56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

  • Community

    Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

  • Featured
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    Gutierrez and cousin Jacob Lozano

    Donut Villa Expands to Second Location Near Ford Rouge Plant

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

    SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Can you be arrested for looking Hispanic?

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

  • Community

    Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Hank Aguiree’s Mexican Industries

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    Lions and Tigers Hispanic Heritage Month Observances

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Bagley-West Vernor Historic District Receives Unanimous Approval, Next Up for State Vote

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Detroit City FC Stadium Financing Unveiled to Neighborhood Advisory Council

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    Film Detroit Brings Industry Resources Directly to Detroiters

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

  • Featured
    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    A Forever Home for Detroit City FC

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    CHASS Center Honored with Spirit of Detroit Award in Honor of 55 Years of Community Health, Dignity, and Hope

    Gutierrez and cousin Jacob Lozano

    Donut Villa Expands to Second Location Near Ford Rouge Plant

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

    A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.

    Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

    Independencia de México

    Independencia de México

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    ¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Hispanic Heritage Month

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Ayapaneco Numte oote – Zoque de Tabasco

    Festivalgoers enjoying the photobooth.

    SWFest: Celebrating Five Years of Creativity and Community

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    Mayan Kaqchikel

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Moving Freely Through Life

Motor City Street Dance Academy is creating spaces for women-only dance cyphers

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
July 20, 2023
in Culture & Arts, Music
Reading Time: 8 mins read
Home Culture & Arts
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend
  • Irma Maribel Andrade
  • Alejandro Ugalde/Kopalli Media
  • July 20, 2023

Cyphers have a long and involved connection to the history of dance. They are informal freestyle dance circles and people take turns dancing in the center. Its roots are deeply tied to hip hop culture, African tradition and even beliefs. It becomes a sacred space to those who build and partake in them. Cyphers can be inclusive, joyful, supportive, and help to build community. People of all abilities and dance styles are invited to participate and they don’t need to have prior dance experience.

It started as most things do, a conversation among friends.

“Aurora and I wanted to get back into breaking. I don’t have my own style, not even a main style, that I do but Aurora was really excited to hang out even if we didn’t dance.”, said Victoria B. They made it official, and held each other accountable, by creating a flier.Located at 6509 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48210, Motor City Street Dance Academy (MCSDA) hosts these women-only dance cyphers every Wednesday 7-9PM. Aurora added that, “We want to get better at dance and just have fun with dance. We invite others to join us.”

At MCSDA Aurora coordinates event logistics, art setups, meetings, anything that needs to happen that day. She also assists with in house graphics and teaches breakdancing workshops geared towards younger kids. After their first class, Aurora places students with the instructor and classes they best fit in.
At MCSDA Aurora coordinates event logistics, art setups, meetings, anything that needs to happen that day. She also assists with in house graphics and teaches breakdancing workshops geared towards younger kids. After their first class, Aurora places students with the instructor and classes they best fit in.

Aurora and Mathra used to dance together in high school but when Aurora left for college she didn’t have the time to practice. “Martha invited me to come back, to come dance. When I came back she taught me everything all over again from the ground up. I used to teach her and then she became my teacher, that’s the circle of life right”, said Aurora.

Martha started spinning 13 years ago. Her father was an engineer at Monarch Records in California. He had a trailer full of records that she smiled and called “my safe haven”.

“I had uncles that were breaking back in the day and would talk to me about it but this was in El Salvador and Guatemala. At first, I didn’t realize there were dancers in Detroit too. Once I found where the dancers were, I just submerged myself in the culture. I started meeting everybody and just growing from there”, said Martha.

In the beginning when breakdance was first coming out, POPPET noted that there was sometimes an extra struggle for female dancers, and going through those adversities became part of the culture.

“We’ve had all women crews in Detroit, it’s not new, it’s just a new generation. We are trying to bridge the gap for them and all come back together because at the end of the day this is our heart.” said Martha right before putting on her headphones to open up Wednesday night’s cypher session.

MCSDA did not exist when POPPET was growing up in Detroit. They left in 2015 to live inGeorgia and explore the street dance scene down south. Poppet and Mav reconnected in 2017 to create workshops together at MCSDA. See the funny thing about friends is they just might agree with you and help you accomplish something.

“There’s so much more connection, dance is just one string that ties us together. When you come together through dance, then you build together in other ways. It becomes easier to do. It opens that door”, said POPPET.

POPPET has known Mav, Executive Director of MCSDA since she was 15. “When I moved back to Detroit, I was looking for places to give back to the street dance community with the skills I developed in Georgia.”

At MCSDA POPPET teaches yoga and facilitates workshops like weightlifting, Dancersise and mentors students interested in teaching.

Before joining the cypher she explained that, “A community is stronger when it’s united and you have all of these women all over the city of Detroit, strong powerful dancers whocan pull their own with the best of them. Being scattered makes it hard for us to feed off of each other’s energy, to feed off of each other’s inspiration. Street dance is very high adrenaline, that’s why the cypher is so important. That’s why the circle is so important. That’s why spaces like this and opportunities like this are important because we lift each other up. You can’t do that when we are all over the place.”

“We all have different strengths. I am really good at curating and pulling people together out of just the spirit of let’s just hang out and have fun and create.” said Victoria. She thinks of herself as creative in a visual sense and enjoys being around dancers because “they are also visual creators”.

She recounted how some of the people she stayed connected with, even through COVID, were all dancers. Dancing was the string that managed to keep them tied together. “There’s something very fundamental and cementing about it. Dancing just opens that door”.

In the Detroit street dance community, this is the first all female dance session that POPPET has ever seen.

“As far as I know, all other sessions have been coed. Street dance in a male dominated field. Having this space that is dedicated just for females, it makes it a little bit less intimidating, especially for the women who are just now stepping into the street dance world.” said POPPET.

“It was how you got your props, and respect. It doesn’t have to be like that anymore, and it doesn’t have to be like that anymore, we can all start from a space of mutual respect, instead of coming from a point of the male gaze where females are pitted against each other.” Thinking about the future POPPET focuses on what is possible and empowering “just because we were born from the struggle doesn’t mean we have to stay there.”

Victoria having fun in the dance cypher with younger dancers who are joining the cypher for the first time.

“We can move forward by focusing on the pillars of hip hop which are: peace, love, unity and having fun. That’s what people can expect when they come to MCSDA” said POPPET.

Victoria described the cypher as a space for female artists to “just kinda feed off each other and support one another to have that feedback on a daily weekly basis. It’s important for us to just be able to play or practice or just vibe and hang out and connect with each other.

Dancing allows us to create on the dance floor.”Dancing, hip hop, and culture can be a very male dominated space yet that shouldn’t keep women from coming together to have a good time. “Sometimes, you don’t want to fight for space. Sometimes you just want to share the space.” said Aurora.

These women dancers are coming together to empower women through a dance community. They have created a meeting place for women who enjoy music, dancing, and just vibing overall.

Victoria described MCSDA as a place to “Come and be surrounded and enjoy the music.” Whether you want to groove out a bit, stretch, see other people create, dance yourself, you can see what the Women’s only dance cypher is about and enjoy it.

“You don’t have to move, you can just be here and be safe,” said Victoria.For more information on Motor City Street Dance Academy, visit: https://motorcitysda.com.Connect with them on Instagram at @motorcitysda.

Tags: DanceDetroitlatinosMusicPerformanceswomen
Previous Post

$60M grant program to allow communities to expand services to Michiganders

Next Post

Southwest Fest: The Neighborhoods’ Biggest Music Event of the Summer

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries
Culture & Arts

Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

by Amber Ogden
September 18, 2025
0

Colombian artist Javier González debuts a bold Detroit exhibition, blending texture, color, and storytelling with his unique “piping” technique.

Read moreDetails
A painted puzzle piece artwork is displayed as Ballet Folclórico of Wayne State University dancers perform at Roosevelt Park during the ‘Pieces of Detroit’ event in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 2025. The installation and performances celebrated the cultural and historical ties across Southwest Detroit.
Community

Cultura y Comunidad / Culture and Community

by Michael Gutierrez
September 18, 2025
0

Tu voz, tu barrio, tu espacio | Your voice, your neighborhood, your space

Read moreDetails
Independencia de México
Español

Independencia de México

by Mariana Ayón RV
September 18, 2025
0

Celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day 2025! Discover history, culture, and the lasting impact of El Grito de Dolores on Mexican identity.

Read moreDetails
¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery
Culture & Arts

¡Vamonos! Transforms Into an Immersive All Latina Artists Gallery

by Stephanie Sanchez
September 13, 2025
0

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Vámonos Detroit! Explore Latina art, culture, food, and community at this vibrant Southwest Detroit gallery...

Read moreDetails
¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!
Community

¡¡Mi Grito, Tu Grito. Our Collective Voice Matters!!

by EL CENTRAL
September 11, 2025
0

Discover the history of El Grito de Mi Raza, Detroit’s groundbreaking bilingual radio program that amplified Latino voices and culture...

Read moreDetails
Hispanic Heritage Month
Español

Hispanic Heritage Month

by Mariana Ayón RV
September 11, 2025
0

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 with history, culture, music, and identity. Discover how independence shaped traditions across Latin America and...

Read moreDetails
Next Post
a group of people decorating big letters for the Southwest Fest

Southwest Fest: The Neighborhoods’ Biggest Music Event of the Summer

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

September 18, 2025

Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

September 18, 2025
Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

September 18, 2025
Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

September 18, 2025

Recent News

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

September 18, 2025

Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

September 18, 2025
Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

Javier González Weaves Freedom and Family Legacy Into Sculptural Tapestries

September 18, 2025
Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

Introducing the Southwest Detroit Auto Heritage Guide

September 18, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

September 18, 2025

Detroit’s Latino Community Helps Shape Smithsonian’s National Museum Project

September 18, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Sections
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS