Native American Hip-Hop and Freestyle in Albuquerque | If Cities Could Dance

Albuquerque’s thriving hip-hop and freestyle dance scene is influenced by Indigenous dancers from many tribes, Pueblos and other communities. A strong sense of solidarity holds it all together, say dancers Anne Pesata (Jicarilla Apache) and Raven Bright (Diné). The couple describes the scene as “Indigenous futurism.” Meet Randy L. Barton, or Randy Boogie, a dancer, DJ and artist (Navajo) who created The Sacred Cypher, an event that highlights how Indigenous art forms connect with hip-hop.

If Cities Could Dance is a Webby Award-winning video series featuring dancers from cities across the United States. Step into the shoes of dancers from across the country who dare to imagine what it would look like if their city could dance.

Extension Project: Give your middle and high school students the opportunity to create and publish original dance videos with an accompanying artist statement with the First Person Youth Media Challenge Project.