History of Hip Hop Dance

Hip hop dance is a vibrant and dynamic form of dance that originated in the African American and Latino communities…

By Staff , in Dance , at September 2, 2024 Tags: dance

Find Cheap Textbooks - Save on New & Used Textbooks at AbeBooks.com

Hip hop dance is a vibrant and dynamic form of dance that originated in the African American and Latino communities of New York City during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is one of the four key elements of hip hop culture, alongside DJing, MCing (rapping), and graffiti art. Hip hop dance encompasses a wide range of styles, including breaking (commonly known as breakdancing), locking, popping, and more contemporary forms like krumping and street dance. The history of hip hop dance is deeply intertwined with the cultural, social, and musical developments that gave rise to the broader hip hop movement.

Origins of Hip Hop Dance
The Birth of Hip Hop Culture:
New York City in the 1970s: Hip hop culture emerged in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s, a time when the borough was facing significant social and economic challenges. The community was largely composed of African American and Latino residents who used music, dance, and art as forms of expression and resistance against the hardships they faced.

Block Parties and DJing: Block parties, hosted by DJs, became a central part of social life in the Bronx. DJs like Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash played a pivotal role in developing hip hop music by isolating and extending the breakbeats—short, percussive sections of songs that dancers particularly enjoyed. These breakbeats became the foundation for both hip hop music and dance.

Breaking (Breakdancing): Breaking, also known as breakdancing, was the first form of hip hop dance to emerge. Dancers, known as b-boys and b-girls, would perform acrobatic and athletic moves during the breaks of songs at these parties. Breaking incorporated movements inspired by a variety of sources, including martial arts, gymnastics, and other dance forms like capoeira. It was characterized by its improvisational nature, with dancers often engaging in battles, or dance-offs, to showcase their skills.

Development of Hip Hop Dance Styles
Breaking: As breaking evolved, it developed into a more structured and codified dance form. Breaking typically consists of four main elements: toprock (footwork performed while standing), downrock (footwork performed on the floor), power moves (acrobatic moves like spins and flips), and freezes (poses where the dancer holds a position, often balancing on one hand or other parts of the body).

Popping and Locking: While breaking was developing on the East Coast, the West Coast saw the emergence of popping and locking. Popping, which originated in Fresno, California, involves the sudden tensing and releasing of muscles to create a jerking movement, often in sync with the beat of the music. Locking, developed by Don Campbell in Los Angeles, involves sudden freezes and exaggerated movements, often with a playful or comedic flair. Both styles became popular in the 1970s and were heavily influenced by funk music.

Boogaloo: Boogaloo, another dance style from the West Coast, is characterized by fluid, rolling movements of the hips, knees, and head. It was closely associated with popping and became a key element of the popping style. The Electric Boogaloos, a dance group formed in 1977, played a significant role in popularizing both popping and boogaloo.

The Commercialization and Global Spread of Hip Hop Dance
1980s: Mainstream Breakthrough:
Media Exposure: Hip hop dance gained widespread attention in the 1980s through films, television shows, and music videos. Movies like Flashdance (1983), Breakin’ (1984), and Beat Street (1984) brought breaking, popping, and locking to mainstream audiences around the world. Music videos, especially those by artists like Michael Jackson, also showcased hip hop dance, with Jackson’s iconic moonwalk being a variation of the popping technique known as the backslide.

MTV and Commercial Success: The rise of MTV and the music video format in the 1980s further propelled hip hop dance into the mainstream. Hip hop dance crews like the Rock Steady Crew and the New York City Breakers became famous for their performances, and hip hop dance styles began to influence popular culture more broadly.

Influence on Popular Dance: As hip hop dance became more popular, it began to influence other dance forms and was incorporated into various performance arts, including ballet, jazz, and modern dance. Dance studios began offering hip hop dance classes, and the style became a staple in dance competitions and talent shows.

1990s: Expansion and Innovation:
Evolution of Styles: The 1990s saw the continued evolution of hip hop dance, with new styles emerging and older ones being refined. House dance, which originated in the Chicago and New York club scenes, incorporated elements of breaking, popping, and jazz, along with fast footwork and fluid movements. Krumping, an aggressive and energetic dance style, emerged in Los Angeles and gained popularity as a form of self-expression and release in urban communities.

Hip Hop Choreography: Hip hop dance began to be more formally choreographed, leading to the rise of hip hop dance crews that performed highly synchronized routines. This period also saw the emergence of “studio hip hop,” where dance teachers adapted street styles into more structured and accessible forms for students in dance schools.

Global Influence: By the 1990s, hip hop dance had become a global phenomenon. International dance crews began to form, and hip hop dance competitions were held around the world. The influence of hip hop dance spread across continents, with unique styles and interpretations emerging in different countries.

21st Century: Continued Growth and Innovation
Hip Hop Dance in the Digital Age:
Social Media and YouTube: The rise of social media platforms and YouTube in the 21st century significantly impacted hip hop dance. Dancers could now share their performances with a global audience, leading to the rapid spread of new moves, styles, and challenges. Viral dance trends, often originating in hip hop culture, became a common feature of online platforms.

Dance Competitions and Shows: Hip hop dance continued to gain mainstream visibility through television shows like So You Think You Can Dance, America’s Best Dance Crew, and World of Dance. These shows brought hip hop dance into homes around the world and highlighted the talent and creativity of dancers from diverse backgrounds.

Fusion and Innovation: In recent years, hip hop dance has increasingly fused with other dance forms, leading to the creation of hybrid styles. Contemporary dance, ballroom, and even classical ballet have incorporated hip hop elements, demonstrating the versatility and adaptability of hip hop dance.

Street Dance Culture: Despite its mainstream success, hip hop dance remains deeply rooted in street culture, with many dancers continuing to perform and battle in informal settings like street corners, parks, and underground clubs. These spaces allow for continued innovation and the preservation of the improvisational spirit of hip hop dance.

Legacy and Cultural Impact
Cultural Influence: Hip hop dance has had a profound impact on global culture, influencing fashion, music, language, and attitudes. It has become a symbol of creativity, resilience, and self-expression, particularly among youth and marginalized communities.

Art Form and Social Movement: Beyond entertainment, hip hop dance is often seen as a form of social commentary and protest. It provides a platform for expressing the struggles, aspirations, and identities of those who engage with it, making it a powerful tool for cultural exchange and social change.

Educational Value: Today, hip hop dance is taught in dance schools and academic institutions, where it is studied as both a physical art form and a cultural movement. It is recognized for its artistic value and its role in shaping contemporary dance and popular culture.

Home
/
Arts
/
Dance
/
History of Hip Hop...

Advertisement:

Bestseller No. 1

Beginning Hip-Hop Dance (Interactive Dance Series)

Description|Table of Contents|Author|Excerpts|Sample Content| explore hip-hop history and techniques foundational information and significant works and artists;...
Durden, E. Moncell (Author)
English (Publication Language)