Welcome to Hip Hop Dance
Hip hop dance is a dynamic and expressive art form born from urban culture. It encompasses multiple street dance styles that celebrate individuality, creativity, and the power of community through movement.
The Spirit of Hip Hop
Hip hop dance is more than movement - it's cultural expression, storytelling, and personal empowerment. It celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the unique voice that each dancer brings to the floor.
- Develops confidence and self-expression
- Builds strength, coordination, and rhythm
- Teaches respect for hip hop culture and history
- Enhances musicality and freestyle ability
- Promotes creativity and individual style
- Prepares students for battles, performances, and competitions
Hip Hop at Dance House Productions
Our hip hop program honors the authentic culture and history of hip hop while making it accessible to all students. We focus on foundational techniques, cultural education, and personal style development.
From introducing basic grooves and isolations to advanced choreography and freestyling, we create an environment where students learn to express themselves authentically while respecting the roots of this powerful art form.
History & Evolution
Hip hop dance emerged from the streets of New York City in the 1970s as part of a larger cultural movement that included rap music, DJing, and graffiti art.
Birth in the Bronx (1970s)
Hip hop culture emerged in the South Bronx with DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash. Breaking (b-boying) was the first hip hop dance style, performed to the "breaks" in songs.
Street Development (1980s)
New styles emerged including popping from California and locking from Los Angeles. Hip hop dance spread across the country through battles, performances, and early media coverage.
Mainstream Recognition (1990s)
Music videos, movies like "House Party" and "Krush Groove," and TV shows brought hip hop dance to mainstream audiences while new jack swing influenced party dances.
Commercial Evolution (2000s)
Choreographers like Fatima Robinson, Laurieann Gibson, and JaQuel Knight brought hip hop to pop stars. Reality shows and dance crews gained popularity.
Global Movement (2010s-Present)
Social media platforms have democratized hip hop dance, while competitions like World of Dance showcase both traditional and contemporary styles worldwide.
Foundational Street Styles
Hip hop encompasses multiple distinct street dance styles, each with its own history, technique, and cultural significance.
Breaking (B-boying/B-girling)
The original hip hop dance featuring toprock, footwork, power moves, and freezes. Born in the Bronx in the early 1970s.
Popping
California-born style featuring sharp muscle contractions and robotic movements, created by Boogaloo Sam in Fresno.
Locking
Energetic dance created by Don Campbell in Los Angeles, featuring distinctive "locks" and points with a funky, animated style.
House Dance
Fast, intricate footwork and fluid movements that developed in Chicago and New York house music clubs.
Krumping
High-energy, expressive dance from Los Angeles that emphasizes emotional release and spiritual movement.
Commercial Hip Hop
Studio-developed style blending street techniques with other dance forms, commonly seen in music videos and performances.
Fundamental Techniques
Hip hop dance builds on core elements that develop rhythm, musicality, and personal expression while honoring the foundational movements of street dance.
Isolations
Moving individual body parts independently while keeping others still, fundamental to hip hop's sharp, controlled aesthetic.
Groove
The foundational bounce and rhythm that connects movement to the music's beat and feeling.
Old School Steps
Classic party dances and foundational moves like the running man, cabbage patch, and prep that form hip hop's vocabulary.
Freestyle
Improvised dancing that develops creativity, personal style, and the ability to interpret music spontaneously.
Musicality
Understanding hip hop music structure, from counting beats to hitting accents and interpreting different instruments.
Attitude & Performance
The confidence, swagger, and authentic expression that brings hip hop movement to life and connects with audiences.
Building Your Foundation
Hip hop technique starts with understanding the groove—that fundamental bounce that connects your body to the music. From there, students learn isolations, basic steps, and eventually develop their own style through freestyle and creative exploration. Every hip hop dancer's journey is unique.
Elements of Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop dance is one element of a larger cultural movement. Understanding these connections helps dancers appreciate the full context of what they're learning.
MCing (Rap)
The vocal element of hip hop, where rhythmic spoken lyrics tell stories and express experiences over beats.
DJing
The musical foundation, where DJs mix, scratch, and create the soundscapes that dancers move to.
Graffiti Art
The visual element, expressing creativity and identity through artistic lettering and imagery in public spaces.
Dance (Movement)
The physical expression of hip hop culture, encompassing breaking, popping, locking, and other street styles.
Knowledge
Understanding hip hop's history, respecting its pioneers, and contributing positively to the culture's evolution.
Community
The bonds formed through shared experience, supporting each other, and maintaining hip hop's inclusive spirit.
Essential Hip Hop Terminology
Hip hop has its own rich vocabulary that reflects its street origins and cultural significance. Learning these terms helps students understand and respect the culture.
What to Expect in Hip Hop Class
Hip hop classes focus on building foundational skills while encouraging personal expression and cultural understanding in a supportive environment.
Warm-Up & Groove (10-15 minutes)
Building the foundational bounce and rhythm while warming up the body with isolations and basic movements.
Technique & Steps (15-20 minutes)
Learning fundamental hip hop moves, from old school classics to contemporary variations, building vocabulary and skill.
Freestyle & Expression (10-15 minutes)
Developing personal style through improvisation, building confidence, and learning to express individuality through movement.
Choreography (15-20 minutes)
Learning combinations that put techniques together, focusing on performance quality, musicality, and authentic hip hop style.
Respect & Community
Hip hop classes emphasize respect—for the culture, for each other, and for individual expression. Students learn that hip hop is about supporting each other's growth while developing their own unique style and voice within the community.
Proper Hip Hop Dance Attire
Hip hop fashion is an extension of personal expression while providing the functionality needed for dynamic street dance movement.
Essential Clothing
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows full range of motion
- Breathable fabrics like cotton or athletic materials
- Personal style expression through colors, brands, and accessories
- Layers that can be added or removed as you warm up
- Hair secured if long, but style expression is encouraged
Footwear Options
- Clean sneakers with good support and grip
- High-tops or low-tops based on personal preference
- Shoes with flat soles for slides and footwork
- Avoid shoes with too much grip that prevent sliding
Specific Recommendations
- Baggy jeans, joggers, or loose athletic pants
- Oversized t-shirts, hoodies, or tank tops
- Snapback hats, beanies, or bandanas (optional)
- Comfortable athletic wear for younger students
- Personal accessories that reflect individual style
Style as Expression
Hip hop fashion is about authenticity and personal expression. While comfort and functionality are important, students are encouraged to express their individual style through their clothing choices, reflecting hip hop's celebration of uniqueness and creativity.
Hip Hop Skill Progression
Students develop hip hop skills through progressive training that builds technique while nurturing individual style and cultural understanding.
Creative Movement (Ages 4-6)
Introduction to rhythm, basic body movement, and fun hip hop-inspired activities that build coordination and confidence.
Beginning Hip Hop (Ages 7-10)
Basic groove, simple isolations, age-appropriate old school moves, and introduction to hip hop music and culture.
Intermediate Hip Hop (Ages 11-14)
More complex isolations, classic hip hop steps, beginning freestyle, and understanding of hip hop history and respect.
Advanced Hip Hop (Ages 15+)
Advanced techniques, personal style development, complex choreography, and deeper cultural education and appreciation.
Pre-Professional (Advanced Students)
Battle training, choreography skills, teaching techniques, and preparation for professional opportunities in commercial or competitive hip hop.
Benefits of Hip Hop Dance Training
Hip hop dance offers unique benefits that extend beyond physical skill, developing confidence, creativity, and cultural awareness.
Physical Fitness
High-energy movement builds cardiovascular endurance, strength, flexibility, and coordination through dynamic exercise.
Self-Confidence
Hip hop's emphasis on individual expression and personal style builds confidence and comfort with self-expression.
Musicality & Rhythm
Deep connection to music develops listening skills, timing, and the ability to interpret and respond to various musical styles.
Creative Expression
Freestyle and personal style development nurture creativity, problem-solving, and authentic self-expression.
Cultural Awareness
Learning hip hop history and culture develops respect for diversity, understanding of social movements, and appreciation for urban art forms.
Performance Opportunities
Hip hop skills are valuable for commercial dance, music videos, competitions, and building a foundation for various entertainment careers.
Ready to Find Your Hip Hop Voice?
Hip hop dance offers an authentic way to express yourself while connecting with a rich cultural tradition. Whether you're drawn to the athleticism, the creativity, or the community, hip hop has something powerful to offer every student.
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