Hip-hop is an energetic and vibrant freestyle dance that incorporates popping, locking and breaking, often performed to hip-hop music. Complex movements set to rhythmic beats allow a dancer to exhibit their own style and creativity in the practice of no-holds-barred physical poetry. Its rich history makes this style of expression not only unique and revered, but truly special. Use this guide to hip-hop to find out how this popular dance class got its start. 

History of Hip-Hop

Hip-hop dance has both historical and social roots, emerging onto the street dance scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, predominantly in black communities in New York City. This art form incorporates aspects of modern dance, tap and swing and is largely inspired by traditional African dance. The style of hip-hop dance varied by coast, with the West coast adopting the East coast style, adding a personal touch of its own. 

East coast hip-hop was more about freezing in power moves, while West coast introduced robotic movements that are now recognized as a subsection of popping. Hip-hop dance operates as a component of a larger culture and lifestyle, represented in a style of dress, talk, and movement. While it's grown mainstream as one of the most popular styles of dance today, it still carries with it the original intention of creative expression. 

Classic Hip-Hop Moves

While this street-style dance has evolved in many ways, the foundational movements that started it all can still be spotted in a dance class or modern-day routine. The core movements include top rocks, fast footwork, back rocks, freezes and power moves. Top rocks are the upright steps you take as a warm up for a transition to the floor. Fast footwork is a series of lateral movements twisting using your heel and toe. 

Back rocks are a transitional move designed to shift to your next step or disguise a fall from the floor by moving left or right, using your feet and shoulder. A freeze is an abrupt hold often executed after or during a power move. A power move is the pies de resistance of a dance battle. This is where you showcase your best skills. Examples of power moves include head spins, air flares and windmills.

Does your child have a passion for dance? Enroll them in Elite Dance Studio in Lindenhurst, NY. Their wide variety of dance classes helps students learn self-discipline, structure, and teamwork through ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, and acro. Experienced and knowledgeable instructors help young dancers develop proper technique and form while boosting their confidence and self-esteem. Additionally, this dance studio offers adult fitness classes, allowing everyone to get in on the fun. To see the full list of classes, visit their website. For questions, call (631) 450-4740.