Pop dance is a funk and street dance style that uses the technique of quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to create jerks in the body called “popping”. A person who performs popping movements is referred to as a popper. It is one of the oldest street dance styles and has been incorporated into the hip hop and electronica dance scenes. Popping can be done with a variety of music genres but is most often performed to funk and disco music.
The origin of pop dance can be traced back to the Boogaloo cultural movement in Oakland, California. In an attempt to look tough like gangsters, young people would come up with moves and practice them before showing them off in clubs or dance battles. The dancers would flex their muscles, muttering “Pop, Pop” and the name stuck. In time, the style evolved into a more fluid use of every part of the body and became a type of robot dance paired with smooth isolations.
Popping and other styles such as tutting, waving, liquid and digits can be seen in modern music videos and on the dance floors around the world. Although it can be a difficult style to master, it’s fun and rewarding. The most successful poppers are focused on training, being disciplined and staying healthy.
Whether you want to learn how to pop dance at home or join your friends on the dance floor, the key is to start small and build your confidence one step at a time. With the help of a trained professional, you’ll soon be ready to rock the party.
