Hip hop dance has become a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its high energy, intricate movements, and expressive nature. Originating from the streets of New York City in the late 1970s, hip hop dance has evolved into a diverse and dynamic art form. This article explores the 9 most popular hip hop dance styles, delving into their history, unique characteristics, and cultural impact.
1. Breaking (Breakdancing)
History and Origins
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, emerged in the South Bronx during the early 1970s. It was heavily influenced by African American and Latino youth who sought creative outlets amidst social and economic hardships. DJ Kool Herc, one of hip hop’s pioneers, played a crucial role in the development of breaking by extending the break sections of songs, giving dancers more time to showcase their skills.
Key Characteristics
Breaking is characterized by four primary elements: toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes. Toprock refers to the standing moves performed before transitioning to the floor. Downrock involves intricate footwork and body movements performed on the ground. Power moves are acrobatic and often involve spins, flips, and headspins. Freezes are poses held in challenging positions, showcasing the dancer’s strength and balance.
Cultural Impact
Breaking quickly became a symbol of hip hop culture and gained widespread popularity through movies like “Wild Style” and “Beat Street.” It remains a cornerstone of hip hop dance, with competitions and battles held worldwide, celebrating the creativity and athleticism of B-boys and B-girls.
2. Locking
History and Origins
Locking, originally known as Campbellocking, was created by Don “Campbellock” Campbell in Los Angeles during the late 1960s. It gained prominence in the 1970s through the television show “Soul Train,” where Campbell and his crew, The Lockers, showcased their unique dance style.
Key Characteristics
Locking is characterized by its distinct “locks” or sudden pauses in movement, often combined with exaggerated, expressive gestures. It involves a series of fast, intricate arm and hand movements, combined with rhythmic footwork and playful interactions with the audience.
Cultural Impact
Locking has influenced various aspects of pop culture, including music videos, commercials, and films. Its energetic and engaging style continues to inspire dancers and choreographers, maintaining its relevance in the hip hop dance community.
3. Popping
History and Origins
Popping originated in Fresno, California, during the late 1970s. It was popularized by dance crews like the Electric Boogaloos, who showcased their unique style on shows like “Soul Train” and in movies like “Breakin’.”
Key Characteristics
Popping involves the rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles, creating a jerking or “popping” effect. Dancers often combine popping with other techniques, such as waving (fluid arm and body movements) and tutting (intricate hand and arm gestures resembling Egyptian hieroglyphics). Popping requires precise timing and control, allowing dancers to create visually stunning illusions.
Cultural Impact
Popping has had a significant impact on the development of hip hop dance, influencing numerous styles and techniques. It remains a popular and respected form of dance, with popping battles and competitions held globally.
4. Krumping
History and Origins
Krumping originated in South Central Los Angeles in the early 2000s as a form of expressive and aggressive street dance. It was created by Tight Eyez (Ceasare Willis) and Big Mijo (Jo’Artis Ratti) as an alternative to gang violence, providing a positive outlet for self-expression and release of emotions.
Key Characteristics
Krumping is characterized by its high energy, intense movements, and raw, emotional expression. It involves exaggerated, often aggressive movements, including chest pops, arm swings, and rapid footwork. Krumpers use their entire body to convey powerful emotions, often engaging in battles to showcase their skills and release pent-up energy.
Cultural Impact
Krumping gained mainstream recognition through documentaries like “Rize” and appearances in music videos and dance competitions. Its unique style and intense emotional expression continue to captivate audiences and inspire dancers worldwide.
5. Hip Hop (Freestyle)
History and Origins
Freestyle hip hop dance emerged alongside the development of hip hop music in the 1970s and 1980s. It encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques, allowing dancers to express themselves freely and creatively.
Key Characteristics
Freestyle hip hop is characterized by its improvisational nature, with dancers drawing on various hip hop dance styles, including breaking, popping, and locking. It often involves a combination of rhythmic footwork, body isolations, and intricate hand and arm movements. Freestyle hip hop encourages individuality and personal expression, allowing dancers to showcase their unique style and creativity.
Cultural Impact
Freestyle hip hop remains a fundamental aspect of hip hop culture, with battles and cyphers (dance circles) providing a platform for dancers to showcase their skills and compete. It continues to evolve, incorporating new styles and techniques while maintaining its core principles of creativity and self-expression.
6. House Dance
History and Origins
House dance originated in the underground clubs of Chicago and New York City during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It was influenced by a variety of dance styles, including disco, jazz, and African dance, and was closely associated with house music, a genre of electronic dance music.
Key Characteristics
House dance is characterized by its fluid, rhythmic footwork, combined with smooth, flowing movements of the upper body. It often involves intricate steps, including the “jack” (a rocking motion of the torso) and “lofting” (a style of floorwork). House dance emphasizes musicality and connection with the music, encouraging dancers to interpret and respond to the beats and rhythms.
Cultural Impact
House dance has influenced various dance styles and continues to be a popular form of expression in clubs and dance events. It has also gained recognition in the broader hip hop dance community, with house dance battles and competitions showcasing the creativity and skill of dancers.
7. Waacking
History and Origins
Waacking, originally known as “punking,” emerged in the gay clubs of Los Angeles during the 1970s. It was heavily influenced by disco music and the vibrant club scene of the era. The term “waacking” was later popularized to describe the distinct, expressive movements of the dance.
Key Characteristics
Waacking is characterized by its fast, intricate arm movements, combined with dramatic poses and expressive gestures. It often involves rhythmic, syncopated movements that emphasize musicality and connection with the music. Waacking encourages individuality and personal expression, allowing dancers to convey their emotions and personality through their movements.
Cultural Impact
Waacking has gained recognition in the broader hip hop and dance communities, with dancers incorporating its unique style into various performances and competitions. It continues to inspire dancers and choreographers, maintaining its relevance in contemporary dance culture.
8. Voguing
History and Origins
Voguing originated in the Harlem ballroom scene during the 1980s. It was heavily influenced by the LGBTQ+ community and drew inspiration from fashion magazines, runway modeling, and ancient Egyptian art. Voguing gained mainstream recognition through the documentary “Paris is Burning” and Madonna’s hit song “Vogue.”
Key Characteristics
Voguing is characterized by its dramatic, angular movements, often resembling poses from fashion magazines. It involves a combination of precise hand and arm gestures, intricate footwork, and exaggerated poses. Voguing has three primary styles: Old Way (characterized by rigid, geometric movements), New Way (involving more flexibility and acrobatics), and Vogue Femme (emphasizing fluid, feminine movements).
Cultural Impact
Voguing has had a significant impact on dance and pop culture, influencing fashion, music, and media. It continues to be a powerful form of expression for the LGBTQ+ community and has gained recognition in the broader dance community through competitions and performances.
9. Turfing
History and Origins
Turfing, short for “Taking Up Room on the Floor,” originated in Oakland, California, during the early 2000s. It was created by youth in the Bay Area as a form of street dance that combined elements of mime, animation, and storytelling.
Key Characteristics
Turfing is characterized by its smooth, fluid movements, often resembling the motions of a puppet or animated character. It involves intricate footwork, body isolations, and the use of props or everyday objects to enhance the storytelling aspect of the dance. Turfing encourages creativity and improvisation, allowing dancers to create unique and captivating performances.
Cultural Impact
Turfing has gained recognition in the hip hop dance community through viral videos and performances. It continues to evolve, with dancers incorporating new styles and techniques while maintaining its core principles of creativity and self-expression.
See Also: Which Dance Style Grew Out of Hip Hop Music? Revealed
Conclusion
Hip hop dance is a dynamic and ever-evolving art form that encompasses a wide range of styles and techniques. From the acrobatic and athletic movements of breaking to the expressive and dramatic gestures of waacking and voguing, each style offers a unique way for dancers to express themselves and connect with the music. These nine popular hip hop dance styles have not only shaped the development of hip hop culture but have also influenced dance and pop culture worldwide, continuing to inspire and captivate audiences with their creativity and energy.
