Teaching kids not only how to break down to hip hop but also learning the culture behind the moves, Project Beats in Garema Place has become a haven for youth.

Director and Senior Instructor, Chip Lo began his love for hip hop and street dance in 2002 and since then has become to understand the benefits of dance as a metaphor to teach life skills, leading him to open his own studio.

“Our goal is to nurture and empower kids through dance and help them understand the grove behind the move, by teaching them where each move originated from and what inspired the movement.”

Making his studio a community space, students are invited to come in and use the free space anytime during opening hours to practice and collaborate with others, encouraging them to build confidence and have fun.

With 22 instructors/mentors, some of whom Chip began teaching when they were seven, Project Beats starts teaching from six years through to adulthood, with kids classes for 6-9 years, junior for 9-12 years and 13 upward in team classes.

The group also regularly take excursions to Sydney to join in dance battles and host festivals in Canberra such as the Canberra Street Festival.

Enrolments are now open for term 2 afterschool classes, head to their website for the class schedules and registrations. Open Monday to Friday 4-9pm and Saturday 9am-12pm.

And don’t forget to check out their Instagram for some awesome dance videos!