Break dancer Chaz Bonnar has written a blog for us, ahead of his Resurgence event, to show how break dancing can help mental health, and tackle stigma for young people.
Four years ago, I, alongside my good friends David & Mario, created a Breaking (Breakdance) event called Resurgence. This was at a time where there were events happening only once a year. Our primary motivation for creating this event, and the others that succeed it, is to bring more events to Scotland. Not only for Scottish dancers to socialise and battle, but to provide the opportunity for dancers from England and other countries to visit Scotland. Utilising our network of friends that we’ve curated through 10+ years of dancing ourselves.
Fast forward to now, and we’ve sustained an event that’s well recognised within the UK street dance community. That not only brings people together but also inspires young people to start dancing and take care of their health & wellbeing.
Throughout our years of dancing, we’ve personally experienced great benefits. Our confidence has grown, and our social skills have improved since becoming dancers. Knowing this, we want to reciprocate and ensure others can grow in confidence at our events. Many dancers across the world have had their lives transformed because of dance. They’ve found a way to express themselves fully and many swear by dance as a form of therapy.
For me personally, I see dance as a form of therapy.
I see it as the ultimate form of expression. It has helped me get through some tough times and even allowed me to realise my character. What has also helped is meeting with like-minded dancers from all over the world, seeing people of different ages and ethnicities interacting with each other, and hearing their stories. Regardless of what the media wants you to believe, Hip Hop is an inclusive and welcoming culture.
Knowing all this is one of our primary reasons to keep the event going each year. Understanding that Resurgence is seen as a platform for young people & adults to positively express themselves. Keeping young people off the streets and doing something productive with their time. With this event, we also want Scottish Government to know that Breaking & Hip Hop culture is a credible way to improve the lives of young people & adults going through difficult times.
Over time, by being involved in Hip Hop culture and attending various events, people develop a sense of belonging. Creating new friendships and memories with a wide variety of people. For the most part, people gather together at these events to escape their daily lives. To have a form of release and forget their struggles. Events all over the world (like Resurgence) promote positive community spirit and longevity.
Which is why it’s important for anybody struggling with mental health issues, and those that need a way to express themselves, to engage with Hip Hop. It’s a non-judgemental environment where you can let go & enjoy yourself, and it’s a highly effective coping mechanism.
Hip Hop initiatives & events help to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health by providing an environment where people are free to be themselves.
However, it’s so much hearing this from me — you need to experience this for yourself to fully understand! This year we are celebrating our fourth year organising events. With our next event happening on August 19th at The Classic Grand in Glasgow. We have invited guests from all over the UK, Spain, and USA. With dancers & spectators attending from across the UK & abroad to be part of the experience. Our doors are open to you!
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Glasgow/The-Classic-Grand/Resurgence-4/13227105/
