Papa-Kobina Brewoo
Starting in March 2025, dance artist, Papa-Kobina Brewoo, is joining Prairie Music & Arts for Sun Prairie Creates, a collaboration between Prairie Music & Arts and Sun Prairie Community Schools that exposes youth in grades 2-8 to culturally responsive arts-based programming. The project strives to enrich the lives of young people through innovative, multidisciplinary afterschool arts experiences. Activities, led by Prairie Music & Arts and held at schools within the Sun Prairie Community Schools network, are grounded on a hip-hop framework to empower, inspire, and amplify youth. Read more about his artistic journey and feelings about the arts and education.
PMA: Your dance style is so diverse. How did you get started?
I’ve always practiced traditional and tribal dances when I was young, before, and after moving to Madison, WI in the early 2000’s. It was around 2006/2008 that I became intrigued with street dance styles (Hiphop, House, Popping, Breaking & etc), it was my friends that showed me my first couple of street dances that inspired me to want to learn and express myself. What pushed me to pursue dance after was watching America’s Best Dance Crew, I began watching YouTube videos to learn. Eventually, I traveled to learn and build with/from communities that housed specific street dance styles (Chicago, California, etc.)
PMA: The arts benefit us in so many ways. How has studying dance supported you?
What excites me about dance is its many benefits on your mental, physical, and spiritual attributes. It was dance that saved my life when I was at my lowest in middle school/highschool. Dance helped me rediscover my voice, heal through trauma, develop discipline, and more.
PMA: Artists are often part of a lineage of creatives. Is there an artist or teacher that inspired you when you were young?
I have many teachers/artists that inspired me when I was young, including Brian Puspos, Erika Bozack, Jarius King, Popping Pete, and Mijo to name a few.
PMA: How has dance shaped who you are?
Dance has shaped my career and lifestyle, to be making a living through this art form is truly a blessing.
PMA: What challenges have you experienced as an artist?
Financial stability, finding the right people to work with, knowing, and staying creative.
PMA: There are so many types of dance. How would you describe your style? I would describe my dance style as street/vernacular dance styles.
PMA: This is your second year, being a part of Sun Prairie Creates. The project was co-created between Prairie Music & Arts and Sun Prairie Community Schools. Describe the activity you will be leading at Creekside Elementary this spring.
I’ll be leading street dance (Hiphop, freestyle, krump, popping & house) workshops and breaking down the history, fundamentals, technique and choreography.
PMA: What do you hope students will gain from their experiences in your classes?
Develop discipline, boost confidence, creativity, and awareness,
PMA: You are a busy artist! What other projects have you been working on?
Many projects and events like Da Shindig 2025, B.A.M Festival, Enlightenment Tour, to name a few.
PMA: Do you have any advice for young artists?
Be consistent, ask for help, surround yourself with like-minded individuals who will challenge you, understand and be aware of your “WHY.” Explore and develop your niche and travel!