The Hip-Hop Club brings students together to enjoy music, learn dance moves, and celebrate creativity.
By Cerise Cook
The Hip-Hop Club brings students together through music and dance. Members learn choreography, build friendships, and create a welcoming community where everyone has the opportunity to participate.
Although it’s Mr. Matsumoto’s club now, it wasn’t always this way.
Ms. Lapp started the Hip-Hop Club to support students who were transitioning from another program. Since then, the club has grown into a space where students can connect, express themselves, and enjoy music together.
“We still have the idea of wanting kids to learn, like, the basis of hip hop, but we also want to facilitate other needs that kids want.” Mr Matsumoto said.
Joslyn Dandin, ’27, the Hip-Hop Club president, said, “The Hip-Hop Club is more than just dancing. It gives students a place to connect, express themselves, and feel like they belong.”
Hip-hop is not limited to dancing. The club also emphasizes creativity, teamwork, self-expression, and the many ways students can contribute.
Mr. Matsumoto, the Hip-Hop Club adviser, says the club began as a way for students to explore dance while building connections with one another.
Mr. Matsumoto became interested in advising the Hip-Hop Club because he wanted to support students and help them experience the same sense of connection the club had provided for others.
As the club’s adviser, Mr. Matsumoto wants to give students opportunities to step outside their comfort zones, meet new people, and enjoy being part of a team.
Bella Gill, ’29, is a club member who appreciates the organization’s positive impact on students.
Gill, ’29, said, “We are more community-based than dance-focused. We want students to feel included and comfortable while they learn.”
Zachariah Wray, ’28, describes how the Hip-Hop Club welcomes students and helps them feel connected.
Beyond dance practice, the club focuses on building community and helping students develop confidence, friendships, and a strong sense of belonging.
Dandin, ’27, said, “We can help students get involved by welcoming them, encouraging them to participate, and making sure they feel included.”
Wray, ’28, said, “It’s a fun and safe place to meet people, build friendships, and feel comfortable being yourself.”
Mr. Matsumoto said, “The representatives and I have been discussing ways to strengthen the club’s sense of community and create more opportunities for students to participate.”
Through community outreach and volunteer opportunities, the Hip-Hop Club helps students connect with one another while contributing to the wider school community.
Dandin, ’27, said, “We meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays during lunch, which gives students regular opportunities to practice, connect, and get involved.”
He explains that club performers wear themed costumes and participate in various events and performances throughout the school year.
Mr. Matsumoto said, “Our performers dress according to the theme of each dance.”
Wray, ’28, said, “The Hip-Hop Club is a place where students can learn to dance while also building a strong community.”
By creating a welcoming space for students to connect, the Hip-Hop Club encourages members to participate, support one another, and become more involved in school.
Cerise Cook
Cerise Cook, 30' is in her first year of journalism, writes about student life for the Redwood Gigantea. She is excited to make student life stories this year.
Tags: clubs & lifestyles, hiphopclub, rangers, Redwood, redwood gigantea, redwood high school, redwood journalism, rhs, student life
