Hip hop dance is a fast-paced, sweaty, and challenging form of exercise that can help you tone your body. Dancing to the beat also helps you burn five to ten calories per minute, depending on the intensity of your workout.
The origins of hip hop dance go back to the 1960s when people without professional training but with a natural instinct for movement brought dancing to the streets. Inspired by complex rhythms and the down-to-earth movement style of African dancing, this dance form was largely an expression of emotion.
In the 1980s, this dance became institutionalized and began to appear in dance studios. Dancers of all skill levels would hit the dance floor to rock to a DJ’s music that included both funk and rock “breaks.”
One of the most popular moves in hip hop dancing is called popping, which is characterized by quickly contracting your muscles to create a jerking effect. Other movements, such as locking, require you to quickly freeze your body in different positions as you dance.
Many dancers use a combination of these techniques when performing their routines. They may also incorporate more complex movements and combinations into their choreography.
As this dance continues to grow in popularity and acclaim, it’s now not only a popular choice for clubs and parties, but it’s also making its way into the high school dance world as well. Young school-aged kids are even starting to hold their own hip hop dance competitions during recess and afterschool activities.
