For my final project, I want to focus on an important part of my life: street dance. I plan to create a website that explores the essence of street dance, including its styles, history, origins, and its journey toward globalization. I think my perspective could make it really interesting since I’m currently in New York, where street dance first originated and sprouted, but I actually began my dance journey in China. Having both experiences gives me a unique way to look at how street dance has grown and connected people across cultures.
While searching for inspiration, I came across two websites that stood out. The first, Black Hole Experience, impressed me with its sleek design and engaging interactive features, which I aim to implement in my project. The second, World of Dance, a renowned dance competition site, serves as a reference for showcasing dance content effectively.
Street dance emerged in the 1970s as a form of expression among African American and Latino youth in urban centers like New York City. Drawing from African dance traditions, jazz, funk, and soul, styles such as breakdancing, popping, and locking became prominent. These dances were often performed in informal settings like block parties and neighborhood gatherings, serving as both artistic expression and a means for marginalized communities to assert their identities. Over time, street dance has evolved, incorporating influences from various cultures worldwide, and has become a global phenomenon, uniting people through the universal language of movement. (RS Event)
The primary target audience for this project includes street dance enthusiasts, cultural explorers, and anyone interested in urban art forms. This website is designed for individuals who are passionate about understanding the roots and evolution of street dance, whether they are aspiring dancers, seasoned performers, or simply fans of the culture. It also caters to a global audience, bridging the gap between different cultural perspectives—such as the origins of street dance in New York and its growing influence in places like China. Additionally, the project aims to engage young creatives, students, and professionals who value artistic expression and are inspired by dynamic and interactive storytelling.