Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory
The Hip-Hop Dance Conservatory (HDC) is a not-for-profit organization and the only conservatory for hip-hop dance in the world. HDC trains students year-round in the different styles of hip-hop dance (popping, locking, and breaking, etc.) as well as in academics related to both hip-hop culture and dance, such as Anatomy and Physiology, Dance Kinesiology, and Hip-Hop History. In addition to the curriculum, HDC students also comprise the conservatory's performing repertory troupe.
HDC was founded in 2002 in New York City by Safi A. Thomas who currently serves as the school's Artistic Director. Baya Voce from The Real World: Brooklyn auditioned for the conservatory during the filming of the show in 2008. Her audition and acceptance call from Thomas was later shown on television when the series aired in 2009. She declined the offer, stating the strict military-style teaching style of Thomas was the reason.