Hip-hop is a dance style that originated from traditional African dance styles and has continued to evolve in the United States. Hip-hop dance started in the Bronx, New York City, during the late 1970s. Groups of predominantly young men and women would crowd around a “boom box” or speaker in the streets and show off their various skills. Varying styles can also be traced back to clubs or even runways. Professional street dance groups branched out from this tradition as it became increasingly popular.
Hip-hop culture is not limited to dancing. It also includes graffiti art, fashion, and hip-hop-style music, such as rapping and DJing. A DJ known as “DJ Herc” brought hip-hop-style music from Jamaica. He soon became one of the most popular DJs in New York City.
Meanwhile, the West side of the United States took their share of the East Coast’s traditions, creating their own. With the development of the “Jackson 5”, an American family pop band, featuring Michael Jackson, hip-hop dancing became increasingly popular on the Eastside of America, with additions such as robotic movements.
Within hip-hop, there are six generally recognized genres. Grooves usually are movements of the body in a certain direction (up, down, left, or right) to the downbeats of the music. Popping is characterized by the sudden contracting and releasing of a dancer’s muscles to a rhythm. Locking is characterized by freezing from a fast movement and “locking” it into position. Voguing is an improvisational dance originating from LGBTQIA+ “dance-offs”. Whacking, arm movements up and around the head in time with a beat. Lastly, breaking is improvised “standard” hip-hop moves such as freezes and power moves, traditionally danced to “electronic” sounding music. Breakdance is known to be the first style of hip-hop dancing.
Some influential hip-hop dancers are Buddha Stretch, Link, Loose Joint, Shaik, Rosie Perez, Scoob, and Scrap. These dancers were pioneers of hip-hop dancing, leading the way for many after them. Buddha Stretch is often called “the father of hip-hop.” His movement style is a freestyle that draws from all aspects of hip-hop culture. He paved the way for many dancers to follow him.
Hip-hop dance has come a long way from its origins in the Bronx. It has become a symbol of culture and unison, bringing people together from all walks of life. This style of dance is rich in history and is constantly evolving. From popping and locking to voguing, hip-hop’s various forms showcase its unique and dynamic style. Hip-hop is more than just dancing. It is a cultural movement that showcases each person’s unique style.
