When you see a group of people dancing to hip hop music in a club or at a concert, it may look like they are just having fun. However, they are also putting in the work to create an art form that is both interesting and difficult to master. Hip hop dance is an art form that has roots in the 1970’s and continues to be a popular way to express oneself.
The popularity of hip hop dance was first boosted by the television show Soul Train and the 1980s films Breakin’, Beat Street and Wild Style. This helped to introduce the dances and dance crews that were creating them to a larger audience. Later, shows such as America’s Best Dance Crew and movies like Step Up brought the dances to a new generation of viewers. However, these shows and films tended to portray underground Hip Hop culture in a way that was more palatable for mainstream audiences.
Some of the most famous styles of hip hop dance include breaking, krumping, locking and popping. These styles are created by quick contractions of muscles that cause the dancer’s body to jerk and move. While some of these dances are fast and high energy, others require slower movements that allow the dancer to hold positions longer.
Regardless of the specific style, all forms of hip hop dance are characterized by an awareness of the music that is being played and a sense of self-expression. Whether you are looking to join a hip hop dance class or just want to start exploring the moves on your own, this article will give you a good starting point to begin your journey with this intriguing and expressive art form.