Hip Hop Dreams
A Guide to Dance Institutions in Seven Hills City, Colorado
Seven Hills City pulses with rhythm. From the historic downtown beats to the suburban cyphers, this Colorado gem has cultivated a vibrant hip hop dance scene that rivals cities twice its size. Whether you're a beginner looking to find your groove or a seasoned b-boy/girl ready to level up, Seven Hills offers world-class training grounds where hip hop dreams take flight.
This guide takes you inside the city's premier dance institutions—the sacred spaces where technique meets soul, and where the next generation of hip hop artists are forged.
Elevation Dance Collective
Nestled in the heart of the Arts District, Elevation Dance Collective has become synonymous with Seven Hills' hip hop renaissance. Founded by former "So You Think You Can Dance" contestant Marco "Flow" Rodriguez, this institution focuses on authentic street styles while pushing artistic boundaries.
Signature Offerings:
- Foundations Program: A 6-week intensive for beginners covering popping, locking, and breaking fundamentals
- Elevate Crew: Their award-winning competition team that has taken national titles three years running
- Freestyle Fridays: Weekly cyphers that draw dancers from across the state
- Choreography Labs: Experimental sessions where dancers create original works
What sets Elevation apart is their commitment to hip hop's cultural roots while embracing innovation. Their instructors are active performers and choreographers who bring current industry knowledge directly to students.
Rhythm Foundation Breaking Academy
For purists and those dedicated to the original art of breaking, Rhythm Foundation is hallowed ground. This no-frills academy in the industrial east side focuses exclusively on b-boy/b-girl culture with an intensity that has produced several Red Bull BC One competitors.
Signature Offerings:
- Toprock to Power: Progressive curriculum that takes students from basic steps to advanced power moves
- Battle Simulations: Regular practice battles with judges and commentary
- Hip Hop History Classes: Monthly seminars on the cultural origins and pioneers
- Youth Foundations: Specialized programs for ages 6-16 with age-appropriate training
The academy's gritty, authentic vibe attracts serious practitioners. The walls are adorned with vintage hip hop flyers and photos of legends, creating a space that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to the culture's roots.
Urban Movement Lab
Urban Movement Lab represents the cutting edge of Seven Hills' dance scene. This sleek, technology-infused studio in the Innovation District bridges hip hop with contemporary, jazz, and commercial styles, preparing dancers for careers in the industry.
Signature Offerings:
- Industry Track: Comprehensive program covering audition technique, reel production, and agency preparation
- Fusion Workshops: Monthly intensives exploring hip hop blended with other genres
- Digital Dance: Classes focused on creating content for social media and virtual performances
- Choreographer Incubator: Mentorship for developing choreographic voices
Urban Movement Lab's state-of-the-art facilities include a black box theater, projection mapping capabilities, and a content creation studio—making it the go-to for dancers looking to build their brand and technical prowess simultaneously.
The Cypher Spot
True to its name, The Cypher Spot keeps the communal heart of hip hop beating strong in Seven Hills. This inclusive space in the culturally diverse Northside neighborhood prioritizes accessibility and authentic connection over competition.
Signature Offerings:
- Pay-What-You-Can Classes: Making hip hop education accessible to all economic backgrounds
- Weekly Jams: Saturday sessions that draw multi-generational crowds
- Cultural Exchange Programs: Collaborations with other dance communities (salsa, African, etc.)
- Youth Mentorship: Free programs for at-risk teens
The Cypher Spot's warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it perfect for those intimidated by more competitive environments. Their emphasis on the social and cultural aspects of hip hop creates a unique space where dance is both art and community service.
Seven Hills City College Dance Department
For those seeking hip hop education within an academic framework, Seven Hills City College offers one of the nation's most respected dance programs. Their innovative curriculum treats hip hop as both performance art and cultural study.
Signature Offerings:
- B.A. in Dance with Hip Hop Concentration: Comprehensive study of technique, history, and theory
- Hip Hop Theater Initiative: Production company creating original works
- Community Outreach Requirement: Students teach in local schools and community centers
- Study of Global Hip Hop: Courses examining international hip hop scenes
The department's unique approach bridges the gap between street and studio, offering rigorous technical training alongside critical study of hip hop's social and political dimensions. Their annual Hip Hop Symposium attracts scholars and artists from around the world.
Finding Your Fit
Seven Hills City's diverse hip hop landscape means there's a home for every type of dancer. When choosing your training ground, consider:
- Your Goals: Are you training for competition, professional career, personal growth, or community?
- Learning Style: Do you thrive in competitive environments or collaborative spaces?
- Cultural Priorities: How important is learning about hip hop's history and cultural context?
- Budget & Schedule: Compare costs and timing—many studios offer free introductory classes.
Most importantly, visit multiple studios, feel the energy, and trust your instincts. The right institution won't just teach you moves—it will help you find your voice within the culture.
