Berlin’s hip hop dance queen wants to help women find their strength

Emine Palabiyik / Photo courtesy of Emmy

Emine Palabiyik, better known as Emmy, was an outstanding figure in Berlin’s underground hip hop scene.  The 26-year-old now runs her own dance school, Charlotte’s Boogie Stube for kids and teens in Berlin.

When was the first time you heard hip hop? Did it speak to you right away?

I think I was 10 or 11, and I heard the first hip hop songs on TV from different artists. I think there was hype for this kind of music at the time. That’s why I started listening to hip hop music.

And when did you see your first underground dance battle? What did you think of it?

I was 16 years old when I saw the first underground battle in Berlin. I was immediately taken with the vibe, and it felt familiar. I didn’t feel like a “new” dancer. The other dancers encouraged and supported me.

When did you start learning hip hop, and how did you do it?

I started dancing in front of my mirror! Sounds really typical (laughs). Actually, I saw the movie Street Style and then learnt steps on my own in my room, all the steps and moves from the movie. That’s what got me hooked. I found some girls who practised at a local youth centre, and yeah … this was the beginning of my dancing.

When did you participate in your first dance battle? How did you do?

I really can’t remember how I did. But I know that my first round was with my best friend, and we were sooo nervous. But we were together, which made us a little more at ease. I didn’t care what the crowd did. For me, it was important to prove to myself that I could take a new direction in my life, like entering battles or showing my passion in front of hundreds of people. That was always my goal. At the time, I did not wear a hijab. I’ve been wearing it now for a year, and I’ve stopped dancing on stages and participating in battles.

How did your family learn of your passion for hip hop dance?

I tried to explain to them what I was doing, but they had no idea about hip hop. They had seen women on TV with tight clothes and provocatively dancing, so they thought I did the same. But it was definitely not the same. We always wear hoodies and really big pants. I can understand that immigrant parents who didn’t grow up with hip hop would be scared of their children being into it, like mine were.

Could you tell us about some of the accolades you have earned?

I can’t remember everything, but for me the best win was in Poland. It was a qualification for the Best Female Hip Hop Dancer in Europe. I win a lot with my students too. But I don’t like to focus on the wins. I love dancing, and that is why I dance. Not because of the prize.

Emine at her dance school / Photo courtesy of Emmy

What inspired you to start a dance school for children?

My inspiration came from my own life. I never had an old sister to urge me on or support me in any way. I always had to fight for myself. I wish that I had had somebody to steer me clear of trouble when I was younger.

So now, I am the sister, teacher, whatever for a lot of young women and kids. I keep them away from the “bad streets” or advise them on how to grow as strong women.

What are you currently busy with, and what are your plans for the future?

My future plan is to inspire women to be comfortable in their own world. I don’t care about the work they choose. I know that women can be so strong and amazing and creative. That is my biggest goal… and maybe a bigger dance school one day.

What has been your biggest challenge or lesson?

My biggest challenge was with myself. I had no idea who I was or what I wanted. I was the most unsure person on earth, and people saw that and hurt me several times. So I began to find myself. I searched in all kinds of ways, but in the end, I found my Creator. Step by step, as I grow, I realise how much power and strength I have, how much love I have.

The best lesson for me was realising that you really need time! You have to work for yourself. That was my biggest problem and my biggest lesson at the same time.

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