“When I learned that Hip-Hop was created by Black and Latino youth who felt they weren’t being accepted in their community so they built a community of their own — my life changed. I’ve committed to creating inclusive communities, one dance step at a time, since that very day. “ Today’s woman dreamer, Jessie Alegria, is a Boston-based dance entrepreneur, with a passion for hip hop and empowering women. In her Women Who Win interview, Jessie reflects on early journey in dance, and shares her thoughts on Boston’s growing dance scene. She writes, “Boston’s dance scene is here and growing. I think a lot of time Boston artists do not get enough credit compared to NYC or LA where there is a more prominent scene. However, Boston dancers and artists of all trades are incredibly talented, forward-thinking and community-driven.” Enjoy her story, and for those in the Boston area, check out Hip Hop Pop Up!

1. Tell us your story. You are a Boston based hip hop dancer, and currently the CEO of Hip Hop Pop Up. That is amazing. Tell us about your journey as a dancer, and how you found your way into starting your own business? 

I was born and raised in Costa Rica — a very special place known for its peaceful way of life and vibrant, rich culture. I was exposed early on to dance and music and how the two powerfully brought people together. Dance was part of my everyday, my life, my identity. But I didn’t realize just what an impact it had on me then, nor what impact it would have on me later in life.

When I was 15 yrs old, I immigrated to the US with my mother. She knew that if I had any future desire to live and work in the US, that I would need to start the long and grueling process of getting my American citizenship. We didn’t know just how stressful the experience we were embarking on was going to be, however. I interject here to state that I recognize my privilege in even having an immigration story to tell. While my experience was nothing close to easy, I recognize that there are thousands of other individuals and families who have suffered severely from this broken system or who are never even given the chance to be part of it. I am grateful for my experience and for every opportunity it has awarded me.

As a teenager away from her family and friends, however, it was hard to see the silver lining. I struggled with fitting in at my new high school — I had gone from a class of 16 students (all with whom I ran around in diapers) to a class of 500 strangers. I tried to make friends but was quickly judged, categorized and pushed away. Somehow, I was “too Spanish” to be friends with the American students yet “too Gringa” to ever feel accepted by the Latin American students. I felt unwelcome and unseen and was losing myself as a consequence.

After a few months, I begged my mother to enroll me in the local dance studio. Away from the weather I was used to, the food I was used to, the friends I was used to, dance was the last thing that could help me feel at home—and like myself again.

I remember walking into my first dance class (it was a beginner Hip-Hop) class. I was terrified and awkward and shy. But I was greeted with so much love and acceptance that I knew I was home. I continued to take class 6x a week, learning all about Hip-Hop history and culture by the most incredible mentors.

When I learned that Hip-Hop was created by Black and Latino youth who felt they weren’t being accepted in their community so they built a community of their own — my life changed. I’ve committed to creating inclusive communities, one dance step at a time, since that very day.

In the last few years, I have launched Hip Hop Pop Up —a fun, judgement-free dance experience held at different venues around the city. HHPU has had immense success and our community gets larger and stronger by the day. I am now working on giving HHPU and other local artists a bigger home in my own brick and mortar, Rocksteady Studios.

2. How do you seek to empower women through hip hop dance? How would you describe your classes? 

The beautiful thing about dance is that it is inherently empowering. Dance is used in every community across the globe — to celebrate, to mourn, to heal, and in some cultures, was actually born through fighting. Every human is born a dancer, but for a lot of us, we lose touch with that.

What I do is offer everyone in my class the space and the freedom to allow dance back into their lives. I help them shed insecurities that society has created about moving our bodies, encourage them to express themselves however feels best and most comfortable to them, and simply offer them this beautiful means through which to connect, explore, heal and rejoice.

That being said, my classes are judgement-free and open to all: all ages, abilities, gender identities, backgrounds etc. They are fun, exhilarating and deep-rooted in community building and community love.

I am also incredibly goofy and awkward and I let that weirdness SHINE on that dance floor. I believe this gives others the sense of security that they, too, can let their beautiful weirdness show.

3. Who are some of your favorite female dancers out there? 

This could be a very long list! I think there are thousands of incredibly talented dancers both locally and worldwide. At the moment, I am most inspired by Parris Goebel — her creativity, vision and willingness to push the envelope are unmatched. Ultimately, I am inspired by anyone who is willing to take risks, who is continuing to learn and educate themselves to be better dancers, leaders and to always best represent a culture that may not be inherently their own, and of those created spaces for everyone to enjoy the gift of dance.

4. Boston has a growing dance community, with more dance offerings such as BollyX, Zumba, and hip hop. How would you describe Boston's dance community, and how would you like to see it grow? 

Boston’s dance scene is here and growing. I think a lot of time Boston artists do not get enough credit or attention because we are compared to artists in cities like NYC or LA where there is a more prominent scene. However, Boston dancers and artists of all trades are incredibly talented, forward-thinking and community-driven. I hope to see more support from the city and from larger institutions to both support artists and create a more culturally diverse city.

Check out one of Jessie’s dance videos - Hip Hop Pop Up @ Boston’s Red Lantern!

Thank you Jessie for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!