WELCOME TO THE OFFICIAL SITE OF
THE HIPLET BALLERINAS
Hiplet (pronounced HIP-LAY) started as "The Rap Ballet" in the 1990s, developed by Ballet Master, Homer Hans Bryant. Soon after its development, the Rap Ballet was featured at several schools in the Chicago area while working with Urban Gateways.
After being asked by the UniverSoul Circus for one of his dancers to perform "rap ballet" type movement for the circus to Eminem’s violent piece, “Lose Yourself”, on the violin, Homer thought, "I can’t call this rap anymore. What are we going to call this"?
His answer...."Ballet & Hip Hop---Hiplet"!!!!
In 2009, Homer obtained the trademark on the word “Hiplet.”
Today the Hiplet Ballerinas are "WOWING" audiences all over the globe with their fiery performances and amazing skill. In the words of Founder and Artistic Director, Homer Bryant, "Hiplet is important. It is Afro-centric. We are pulling from your urban communities, and we put in the Jazz, Latin, and African, but we stick to the classical Ballet discipline. We have been to Germany, Seoul, South Korea, France, Spain, and the Virgin Islands, New York and California a dozen times. It’s just amazing what has happened.
Following his principle of inclusivity and a heart to create space and a platform for all, Homer states, "A lot of normal people have been deterred from dancing because they were a little too big and a little too busty. Hiplet ballerinas look like normal people".
HIPLET BALLERINAS ON ABC NIGHTLINE
Hiplet In Rehearsal
Hiplet Ballerinas is the professional company of The Chicago Multicultural Dance School,
a 501(c)3, Non Profit Organization
ABOUT HIPLET™
The Hiplet Ballerinas are the professional Company of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center in the USA.
Hiplet™ was created by Artistic Director Homer Hans Bryant & evolved from the "Rap Ballet" of the 1990's. Specifically designed to make Ballet accessible to all people, Hiplet™ is a fusion between classical pointe technique, Hip-Hop, and a variety of other dance styles.
Where Are The Hiplet Ballerinas?
Hiplet Ballerinas concluded the 2021-2022 Tour Season in their hometown, Chicago, IL with "Hiplet Tour Chicago", on September 17 and 18 at The Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts - University of Chicago. People came from different parts of the globe to see this amazing Company bring the "sauce" home to Chicago, one participant arriving in from Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Needless to say, the reviews are in...........
HIPLET BALLERINAS DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!!
Currently, the Company is performing at private events in the Chicago area and preparing to travel again beginning at the end of January. Preparations are also being made for the 2022-2023 Tour Season.
When the Hiplet Company is not performing, they participate in classes to continually sharpen their dancing skills.
Book Us!
In 2019 and early 2020, the Hiplet company completed over 30 full length performances in the US, selling out venues in Illinois, Florida, Texas, Washington state and more! Now booking performances for the Fall 22 and Spring 23 season!
Hiplet is also available to perform at festivals, galas, corporate and private events.
For theatrical booking please contact ECE Touring:
https://www.ecetouring.com/artist/Hiplet
For other booking please fill out the contact form at the bottom of this page
We are so grateful for the love and support we have received. It is our goal to continue impacting the Arts with dance, providing a positive resource of entertainment for those young and matured. While we are so fortunate to have the support of multiple grants, we're still a long way from being at 100%.
We still need your help to sustain our operations.
Donations can be made specifically for this purpose via PayPal .
Please consider donating to Hiplet Ballerinas. Any amount is greatly appreciated. All donations are fully tax deductible. The Hiplet Ballerinas are a part of the Chicago Multi-Cultural Dance Center, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization.
CONTACT
c/o Chicago Multicultural Dance Center
47 West Polk Street Suite 100-105
Chicago, IL 60605
312-461-0030
Please fill out the contact form for more information about booking the Hiplet Ballerinas.
Submit your email to be part of our mailing list. Receive updates on performances and dance opportunities near you!
For more information on training to become a Hiplet Ballerina, visit the website of Chicago Multicultural Dance Center