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The Hip Hop Culture
Hip hop is an art that expresses musical and artistic culture and is said to come from the Latino and African-American communities in Bronx, New York. This is the highly accepted origin, although some say that this dance originated a elsewhere long before it became popular in NY.
What we are sure of is that a lot of young people want to learn hip hop dance moves due to the following it’s gained both dancing on the streets and dancing in movies.
Hip hop dancing is a very energetic dance that is totally different from other formal forms of dance, like ballet, tap or even ballroom dancing. Part of it’s fame is due to MTV and hip hop movies like ‘Step Up’.
Many people who want to learn hip hop dance got the ‘bug’ by watching these movies on TV or in theaters. They also began learning it by imitating what they was on the screen. That’s a great way to start, but if you really want to learn hip hop dance seriously then you should find a class or get a mentor/teacher.
Learn Hip Hop Dance Styles
There are several styles of hip hop dancing. You may be thinking that all of those moves collectively known as hip hop are just called hip hop. To really learn hip hop dance you must first know that there are different styles and moves to learn – only then will you be called a ‘real’ hip hop dancer.
Locking. This is a street dance that involves fast arm and hand movements while the legs and hips are staying relaxed. The movements of this style are usually funny and exaggerated yet very much in harmony with the music.
Popping. Invented by Sam Solomon in 1970s, this dance is a funk style of dance. If you want to learn this hip hop dance move, you should learn to control your muscles. This is a dance style where the dancer quickly contracts and relaxes his muscles which will cause a pop or hit. Some moves associated with popping are cobra, fresno, crazy legs and dime shopping.
Breaking. Also called break dancing or b-boying. This dance involves pauses and poses. Your body should create a pose where any part of the body is standing up and one part will remain on the ground. Some moves in break dancing are head stand, handstand, freeze, drop and float.
Hit the Clubs to Learn Hip Hop Dance
For some young people who want to learn hip hop dance, the only thing they need to do is to hang out with some friends who can bring them to clubs where hip hop is being promoted. There are hip hop clubs that hold dance competitions and even dance exhibitions where everyone interested can participate. For someone new, going to a club can already help them in gaining confidence when dancing and some really learn hip hop dance just by hanging out in these places.
Keep the Passion to Learn Hip Hop Dance
Studying hip hop can be challenging, but really, all you need to have is the heart and the passion to learn it. Some learn by watching and imitating but of course, the better option is to start with someone showing you easier steps then slowly learning the advanced moves. Master each step carefully before moving on to the more difficult ones to avoid accidents and injuries.
…at least according to Kendra Wilkinson on People TV. In the interview, Kendra compares her first dance on Dancing With the Stars to sex and says that she’s much more comfortable now that she knows what to expect (in the ballroom).
