Hip Hop: Research, Rhythm and Cultural Impact
UNC Charlotte Assistant Professor of Dance, Ashley Tate, is gearing up for a three-day event called “To the Beat Y’all: A Hip Hop Symposium” October 17th – 19th. It’s designed to bring together artists, educators, scholars, and community members to explore Hip Hop as both an art form and a catalyst for research, dialogue and social change.
Produced and directed by Professor Tate, the event includes research presentations, exciting performances, interactive workshops, and panel discussions exploring the power of Hip Hop music and dance to shape culture and identity, while fostering collaboration.
“I’m excited to welcome the campus and the greater Charlotte community to this event. My hope is that this symposium inspires new connections and reminds us of Hip Hop’s ability to educate, empower, and unite,” shared Professor Tate.
The symposium is made possible through partial funding from a UNC Charlotte Faculty Research Grant and support from the College of Arts + Architecture. Its vision strongly aligns with UNC Charlotte’s mission to be a center of discovery, innovation, and engagement that fosters community connections.
“By centering Hip Hop, the event positions it as a cultural expression and a scholarly and creative force that drives research, community engagement and a means to address social issues through the arts,” shared Professor Tate.
The event’s keynote speaker is Manny Faces, award-winning journalist, author, TEDx speaker, and author of Hip-Hop Can Save America!
The gathering kicks off the evening of Friday, October 17th at 5:00pm at Robinson Hall on UNC Charlotte’s main campus with dance workshops and a Hip Hop and street dance freestyle battle.
Saturday’s agenda covers two locations, starting at the UNC Charlotte Dubois Center in Uptown from 9:00am to 3:15pm, then concluding back on main campus at Robinson Hall for an 8:00pm concert.
Sunday’s events wrap up the symposium at Robinson Hall with panel discussions and workshops beginning at 9:30am. You can find the full agenda below.
Professor Tate’s conference is also featured in this Charlotte Observer article. And you can find more in this College of Arts + Architecture article.
Conference Highlights Include:
- Research Presentations on Hip Hop, identity, and social change
- Panels and Discussions with leading artists, educators, and scholars
- Networking Opportunities with researchers and community professionals
- Live Performances and Dance Movement Classes featuring local and national talent
- Interactive Workshops in education and creative practice
- Freestyle Dance Battle
- Keynote Speaker: Manny Faces
Professor Tate’s current research focus is centered around dance as a method of investigation, a tool for community engagement, and a vehicle for social change and self-reflection. She has been invited to present her research at several conferences and conventions, including the European Hip Hop Studies Network 2024 Conference in Cork, Ireland, and the 2025 HipHopEd Conference in New York City.
To the Beat Y’all: Hip Hop Symposium 3-Day Agenda
Friday, October 17th: Movement and Rhythm (Evening Kickoff) – Robinson Hall
- 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Registration and Welcome Mixer
- 6:00 PM – 8:45 PM – Dance Workshops
- 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Hip Hop and Street Dance Freestyle Battle
Saturday, October 18th: Culture, Industry, and Celebration – The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City- 320 9th Street
- 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Registration + Morning Coffee and Conversation
- 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM – Presentations, Art Exhibit, Panel Discussion
- ***8:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Concert – Robinson Hall (Note this location is different from the other Saturday events)
Sunday, October 19th: Impact and Innovation – Robinson Hall
- 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM – Workshops and Panel Discussions