History and Origins
Hip-hop dance is a vibrant and energetic style that originated in the streets of New York City in the 1970s. It was born from the broader hip-hop culture, which encompasses four main elements: DJing, MCing (rapping), graffiti art, and breakdancing (b-boying). Unlike traditional dance styles with strict rules, hip-hop dance is fundamentally about self-expression, creativity, and improvisation.
Core Characteristics
Hip-hop dance is characterized by bounces and rocks, executed to hip-hop music.93 Key characteristics include:
Freestyle: A strong emphasis on improvisation, where dancers create moves spontaneously, encouraging creativity and individuality.94
Battling: A core aspect of hip-hop culture where dancers compete against each other to showcase skill, creativity, and originality. These battles can be spontaneous or organized.94
Rhythm and Musicality: Hip-hop dance closely follows the rhythm and beats of the music, with dancers often syncing moves to specific beats, lyrics, or musical elements.94
Grounded Movements: Many hip-hop moves involve being low to the ground, with bent knees and fluid transitions, contrasting with the upright posture of classical dance forms.94
Key Movements
Hip-hop dance combines various movements, including popping, locking, breaking, and freestyle elements, allowing dancers to tell stories and express their personality. Some recognizable moves include:
The Running Man: A running motion performed in place, with arms pumping and legs moving in a sliding motion. It gained popularity in the 1980s and remains a staple in hip-hop choreography.
Execution: Pull both elbows back towards your sides simultaneously, making loose fists and bending elbows to a 90-degree angle. As you pump arms, lift one knee towards your chest (90-degree angle), then lower the foot. As that foot meets the floor, drag the other foot backward across the floor, lifting its heel. Repeat, alternating legs, picking up pace to create the running-in-place illusion.
The Dougie: Originating from Texas, this move involves a series of simple, rhythmic steps combined with smooth, swaying movements of the upper body.
Execution: Start with a basic two-step move with an added bounce, stepping from left to right with bent knees. As you step right, lean into the right side, with your back towards the right and chest at a 45-degree angle to the left. Bring your left forearm up. Finish the two-step by bringing your left foot inward to meet your right foot and tapping it on the ground. Repeat on the other side, stepping left, turning torso 45 degrees right, and bringing your right forearm up. Combine smoothly, leaning torso and bringing the opposite arm up with each step.
The Flare: An acrobatic move common in breaking, where the dancer swings their legs in a circular motion while balancing on their hands.
The Robot: This move mimics the precise and mechanical movements of a robot, often performed in popping routines.
Tutting: Inspired by ancient Egyptian art, this involves creating box-like shapes and patterns with the arms and hands.
Cultural Impact and Musicality
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.94 It emerged as a powerful form of self-expression for African American communities in New York, providing a voice to underrepresented groups. The dance style is deeply connected to hip-hop music, with dancers closely following its rhythms and beats.