Hip Hop Dance
Hip Hop at Oasis
You can see that we take into consideration the age of our dancers and choreograph accordingly! We have our youngest dancers, all under 8 years of age, performing the routine “Mall Trip”. They truly bring so much personality and fun to the dance floor! Then we have our more advanced students, performing last season’s senior Company hip-hop dance, Bad, Bad News. Choreographed by Oasis teacher, Aidan Hallera, music by Leon Bridges.
Mall Trip
Choreography: Ariana Palilio
Bad, Bad News
Choreography: Aidan Hallera
Hip Hop
The Oasis Dance Center offers some of the best hip-hop classes in Temecula. Because our teachers have worked in the industry they know the importance of being a versatile dancer. Hip-hop is one of the most popular and energetic dance styles around. It’s important to learn the basics. In our beginner classes, we'll give you an overview of what hip-hop dance really is, walk you through some foundational moves, and get you comfortable with the rhythm and feel of this urban dance style. Hip-hop dance has a rich history and culture, with many different substyles under its umbrella. In our intermediate and advanced classes, you will learn more advanced techniques and different styles of hip-hop.
The Origins of Hip-Hop Dance
Hip-hop dance started in the 1970s in the Bronx, emerging out of African American and Latino communities. The earliest styles were breaking, locking, and popping.
Breaking, or breakdancing, began when dancers started performing acrobatic moves like spins, freezes, and power moves during the breakbeats in funk songs. Breaking crews would battle each other at parties and on the streets.
Locking focuses on fast and dramatic movements of the limbs, especially the arms. Dancers lock their limbs in place and then quickly unlock them. Popping uses fast, jerky movements of the limbs, head, and torso to create a popping effect.
In the 1980s, hip-hop dance spread around the world and new styles emerged like krumping, jerkin’, and jookin’. West Coast styles were more fluid, while East Coast styles were more rigid and robotic.
Today, hip-hop is a broad category that includes many urban dance styles. At The Oasis Dance Center, we teach all levels of hip hop, beginning with the basic techniques, moves, and grooves. Our classes cover:
1. Foundational moves
2. How to freestyle and put together your own short combos and sequences.
3. The distinctive styles of hip hop like breaking, locking, popping, and contemporary hip hop.
4. The culture and history of hip hop so you understand where the music and moves came from.
5. How to find your own sense of style and swagger. Hip-hop is all about attitude and confidence!
If you want to learn real hip hop, come take a class at Oasis Dance Center. We'll teach you the basics so you can start choreographing your own moves in no time!
Hip Hop Dance Styles: Breaking, Popping, Locking, and More
Hip hop dance is all about free expression and having fun. At Oasis Dance Center, we teach a variety of hip hop styles, from breaking to popping and locking.
· Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is all about dynamic movements like spins, freezes, drops, and power moves. Breakers dance to the breakdown sections of funk and hip hop songs.
· Popping focuses on fast, jerky movements of the limbs, especially the arms. Dancers pop their joints and muscles to the beat of the music. The Robot is a famous example of popping.
· Locking involves freezing for a split second and then releasing into another movement. Dancers lock their limbs in place and then unlock them. The movements are very rhythmic and funky.
Beyond these foundational hip hop styles, we also teach:
· Freestyling - move however you want! Just feel the music and express yourself.
· Tutting - using your hands and arms to make geometric positions and shapes, creating a puzzle-like effect.
· Jerkin' - a very energetic style featuring footwork, leg movements, and arm movements. Jerkin' is all about the rhythm and having a good time.
Additional Dance Classes
You might be interested in other dance classes like Pointe Dance, Acrobatic Classes, Tumbling Classes, Contemporary Dance, Adult Dance Classes, Jazz Dance Classes, Tap Dance, Hip Hop Classes, Ballet Classes, and Kids Dance Classes.
Want to sign up for a free intro class?
How to Freestyle in Hip Hop Dance
Once you’ve got the basic hip hop moves down, it’s time to start freestyling. Freestyling, or improvising, is what hip hop dance is all about. It allows you to express yourself and put your own creative spin on the music. To freestyle with confidence, follow these tips:
Listen to the rhythm
Pay close attention to the beat, tempo, and rhythm of the song. Move to the pulse of the music and emphasize certain beats with your movements. Match the energy and feel of the song. Fast, energetic songs call for quick, sharp movements, while slower R&B songs allow for more fluid, sensual motions.
Start with the basics
Build your freestyle from the basic steps you've already learned like the running man, cabbage patch, kick step, pivot, etc. Put them together in your own way by varying the speed, level, and order. This gives you a solid foundation so you don't feel stuck.
Move your whole body
Don't just focus on your legs and feet. Roll your shoulders, swing your arms, tilt your head, bend your waist. Move your hips and chest. Coordinate your whole body to the rhythm in a way that feels good.
Change levels
Go low to the ground with footwork like the kick step, then bring it back up with hops or jumps. Bend your knees to get down, then straighten back up. Mixing up your levels adds visual interest and dynamics to your freestyle.
Practice transitions
Move smoothly from one step into the next without hesitation. Have a few go-to moves in mind that you can easily transition both into and out of. The running man, for example, can lead nicely into the kick step. And the kick step can transition into the pivot turn. Practice common transitions so you can link moves together seamlessly.
With regular practice freestyling to different hip hop songs, your skills will improve and you'll gain the confidence to fully express your creative spirit on the dance floor. Soon, you’ll be dropping it like it’s hot!
Hip Hop Dance Attire and Gear
When taking a hip hop dance class, you’ll want to wear appropriate and comfortable attire. Your outfit and shoes can make a big difference in allowing you to move freely and pick up the choreography.
Comfortable and breathable clothing
For hip hop dance, wear loose, breathable clothing like t-shirts, tank tops, sweatpants, and shorts that allow you to move easily. Synthetic moisture-wicking fabrics are best since you’ll be moving around a lot. Avoid anything too baggy or loose which could be distracting or get caught on your body. Ladies can wear cropped tops, sports bras, or tight-fitting tanks. Wear flat, rubber-soled athletic shoes designed for dance or high-impact exercise. Running or cross-training shoes also work well. Avoid shoes with a lot of tread since they can stick on the floor. High-top shoes provide more ankle support which is good for beginners. If possible, choose a shoe with a pivot point at the ball of the foot for easier turning.
Hip Hop Dance FAQs: Common Questions Answered
Dancing is all about moving to the rhythm and expressing yourself. As a beginner, you probably have a few questions about hip hop dance and what to expect in your first class. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers to help put you at ease.
What should I wear?
Comfortable, breathable clothing that allows free movement is best for hip hop dance. Think joggers or sweatpants, t-shirts, tank tops and comfortable shoes like sneakers. Avoid anything too loose or baggy which could get in the way or cause tripping. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated.
Do I need any experience?
Absolutely not. Hip hop dance classes are open to all skill levels, from beginners to more advanced dancers. The instructor will start with basic steps and build up, allowing you to follow at your own pace. Don’t worry if you have ‘two left feet’ - hip hop is meant to be fun and the opportunity to just move to the music.
What kind of music will we dance to?
Hip hop dance is done to energetic, uptempo hip hop music, of course! You can expect a variety of music from artists like Missy Elliott, Outkast, Cardi B, Post Malone, Travis Scott and more. The heavy beats and basslines are perfect for the energetic and rhythmic movements of hip hop dance.
Will I get a workout?
Yes, hip hop dance provides an aerobic workout that exercises your whole body. While learning the steps, you'll be moving, twisting, and jumping to the beat of the music which provides cardio exercise and also works your core, legs, glutes, and arms. Be prepared to sweat and have fun while burning some calories!
he key is to have fun with it! Hip-hop dance is all about expressing yourself and embracing your unique style. Keep at it and before you know it, you'll be popping, locking, and busting a move. You've got this!