"Street dancing is part of me. It gave me my individuality, who I am inside…Hip Hop is an art form in its rawest form, do it just for the love of it, live it every single day, not for the dollar. It’s an expression. Express yourself in other ways rather than being violent." Keeley a.k.a. “Lockn’ Key” Faced with dysfunctional families, abuse, isolation and rejection from society many troubled young adults turn to crime and drug use to reconcile their feelings of anger and alienation. With more creative resources, emotional support, and acceptance many of these young adults could be prevented from choosing self-destructive behaviors. The work of “One Step Ahead” is dedicated to providing that support. Through performances, workshops, and lectures “One Step Ahead” uses the elements of Hip Hop to inspire young adults to direct their lives toward more positive and creative outlets and goals. As an outgrowth of life in the inner city, Hip Hop is a subculture created to serve as a positive vehicle for expression and community building. Through its elements of music, dance, art, and spoken word individuals are able to communicate their experiences and reflect upon the “lived reality” they share with others. It provided the means to break the boundaries of race and social standing to come and be part of one culture together. By using Hip Hop, the performers of “One Step Ahead” establish an avenue for self- expression creating an environment in which young adults can connect and validate shared experiences building a community based on the values of acceptance, respect, and love. Showing this support the young adult could then go on to develop his/ her own individuality and identity having respect, love, and acceptance for oneself. Through the personal stories of the performers and expression through their art the artists of “One Step Ahead” provide a means of moving forward and seeing beyond circumstances to achieve one’s full potential. No matter where one comes from, what ethnicity, what social status, or even what mistakes one may have made in the past there is an opportunity to grow, give, and teach. One Step shows that there are positive forms of expression, positive forms of life, and positive people with which to connect.