Nylda Gallardo-Lopez
(Lady Noyz)

Artist Statement

I am what I teach, and I teach what I live, that is, hip-hop. Hip-hop is an art based on political and cultural revolution.  It was created by the disenfranchised as an as a function of the despair, frustration, and immobility of poverty and street life. Hip-hop is often misrepresented by media, and thus, is often pigeon-holed by society solely as 'gangster rap music', Hip-hop is, in fact, its own subculture. It is a way of life that reinforces respect, the development of confidence, and originality. These qualities set the foundation of our cultural dance, known as "break dancing".

My work aims to give students the tools to not only understand and appreciate the culture, but to affect it. Students are taught to interpret sound and emotion and make them manifest in movement. Through such practice, they gain strength of self in both mentally and physically. Hip-hop has given me the tools to build on my strengths, as a person and as a dancer. I prove women to be capable and powerful beyond gender discrimination and this pride of accomplishment is a valuable lesson for my students.

Break dancing is a physically challenging and complex dance form, requiring great discipline and commitment. My work is very effective in communicating and enforcing positive values, by employing a music and culture that already has a large influence in youth lifestyle.