Hip hop dance has exploded in popularity globally, moving from street corners and clubs to studios and stages worldwide. As its influence grows, many aspiring dancers wonder: Can You Learn Hip Hop Dance At School? To explore this question, we delve into the experiences and insights of Frankie J, a highly respected house dancer with formal training from prestigious institutions like London Contemporary Dance School. Frankie J’s journey offers a unique perspective on dance education and the pathways to mastering hip hop styles.
Frankie J’s background is rooted in formal dance training, starting at Swindon Youth Dance Academy and progressing to the renowned London Contemporary Dance School (The Place). This structured education provided him with a strong foundation in movement and dance principles. He emphasizes that while his passion gravitated towards house dance, his formal training was instrumental in shaping his approach to dance as a whole.
His journey highlights that a formal dance education can indeed be a valuable starting point for aspiring hip hop dancers. Schools, academies, and dance institutions often provide comprehensive training in various dance forms, including contemporary dance, which Frankie J initially focused on. This training cultivates crucial skills applicable to hip hop, such as body awareness, rhythm, coordination, and performance techniques.
Frankie J reflects on the initial appeal of battles, a core element of hip hop culture. “Battling has always been a really fun and exciting part of the culture. It was like being involved in a game,” he explains. He acknowledges that battles were initially attractive because of the competitive aspect and the potential for recognition and prizes. However, as he matured as a dancer, he realized that dance is “a much more bigger thing” than just competition. This perspective shift is important for young dancers who might consider learning hip hop in a school environment. Schools can offer a balanced approach, nurturing both technical skills and the artistic and cultural appreciation of hip hop dance beyond competitive aspects.
While formal education provides a structured learning environment, Frankie J also emphasizes the vital role of experience outside of formal settings. He points to the club scene and social dance as critical spaces for developing a deeper understanding of hip hop. “For me I learned it from going to a club. I learnt this by not being in a class but going back to the roots of this dance. It made me understand why this dance came from the club,” Frankie J shares. This highlights that while schools can offer a starting point, immersing oneself in the culture through social dancing, jams, and community events is equally essential for a well-rounded hip hop education.
Frankie J’s insights into duo performances further illustrate transferable skills learned through dance training, whether in school or other settings. He describes duo dancing as “about showing why you two have a connection and why you two dance together. What is it that you create and represent together. How you harmonise.” These aspects of collaboration, communication, and shared artistic vision are valuable life skills fostered through dance education, and applicable far beyond the dance floor.
When asked about advice for aspiring dancers, Frankie J stresses self-discovery and open-mindedness. “Dance is about self-discovery. It’s not just this external thing that you’re putting onto your body. It’s a movement, it’s a culture, it’s an experience and hopefully it becomes life for you,” he advises. Schools can play a role in facilitating this self-discovery process by providing a supportive environment, diverse dance styles exposure, and opportunities for creative exploration.
Frankie J credits key figures in his dance journey, including Clara Bajado, Robert Hylton, and Veronica Lewis from London Contemporary Dance School. These mentors represent both the street dance community and formal dance institutions. Veronica Lewis, in particular, from a formal educational setting, encouraged Frankie J to pursue his unique vision of dance. This underscores that educators within school settings can profoundly impact a dancer’s development and encourage them to embrace diverse styles like hip hop.
In conclusion, yes, you absolutely can learn hip hop dance at school. While formal education might not replicate the exact environment of street cyphers or clubs, it provides a strong foundation in dance principles, cultivates essential skills, and can open doors to diverse dance styles, including hip hop. Frankie J’s journey demonstrates that formal training, combined with real-world experience and cultural immersion, creates a powerful path for mastering hip hop dance and building a successful dance career. For those wondering where to begin their hip hop dance journey, exploring dance programs at schools and institutions can be an excellent first step.
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