At Stony Point High School, dance serves as a platform for leadership and student voice.
During this year’s Black History Month Program, the Hip Hop Club and Kappa Psi Step Team delivered performances centered on expression, resilience and representation.
For math teacher and dance sponsor Kiana Rowland, the moment was personal.
“I actually founded the Hip Hop Dance Club when I was a senior in high school, in 2011,” Rowland said. “It means a lot because it’s a legacy. You’re watching it build, you’re watching it grow, and you’re seeing the potential of it and the potential of these kids.”
Rowland, a former Stony Point student and Kappa Psi member, said her team's focus is on building leaders, both on campus and beyond.
“We’re really about building community relationships and trying to build leaders. Whether they be leaders on this campus, leaders in the classroom, or leaders out there during their performances,” she said.
Senior Kenza F. said performing at events like the Black History Month Program provides valuable experience.
“It’s a great learning experience, especially if you want to do dance outside of school,” Kenza said. “Not many schools get to do this. It hypes everybody up and brings school spirit.”
Rowland said students also contribute to choreography, making the final product even more meaningful. This year’s performance was inspired by themes of unrest, oppression and empowerment.
“There’s a lot of unrest in the world,” Rowland said. “What inspired this set was really letting voices be heard that maybe aren’t and inspiring people to stand for what they believe in, even if it’s through art.”
The performance drew influence from artists such as Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar, as well as the book series The Hunger Games.
Rowland said representation was one of the most powerful aspects of the program.
“We let students and staff see diverse students doing creative and positive things on campus,” she said. “There’s a kid out there always watching who’s thinking, ‘I can see myself on that stage.’ And I think that’s important.”