The Rhythm Cultural Dance Club is a brand-new organization, launching for the first time this semester. The club aims to educate, study, perform and celebrate dance styles rooted in Black and African traditions.
Club President Joshua Benjamin said many people learn popular dance moves without understanding their cultural or historical origins. Through the club, he hopes to teach the Black and African roots behind styles such as hip-hop, jazz funk, tap, voguing and street dance, including popping, locking and breaking.
“People are like, ‘Oh, this is fun,’” Benjamin said. “It’s fun, but do you know where it originated from? Do you understand why they’re dancing and how they’re dancing?”
Benjamin pointed to voguing as an example often misunderstood in mainstream culture. While some associate it with Madonna’s “Vogue,” he emphasized its deeper roots and meaning. He said the dance is rooted in African and Egyptian movement traditions and carries cultural and spiritual significance beyond mere entertainment. The purpose of the club, Benjamin said, is not just to have fun, but to educate people so they can truly respect the art form.
Benjamin said his passion for dance began at a young age and that he “came out dancing.” By age 12, he was already teaching a dance group in elementary school. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he operated a dance studio. The club marks his return to teaching and mentoring through dance.
“I want to leave something more cultural where students, especially people of color, feel they have a place to be themselves,” he said.
Benjamin said he hopes to establish a lasting foundation at Grossmont through the club. Comparing some organizations to the “velvet rope” concept from Janet Jackson’s The Velvet Rope, he said some can unintentionally signal that certain students “don’t belong.” His goal is to create a community where underrepresented students feel seen, respected and included.
Freshman Riley James said she joined the club despite having no prior dance experience. At the first meeting, she learned choreography to songs like Beyoncé’s “Cozy” and Madonna’s “Vogue.”
“I’ve never danced before, and I’m not good at it, but I wanted to try it out,” James said. “It’s really fun, and anyone can join if they’re open to learning.”
The club meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.m. For more information, visit the UMOJA office in the Village (second floor of Tech Mall) or contact advisor Niko Crumpton at [email protected].
