No matter what your previous dance experience is, Hip Hop Rebs provides students with the opportunity to partake in various hip-hop routines every week. The organization was founded by Kendrick Wallace in 2015 and has since developed into one of the most popular and diverse groups on campus. For many, Hip Hop Rebs has been the bridge between a high school dance career and a college experience.
Alongside her officers, team president Catherine Klocke helps run the dance group by leading them in weekly choreographed routines. The organization opens up applications to their 300+ members if they wish to choreograph for the group. By allowing members to create routines for their peers, Hip Hop Rebs promotes creativity for all that goes far beyond traditional dancing. “We have this opportunity to provide an inclusive environment for our members and to bring in different styles of hip hop choreography in our workshops,” says Klocke.
Throughout their short time on campus, Hip Hop Rebs has been given many opportunities to perform and showcase their routines. Klocke said that one of her favorite memories was participating in RebelTHON 2018. “Last year, [we] had the opportunity to teach a workshop during RebelTHON, and it was an amazing experience seeing so many people dancing with one another,” states Klocke. Hip Hop Rebs utilizes events like this to not only show off their hard work, but spread awareness to potential new members.
Just like any other pre-performance routine, the Hip Hop Rebs have many ways to get pumped before their workshops. Traditionally, “the officers meet at Starbucks to get our energy up and then we all walk over to the Turner Center together,” says Klocke. Over the past three years, the group has performed a plethora of high-endurance dance routines to pop hits like “Booty Work” by T-Pain and the ever-famous “Formation” by Beyonce.
Hip Hop Rebs strives to create a positive dancing community to all who attend. With members coming from all different majors, grade classifications and even different cultures, members are able to make long-lasting friendships, all while dancing alongside some talented peers. You do not have to be a registered member in order to attend workshops. In fact, the workshops are open to any Ole Miss student who is interested in having a fun workout.
