Hip hop dance encompasses a variety of street dance styles performed to hip hop music and associated with hip hop culture. It originated in the 1970s and gained widespread exposure through TV shows like Soul Train and movies like Breakin’, Beat Street, and Wild Style. In response to its popularity, a commercialized studio version called “new style” emerged, along with a hip-hop-influenced style of jazz dance called “jazz-funk”. These styles were developed by classically trained dancers in dance studios, but were still practiced in outdoor spaces.
The commercialization of hip-hop dance continued into the 1990s and 2000s with the production of various TV shows and movies including The Grind, Planet B-Boy, Rize, StreetDance 3D, America’s Best Dance Crew, Saigon Electric, the Step Up movies, and the web series LXD. Despite its presence in entertainment, hip-hop dance continues to be prevalent in urban neighborhoods, giving rise to street dance derivatives such as Memphis jookin, turfing, jerkin’, and krump. A defining characteristic of hip-hop dance is its freestyle nature, with dancers often engaging in improv battles.
The popularity of hip-hop dance has spread globally through movies, television shows, and the Internet. Educational opportunities and corporate dance competitions such as World of Dance and Hip Hop International have contributed to its global presence. Hip-hop dance can be practiced as a form of entertainment, a hobby, a way to stay active in competitive dancing, or even as a profession.
History of Hip hop dance :
Hip hop is a dynamic and influential dance form that originated in the African American and Latino communities of the Bronx, New York, during the 1970s. It arose alongside the development of hip hop music, which incorporated elements of funk, soul and disc. Hip hop dance is characterized by its energetic and expressive movements, improvisation, and emphasis on individual style and creativity. Let’s explore the history of hip hop dance from its origin to the present day.
Origins of street and neighborhood parties (1970s and 1980s):
Hip hop dance emerged on the streets and block parties of the Bronx, where DJs played music and people danced to express themselves. Early forms of hip hop dance included “breaking” (also known as b-boying or breakdancing), which featured acrobatic moves, footwork, and spinning on the floor. Breaking was popularized by dance groups like the Rock Steady Crew and the New York City Breakers.
Popularity and commercialization (1980-1990):
Hip hop dance gained popularity in the 1980s with the rise of music videos and the commercial success of artists like Michael Jackson. Incorporating hip hop dance into music videos helped spread its influence across the world. In the 1990s, the emergence of commercial dance studios and contests contributed to the further growth and formalization of hip hop dance as an art form.
Different styles and innovations:
As hip hop dance continued to evolve, different styles and sub-styles emerged. These include popping, locking, krumping, tutting, waacking, and voguing, among others. Each style has its own distinct moves, techniques, and cultural influences, contributing to the diverse and vibrant nature of hip hop dance.
Influence of choreography and the entertainment industry:
Hip hop dance began to be incorporated into the choreography of musical artists, stage performances, and stage productions. Choreographers such as Shane Sparks, Fatima Robinson, and Dave Scott played instrumental roles in popularizing hip hop dance and bringing it into the mainstream entertainment industry.
Rise of Hip Hop Dance in the Media:
The 2000s saw a significant increase in the presence of hip hop dance in the media, particularly through reality shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Best Dance Crew.” These shows provided a platform for talented dancers to showcase their skills, further raising the popularity and visibility of hip hop dance.
Globalization and Cultural Exchange:
Hip hop dance transcended its American roots and became a worldwide phenomenon. Dancers and crews from around the world have embraced and incorporated hip hop dance into their own cultural contexts, adding their own unique flavors and styles. International competitions, workshops and collaborations further facilitated cultural exchange and growth within the hip hop dance community.
Contemporary Hip Hop Dance:
In recent years, hip hop dance has continued to evolve and adapt to contemporary trends and influences. It remains a vibrant and ever-changing art form, with dancers constantly pushing boundaries, experimenting with fusion styles, and incorporating elements from other dance forms.
Hip hop dance has become an integral part of popular culture, influencing music videos, movies, commercials, and live performances. It continues to thrive as a dynamic and expressive dance form, representing the creativity, individuality and cultural diversity of its practitioners.
Types of Hip hop dance Styles :
Hip hop dance encompasses a wide range of styles and influences, each with its own unique characteristics and history. Here are some of the featured hip hop dance styles:
Breaking (B-boying/B-girling): Breaking emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York. It consists of acrobatic moves such as power moves, freezes, and intricate footwork performed on the ground.
Popping: Popping originated in the 1970s on the West Coast. Dancers create rapid contractions and relaxations of their muscles to create a popping effect. It often incorporates robotic movements and isolations.
Blocking: The blocking was developed in the 1970s in California and is characterized by quick, defined movements and pauses (blocks). It combines funk, soul, and disco dance styles, and the dancers often wear colorful outfits.
Krumping: Krumping emerged in the early 2000s in Los Angeles. It is an energetic and expressive style that involves exaggerated movements, intense facial expressions, and freestyle elements. Krump battles are an important aspect of this style.
Tutting: Tutting is inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphics and involves creating intricate geometric shapes with your arms, hands, and fingers. Focuses on precise angles, lines, and positions.
Waving: Waving is a flowing, illusory style in which dancers create the illusion of waves flowing through their body through smooth, continuous movements. It incorporates concepts of popping and isolation.
Hip Hop Choreography: Hip hop choreography combines various hip hop dance elements into a structured routine. It often incorporates elements of other dance styles, such as jazz, contemporary, and funk, and is commonly seen in music videos and stage performances.
House dance: House dance originated in the 1980s in the Chicago and New York club scenes. It is influenced by disco, funk and soul and includes footwork, lifting and flowing movements. House dance often accompanies house music.
Dancehall: Dancehall originated in Jamaica and incorporates elements of reggae and hip hop. It features fast-paced moves, energetic footwork, and dancehall-specific twang steps, such as the “wine” and “dagger.”
Memphis jookin’: Memphis jookin’ originated in Memphis, Tennessee. It combines elements of hip hop, ballet, and street dance, and focuses on intricate footwork, sliding, and sliding movements. It is often performed to rap or hip hop music.
These are just a few examples of the many hip hop dance styles out there. Each style has its own techniques, cultural influences, and community. Hip hop dance continues to evolve and merge with other styles, creating new variations and expressions within the genre.
