What’s so hip about hip hop dance
Hip hop dance is almost as old as hip hop. First there was hip hop, and then there was hip hop dance. It’s something of an umbrella term as it comprises a number of different styles, including popping, locking and breaking, all of which were developed in the seventies. Pretty soon, the whole planet was doing the infectious hip hop dance.
Eighties films helped to push hip hop dance into the mainstream. The Internet has pushed it even further into the public consciousness, and there now exists several hip hop dance competitions throughout Europe. Despite originating in the seventies, it is still going strong. But what exactly is so hip about hip hop dance? Let’s take a look.
Hip Hop Dance Celebrates Culture
Hip hop actually has its origins in 1940’s, when African Americans would “hip hop” about town. The actual term didn’t really come to any kind of prominence until the 1970’s though, when Afrika Bambaataa was forging a culture that brought together breaking, graffiti, deejaying and emceeing. Bambaataa decided to call this culture hip-hop.
In many ways, dancing to the hip-hop beat in 2015 is like a celebration of a bygone era; a time when African American’s were finding their feet (literally) and establishing a brand new cultural phenomenon.
It Can Be Done Anywhere!
Hip hop dance is pretty much the opposite of ballet. There is no-one telling you what to do, and nor do you have to go to some giant hall in order to do it. Indeed, you can do it anywhere. You can do it in the street, down a back alley, in a parking lot, a warehouse, or even in your own garage!
I’m sure you could even do it at your grandmother’s house if you asked nicely!
Hip Hop Dance Brings Communities Together
Because hip hop dance largely springs up in urban areas, it means that what often happens is a whole community engage in it together. Think of it like a Mexican wave – something that starts out small, blossoms into this whole wave of feeling that lots of people get involved in. Hip hop dance is a form of individual expression, but, like most forms of dance, it’s also a very communal and collective form of expression that doesn’t discriminate. If you want to get involved, get involved!
Hip Hop Dance Means Something Different To Each Person
Because there are a number of different styles – including the aforementioned popping, breaking and locking – hip hop dance is something that often means different things to different people. In this sense, it’s hard to define what hip hop dance actually is. Breaking, which emerged in the early 70s, varies wildly from locking, which both vary wildly from popping. What’s great is that, whilst hip hop dance is so versatile and incredibly flavoursome, all styles still return to the fundamentals of hip hop.
More than anything, hip hop dance is a celebration of life and living in the moment. It’s a form of expression that sees us let loose and take pleasure in the beat. So the next time you fancy a dance, why not stick on some hip hop and indulge in some locking?
If you’ve always wanted to learn hip hop, but need that little push, this is it. The best dance school in QLD have a dance class, which focuses on the latest hip hop moves and styles seen on the dance scene today. This fun-filled class will have you popping and locking to upbeat music from various hip hop genres and to the latest hip hop tracks. You’ll look like a pro in no time! Call us today on 5522 1863.