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What are Hip Hop Dances

written by: mr wiggles
what are the hip hop dances
What are the different types of Hip Hop Dance?
BREAKING - ROCKING - POPPING - LOCKING - FREESTYLE (including all party style dances born from Hip Hop Music)
Hip Hop Dance in its original form (early 70's era) is BREAKIN/BREAKING/BBOYING/BGIRL. This is where Hip Hop dance originated TOP ROCK/FOOTWORK/and FREEZES, Also add the Latino Contributions of what we call AIR MOVES (power moves). But Hip Hop Dance is also the PARTY DANCES/FREESTYLES that were done at original Hip Hop Jams from the 70's through the 80's. Original BREAKIN was done by African Americans, Latinos of NYC had a dance called ROCKING (up rock, top rock, downgrock) The 2 dance styles combined in the late 70's to manifest the style of Breaking we see today. the Hybrid of BREAKING and ROCKING took Hip Hop dance to new heights in the early 80's during the 80's explosion of Hip Hop culture throughout the world.
When the East Coast Hip Hop dancers met the West Coast Street Style dancers, and exchanged styles. California had dances like POPPING and LOCKING. With this exchange came the acceptance of POPPING and LOCKING into Hip Hop dance. Although West Coast dances style have a respected history, it is safe to say that POPPING, LOCKING, BREAKING, ROCKING, and FREESTYLE are elements of HIP HOP DANCE.
This is due to 2 important Movies that were made in the early 80's that helped catapult Hip Hop to the mainstream audience. WEST COAST MOVIE CALLED "BREAKIN", and the EAST COAST MOVIE CALLED "BEAT STREET". Because of these 2 movies, Hip Hop dance was established.
What are the different types of Hip Hop Dance?
BREAKING - ROCKING - POPPING - LOCKING - FREESTYLE (including all party style dances born from Hip Hop Music)
Hip Hop Dance in its original form (early 70's era) is BREAKIN/BREAKING/BBOYING/BGIRL. This is where Hip Hop dance originated TOP ROCK/FOOTWORK/and FREEZES, Also add the Latino Contributions of what we call AIR MOVES (power moves). But Hip Hop Dance is also the PARTY DANCES/FREESTYLES that were done at original Hip Hop Jams from the 70's through the 80's. Original BREAKIN was done by African Americans, Latinos of NYC had a dance called ROCKING (up rock, top rock, downgrock) The 2 dance styles combined in the late 70's to manifest the style of Breaking we see today. the Hybrid of BREAKING and ROCKING took Hip Hop dance to new heights in the early 80's during the 80's explosion of Hip Hop culture throughout the world.
When the East Coast Hip Hop dancers met the West Coast Street Style dancers, and exchanged styles. California had dances like POPPING and LOCKING. With this exchange came the acceptance of POPPING and LOCKING into Hip Hop dance. Although West Coast dances style have a respected history, it is safe to say that POPPING, LOCKING, BREAKING, ROCKING, and FREESTYLE are elements of HIP HOP DANCE.
This is due to 2 important Movies that were made in the early 80's that helped catapult Hip Hop to the mainstream audience. WEST COAST MOVIE CALLED "BREAKIN", and the EAST COAST MOVIE CALLED "BEAT STREET". Because of these 2 movies, Hip Hop dance was established.

To understand More about original Hip Hop Dance, I highly recommend watching these 2 movies. STYLE WARS, and WILD STYLE.

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DJ Kool Herc is the Official Father of Hip Hop Culture. His music selection, and connection to the BBOY/BGIRL Community, as well as his overwhelming presence on the streets created a huge following that lead to all the manifestations of what Hip Hop is today.
dj kool herc
The official year is 1973, the year that DJ Kool Herc had a famous party for his sister, and where he started playing his trademark style of Bboy Music, and how he played his music set off the scene that sparked the flames for what today's Hip Hop represents.
dj kool herc first party flyer 1973
DJ (that cuts break beats), MC (rapper), BBOY/BGIRL (breaking is the original Hip Hop Dance), WRITER (original term for graffiti writer), KNOWLEDGE (of Hip Hop History, of self, Other people, cultures, and the world around you)
the basic elements of Hip Hop Dance are: from NYC we have Breaking, Rocking, Party Dance/Freestyle, Electric Boogie. and from the West Coast influence we also include POPPING, and LOCKING.
Many will say it is BREAKING, POPPING, and LOCKING. Due the popularity of early Hip Hop Movies like BEAT STREET, and BREAKIN. But the real truth would be: BREAKING, ROCKING, and FREESTYLE/PARTY DANCE
YES, HIP HOP DANCE, is an extreme physical, and cardio workout, and also a fund dance. Even if you do basics in any of the styles of Hip Hop, we believe you would receive great benefits in your health.
First make sure you love the music. if you are a fan of real Hip Hop Music (Break Beats & Rhymes, Rap, Electro Funk). First thing any Hip Hop beginner should learn is simple Groove, and 2 Steps. Even for Breaking. Having a good sense of rhythm will take you far in any style of Hip Hop. Make sure you take classes with a reputable studio that teaches foundations in all Hip Hop dance styles.
The traditional way to get your name in Hip Hop Dance, is when your teacher, or someone influential gives you a name. You want a name with meaning, that represents your dance, and someone who has been there through out your journey who you respect, is the best person to give you a name. Other wise, some people choose a name based on his or her movement, add the word BOOGIE and your Initials, Start with MR, or MRS and add a funky move like MR WIGGLES ;), Use your CITY and add your initials. Try starting with a 3 letter word taken from your first or last name, or do like POP MASTER FABEL and open a dictionary, cover your eyes, flick the pages, and point at a random word (true story), then change the spelling of the word to give the name a twist.
If You dedicate yourself to studying basics without getting ahead of yourself, keeping up with social style dance 2 steps, and grooves, learn short 4 count freestyles, and build up to 8 count, 16 count, 32 count freestyles, and battle in open ciphers with other students, you will get good fast. But it takes a patient mindset to study foundation without getting anxious to grow. You are good once you can combine rhythm, groove, steps, and moves with confidence.
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