Discover the Best Hip Hop Dance Classes Near Me
Hip hop dance is a dance style commonly applied to hip hop music. The dance involves three main elements of popping, locking, and breaking. Popping involves movements that hit with the beat of the music, locking involves the freezing of moments for emphasis, and breaking is a style of dance that involves athletic movement and fancy footwork.
Hip hop dance started in the early 1970s as a style of street performance. In the 1980s and 1990s, hip hop dance battles were popular. Performers would freestyle their dance moves to the approval of the audience. Over the years, hip hop grew in popularity and is now commonly seen on the stage and screen. It is one of the most popular modern dance styles.
Why You Should Learn Hip Hop Dance
Learning any style of dance can be fun. Hip hop is unique in that it is more about expression than technique. Dancers are free to improvise their own steps. Many dancers prefer this freedom over other styles of dance that involve memorizing a specific set of steps.
Dancing is a form of physical exercise. If you’ve been wanting to exercise more but haven’t found a routine that works for you, learning hip hop dance could be a fun and expressive alternative to going to the gym. Dancing not only works as a form of cardio but more difficult hip hop dance moves require building body strength.
Learning any new skill can provide a boost in personal confidence as individuals expand their knowledge. Hip hop in particular is commonly seen as “cool.” Learning how to pop and lock translates to a new talent that individuals can show off to peers or undertake a leadership role and teach others.
While a hobby can be learned alone at home, it’s common for individuals to find community when undergoing a new endeavor. A hobbyist may attend in-person or join online groups. Either environment provides a pool of peers that can share experiences, pass on advice, and offer encouragement. These communities can provide a sense of belonging and may even be a source of life-long friends.
While many hobbyists won’t make a career out of learning hip hop dance, being able to perform it well can be a source of income. Hip hop dancers can be paid to perform in competitions, concerts, music videos, shows, and movies. Other dancers go on to become instructors and teach their own classes.
5 Ways to Learn Hip Hop Dance
You can learn hip hop dance through a variety of methods. Which one is best for you will depend on several factors, such as your budget, schedule, and training goals.
In Person Classes
In-person classes are an excellent way to learn to dance. Students have direct contact with their instructor and peers. They can gain one-on-one time to improve their stance or general performance. Students also have access to classroom resources such as props, mirrors to observe their moments, or balance bars for stretching and improving poses. Some students report an increase in focus and motivation when learning in in-person environments. However, one drawback to physical classrooms is the commute necessary to attend. Schedules of in-person classes are usually set and inflexible.
Live Online Classes
Live online classes can be similar to in-person classes in terms of interactivity. Students interact with their instructors in real time over live chat or video. Online classes eliminated the commute required by physical classes, and online classes usually have multiple schedule options. However, without access to a studio, students using virtual learning will need a dedicated space to perform dance moves. They may still be missing other in-class resources such as props or a balance bar.
On-Demand Classes
Students can learn at their own pace through on-demand classes. These usually take the form of free online videos through websites such as YouTube or SkillShare. On-demand learning works well for students in need of free classes due to budget constraints, those who have demanding schedules that make it difficult for them to attend regular classes or others who want to test out a new hobby before dedicating money to it. The drawback of on-demand classes is they lack an instructor. Students have no one to turn to with questions. They will need to record themselves in order to catch their mistakes. Likewise, they have nothing motivating them beyond personal interest to continue their lessons. Due to the nature of being free, on-demand courses often only teach beginning concepts and aren’t ideal for those looking to increase their skills.
Hip Hop Degrees
A degree isn’t necessary to learn how to dance hip hop. However, this may be an attractive option for students who are interested in breaking into the music industry and making hip hop dance into a career. While a degree isn’t required to work in the music industry, gaining one can provide students with a solid background and experience. Hip Hop degrees involve not only lessons in dance but additional education in areas such as music theory, musical history, culture studies, media, and sociology. Students will deepen their understanding of hip hop as a cultural phenomenon and music as a business.
Books on Dance
Learning how to dance primarily involves physical movement and practice, but important information can be found in books on dancing. These books will show illustrations of poses, recommend stretching or exercises to improve muscle movements, give important historical and cultural information, or provide business advice. Learning dance through books is similar to an on-demand hip hop degree. Students must advance their education on their own, but they have the opportunity to learn more about hip hop as a subject beyond dance moves. They still lack the expert guidance provided by a personal instructor.
In-Person Hip Hop Dance Classes
You can learn hip hop dance virtually anywhere you live. However, instructor-led courses may be easier to find in larger cities, of which this list covers a few. Hip hop dance classes are available for kids as well as adults. Students of all levels, from beginner to advanced, can find a course that’s right for them.
New York City, NY
Fit4Dance is a fitness studio that focuses on dance to make working out fun and enticing. Located in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Fit4Dance offers dance classes in Jazz, Zumba, and Ballet as well as Hip Hop. Classes may be available for all ages or segregated by age groups for children, teens, and adults.
Hip Hop Teens Ages 8+ is open to teenagers up to age 19. Students learn the basic moves of hip hop in a group environment. They also gain coordination and flexibility while engaging in physical fitness. Hip Hop Dance is a course open to students aged 15 and up. Students learn about the rhythm of hip hop and how to develop their signature style.