Your Hip Hop Journey Begins Now: Train With Crystal Frazier in Point Park University's World-Renowned School of Dance Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Crystal Frazier, M.F.A., is one of the first tenured Hip Hop professors teaching the next generation of artists in Point Park University's world-renowned School of Dance. Frazier is a former senior member with Rennie Harris Puremovement. Some of her industry performance credits include: MTV and BET, VH1's Vogue Fashion Awards, the BET Awards, the Nike All-Star showcase, among others. On film, she appeared in "Beloved" and "Monk," as well as in commercials. Additionally, she was part of a tour for the Dance International Workshop program, teaching the fundamentals of Hip Hop street dance in Nagoya, Osaka, Fukuoka and Tokyo. 

Learn more about Frazier in the Q&A and video below.

Tell us about your professional background.

I started in the dance studio learning ballet, tap, jazz, modern and also how to twirl a baton. I attended the University of the Arts in Philadelphia and continued my dance studies, where I met and trained with Rennie Harris Puremovement, learning about hip hop culture. From that moment on, hip hop has been a part of my life. 

During my career, I danced in Los Angeles with the Groovaloos and met so many artists and choreographers. I toured with Grammy Award-winning artist Jill Scott and was the featured dancer. I am also the co-founder of Montage, an all-female hip hop company in Philadelphia that later transitioned to Ladies of Hip Hop in New York. Additionally, I traveled all over the world and directed dance competitions. 

How do you incorporate your professional experience into your classes?

My past experiences influence the way I teach every day. What I bring to the School of Dance is not only the movement but the culture. It's very important for each student to understand the culture behind Hip Hop: the movement, the art, the music, the DJ and the fashion. 

Point Park's School of Dance is one of the first to offer a concentration in Hip Hop. What will students learn in this program?

I am so thrilled that Point Park offers a Hip Hop concentration within the B.F.A. dance program. Students in this concentration will develop a solid foundation and expertise in various Hip Hop forms, including breaking, popping, locking, street jazz, house and Hip Hop social dance. They will attend lectures on the history of Hip Hop and participate in freestyle classes. They will also be exposed to diverse movement vocabularies, such as ballet, modern, tap, jazz, African, and improvisation, to ensure they are well-positioned for success in the ever-changing dance industry. 

I also love hearing success stories from my students about all the great things they have achieved because of what they learned at Point Park. 

What's it like to be in your class?

I say all the time that I wish I could be a student in my own class because it's definitely a vibe. For me, it's all about creating a safe space and I want my students to feel comfortable learning authentic Hip Hop movement. I want dancers not only to be comfortable in their bodies but also to walk out of the class knowing the vocabulary and the history of Hip Hop culture. My class is all about unity and community. I can teach you all the moves, but you have to bring yourself to the movement: bring your identity, your style, your flow and your vibe. 

What do you enjoy most about teaching at Point Park?

What I enjoy the most about teaching at Point Park is my students, because they all want to achieve something in this dance community and industry. Watching them grow and seeing their versatility inspires me.

I also love seeing the students connect with one another in the hallways and just enjoying their time at Point Park. They know they are training in open spaces where they feel included, recognized and noticed in class. I always tell my students that the dance faculty sees, hears and supports them every step of the way.

What advice do you have for a student auditioning for the program?

In all dance genres, my suggestion is to be yourself in the audition room. We are looking for you, not who or what you think we want. We want to see who you are as a mover and as a dancer. We know it's nerve-racking; we've all been there before. The more you are yourself, the more we see you. Smile and enjoy it, because dance is what you love to do. Be yourself, just be you. 

What are some advantages of going to college in Downtown Pittsburgh?

In Downtown Pittsburgh, you are in the middle of festivals, football, baseball, hockey, museums, food, shows and parks. There's plenty to choose from on the days when you want to go off campus, explore the city and let your brain relax.  

Final thoughts?

At Point Park's School of Dance, we are very big on mentoring our students. We want to encourage them that you got this, no matter what. As long as you stay consistent and persistent in what you do, you will thrive in the next four years here at Point Park. You won't believe the artist you are becoming when you walk down the aisle at graduation. 

More About: dance, faculty, hip hop, George Rowland White Performance Center