Hip-hop
Hip-hop dance grew up in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s, as part of hip-hop culture alongside DJing, rap and graffiti. It is danced to hip-hop music with bent knees, a relaxed body and a steady bounce or rock on the beat. Studios teach it in groups, both as freestyle — improvising — and as choreography.
What it is for
Section titled “What it is for”- Groove and musicality: moving on the beat with your whole body.
- Cardio, stamina and strong legs.
- Freestyle skills and the confidence to dance at parties, in a circle or in a battle.
- Self-expression: each dancer slowly finds their own style.
- A base for other street styles and for choreography.
Equipment
Section titled “Equipment”- Sneakers you can move and turn in. Some studios ask for a clean pair worn only indoors.
- Loose, comfortable clothes.
- Water and a towel.
- Nothing else — the studio has the hall, the mirrors and the sound.
How a class goes
Section titled “How a class goes”- Usually 60–90 minutes.
- A warm-up with grooves — the bounce, the rock and isolations.
- Foundation: the basic steps, often called party dances or social dances. Each has its own name, and you learn them one by one.
- A combination or choreography to one track, then danced in small groups.
- Many classes end with a cypher: the dancers stand in a circle and take turns to freestyle in the middle. Nobody has to go in before they feel ready.
- Levels run from beginners to advanced, and groups for children and teenagers are common.
Who it suits best
Section titled “Who it suits best”- Children and teenagers — hip-hop is a popular first dance style.
- Adults who like the music and want an energetic class.
- People who want to freestyle, not only learn set routines. For the floor side of hip-hop, see Breaking.
- Dancers of other styles who want more groove and a looser body.
- It is less suited to anybody who wants a slow, quiet class. The bent knees and constant bounce load the knees: with knee problems, ask your doctor and tell the teacher.