Understanding Hip Hop Dance Learn Its History and Moves

Dance is a powerful form of self-expression that allows people to connect with music, emotions, and movement in a unique way. It comes in many styles, from graceful ballet to energetic breakdancing, each offering its own rhythm and personality.

One of the most exciting and dynamic dance styles is hip-hop. Originating from the streets of New York in the 1970s, hip-hop dance is all about attitude, creativity, and storytelling through movement. With its high-energy steps, freestyle elements, and strong connection to hip-hop music, this dance style continues to inspire people of all ages around the world. It has since evolved into a global phenomenon, influencing various aspects of popular culture, from music to fashion.

This article explores the history of hip hop dance, its characteristics, the different styles within the genre, and some of the most iconic moves. 

What Is Hip Hop Dance?

Hip-hop dance is a vibrant and energetic style of dance that originated in the streets of New York City in the 1970s. It was born from the hip-hop culture, which includes rap music, DJing, graffiti art, and breakdancing. Unlike traditional dance styles that follow strict rules, hip-hop dance is all about self-expression, creativity, and improvisation. It combines different movements such as popping, locking, breaking, and freestyle, allowing dancers to tell stories and showcase their personality through movement.

One of the defining features of hip-hop dance is its connection to hip-hop music. The beats, rhythms, and lyrics of hip-hop songs provide the foundation for dancers to move with power and style. Whether performed in dance battles, on stage, or even casually on the streets, hip-hop dance is a form of artistic storytelling that continues to evolve and inspire generations worldwide.

How Hip-Hop Dance Has Influenced Popular Culture

Hip-hop dance has had a massive influence on many aspects of popular culture, shaping everything from music and fashion to movies and social media trends. Its impact is undeniable, and here’s how it has transformed different areas of entertainment and lifestyle:

1. Music and Entertainment

Hip-hop dance and hip-hop music go hand in hand. Many famous hip-hop artists, like Michael Jackson, Missy Elliott, and Chris Brown, have incorporated hip-hop dance into their music videos and live performances. Choreography has become a crucial part of music entertainment, with artists hiring professional dancers to bring energy and excitement to their shows. Dance trends that start in hip-hop culture often go viral, influencing how people dance at parties, concerts, and even on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Hip-hop dance has also made its way into movies and TV shows. Films like Step Up, You Got Served, and Street Dance showcase hip-hop dance battles and the passion behind this style. Popular reality shows like America’s Best Dance Crew and World of Dance have further brought hip-hop dance into the mainstream, inspiring millions of viewers to appreciate and try the art form.

2. Fashion and Streetwear

The influence of hip-hop dance extends far beyond the dance floor—it has completely changed fashion trends. Dancers need comfortable, stylish clothing that allows them to move freely, which is why hip-hop fashion is often associated with baggy pants, oversized shirts, sneakers, and caps. This streetwear style, originally inspired by dancers, has become a global fashion trend embraced by brands and celebrities alike.

Famous brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma have collaborated with hip-hop artists and dancers to create clothing lines inspired by street dance culture. Even luxury fashion brands have incorporated elements of hip-hop fashion into their collections, proving that hip-hop’s influence goes beyond music and dance.

3. Social Media and Viral Dance Challenges

With the rise of social media, hip-hop dance has become more accessible and influential than ever. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have given dancers a space to showcase their talent, share choreography, and even create viral dance challenges. Moves like the "Moonwalk," "The Dougie," "The Renegade," and "The Woah" started in hip-hop dance circles but quickly spread worldwide through social media.

These viral dance trends have brought hip-hop dance to a global audience, allowing people from different cultures and backgrounds to participate in and appreciate the art form. Social media has also helped emerging hip-hop dancers gain recognition, turning some into influencers and professional performers.

4. Sports and Fitness

Hip-hop dance is also a great way to stay active and fit. Many fitness programs, such as Zumba and dance-based cardio workouts, incorporate hip-hop dance moves to make exercising more fun and engaging.

Professional athletes, especially basketball and football players, often use hip-hop dance moves to celebrate their victories, further proving its influence on sports culture.

Additionally, dance competitions and battles have become a platform for dancers to showcase their athleticism and skill, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in movement and choreography. The combination of rhythm, coordination, and strength required in hip-hop dance makes it a physically demanding yet highly enjoyable activity.

The History of Hip Hop Dance

Hip hop dance emerged as part of the broader hip hop culture, which includes four main elements: DJing, MCing (rapping), graffiti art, and breakdancing (b-boying). The dance style was influenced by a variety of sources, including African dance traditions, tap, swing, and later, funk. Here’s the breakdown of hip hop dance history:

A. Origins (Late 1960s - Early 1970s)

Hip hop dance started in the South Bronx, where DJs like Kool Herc began to isolate and extend the break sections of funk, soul, and disco songs. This innovation gave dancers more time to perform their moves and led to the creation of breakdancing or b-boying.

B. Development (1970s - 1980s)

As the popularity of hip hop culture grew, so did its dance forms. Breakdancing became more complex, and other styles like popping and locking, which originated on the West Coast, started to merge with East Coast styles. Television shows like "Soul Train" and movies like "Wild Style" and "Beat Street" brought hip hop dance to a broader audience.

C. Global Spread (1980s - Present)

By the 1980s, hip hop dance had become a global phenomenon. Dance crews from around the world began to adopt and adapt the styles, leading to a diverse array of interpretations and innovations. Today, hip hop dance is a staple in music videos, concerts, and dance competitions.

Characteristics of Hip Hop Moves

Hip hop dance is characterized by its high energy, improvisational nature, and emphasis on personal expression. Key characteristics in hip hop dance include:

1. Freestyle

Unlike many other dance forms, hip hop dance places a strong emphasis on freestyle, where dancers improvise moves on the spot. This encourages creativity and individuality.

2. Battling

Dance battles are a core aspect of hip hop culture. Dancers compete against each other in a show of skill, creativity, and originality. These battles can be spontaneous or part of organized events.

3. Rhythm and Musicality

Hip hop dance closely follows the rhythm and beats of the music. Dancers often perform moves that sync with specific beats, lyrics, or musical elements.

4. Grounded Movements

Many hip hop moves involve being low to the ground, with bent knees and fluid transitions. This style contrasts with the upright posture of classical dance forms.

Various Types of Hip Hop Dance

Here are some of the most popular types:

• Breaking (Breakdancing or B-boying)

This style involves acrobatic moves, spins, and footwork performed close to the ground. Breaking includes four primary elements: toprock (upright dancing), downrock (footwork on the floor), power moves (acrobatic moves), and freezes (sudden pauses in motion).

• Popping

Originating in Fresno, California, popping involves quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to create a jerking effect, known as a pop or hit. Poppers often integrate other moves like waving, tutting, and strobing.

• Locking

Locking involves sudden pauses or "locks" in movement and combined with rhythmic dance moves. Locking is characterized by its playful and exaggerated style.

• Krumping

Emerging from Los Angeles in the early 2000s, krumping is a highly energetic and expressive style. It involves rapid, aggressive movements, chest pops, and arm swings. Krumping often conveys intense emotions and is used as a form of catharsis.

• House Dance

While originating in house music clubs, house dance has become intertwined with hip hop culture. It emphasizes fast, complex footwork, fluid movements, and a focus on feeling the music.

Popular Hip Hop Moves You Should Try

Several iconic moves define hip hop dance. Here are some of the most recognizable:

1. The Running Man

This move involves a running motion performed on the spot, with arms pumping and legs moving in a sliding motion. It became popular in the 1980s and remains a staple in hip hop choreography.

2. The Moonwalk

Made famous by Michael Jackson, the moonwalk creates the illusion of walking backward while moving forward. This move is often incorporated into popping routines.

3. The Dougie

Originating from Texas, the Dougie involves a series of simple, rhythmic steps combined with smooth, swaying movements of the upper body.

4. The Flare

Common in breakdancing, the flare is an acrobatic move where the dancer swings their legs in a circular motion while balancing on their hands.

5. The Robot

This move mimics the movements of a robot, with precise and mechanical motions. It is often performed in popping routines.

6. Tutting

Inspired by the geometric poses seen in ancient Egyptian art, tutting involves creating box-like shapes and patterns with the arms and hands.

Ready to Try Hip Hop Dance?

If you’re captivated by the rhythmic grooves of popping, hip hop dance provides an outlet for creativity, physical fitness, and personal expression. And if your children are eager to dive into the world of hip hop dance, modern dance or any other dance style, consider enrolling them in a dance program at Rockstar Academy. 

As the premier Sports & Performing Arts Academy in Indonesia, Rockstar Academy offers a safe environment where children can engage in physical activities and experience well-rounded growth. 

Their comprehensive curriculum includes opportunities for your children to participate in Dance Recitals and RockOlympics, ensuring an amazing learning experience that helps them discover their true potential. 

And on top of that, Rockstar Academy offers a free trial class, allowing children to experience the excitement of dance firsthand before committing. Enroll your children today and watch them dance!

FAQ

What is the difference between hip hop dance and street dance?

Hip hop dance is a subset of street dance, which encompasses a variety of dance styles that developed outside of traditional dance studios. While hip hop dance includes specific styles like breaking, popping, and locking, street dance can also include other forms like house dance and waacking.

Do I need formal training to learn hip hop dance?

Formal training is not necessary to start learning hip hop dance. Many dancers learn through practice, watching videos, and participating in dance battles. However, taking classes can provide structure and help you learn techniques more efficiently.

Can anyone learn hip hop dance, regardless of age or fitness level?

Yes, hip hop dance is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Beginners can start with basic moves and gradually build up their skills and stamina. Many dance studios offer classes specifically designed for different age groups and experience levels.

What are some good resources for learning hip hop dance?

There are many resources available for learning hip hop dance, including online tutorials, instructional DVDs, and dance classes like Rockstar Academy. Additionally, watching performances and participating in dance battles can provide inspiration and insight into different styles.