Students weren’t just dancing – they were popping, strobing, waving, and gliding – during a January Hip Hop workshop led by Akim Funk Buddha, a Zimbabwe-born, multi-talented artist from New York. As part of The Glenholme School’s new Arts Incentive program, the Hip Hop workshop was the first in an exciting new series of Arts-related enrichment opportunities for Glenholme students.

The idea to host a series of visiting artist workshops received rave reviews after Glenholme piloted the program in early 2010 with a single weekend workshop. At the initiative of several Glenholme parents and Arts enthusiasts, the program was formalized for the 2011-2012 school year and funded by a number of generous contributions from parents.

Glenholme’s first visiting artist of the year, Akim Funk Buddha, is an accomplished dancer who has performed in venues ranging from the streets of Bali to The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Known for his holistic approach to Hip Hop, Akim draws from a full spectrum of cultural traditions and artistic disciplines. During a two-day workshop on the Glenholme campus, Akim covered various elements of live impromptu performance, including instruments, voice, writing, spoken word, and movement. Throughout the collaborative process, students experienced innovative ways of thinking and creating, and demonstrated a profound willingness to try new things.

By participating in a program such as the Arts Incentive, students expand their skills, liberate their imaginations, increase their self-esteem, and learn positive methods of expression. Active involvement in the Arts stimulates Glenholme students’ personal growth, helps them to develop an appreciation for others, and allows them to take healthy risks in a safe and supportive environment. The Glenholme School aims to grow the Arts Incentive program and provide students with an eclectic series of on-campus weekend workshops covering all areas of the Arts.