(ENGLEWOOD, NJ) -- bergenPAC's Performing Arts School held its inaugural event of the School Time Series for the 2024-2025 season on February 11th. This special event took place at bergenPAC and welcomed nearly 1,000 students to celebrate Black History Month while acknowledging the significant cultural influence of Hip-Hop through a unique performance. The program was developed in partnership with teaching artist and performer D-Cross, along with renowned Hip-Hop DJs known as The Awesome Two.

bergenPAC Performing Arts School commissioned D-Cross to create a show honoring Black History Month, making this performance its debut. The interactive and educational presentation, titled "The Live Mix'D Tape," aims to inspire and engage youth by highlighting the profound history of African American contributions and the cultural evolution of Hip-Hop.

The performance addressed pivotal moments in Black history, showcasing the resilience of historical figures such as Dr. Carter G. Woodson and Frederick Douglass, as well as the creative movements of the Harlem Renaissance and the powerful voices of the Civil Rights Movement. D-Cross expertly uses rap, beatboxing, spoken word, and live music to connect these significant achievements to Hip-Hop’s lasting impact as a medium for storytelling, self-expression, and unity.

Students were introduced to essential components of Hip-Hop culture, including DJing, MCing, and beatboxing, and they actively engaged with D-Cross and The Awesome Two throughout the live performances.

The event also featured the talents of E Boogie, Mike Swift, and Cornbread from the IBM Dancers. This unique experience is designed to educate and empower students, encouraging reflection on themes of resilience, creativity, and community strength.

Becky Serico, Director of Education, stated, "In planning our School Time Series season, we recognized the potential benefits of commissioning one of our current teaching artists to create a show for Black History Month. This presents a wonderful opportunity to highlight a new work by a member of the bergenPAC community. Derick has dedicated considerable effort to this production, drawing upon his diverse talents in Hip-Hop art, music, and performances. He is a versatile artist with a wealth of educational insights to offer our community."

The bergenPAC Performing Arts School offers classes in music, dance, theater and the visual arts, ensemble groups for vocalists, dancers, and jazz and rock musicians, in-school residencies and assemblies, live performances, and musical theater productions for students ages 3 months to 21 years old.  The school serves 1,000 students onsite annually while reaching another 16,000 residents of all ages with programs in schools, assisted living facilities, social service agencies, and other community sites across New Jersey. The bergenPAC Performing Arts School Scholarship Fund ensures that no student is ever turned away because they cannot afford the full tuition. Current students and alumni have attended top arts college programs and acted in movies, TV shows, Broadway and touring productions.

Founded in 2003, Bergen Performing Arts Center (bergenPAC) is a cultural hub in Englewood, New Jersey, offering a variety of world-class entertainment. Home to the renowned Performing Arts School, bergenPAC provides innovative arts education to thousands of students annually. With a rich history and commitment to community enrichment, bergenPAC continues to inspire and engage audiences of all ages.