 101 instructor B-boy Young One makes learning fun!

The students in the beginners’ class practice basic moves and techniques, and sometimes they do that by playing the game Simon Says.

Here you see the last two standing during a round of lighthearted competition.

After “Simon says look at each other”, Young tried to get the young breakers to do a backstep without asking properly. They remained locked on each other as their peers laughed and Young acknowledged their attentiveness with a thumbs up. | AOTA – Photos by Yo Joe Photo

Above & Beyond: Table the Discussion

This is where we greet and welcome everyone who comes to Foster Community Center for our Breaking 101 and Breaking 102 classes.

It’s a simple table decorated with flyers and backed by our Breaking 101 banner. The setup doesn’t require a lot to be inviting.

People that are unfamiliar with who we are and what we do as All of the Above Hip Hop Academy, but have their attention caught by what we’re doing at Foster, can stop and talk with us, ask questions and get answers that build awareness, interest, and an increased sense of community.  | AOTA - Photo by Yo Joe Photo