Do you want to learn how to dance hip hop and express yourself through movement? This detailed guide from LEARNS.EDU.VN will equip you with the knowledge and resources you need to embark on your hip hop journey. Explore the world of rhythm, body awareness, and expressive movement, and uncover your dancing potential with our expertly crafted advice and instruction. This article covers everything from understanding music to finding hip-hop dance classes in your area, so get ready to learn hip hop dance styles.
1. Understanding Musicality
What is dance musicality, and why is it crucial in learning hip hop dance? Dance musicality is how dancers perceive, interpret, and move to music. It shapes the tone of our movements and offers audios to follow.
But, to begin learning about music and how we dance to it, the first step is learning how to count music itself.
1.1. The Significance of an 8-Count
An 8-count is used to dissect music into manageable segments. It is like a map that shows you when to perform a certain move. For instance, if a choreographer specifies that a move should be performed on “the 5,” count the beats of the music like this: “One, two, three, four, MOVE.”
Try This:
Listen to any song and mentally count “One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight.” Align your counts with the song’s beat, the same beat you would naturally nod your head or clap your hands to.
1.2. Key Musical Elements in Hip Hop
Understanding the components of a song will help you to better connect with the music and express it through dance.
*Note: This isn’t an exhaustive list of every sound in music history, but rather the basics to avoid feeling overwhelmed or overcomplicated.
1.2.1. Lyrics
The words a singer sings. Lyrics are usually the easiest to pick out but the hardest to count or dance because words don’t always fit neatly into 8-count structures. Sometimes, choreographers mirror the lyrics by creating gestures that match what the singer is saying.
1.2.2. Bass
The bass is the lowest part of the conventional four voice ranges (bass, tenor, alto, soprano), or the lowest sound in a musical composition that supports the melody. Drums and bass guitars are often used to produce a bass sound. Dancers use the onomatopoeia “boom” to describe a bass sound and often associate it with solid, grounded movements, such as a foot stomp or a Woah.
1.2.3. Snare
The snare is the short, staccato drum sound found in many hip hop tracks, similar to the sound of a rubber band snapping. Dancers often describe a snare as a “ka.” Quick, sharp movements usually accompany the sound. For example, a dancer may quickly fling an arm to the side and snap their fingers or rapidly turn their head toward the audience.
1.2.4. Hi-Hat
A hi-hat is created by a hi-hat cymbal. Dancers often describe this sound as “tss tss.” Hi-hats are generally paired with sharp movements, but if the cymbal creates a reverb-y echo, they may melt into something groovier. Envision a dancer popping their chest when the hi-hat is struck, followed by a few smaller pops to mimic the echoing hi-hat.
1.2.5. Synth
A sound synthesizer creates electrical signals that convert into sound through amps and loudspeakers. A common synth is the synth piano, which can sound like a long, slow bass or a “wobba wobba.” This sound pairs well with a gooey movement. Mimic the sound’s rippling effect by using resistance and waves in your movement. A dancer might slowly roll their chest to a synth.
1.2.6. Strings
Guitar strums and melodies are also useful to take note of for more instrumental or acoustic songs. Feel free to do whatever feels right in the moment for these songs.
1.2.7. Keyboard/Piano
The piano sounds accentuate or set the song’s melody or harmony. You can dance to these sounds separately or as chords. If you repeatedly hear a high-pitched piano note, you might hit that note with a small upper-body move. If you hear a set of rich chords, you might use some flowy, full-body moves to show how rich those sounds are.
Alt text: A diverse group of people dancing in a lively setting, expressing their musicality through dynamic movements.
1.3. Discovering Patterns in Music
With focused listening, you’ll start to see patterns emerge in music. Perhaps there’s a bass drum on the 1st and 5th counts, or a snare on every even count. As you clap, bounce, or mark the beats, notice the sound patterns. This awareness will guide your musicality when you dance.
1.4. Hip Hop Dance Musicality in Practice
Dance musicality shows itself in many ways, depending on the dancer’s style, the song, and their interpretation of the music.
Consider these two very different pieces set to the same song, highlighting the diversity in dance styles and musicality choices:
- How Many Drinks – Pat Cruz & Aggie Loyola
- How Many Drinks – Carlo Darang
As these pieces show, everyone interprets music uniquely. Choreographers use different images and textures to represent how they hear a song.
Great choreographers have unique ways of moving to music, accentuating sounds that might go unnoticed during casual listening. By recognizing the different sounds in a song and their flow, you can better embody those sounds through movement.
2. Cultivating Body Awareness
Have you ever attended a yoga class? A key objective of yoga is to be present in mind and body. As a dancer, your mind and body must work in sync. Your mind interprets the music and movement intent, and your body is the tool for moving.
2.1. Enhancing Body Awareness
Lay on the floor and close your eyes. Play some light music if you wish.
Focus your thoughts and feelings on each body part in the following list. Flex or move the part to heighten awareness. Once you feel fully comfortable, move on to the next.
| Body Part | Exercise |
|---|---|
| Arms | Flex and extend |
| Shoulder | Rotate |
| Forearm | Rotate |
| Wrist | Flex and circle |
| Fingers | Wiggle |
| Fingertips | Tap gently |
| Legs | Extend and bend |
| Thigh | Flex |
| Knees | Bend |
| Calves | Flex |
| Ankles | Rotate |
| Feet | Point and flex |
| Toes | Curl and spread |
| Hips | Rotate in and out |
| Chest | Lift and lower |
| Upper Chest | Gentle pulsations |
| Core | Engage and release |
| Lower Abdomen | Contract |
| Neck | Turn and roll clockwise and counterclockwise |
It may seem too easy, but the key isn’t the difficulty of the movement. The key is becoming familiar with these body parts, requiring significant focus. Muscle memory starts with muscle awareness. By dedicating time and energy to getting to know your body, you’re training your most important tool as a dancer.
Alt text: A group of hip hop dancers synchronizing their movements, showcasing coordination and spatial awareness.
2.2. Essential Body Placements in Dance
Now that we’re familiar with how each body part feels in a resting position, let’s explore how our bodies look and feel in certain placements. We’ll use three main ideas for these exercises:
- Focus
- Posture
- Angles
2.3. Using Focus Effectively
In dance, focus refers to the direction your face is facing. When timed correctly with a committed facial expression, your focus can greatly enhance a performance.
In any pose or movement, your focus can be straight to the mirror (useful for self-observation at first), to the right, to the left, up, down, or to varying degrees.
For instance, “right 45” could mean turning your face halfway between directly ahead and your right side. “Down left 45” means looking slightly to the left with your chin down so that your eyes aim at the bottom corner of the wall. Focus changes will become natural as you learn choreography, but choreographers sometimes specify certain focus points for certain poses and combos.
Try This:
Stretch your neck to the rhythm of a song by looking to the:
- Right, left, right, left, then switch to
- Up, down, up, down
- Then hit the diagonals!
- Then roll your neck around so your eyes are making a big circle and switch directions.
2.4. Understanding Posture
Posture is closely related to the style or mood of a piece.
For instance, Whacking requires an open chest, and focuses are sharp and intentional. In a more relaxed piece, your posture might be directed toward the ground, with a relaxed torso and shoulders. Think of posture as a huge part of your body language that communicates tone and mood.
2.5. Visualizing Pictures
Before diving into full-body movement, study how your body feels when hitting certain angles. When you break down hip hop dance movements, you’ll notice certain stops or pictures in the movement.
Practice creating different pictures in the mirror, and pay attention to how they make you feel.
Do you feel powerful when your legs are apart and your hands are on your hips?
Do you feel weak when you hunch your shoulders and point your knees inward?
3. Executing Movement
3.1. Finding Your Groove
Chances are, you already know how to dance. Do you bob your head or sway from side to side when you go to a club or listen to music? These are grooves, the foundation for hip hop dance and open-style choreography. Hip hop dance grooves came about as people danced at clubs and parties, just vibing with each other.
Practicing grooves is key to not looking awkward when you dance.
There are several elements that factor into how your movement looks. These come more into play when executing choreography based around hip hop’s foundations.
3.2. Hitting with the Right Energy
Even if you’re not a Popper, you probably use a similar technique to “hit” certain sounds in choreography.
Flexing your muscles creates a visual that matches louder musical elements, like a bass.
When you hit, you don’t want to be too soft and undersell the move, but you also don’t want to go too full out and overdo it. The goal is to embody the music, not compete with it.
Imagine your energy levels as following the pattern of an audio visualizer. The louder the sound, the higher the level, and the stronger your hit.
3.3. “Milking” a Move
This technique is most commonly used to describe movement in the in-betweens of pictures, the pathway between A and B.
Here are a few ways “milking” is used:
- At the end of a move, instead of “putting a period” on it (ending it definitely by stopping the movement), think of it as a “…”. The “dot dot dot” indicates that you’re dragging out that move to extend its pathway past “B,” which would have been the stopping point without the milking.
- You can milk from one picture into a completely new picture. To practice this, set two poses. Change your position every four counts, but use a different pathway each time to slowly get your body where it needs to be.
- Think of milking as a change in acceleration. All moves are slowing down, speeding up, or stopping. Milking is just the term for gently stepping on your brakes. Where your car goes (the pathway) is up to you.
Alt text: A visual representation of energy levels in dance, showing the correlation between sound intensity and movement strength.
3.4. Mastering Speed Control
Learning how to manipulate your speed is going to be a huge factor in shifting dynamics and textures. To practice speed control, pretend that your arms are hitting a “wall.” Instead of stopping at this wall, the wall is the checkpoint at which you change your speed. Go from fast and hard hitting to completely milking. This variance in speed will help switch up the mood and textures of a piece.
3.5. Exploring Textures
Think of textures in the same way you think of the physical meaning of the word. Have you ever heard dancers being described as smooth? They probably move like honey. Visualize how a song feels. Is it staccato, with abrupt starts and stops? Is it flowy and silk-like, with lots of vocals? Is it gruff and interrupted, like an angry rap song? While many songs embody a specific texture, most have elements of several. Because many songs carry hints of different textures, the variation in your hits, milks, and speed will contribute to how you match the music.
4. Finding Classes and Training
Enough talking about how to dance hip hop! Let’s start practicing. Taking a class is one of the best ways to practice a skill.
4.1. Finding Hip Hop Dance Classes Near You
If you don’t have a dancer friend to introduce you to different dance classes, the internet is here to help. Conduct a Google or Yelp search using keywords such as “Dance classes in [your area],” “Dance studios in [your area],” “Hip Hop classes in [your area],” or “How to dance Hip Hop in [your area].”
Once you have a good list of nearby dance studios, visit their websites to see their class offerings. If they don’t have a website, call the studio and ask for their schedule. You can also ask more questions on the phone.
Instagram is also a great tool for finding dance studios and dance classes.
If you notice flyers or class videos (either in your personal feed or through Instagram’s Explore page) and click on the location link, you can see where the studio is. Better yet, if the studio has an account, you can check their class schedules and instructors to find out more.
Finally, stalking skills from stalking your crush come in handy. If you like the instructors, classes, or the vibe of the studio, add it to your list of potential places to take class.
4.2. Choosing the Right Hip Hop Dance Class
Now that you’ve secured the place where you’ll be taking your dance class, you need to decide which class to take. You want to feel comfortable diving into your first dance class and know that it will benefit you instead of leaving you feeling defeated.
A beginner-level dance class is probably the best place to start.
4.3. Preparing for Your First Hip Hop Dance Class
Once you’ve decided on your dance class (where, when, which one), it’s time to get ready. Choose an outfit that is loose and comfortable but one that makes you feel confident. You don’t have to follow the latest trends in dancer fashion. It’s about you and what makes you feel cool.
When you get to the studio, register at the front desk, pay for your drop-in class, and wait for the room to be ready. Studios usually have back-to-back classes, so another class will be exiting as you wait to enter. When you get inside, put your stuff down and wait for the choreographer.
Until then, you can hang out, stretch, or talk to other dancers in the class. You’ll probably start to feel nervous right about now. Remember, it’s all about your mindset. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that a class is called a class for a reason: you’re there to learn. Instead of being intimidated by the idea of trying something new, get excited to start learning.
4.4. Essential Class Etiquette
The choreographer will usually start by introducing themselves and leading a quick stretch. Aside from the actual learning process, keep a few class etiquette notes in mind:
4.4.1. Ask Questions
If you’re struggling with a move, it’s perfectly fine (and encouraged) to ask questions. However, don’t do this in excess. Try to figure out the answer yourself first (by looking closer at the move and trying it out in different ways), and ask if you still need clarification.
4.4.2. Switching Lines
When the choreographer says to switch lines, if you’re in the front of the room, move to the back and vice versa. This ensures that everyone gets a fair chance to view the choreographer throughout the class. Hogging the mirror the whole time would be a little selfish.
4.4.3. Switching Inside/Out
In addition to switching lines, the choreographer might also ask the class to switch “inside out” or “outside in.” It’s exactly as it sounds. If you’re toward the middle of the room, move closer to the walls and vice versa.
It’s good to move around the room while taking class, regardless of whether the choreographer tells you to. It helps you avoid growing dependent on your position to learn or execute.
4.4.4. Sitting Down
There are a few cases where you’ll have to take a seat during the class:
- When the choreographer is demonstrating the moves they taught and you’re in the front of the room. This allows everyone to see what the choreography is supposed to look like when the choreographer first matches the moves to the music.
- If the studio is too crowded and the choreographer needs to demonstrate the choreography for the “back half” to see. It’s easy to follow the choreographer if you can see what they’re doing, but often the people in the back of the room have limited vision (especially when it comes to intricate details or footwork). The front half of the room sits down while the choreographer teaches the back half, then the whole class joins in once everyone gets it.
4.5. Deciphering Choreographer Cues
4.5.1. When They Say “Watch”
This is when it’s polite for the people in the front of the class to kneel or sit. Even if you know the moves, watch the choreographer demonstrate the piece. Note where the piece counts in, the tempo of the song, and how the choreographer hits each move. The closer you pay attention, the closer you’ll get to knowing what to emulate.
4.5.2. When They Tell You to “Mark It”
Marking means that you are doing the piece more in your head than on your body, but you should still be doing it with your body. Think of it as doing the piece with less energy. Be more conscious of the music, timing, and your body placements rather than releasing your bankai. The choreographer might use percentages to indicate how much energy you should put into your mark. Example: “Let’s go just 50% for this first run-through” or “Mark it around 80%.”
4.5.3. When They Tell You to “Go Full Out”
This is when you go 100% with your energy. Do your best in cleanliness and timing (which you should have perfected in your mark), but now with power.
4.6. Maximizing Learning in a Hip Hop Dance Class
4.6.1. Learning Choreography
Take note of pictures, angles, footwork, focus, and so on.
4.6.2. Observing the Choreographer’s Execution
Watch them demonstrate for the class. Take note of texture, dynamics, milking, and everything from their demeanor and posture to their facials and energy levels.
4.6.3. Immersing Yourself in the Music
A huge part of mastering a piece is knowing the music. Know what sounds you’re hitting, when those sounds come in, the tempo, mood, and style of the song.
4.6.4. Perfecting Performance
If you’re satisfied with just learning the choreography, that’s fine. But if you feel comfortable with the piece, try to add a little pizzazz. Your freestyle, your facials, your personal swag.
4.7. After the Class Ends
A class experience is not limited to just learning choreography. After all the moves are taught, the choreographer will have you do a few things.
4.7.1. Groups
The room divides into sections, and each group performs the piece as the other students watch. Groups can get intimidating, but they’re also integral to your growth. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and go for it.
4.7.2. Select Group
The choreographer may or may not call out a select group, a group of students that they noticed and want the rest of the class to watch. The selected dancers may have been really clean, not so clean but performed with a lot of energy, had a lot of personal style, or were just fun to watch. There are many reasons you can be chosen or not for a select group, so don’t overthink it.
If the choreographer calls out any 10 people or any 5 people to be in a group, and you feel comfortable with the piece, volunteer to go up.
4.7.3. Recording Class Footage
Don’t be surprised if someone (either the studio staff, another student, or a parent) is recording you dance. The studio sometimes does this to promote their classes, and students/parents often do this for personal keeping or to post on social media. And if you want to record yourself, always ask the choreographer first if that’s okay. If they say no, don’t. Clear it with the studio staff, too. Then ask someone to record you so you can critique (or appreciate) how you did, or post it on Instagram. Live your life.
4.7.4. Choreographer’s Solo
At the very end of the class, the choreographer will most likely perform the piece. The best thing to do here is to put your phone down and just watch.
4.7.5. Expressing Gratitude
Once you pick your jaw up from the dance floor, line up to thank the choreographer. They just shared their craft with you, hopefully in a way that helped you become a better dancer, so it’s important to show your appreciation. You can introduce yourself, say thank you, and take a picture if you want. You can ask for critiques or tips, but if there is a long line of people behind you, it’s more polite to keep it short and sweet. Also, ask the choreographer for the song title and artist so you can keep practicing the piece at home.
5. Setting Future Goals
You’ve taken your first leaps into learning how to dance hip hop. Congrats. Welcome. Now, where do you go from here? Since different dancers dance for different reasons, let’s talk about four different goals you can set for yourself and tips to help you reach them.
5.1. Training in Diverse Hip Hop Dance Styles
How did your first class go? Was it challenging, scary, too easy, or just hard enough? Although your first dance class is a hallmark in your dance journey, it’s only one of many to come. If versatility is your goal, keep exploring different classes at different studios. Don’t just take the same beginner class from the same choreographer every week. Make a list of specific styles or choreographers you want to train under. Schedule when and where you can take those classes, and strategize to get the most variety possible. After a while, you’ll identify what you need extra help in and have a better sense of your style based on the types of pieces you enjoy most.
5.2. Advancing to Higher Levels
If your goal is to keep up with advanced choreography, set a hard date for the class you want to be able to take in a few months. Until then, seek out classes that are more and more challenging as time goes on, from beginner to intermediate to advanced. After you take it, don’t stop there. Keep challenging yourself with advanced classes while continuing to train as a beginner. It’ll push your choreo pickup and execution while strengthening your foundation.
5.3. Connecting with the Hip Hop Dance Community
It’s nice to have a tribe of support for something that started as a personal journey. If you want to get to know your fellow dancers, take initiative. Introduce yourself to the familiar faces in class and definitely to the studio staff. Be vocal in classes and ask other dancers where they’re from or where they’re going. Also, attend dance shows, competitions, battles, and team fundraisers. These events spark conversations and give you a better vibe for what the culture is all about.
5.4. Auditioning for a Hip Hop Dance Team
Many of us start dancing after watching a team perform, whether on YouTube or in person. These sets stirred something in us that pushed us to try it out. Many dancers’ goals are to perform with a team on a stage at a show or competition. If making it onto a team is your goal, auditioning is a great experience that can teach you a lot of things. It’ll call on you to pick up choreo quickly in a crowded room surrounded by other dancers. You’ll have to perform for a panel of judges and maybe even freestyle.
The pressure might get nerve-wracking, but that’s exactly why the experience is so valuable. Auditioning for a hip hop dance team will test where you are as a dancer and is another great opportunity to train and meet people. Look into the dance teams in your area. Ask about auditions or private/mid-year auditions if you missed the start of the season. Even if you don’t end up joining right away, it’s great for your confidence to have a clear goal to aspire to.
We hope this has helped newer dancers learn how to dance hip hop. Welcome, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you.
Alt text: A person in action demonstrating their hip hop dance skills, showcasing the rhythm and energy of the style.
Are you ready to take your newfound knowledge and turn it into action? LEARNS.EDU.VN offers a variety of resources and courses that can help you further develop your hip hop dance skills.
Here’s how LEARNS.EDU.VN can help you on your dance journey:
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Visit LEARNS.EDU.VN today to explore our offerings and start dancing your way to success.
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FAQ: Learning Hip Hop Dance
1. Is it hard to learn hip hop dance?
Learning hip hop dance can be challenging, but it is achievable with practice, dedication, and the right guidance. Start with the basics, focus on musicality, and gradually progress to more complex moves.
2. How long does it take to learn hip hop dance?
The time it takes to learn hip hop dance varies depending on your commitment, practice frequency, and natural aptitude. Some people may grasp the basics in a few months, while others may take longer to develop advanced skills.
3. Can I learn hip hop dance at home?
Yes, you can learn hip hop dance at home using online tutorials, virtual classes, and practice sessions. However, attending in-person classes can provide valuable feedback and interaction with instructors and fellow dancers.
4. What are the essential skills for hip hop dance?
Essential skills for hip hop dance include musicality, rhythm, body awareness, coordination, and the ability to execute foundational moves with precision and style.
5. What are some beginner hip hop moves?
Some beginner hip hop moves include grooves, bounce, stepping, basic footwork, and simple arm movements. These moves help you develop a sense of rhythm and coordination.
6. How important is musicality in hip hop dance?
Musicality is extremely important in hip hop dance. It involves understanding the music, identifying key sounds and rhythms, and expressing them through your movements. Good musicality makes your dance more engaging and expressive.
7. How do I find a good hip hop dance class?
To find a good hip hop dance class, research local dance studios, check online reviews, inquire about the instructor’s experience, and consider taking a trial class to see if the style and teaching method suit you.
8. What should I wear to a hip hop dance class?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. Athletic shoes with good support are also essential to prevent injuries.
9. How often should I practice hip hop dance?
To improve your hip hop dance skills, aim to practice regularly. Consistency is key. Even short, frequent practice sessions are more effective than infrequent, long sessions.
10. How can LEARNS.EDU.VN help me learn hip hop dance?
learns.edu.vn offers structured learning paths, expert instruction, comprehensive resources, and a supportive community to help you learn hip hop dance effectively. Our courses and materials cater to all levels, from beginners to advanced dancers, ensuring you have the tools you need to succeed.
