Xavier Cuevas
Rooted in Rhythm
Rooted in Rhythm is a series of mini documentaries from Southwest Detroit’s own Xavier Cuevas. The series tells the story of local arts organization Motor City Street Dance Academy, which has served the Southwest Detroit area for the better part of the past decade. Using the elements of Hip Hop as a tool to empower youth with social-emotional development, professional skills, career paths, and healthy living, MCSDA works to enhance the lives of Detroiters through Hip Hop, physical activity, and healthy living. Rooted in Rhythm tells the story of MCSDA through a series of vignettes from the different artists who have built the space from the ground up. With Detroit’s rich history in the elements of Hip Hop, few people are as equipped to speak to the inherent genius of Detroit’s youth and their efforts to empower and uplift the next generation of Detroit geniuses.
The Alternative
The Residency
The Growth
About The Storyteller
Xavier Cuevas
Xavier Cuevas is a lens based visual artist and storyteller specializing in photography and cinematography. His work resides on the intersection between his Puerto Rican heritage and Detroit upbringing and is an effort at documenting overlooked people and places in the beautiful way they deserve to be captured. He has worked with The Detroit Pistons, El Jimador, Paxahau, Vmag, Kitkat, Detroit Vs. Everybody, You Matter, and more.