Hip hop dance refers to urban dance styles that are mainly performed with hip hop music or that have evolved as part of their culture.
Did you know that there are several styles of hip hop?
Hip hop is a cultural current that, as you know, encompasses many areas. Next we will show you with videos the 2 big groups of hip hop styles. Ready to discover them with us?
What is the hip hop dance?
What distinguishes hip hop from other dance styles is that improvisation plays a big role within this style. Freestyle dance competitions, what in the world of street hip hop are called "battles".
Dance teams, freestyle and battles are identifiers of hip hop. Hip hop can be practiced as a form of training or as a hobby. And for those who are passionate about dancing and want to take it beyond fun and entertainment... hip hop is also a professional and competitive trend. There are many professionals who today live from hip hop, from its teaching, creation of choreographies and shows. And you, do you know any referent of hip hop?
Hip hop is a cultural current that has grown very rapidly and has awakened interest and attraction to the world. Hip hop has unleashed a whole cultural current and marks a whole lifestyle for its lovers.
The style of hip hop are divided into 2 groups:
Main styles / Old School
# Breaking
Breaking is also generally referred to breakdance. As a dance style that combines 3 main elements: acrobatics, gymnastics and rhythm. The break dance is one of the most popular styles of hip hop dance that was developed as a body response to the beat box.
Enjoy this video of a breaking dance battle. And you, would you dare to participate in a battle?
Breakdance battle in Chelles Battle Pro 2014 Final competition
# Locking
Locking is a type of dance very similar to popping. Its fast and exaggerated movements of hands and arms stand out. The name of this style is based on the term 'lock' which means block.
This style of dance is characterized by its continuous blocks, elements of interpretation, mime, and acrobatics.
Video of Locking battle in the dance event of Juste Debout Holland 2018
# Popping
Popping is a dance style that emerged in Fresno, California. It is characterized by its robotic elements contracting the muscles of the body. It is very important to dance it with the right music to be able to dance it and that the movements of the body adapt to it. It is generally danced with the musical genres of funk, electro and house.
Don't miss this fabulous popping video of the twins at the San Diego World of Dance 2010.
"Les Twins" in the World of Dance San Diego 2010 WOD championship
New School / Derivative Styles
These styles are characterized by their innovative trends that incorporate any style of dance with gestures and attitudes inspired by social and cultural contexts in addition to responding to the latest musical trends.
# Swing Beat or New Jack Swing
Musical genre that unites soul music and Hip Hop, with rhythmic and rap bases. It was a genre of transition, which opened the doors to the public to the sounds of R & B and Hip Hop today.
As a result of this style a multitude of dance steps are born that are placed in clubs and discotheques, and from there is born the so-called Hype, which is also a form of expression of hip hop.
And to start practicing we leave you with this live video of a class of New Jack Swing
New Jack Swing class by Simon Tan in Mustang Dance Studio
# Krumping
Krumping is originally from California. It is characterized for being a free dance where the movements are more abrupt and strong. It is generally represented in competitions. The music of this style is very essential as it marks the rhythm and expression of the dancer.
If you like to dance with a lot of strength and expression, Krumping is for you!
Video of Krumping in the EBS Krump World Championship in France
# New Style
Due to the evolution of hip hop in the 90s, its great success on stage and its new musical trends that generated great interest from the press and television, was created the new style of dance qualified New School called New Style (New York) and L.A Style (Los Angeles). The New style is characterized by the combination of elements of the main styles such as Jazz, Indian, African and any other dance style.
Improvisations and floor positions are left aside and choreographed and synchronized sequences predominate. Generally represented in music videos and shows, concerts, advertisements and other media events.
Dancers emulating the style of Les Twins in New Style
# Jazz- Funk
Jazz Funk combines elements of Hip Hop, Jazz and Waaking. It is a dance genre that allows you to dance madly and fiercely.
The choreographies of Jazz Funk have a highly syncopated musicality, involve intricate movements and are danced with much femininity.
Jazz Funk by Marina Moiseeva and her dance company
And we're done with these two hip hop choreographed videos:
Choreography by Jojo Gomez of the song Buttons, by The Pussycat Dolls
Choreography by Alexander Chung of the song Escalate, by Tsar B
What did you think of these videos? Did you know all these hip hop sub-styles? Now that you know all the hip hop styles you have to choose your own and start learning the basic steps of hip hop and dancing! remember to visit our website to find your best school!
Remember, the key to dancing is practice and perseverance. So you know, whether it's in a disco, dance hall, your favourite school or in the mirror at home, we encourage you to never stop dancing!
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