About Us

 

About 10K Movement

10K Movement is dedicated to preserving, elevating, and expanding the cultural legacy of Hip Hop and Street Dance. Our name, 10K, is inspired by the 10,000-hour rule, popularized by Malcolm Gladwell in his book Outliers, which emphasizes that mastery in any discipline requires time, dedication, and deliberate practice. This principle underscores our belief that Street Dance demands the same rigor, structure, and commitment as any other art form or profession.

A common misconception is that Street Dance lacks the discipline of "classical" dance training. In reality, Hip Hop and various Street Dance styles require immense technical skill, historical knowledge, and artistic innovation. 10K Movement exists to honor and amplify the inherent value of these art forms while providing dancers with the education, resources, and opportunities needed to refine their craft.

Hip Hop & Street Dance: An American Folk Tradition

Hip Hop and Street Dance are more than movement—they are American folk and dance traditions, deeply rooted in the sociopolitical climate, history, and communities that birthed them. Like jazz, blues, and other uniquely American cultural expressions, these dance forms were created as a means of storytelling, survival, and artistic rebellion. Whether it’s Popping, Breaking, Locking, or other Street Dance styles, everything from the music to the movement vocabulary, technique, and execution is a direct reflection of the Black and Latin communities who originated them and the social circumstances that shaped their evolution.

Acknowledging this history is not only essential to preserving the integrity of the culture but also facilitates an artistic language and honest conversation around the lived experiences of marginalized people and communities of color. Each step, groove, and battle holds meaning—it is an expression of resistance, joy, and cultural identity.

A Living, Breathing Art Form

Street Dance is not a static genre—it is an ever-evolving dialogue between generations. Young dancers continue to innovate, remix, and reimagine styles inherited from their predecessors, shaping new movements that reflect their unique voices and personal stories. Each session, cypher, battle, and performance serves as a Petri dish for artistic and cultural experimentation, where dancers push boundaries, exchange ideas, and build on the legacy of those who came before them.

We are committed to ensuring that Hip Hop and Street Dance remain recognized, respected, and preserved as vital cultural practices. Through education, performance, and community engagement, we cultivate the next generation of artists, educators, and leaders—ensuring that this powerful art form continues to thrive, inspire, and create lasting impact in the Greater Cleveland area and beyond.

Our Team

SAMUEL McINTOSH

“Sammy Mac”

Founder & Executive Director

 

CHAZZ

Chazzlyn Jackson

Associate Programs Manager

Zay

Isaiah Pritchard

10K Elite Member and Teaching Artist

DD

De’Varian Norris

10K Elite Member and Teaching Artist

MADALYN

LUCIER

“Madds”

Associate Director

 

CHO

Cho Knight

Artistic + Rehearsal Director

Flyya

Esita Calhoun

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Murkyy

TJ-Dale Dawson

10K Elite Member and Teaching Artist