Street

House Dance

by

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic music scene. In this article, I’m delighted to share with you the ins-and-outs of house dance.

So let’s dive in…

An Overview of House Dancing

It all started in the 1980’s in clubs of Chicago and NY City. Heavily linked to house music, a genre of electronic dance music known for its ‘contagious beats’ and ‘uplifting melodies’. So naturally, house dance style is known for its very expressive movements and fluidity. It’s all about individual creativity and improvisation.

House Dance Styles:

Within House Dance, there are several different styles. Each with its own unique characteristics and influences. Let’s take a closer look at some of the better known styles:

Jacking

 

Jacking was born in the Chicago. Known for its sharp and percussive footwork, it is not just a physical expression but also a cultural one. It reflects the vibrant energy of Chicago’s underground music scene.

Jacking incorporates elements of hip-hop and breakdance. This gives it a distinct urban flair. Jacking is all about rhythm, precision, and quick foot movements that sync with the beat.

Delivered well, there should be a synergy between the dancer and the DJ, each responding to the other’s cues. This creates a dynamic, immersive dance experience.

 

Lofting

 

Lofting goes back legendary ’70s and ’80s loft parties in the heart of New York City.

The Loft was not just a nightclub; it was a private dance party. David Mancuso, a DJ and party organizer, is credited with founding ‘The Loft’.

The Loft was known for its inclusive and diverse atmosphere, where people from various backgrounds and orientations came together through music. It played a significant role in the development of disco music, which in turn, laid the foundation for the House Dance movement. Parties at The Loft were often held in lofts, non-traditional spaces. Hence the name.

What sets Lofting apart is its focus on fluidity and finesse. Dancers emphasize fluid footwork, intricate leg movements and stylish spins. The level of precision then adds an extra layer of sophistication to the performance.

The short documentary “Come As You Are” explores the cultural and social impact of the legendary Loft era in NYC . It discusses how the ritual of club dancing and radical self-expression ignited unity and healing within the Latino and African-American communities of New York. “The Loft” laid the roots for the development of international House culture and music.

 

Waacking:

 

While not exclusive to House Dance, waacking is often incorporated into this style routine. Waacking is a style that focuses on arm movements and poses. It creates visually stunning and dramatic sequences. All of this adds a unique layer of expression to any House Dance performance.

Waacking, originating from the LGBTQ+ clubs of Los Angeles during the 1970s. It uses intricate arm movements, striking poses and visually stunning sequences. This serves as a dynamic contrast to the smooth footwork and spins.

Due to the influence of Latin dances, the movement reminds of the lady styling movement from traditional dances like salsa, samba and similar Latin styles. When you watch Wacking, look out for the circular movements of the dancers hands – giving off the appearance of a windmill.

 

Voguing

 

Voguing is another style that has influenced House Dance, also originating in the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene in New York City. Theatrical flair is the essence of the Vogue style, giving off vibes of femininity and female energy. It is a testament to the openness and inclusivity of the dance, how different styles can evolve and shape the art form in this way.

The difference between Voguing and Waacking, beyond those initial first impressions, is

in forming hands. While Waacking is mostly turning and spinning hands like a windmill, Vouging uses geometrical, straight lines with hands. If you remember Maddona’s video “Vogue” which made this style popular even more, you can see the hand work.

 

Signature Moves and Techniques

Here’s a few techniques and moves you will often see used across the various House Dance styles:

  • Shuffling: A classic move which involves sliding the feet from side to side while maintaining a low stance. It showcases a dancer’s connection to the music’s groove.
  • Footwork: Quick and intricate footwork makes House Dance. Dancers deliver fast steps, slides and pivots to the rhythm.
  • Spins and Turns: These add flair and dynamism to routines. Dancers execute spins with precision and control. Often using the momentum generated by the music.
  • Loops and Circles: Dancers moves their bodies in loops and arcs. These movements add a sense of flow and continuity across the dance floor.
  • Jacking Groove: Bouncing and grooving to the beat. Often isolating the chest and shoulders while keeping the lower body grounded.

The History of House Dance

Let’s go back in time to the clubs of Chicago, where DJs like Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy were spinning records and creating a new sound known as house music. As the music came to life, so did the dance.

House dance has always been about spontaneous and freeform expression of joy and liberation. In the ‘70s and early ‘80s, dancers in Chicago’s underground clubs developed the foundational movements of House Dance. It was a fusion of funk, disco and soul dance styles set to the 4/4 beats of music. Dancers gathered in dance circles, called Cyphers, taking turns to showcase their skills, creativity and individuality.

As House Dance evolved, it made its way to NY City, where it found a new home in the legendary loft parties and club scenes. Dancers in New York added their own flair to the style, incorporating influences from hip-hop and other street styles, jazz, contemporary, Latin dances and other dance forms.

 

Influences on This Dance Style

House dance, street dancing
Image by Sarah Lötscher from Pixabay

House Dance styles have been influenced by a range of cultural and artistic elements both inside and outside of dance. Here’s a few of the less obvious ones:

  • Martial Arts – Particularly Capoeira with its fluidity of movement, balance, and acrobatics.
  • Fashion and Street Culture – Dancers often incorporate elements of streetwear, such as baggy pants, hoodies, and sneakers, into their attire. Visual arts, such as graffiti, with its vibrance and colors is also a source of inspiration.
  • African and Afro-Latin Influences – Influencing the footwork, body isolations, and music. Elements such as Cuban rumba and Congolese dance, have made their way into House Dance routines.
  • Performance Art – Mostly influencing Waacking and Voguing style as we have discussed.
  • Social and Cultural Movements – House Dance culture emerged in the midst of significant social and cultural evolution. This includes LGBTQ+ rights and civil rights. House dance is by nature inclusive, accepting, embraces solidarity and self-expression.

 

Who Pioneered House Dance?

Several individuals have acted as the pioneers to establish House Dance as a distinct and influential style:

  • Frankie Knuckles: Known as the “Godfather of House Music”. Frankie Knuckles was a DJ and producer who played a crucial role in the birth of both house music and House Dance. DJ sets at Chicago’s ‘Warehouse’ was instrumental in creating the sound and atmosphere for house dancing.
  • Larry Levan: Legendary DJ and the resident DJ at New York City’s ‘Paradise Garage’. His eclectic sets and deep connection to the music inspired many to house dance.
  • Brian Green: known as “Footwork”. Renowned House Dance innovator with a unique style.
  • Marshall Jefferson: Producer and DJ. Marshall Jefferson’s tracks like “Move Your Body” became anthems in the House Dance scene.
  • MopTop: A revered figure in the Chicago House Dance scene. Known for his incredible footwork and contributions to developing the dance style.

 

So there it is, house dancing.

The team and I love it and if you haven’t already, give it a try.

We’d love to hear how you get on.

 

Why not check out some of our other street dance articles:

House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...

Cover image: Image by Sarah Lötscher from Pixabay

 

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

by

What is the popping dance technique and how do you ‘Pop’?

Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ‘posing hard’). To the rhythm of the music  Through adding a contrast in fluid movement, the resulting effect seems almost beyond human, with robotic and animated qualities. To pull this off needs both a high degree of muscular control and a deep knowledge of their music, it’s rhythm and tempo, to ensure timing is exact. The result is highly impressive.

In this article, we’ll explore how popping came about, as well as some popping dance moves, how you can learn these and which music you should ‘pop’ too.

So let’s get started.

Popping dance on the street
Photo by Jerm Gonzalo on Pexels

Basics Moves and Popping Dance Technique

Hit and Pop

‘Hit and pop’ are the fundamentals of body popping as we can see in this video by Dey Dey. Through controlling the muscles into a tense position, with a burst of energy, then releasing, focusing on the arms and legs. These are recommended as a good point to start but remember most muscles can be controlled and ‘popped’. This can be applied in different ways across muscle groups, such as popping the neck or pectorals.

 

Body Waves and Arm Wave in Popping

‘Waves’ create a fluid effect like a wave travelling through the body. Typically this is usually delivered as:

·      Body waves – where the wave of motion travels through the dancers entire body.

·      Arm waves – as the name suggests, concentrates specifically on the arm. It starts at the finger tips and the wave moves up to the elbow, then to the shoulder and in some cases through to the second arm and down to the finger tips.

Take a look at this how to guide from Poppin John. Spoiler alert, as with much in dancing the big takeaway is developing that muscle memory, practice and repetition. The move becomes more and more fluid over time.

 

Isolations and Dime Stops

An isolation involves moving a single part of the body whilst another is motionless. This focuses on particular movement and muscles. Dimestops are on form of isolation.

Back to Poppin John, who says think of a dimestops as “your dancing being on a video and suddenly the video is paused”. i.e. you stop abruptly.

You can start off simply with an arm, have some tension in it, bringing it in a smooth movement across your mid section for example. Then when the ‘pause’, the dimestop takes effect, you stop precisely, with no shaking or after-movement. It should appear ‘frozen’ even if other parts of your body may be moving. You could then try this in the reverse direction, then the other arm for example. Putting such individual movements together in succession eventually leads to ‘the robot’, which is more advanced, taking time and dedicated practice.

The above movements give a solid foundation to a Popping dance repertoire. With some of these basics down, you can move onto the more advanced techniques.

 

Advanced Popping Techniques

Dubstep Dance: Rather than a technique in its own right, this is more tailoring the popping dance techniques to a faster dubstep music.  This brings increased speed and impact.

In this video, TheRussianTiger gives a great display of this in practice but then takes us through a couple of techniques which work particularly well for dubstep dance:

  • Vibrations – literally moving parts of the body in small, rapid vibrations, which can work particularly well when building up to points of crescendo in the music.
  • Twitches – Small, slow movements, in a robotic fashion, in time to the music. TheRussianTiger demonstrates this for the head, arms and ‘levels’ where the whole body goes down or up in progressive twitches to the beat, whilst the arms remain stationary as a point of reference, to achieve the desired effect.

Other more advanced popping techniques include:

  • Gliding: Building gliding across the dancefloor, essentially slides which can be run in combination with other moves such as isolations.
  • Robotics: Essentially the result of a combination of popping and isolations coming together across various body parts. We’ve all seen how impressive the results can be, jerky, rigid, angular movements that are mechanical in their progression. And you can’t get much better than this video of Lia Kim & Tutat – wow, we’ve watched that one a few times!
  • Strobing: Through using a series of smaller, abrupt movements, the dancers can achieve a the impression of being in a flickering strobe light and the distortion this has on perception of of movement speed. Essentially a variation of robotics.
  • Tutting: Getting it’s name from the Egyptian Art, ‘tutting’ is where particularly the fingers, hands and arms are transitioned through a set of flowing geometric shapes. Checkout this tutting demo.
  • Locking: We’re talking about big, energetic, exaggerated moves. This is a progression of advance popping but many consider this a separate dance style.
  • Animation: Through robotics but with more changes in speed and direction, the dancer achieves an effect like they are in stop motion.
  • Miming: Bringing mime into performances allows more advanced dancers to tell stories with their dance.

Learning to Pop: A Step by Step Guide

Remember, many of the individuals in the demonstration videos we’ve seen have been practicing for years to get to where they are. So next we’ll move on to approaches to learn popping dance techniques.

As popping is so reliant on getting a grasp of individual techniques such as the pops and arm waves and these take time, it may help to set some time at recurring intervals (e.g. weekly) to return to practice these particular moves, building up their impact and beginning to join them as you progress. Personal or online dance classes are also ways to aid learning these moves.

As dancers progress with their popping, often they become part of the community and eventually end up taking part in popping battles. These are competitive but friendly and can be anything from informal meet-ups, to high profile competitions. This is a real test of a dancer and helps to hone performance in front of a crowd.

Now that we know more about the dance moves and techniques, let’s take a look at some of the history behind popping.

History of Popping Dance

Popping started life as a street dance,  from California USA, in the latter part of the 1960’s. It was originally associated to funk music and associated to danced mainly by African Americans and Latinos. The Electric Boogaloo’s, a crew of talented street dancers did a lot to shape popping, refining the early approach to the ‘hot and pop’ muscle tensions. The group, consisting of Boogaloo Sam, Robot Dane, Puppet Boozer Scarecrow Scalley, Popin Pete, and Creeping Sidney began to tour more venues and build an audience for popping.

As we entered the 1980’s, there was a shift to electro music. With this evolution, street dance styles such as breakdancing and locking began to to blend with popping routines. Various artists such as Kraftwerk, Yellow Magic Orchestra, Egyptian Lover, and World Class Wrecking Crew played a role in this evolving musical landscape.

Who are Famous Poppers dancers?

Boogie Frantick:

Ricardo “Boogie Frantick” Rodriquez Jr. has been a member of dance crews including MZK, Academy of Villains, Substance Over Hype, The LXD, Celebrity Dance Masters, Funny Bones Crew and The Underground. Highly creative and seamless blends styles such as popping, locking and animation. He’s a highly demanded performer, judge and dance teacher internationally.

Mr. Wiggles:

Mr. Wiggles is another legendary popper. A founding member of the Rock Steady Crew and an early member of the Electric Boogaloos, Mr. Wiggles helped popularize the popping style internationally. His unique approach to the dance involves combining elements of funk, soul, and hip-hop.

Michael Jackson:

Michael Jackson may not be thought of as a popper but he has really left his mark in the world of popping. Signature moves, such as the moonwalk, robot, smooth glides and pops, his dance moves have are now at the core of the popping style. A huge global fan base has drawn attention to popping, as more broadly Michael Jackson went on to inspire many dancers around the globe.

 

So take inspiration from the greats and happy Popping!

Here’s some other streetdance articles you might be interested in:

House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building

Street Dance Styles

Street dance styles. When you hear the term "street dancing," what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses ...
street dance

Best Street Dancers in the World

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent. While there are many skilled street dancers ...
Breakdancer performing in front of the crowd

What is Break Dance?

What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you're not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an ...

 

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

by

What is clowning dance?

Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, otherwise known as Tommy the Clown. He combined hip-hop dance elements with clown performances to create a new genre known as “hip-hop clowns.”

In this article we’ll explore its characteristics, how clowning dance came about, cultural influence, particularly on the development of krump. Then we look at clowning dance vs krumping to distinguish what really sets each apart. Lets get on with it.

An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance
Photo by james-lee-YmG-jLBgfS0 on unsplash

How Clowning Dance came about

The history of clowning dance starts back to the early 1990s, when Thomas Johnson, also known as Tommy the Clown, created this to add his own spin on kids birthday party clown acts. This gave birth to the new style of “hip-hop clowns.”

In bringing together the unlikely bed-fellows of hip hop and clown acts, Tommy created a new dance form. This eventually grew to surprise him, in what a huge movement it became.

In those early years of clowning dance, as the years passed, it matured as a style and as a result, others began to adopt it.

The growth of clown dance laid the foundation for a related dance style known as krump or krumping, heavily influenced by “Tight Eyez” “Big Mijo”. The two dance styles may share their roots but there are important differences, which we will explore later in this article.

As they took off clowning and krumping began getting media coverage. In 2005, a documentary named ‘Rize’ directed by David LaChapelle, captured the growth of this dance. Tommy the Clown’s impact was central to this.

For years, Clowning dance continued to spread throughout Los Angeles. Clowning dance served as an alternative for people trying to avoid gang involvement, giving them a creative way to express raw emotions in a non-violent, but powerful way. Bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. There is are even organized ‘battles’ and clowning dance schools, including classes by Tommy dedicated to the style.

Clowning dance may not have been around long compared to many dance styles, but this has not stopped it having a real impact on both American pop culture and the world of dance. Our perspective is that its good to see dance is continually evolving and adapting to resonate with the needs of different communities and cultures.

Characteristics of Clowning Dance

Theatrical:

What sets this dance apart from most other street dances is:

·      Humour: Thanks to its roots, clown dancing is all about humor and getting a laugh

·      Props: Clowning performers often use various props and comedy skits

·      Mime-like: face painting and often colorful costumes takecentre stage. In this video Minnie Mouse is even brought out at the end for a child’s party, who seemed to love it.

 

Energy & Movement:

Clowning dance, as a street dance, emphasizes freedom and energy in dance. Characteristic movements in clowning dance include:

·      arm swings

·      chest pops

·      stomps

·      exaggerated gestures.

Together these movements create a dynamic experience for both dancers and the audience. It most of the videos, there’s a crowd of community, they’re part of the experience and often joining in with elements.

Expression

Clowning dance is a real performance, with dancers expressing themselves through their body movements and exaggerated actions.

Krumping vs clown dancing

As clowning dance gained popularity, it also inspired the development of a more intense and emotionally charged alternative called krumping. While krumping shares some stylistic similarities with clowning but has more high-energy, aggressive movements, and it’s often used as an outlet for self-expression and social commentary, as we’ll describe below. Clowning is however more theatrical, lighthearted dance style that incorporates humor and entertainment. It involves exaggerated movements and often includes elements of mime and comedy.

Similarities between krump and clown dance

Clowning dance and krumping both became popular due to their strong roots in faith and community. Miss Prissy notes in a study by Brenda Dixon Gottschild “individuals who are inspired by and enthralled in the Holy Spirit simply get up and dance as the spirit moves them”.

Beginning as a means of expression in underprivileged communities and a positive outlet for emotion and creativity. As ‘Dragon’, one of the original Krump dancers puts it “this is our ghetto ballet” where other choices may also have not been available.

“In the Beginning was Body Language” by Sarah S. Ohmer CUNY, Lehman College, is an in depth social study, where she argues there are many more layers to this historically and culturally.  In communities which have been traditionally discriminated against and marginalised, dance provides a much needed form of expression.

“Krump and Clowning have helped individuals work through and witness personal and communal trauma, enact community building and spiritual resistance. Krump and Clowning exemplify hip hop dance that works against discrimination and selective amnesia bound to questions of race, socio-economic marginalization, and gender”

Differences between krump and clown dance

Unlike krumping, clowning dance is known for its sexual innuendo, while also blending with other dance styles such as C-walking.  It is designed to be a free-spirited expression of one’s body, allowing dancers to enjoy themselves and share that joy with their audience.

Krumping is however characterized by intense, aggressive movements and emotional expression, Clowning is known for its theatrical, lighthearted approach, incorporating humor and entertainment.

More literally, a transition from one to the other can even be seen in the face paint used by the dancers, which shifts from the traditional fun circus clown image to indigenous and tribal war or dance paint.

This video shows Tommy explain some of the differences in his class:

Final words

Clowning dance is a vibrant and engaging style that captures the fun-loving spirit of its roots in the LA community. With its distinctive face painting, humorous moves, and engaging performance, it continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide – of all ages.

Related articles to street dance:

You might also be interested in are articles about street dance styles, famous street dancers and hip hop moves.

House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building

Street Dance Styles

Street dance styles. When you hear the term "street dancing," what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses ...
street dance

Best Street Dancers in the World

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent. While there are many skilled street dancers ...
Breakdancer performing in front of the crowd

What is Break Dance?

What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you're not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an ...

Street Dance Styles

by
Street dance styles. When you hear the term “street dancing,” what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses many different styles of dance. Street dancing can be traced back to the late 1800s with the rise of African American culture and music.
From there, street dance has evolved and grown to include many different styles from around the world. So, what exactly is street dancing? Street dancing is a form of social dance that is usually performed in public spaces such as parks, streets, and clubs. Street dancers often use their environment as inspiration for their choreography and movements.
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building
Photo by Guillaume Zaracas on Unsplash

Street Dance Styles

There are many different styles of street dance, each with its history and culture. Some of the most popular types of street dance styles include hip-hop, breakdance, house dance, locking, and popping.

Hip-Hop

Hip-hop dance is a type of dance that is performed to hip-hop music or that has developed as a part of hip-hop culture. It includes a wide range of styles primarily breaking, locking, and popping which were created in the 1970s and made popular by dance crews in the United States. Hip-hop first gained popularity in the South Bronx region of New York City in the late 1970s. At this time, many young African American and Latino people were looking for a way to express themselves through movement.

These dancers developed new styles of dancing that incorporated elements from other styles, such as jazz, tap, and breakdance. Hip-hop quickly spread to other parts of the United States and then to countries around the world. In the 1980s, hip-hop dancers began to appear in music videos and movies, which helped to increase its popularity even more. Today, hip-hop is one of the most popular styles of dance and can be seen in many different forms, such as breakdance, popping, and locking.

Breakdance

Breakdancing, a form of street dance that originated in the Bronx in New York City during the 1970s, involves acrobatic movements and a focus on ground work. It became popular within the hip-hop scene and is commonly performed to hip-hop music, though it can also be danced to other musical genres.

The main four types of moves are “toprock”, “downrock”, “power moves”, and “freezes”.

House dance

House dance is a free street and social dance that originated in Chicago in the 1980s in the underground house music scene. This style is known for its unique footwork and body isolations.

“Jacking”, “footwork”, and “lofting” are the fundamental elements of House dance. The House dance at the beginning of its development was hard and sharp, the movements were performed with tense hands and clearly fixed, the body had to be hard, and the tread must be firm. Gradually, the dance movements became more plastic, free, and relaxed. There were soft, springy movements of the legs, a gait pushing off the floor.

Locking

Locking is a funky style of dance that was developed in Los Angeles in the late 1960s. It is characterized by a combination of fast movements and freezing in improvisational positions for a short time, and then continuing the movements at the same speed. Locking is danced to funk or soul. And the performers of this dance are called Lockers. When dancing, the Lockers always try to interact with the audience, smiling or even doing something comical.

Popping

Popping is a style of street dance that was developed in Fresno, California, in the late 1960s. It is characterized by a slow tempo and abrupt and jerky movements called claps. Poppers create the appearance of implausible movements by using isolation techniques. Popping can be performed to any music, but it is most often danced to hip-hop or electronica.

The History and Culture of Street Dance

Street dance has its origins in African American culture. African American vernacular styles such as jazz and tap were some of the first styles of street dance. These styles were later fused with Latin American styles to create hip-hop. In the 1980s, street dance became more mainstream with the rise of hip-hop music and culture. Today, street dance is popular all over the world and is a staple in many different cultures.

While street dancing can be traced back to the late 1800s, it was not until the 1970s that it began to gain popularity in the United States. Street dancing became more mainstream in the 1980s with the rise of hip-hop music and culture. Today, street dance is popular all over the world and is a staple in many different cultures.

Street dance styles have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to movies like “Step Up” and television shows like “America’s Best Dance Crew” These films and shows have helped to bring street dance styles to a wider audience and have inspired many people to start dancing.

Conclusion

Street dance is a popular and widespread form of dance. There are many different styles of street dance, each with its own unique history and culture. Now that you know a little more about street dance, why not try it yourself? Start dancing!

Related articles on street dancing:
House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building

Street Dance Styles

Street dance styles. When you hear the term "street dancing," what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses ...
street dance

Best Street Dancers in the World

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent. While there are many skilled street dancers ...
Breakdancer performing in front of the crowd

What is Break Dance?

What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you're not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an ...

Best Street Dancers in the World

by

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent.

While there are many skilled street dancers today, some have made a particularly significant contribution to the hip-hop scene and have become a part of its history. These iconic figures in hip-hop dance culture are widely recognized and respected within the professional dance community.

Therefore in order to broaden understanding of dance culture in general, we have created this list of the best and most popular freestyle, hip-hop, and break dancers in the world. This is not a ranking, and we have not given anyone a place. We merely offer to get acquainted with the iconic figures as one of the best hiphop dancers. So let’s begin!

street dance
street dancers competing

List of the best hip hop dancers in the world

This list starts with the fathers of hip-hop dance culture and continues with modern and outstanding professional hip-hop dancers. Of course there’s far to much talent out there to name everyone but we think this is a solid start!

Buddha Stretch

Buddha Stretch was one of the first to promote Hip Hop on the world stage. He was the one who took the popularity of hip-hop to a totally new level, in particular with the help of music videos. Also, it is believed that he started the so-called freestyle hip hop, which combined Old School and New School hip-hop dance. Later on, Buddha Stretch assembled a dance team of the best freestyle dancers named Elite Force and even worked with the most popular artists of the world.

While Buddha himself says he never planned to pursue dance and hip-hop professionally, it became so all-encompassing that it completely consumed him.

Mr Wiggles

Steffan “Mr. Wiggles” Clemente is a virtuoso performer of Bboying, Locking, Popping. The first mentor who introduced Stefan to the techniques of the emerging dance culture was his sister Wanda. She taught her little brother elements of the popular at the time Rockin dance. After that, he took up the study of top-rock and break-dance.

Soon Mr. Wiggles gets into the Rock Steady Crew. It was great luck and a good start for a novice dancer. After that he receives an invitation from another core group of funk and hip-hop culture – The Electric Boogaloos and he accepts it gratefully. He becomes a very popular hip-hop dancer in the ’90s and ’00s.

A hip-hop veteran, the New York Bessie Award winner is still in great shape today. He passes on his skills to young people at numerous masterclasses and takes part in the creation of educational films.

 

Les Twins

Les Twins – Larry & Laurent Bourgeois – are the most popular brothers who have become popular not only among dancers but all over the world. After watching the performance, even a person who is not connected with the choreography surely wants to try his hand at hip-hop. Because the guys’ dance is so beautiful that it involuntarily mesmerizes.

The brothers learned to dance from watching their idols on TV and then on the streets of the city. For the first time, people started to talk about these young Frenchmen in 2008, after their performance at the international dance contest Juste Debout. At the beginning of 2011, they became the winners of the popular talent show and won the hearts of the audience for good.

They have starred in advertising campaigns for companies such as Adidas, and have also worked extensively with popular artists, both as dancers and as choreographers.

To date, Les Twins have toured dozens of countries with master classes and performances. They are still very popular to this day, and in 2019 they even starred in Men in Black International.

Philip «Pacman» McChbeeb

The hip-hop performer and choreographer from the United States is now considered one of the best dancers in the world. He started dancing at 15, and at 16 he founded his own studio in Houston. At the same time, Philip is an engineer-physicist. Popularity came after participating in the dance show “So You Think You Can Dance”. In 2010, together with Dee (Moon) Zang created the team I.aM.Me, which became after winning the show “America’s Best Dance Crew” one of the world’s strongest hip-hop dance groups.

Pacman travels around the world with his workshops, regularly participates in dance shows, and puts on plays for Hollywood movies (for example, he participated in the filming and staging of plays for Step Up Revolution and Step Up All In).

Bboy Storm

Nils Robitsky – Bboy Storm – has been presenting HipHop and Funk styles since 1983 and is one of the leading dancers in this field. Popping, Locking, and Bboying have made him world-famous. This legendary man is honored with the title of the founder of breakdancing in Europe, along with some other famous breakdancers.

He won many breakdancing competitions in the nineties. In addition, he hosted the HipHop Magazine “Freestyle” on the German TV channel Viva. But by 1996 the work on the magazine “Freestyle” ends and something new begins. The name of the conceptually new and successful Berlin-based project is: “STORM and Jazzy Project”. A couple of gorgeous productions in the format of this project opens the door for STORM to the best halls of the world.

Besides all of the above, Niels worked on another creation – a book about the evolution of break and the history of breakdance in Germany.

To this day, he actively teaches, puts on performances, and conducts numerous master classes in breakdancing, popping, and locking.

 

Ashley Banjo

Ashley Banjo is an English street dancer, choreographer, and actor. He started dancing as a child. He is the leader of the Diversity Dance Company, which he organized with his younger brother in 2007. They gained huge worldwide popularity after winning the third season of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. After that Ashley participated in many television programs both as a member of the jury and as a guest.

Today Ashley is one of the most popular media dancers in the world, thanks to his participation in many television shows. He has 1 million followers on Instagram, and Diversity continues to successfully perform and win the hearts of fans. Ashley Banjo is an official ambassador of the United Dance Organization.

 

 

Best Female Hip Hop Dancers

This is a list of famous hip hop female dancers who have conquered this not always easy and forceful style of dance. Look at how they dance and what they have achieved in the field of professional street dance. Then you will never be able to say that it is “not a woman’s” dancing.

Luam

This American is known primarily for her unconventional choreographic approach, all of her dance productions are the embodiment of the brightest and most interesting hip-hop features.

She began dancing, like many people, while still in high school. She experimented with different dance styles, which influenced her own style so much. Pursuing her dream of dancing, in 2002, she left her main job completely and put all her energy into perfecting her skills. She was able to fully dedicate herself to dance and choreography. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Today she has already worked with major brands and many world-renowned artists. She teaches at the world-famous studio in New York City – Broadway Dance Center as well as gives master classes all over the world. She is one of the permanent teachers of Monsters of Hip-Hop along with such dance stars as Nappytabs, Marty Kudelka, Kevin Maher, etc.

 

Besides choreographic activities, Luam also hosts a podcast and an Instagram blog where she discusses important social topics and issues in the dance world.

B-girl Logistx

Bgirl Logistx is a young champion with great promise. Her real name is Logan Edra. Logan has been breaking since she was 9 years old (since 2011). In 2016, the family even decided to move to Los Angeles for Logistx to expand her dance prospects. Her first and main team is Underground Flow. In 2018 b-girl Logistx won the Silverback Open B-Girl Solo, after that win the world noticed her completely.

Besides breaking, Logan practices other styles of dance, such as hip-hop, and teaches commercial choreography, applying that knowledge to breaking. Logan believes that this makes her style special.

The young girl with the cute appearance turns the dance floor upside down, makes incredibly complex mouves – it amazes the audience time and time again.

 

Marie Poppins

Marie is a member of the trio Femme Fatale. She became interested in street dancing in France when she was a child. Even then she decided that her favorite style was Popping. She went to college in Chicago, so later on she developed and trained in America. She took a lot of part in various competitions and later worked with such artists as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Busta Rhymes, Ne-Yo, Celine Dion, and others. She has also appeared in films and worked as a choreographer in popular TV shows.

Top breakdancers in the world of the latest years

What about top break dancers who get their popularity last few years? Let’s take a look at a few of the most prominent ones.

Lilou

Ali Ramdani, known as Lilou, was born in France in 1984. He first became interested in dance as a child when he saw a performance on TV. Together with his friends in 1999, he founded the Pokemon Crew, a breakdancing team that today has no equal in the world.

In 2005 he took part for the first time in Red Bull BC One, where he won. In 2009 he was able to regain the title (the only one in the world to win this competition twice).

He conquers with his swagger, which is combined with a great sense of humor. Rare battles with his participation pass without impertinent banter that makes the whole audience laugh. His dance routine utilizes classical footwork with power technique. He is known for a move that looks like an “airchair”.

Today Lilou not only dances, but also promotes breakdancing, starring in semi-documentary films.

Lil Zoo

Fouad Ambelj aka Lil Zoo was born in Casablanca, Morocco, and lives in Austria. In 2008 he became a dancer by coincidence. Children in the neighborhood were doing breakdancing, and Lil Zou was fascinated by it. Later he began to train with a popular b-boy Yoriyas, with whom he later faced more than once in battles.

In 2018, he succeeded in winning the RedBull BC One World Finals title.

The hallmark of Lil Zu is positivity. His smile comes out on the dance floor before the dancer himself, which can speak of the man’s cordiality and friendliness. He is always energetic and fresh, and his energy energizes everyone around him. He is able to move quickly and dynamically, stopping sharply in the frieze, without falling out of the music, which gives his style more spectacular.

Physicx

B-Boy Physicx was born on August 23, 1984, in South Korea and currently resides in Seoul. He has a huge number of wins and awards, which makes him one of the best B-Boys in the world. He is a member of the Korean team Rivers Crew and also used to be a member of the legendary Korean team Project Soul. BBoy Physicx himself invented and implemented in breakdancing many elements and movements, most of which are technically very complex.

Cico

Cico’s real name is Mauro Peruzzi. Bboy CICO is a member of the Red Bull BC One All Stars. He began training in 1995 and is currently a member of Spinkings. CICO has participated in numerous events, including RED BULL BC ONE 2005, 2007, 2008 and won major battles in Europe.

With his 25 turns on one arm, this b-boy from Italy left his name in the list of world records and in the minds of thousands of break fans for a long time.

 

So there you have it – our views on some of the great street dancers.

Check out these related articles on street dancing:
House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building

Street Dance Styles

Street dance styles. When you hear the term "street dancing," what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses ...
street dance

Best Street Dancers in the World

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent. While there are many skilled street dancers ...
Breakdancer performing in front of the crowd

What is Break Dance?

What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you're not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an ...

What is Break Dance?

by
What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you’re not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an overview.

What is breakdance

Breakdance, also known as b-boying or breaking, is a style of street dance that originated in the South Bronx in New York City during the early 1960s.

Breakdancers perform a variety of moves including footwork, freezes, and power moves, often battling against each other in a display of skill and creativity. Also, breakers have an excellent physical form, as performing complex acrobatic movements requires special preparation. B-boys and b-girls (as they call themselves) develop strength and flexibility of the body, a sense of balance, and endurance.

History of origin

The dance appeared in New York, where it originated in the sixties of the twentieth century. But it is believed that it was finally formed and became a completely independent break-dance only in the year 73. The ancestor of the breaking recognized James Brown, in the show which was first involved in the breakdancers.

70-80s is the period of breakdance popularization. Look at what an old-school breaking was like:

The evolution of the breakdancing is closely linked to the growth of hip-hop and its culture.

The detailed history of hip-hop and breakdance.

Popular Dance Elements

Flare

Flare is the rotation of the legs in a circle, alternately changing hands.

Windmill

Rotation on the floor with widely spaced legs due to fly movements of legs. There are variants in the installation of the hands behind the back – this is one of the basic movements.

Headspin

Rotation on the head with the help of hands. The position of the legs can be extended and bent at a blunt or right angle. One of the brightest moves that newcomers to breakdancing want to learn.

Turtle

Horizontal rotation of the body on bent arms that rest with the elbow against the press.

Six steps

Six-foot movements when the arms support. Looks like circular jogging of the feet on the floor.

 

Best b-boys & b-girls

DanceBibles editorial choice – our TOP 5 favorite breakers

Menno

is three times Red Bull BC One champion (2014, 2017, 2019).

This guy is one of a kind. Extremely original and fluid. Menno has an interesting and recognizable style. He uses complex, original transitions from element to element. He has a special energy, strong message, is well able to create psychological attacks during the battle.

Lussy Sky

Lussy Sky is one of the strongest and most musical B-boys of our time. His footwork is too good, hits almost every beat. Just look at his battle with Menno and you’ll understand.

Ami

Ami got good foundation skills her footwork is on another level. We like her breaking for her lightness and ease of performance, her incredible energy. It’s always interesting to watch Amy.

Zeku

Enduring, strong, technical Zeku, his skill is extraordinary.

Lilou

B-Boy Lilou is one of the most famous and spectacular bboys in the world. He won the Red Bull BC One in Berlin In 2005 and n New York in 2009. He has a unique style, a special manner of performance and behavior on stage.

Championships and competitions

  • Red Bull BC One;
  • WDSF World Breaking Championship;
  • Battle of the Year;
  • Freestyle Session;
  • IBE;
  • Chelles PRO.

Music

Hip hop music is great for breakers. Rep, funk, jazz, electro, soul are sometimes also popular among dancers. That is if the rhythm of music allows you to break to it, it’s good music.

 

Article cover photo by Jerm Gonzalo on Pexels.

So there you have it – hopefully we’ve answered the question ‘what is breakdance?’ for you and you’re keen to explore breakdance further.

Take a look at these articles on the best street dancers and street dancing
House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building

Street Dance Styles

Street dance styles. When you hear the term "street dancing," what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses ...
street dance

Best Street Dancers in the World

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent. While there are many skilled street dancers ...
Breakdancer performing in front of the crowd

What is Break Dance?

What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you're not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an ...

History of Hip-Hop Dance

by
The history of hip hop dance is relatively short, as a young dance style, having only been around for five decades.
Despite this, it has quickly become one of the most popular dance styles in the world. In this article, we will explore the history and development of hip-hop dance, including some interesting facts and photographs from the 1970s and 1980s. Through a short but impactful history of hip hop, the dance has made its mark on the street dance world and continues to inspire people of all ages.
It is also worth noting!

Exploring the history of Hip hop is not just considering the dance, but a whole subculture, which is based on music (beatbox and rap), dancing (hip-hop dance, breakdance, popping, locking, krump), and arts such as graffiti.

Origin – Kool Herc

DJ Kool Herc setting up the world-famous bloc party at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue, The Bronx, New York City, signifying the birth of hip-hop. 11 August 1973. History of hip hop

The origins of hip-hop dance can be traced back to 1967 in the South Bronx neighborhood of New York City, which was one of the poorest and most disadvantaged areas at the time. It was here that a Jamaican DJ known as Kool Herc started organizing parties and performing rap music while also playing records.

As part of the parties, he would occasionally allow dancers to show off their skills by performing to the musical breaks in his music. This led to the development of the first dance movements and styles that would later be known as hip-hop dance. These early dance styles were characterized by their rhythmic patterns and energetic movements, which were often performed to the beat of hip-hop music.

70’s – Afrika Bambaataa

The term “hip-hop” had not yet been coined. It was invented a few years later in 1974 by DJ Africa Bambaataa when the culture developed and needed a common name. The word “hip” is derived from African American slang and refers to the moving parts of the body, such as the legs and arms. Besides, the word “hip” was used the meaning “acquisition of knowledge, improvement.” The word “hop” means “jump”. Thus, united, two words express the idea of ​​the whole hip hop trend – moving forward, developing, and understanding modern life.

That same year, 1974, the Bambaataa established the five basics of hip-hop:

  • MCing – is a combination of words and music, when a performer starts improvising or pre-conceived words to the rhythms.
  • DJing – is music control. DJ turns on any record and changes its sound with the help of technique, hands, or other things.
  • Breaking or break-dance – is the street dance that has accompanied hip-hop culture. It’s the foundation of all other street dancing.
  • Graffiti writing – is street art.
  • Knowledge – is a philosophy of culture that constantly tries to describe street life, even though it’s sometimes a dead end.

“Prescription” hip-hop culture existed covertly even before Bambaataa, but he was the one who officially voiced it in one of the interviews.

Street Gangs

To fully grasp the history of hip hop dance, it is important to consider the context and principles of hip-hop culture. It is a time when poor neighborhoods of New York were overflowing with drugs and crime when young people from an early age were on the path of criminal activity. Gangs and groups were organized on the streets. One of these street gangs was Black Spades, of which Bambaataa was a member before he became a popular musician.

Such gangs have also become centers for the development of hip-hop culture. Their activity peaked in 1973. The decline of gang activity can be attributed to the growing popularity and success of hip-hop dance and culture. After all, it was precisely this trend that first touched upon acute social, political, and racial problems.

By the mid-1970s, there were several hundred breaker teams in the Bronx and Harlem that shared the city – each team danced at its own intersection. Teams such as the Rock Steady Crew and the New York City Breakers had what they called “ritual battles”. Later on, they became very popular after one of the battles was filmed. The videos became widespread and generated a wave of imitations among teenagers.

80-90s

On September 21, 1982, the term “hip-hop” was first mentioned in the media, in an article titled “Afrika Bambaataa’s Hip Hop” in the magazine Village Voice.

During the 1980s and 1990s, hip-hop dance experienced rapid growth in popularity. The success was overwhelming! Also, in the 1980s, social hip-hop dance (party dance) began to develop. These dances were not created for competitive purposes or to showcase athleticism, but rather to bring people together and create a sense of unity. As a result, they spread quickly and became a popular form of dance.

More and more dancing teams were created. In 1984, the United Street Force was established. They, by the way, performed at the invitation of the White House for President Ronald Reagan.

Hip-hop dancers and breakers were invited to star in advertising campaigns for such brands as Burger King, Pepsi, Coke, Panasonic, MacDonalds and others.

As the 20th century came to a close, hip-hop continued to grow in popularity and evolve, even losing some of its original protest roots. By the start of the 21st century, hip-hop had become mainstream and fashionable. The first hip-hop dance teachers also emerged at this time, with Buddha Stretch often credited as one of the pioneers in this field. He started teaching in 1989.

Beginning of the 21st century

The beginning of the 21st century was in a way a new page in the history of Hip-Hop. In addition to movies and clips, popular TV shows about dancing appear, which further promote and spread such dancing as hip hop. Dancing hip-hop is becoming fashionable and cool, and more and more dance schools are opening, which teaches hip-hop dancing, as well as other street dance styles.

As hip-hop has become more commercialized, it has also split into two main categories: Old School and New School. Old School represents the foundation of hip-hop, encompassing the dance styles that were popular during its inception and early development. Old school is free, improvised, and relaxed but energetic.

Basic dance moves:

  • reebok;
  • smurf;
  • prep;
  • сabbage patch;
  • the wop;
  • the fila (rembo);
  • happy feet.

The new school came to hip-hop culture with the beginning of the commercialization of dance. It absorbed all that is in the old school but became more technically complex. If earlier, when dancing hip-hop it was almost always freestyle, that is, improvisation, the New School is characterized by choreography. Although the audience still has the impression of an improvisational manner of performing, thanks to the relaxation and freedom of movement.

An important stage in the formation of hip-hop as a dance genre – is the emergence of international competitions, in the form of both battles and stage art. Now dance teams not only compete in battles but also perform on great stages with many spectators. Such teams as Jabbawockeez, Quick Crew, Mos Wanted Crew, and AOV become popular not only in the dance world.

Hip-hop today

Despite the great popularity of hip-hop continues to be an integral part of the urban areas of the U.S., where it came from at one time. The history of hip hop dance is a struggle and victory, the desire for independence, and the love of freedom. Originated as a form of self-expression, it continues to address significant political, social, and racial issues. It requires both intellectual and emotional depth to fully grasp and excel in this dance style. Only those who truly understand and appreciate the depth of hip-hop can achieve success in it.

Hip-hop is a unique culture with its own philosophy. And it was created by people who were not afraid to confront the world. Perhaps that’s the main reason why this kind of choreography is so popular. Hip-hop dance is more than just a set of movements to music. It’s a dance call full of boldness and passion. A dance with a story that’s worth knowing.

Additional literature about hip hop dance history:

  • Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation – Jeff Chang
  • Hip-Hop and Urban Dance – Tamsin Fitzgerald
  • B-Boy Championships: From Bronx to Brixton – D. J. Hooch 

 

Related articles on street dancing and dance history:
House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building

Street Dance Styles

Street dance styles. When you hear the term "street dancing," what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses ...
street dance

Best Street Dancers in the World

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent. While there are many skilled street dancers ...
Breakdancer performing in front of the crowd

What is Break Dance?

What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you're not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an ...

Cover photo by Breakreate on Unsplash

What is Krumping? The 101 on Krump

by
Krump is a dance style and a genre of music. The Krump Dance Style is characterized by its energetic and expressive movements, as well as its aggressive presentation. Despite this intensity, Krump is not a dance of violence or hatred, but rather a peaceful form of expression with a rich history and philosophy. It is a street dance that has gained popularity for its sharp and fast movements, but it is important to remember that it is not a dance of aggression or animosity.

History

Clowning

The dance style known as Krumping originated from a type of dancing called clowning dance, which emerged in the 1990s. Clowning was created by Thomas Johnson, also known as Clown Thomas or Tommy the Clown, and involved a group of dancers who performed a high-energy, energetic dance style. This style was particularly popular among young people, and the dancers often wore brightly colored face paint during their performances at social events and children’s celebrations.

It is worth saying that the streets of Los Angeles, where the dance was formed, at that time were overflowing with banditry, drugs, and violence. In this atmosphere, it was hard for teenagers not to get into bad company. So for many of them, dancing was a salvation from dangerous and illegal street entertainment.

The Origin of Krump

Tight Eyez (Ceasare Willis) and Jo’Artis “Big Mijo” Ratti once joined Thomas’ band. But despite their interest in dancing, they did not dance like the typical representatives of clowning. Their movements were filled with aggression and anger, and they were more powerful, sharp, and dramatic. Tight Eyez and Mijo themselves mentioned in interviews that they didn’t do clowning originally. They came to Thomas and were Krump dancers from day one.

Since Mijo and Tight Eyez were too rough for the clowning style, they eventually stopped dancing in Clown Thomas’s band and split into their own band. At first, they danced alone. In the late nineties, more and more people were beginning to learn about krump dancing and began to develop a competitive hierarchy and get into dance battles. In the early 2000s, there were families of krump dancers (“fams”).

Krump Popularization

Krump became popular in the 2000s after the popular video maker David LaChapelle first made the short documentary “Krumped” and showed it at Aspen Shortsfest in 2004. Following the success of the first film, David made the feature film “Rise,” which explores the origins of clowning and krump. The film features popular krumpers such as Tight Eyez, Lil C, Miss Prissy, and others.

Note!

It’s also interesting to read – History of Hip-hop

 

K.R.U.M.P. is an acronym for Kingdom Radically Uplifted Mighty Praise. The founders, and in particular Tight Eyez, put spiritual meaning into the dance, saying that this dance praises God. For many followers, the spiritual element is also important in this dance.

Characteristic features of krump

Krump is rarely choreographed and it’s usually freestyle. Although, over the past few years, Krump choreography has also gained popularity.

The basic movements are performed powerfully and with some aggressiveness, the dancer puts strength and power into each movement. The movements are often jerky and fast. The krump contains jumps and swings, but they arepowerful and “crushing the ground.”. A typical movement is a chest pop upwards.

Drama is also a characteristic of the performance of krump because it is believed that dancing, the dancer acts as if they are throwing out some dark emotions that they have accumulated and should do it with rage.

Popular Moves

  • Chest pop
  • Stomp
  • Arm swings
  • Wobble

Music

  • J Squad
  • Aghiazma
  • Krumpology
  • MadDTraXx
  • Trakk Team
  • Big Rules
  • Baby C
  • Lil Gully
  • Stix

Krump Dictionary

Battle – a dance competition where dancers compete against each other, taking turns.

Session – format of dancing where participants form a circle and take turns in the center to dance.

Those who have their own unique and unique krump dance style are called Buck. People who copy others, in turn, are called Biters.

Often, the words “Kill Off” are used in battles. This means “killing” an opponent in battle, that is, the performing of the most energetically charged and powerful part of the performance.

Callout – battle call.

As you can see, krump, as a separate and independent dance direction, formed not so long ago. However, it has won the hearts of many dancers within just a few years.

Sources:

FAQ

What is a krump dance style?

Krump is a street dance style characterized by sharp, jerky movements, aggressive execution, and expressiveness.

Where did krumping originate from?

It appeared in the early 2000s on the streets of Los Angeles and was similar to a dance style known as clowning dance. The creators are Tight Eyez (Ceasare Willis) and Jo’Artis “Big Mijo.”

What is the difference between krumping and clowning?

Clowning is a dance that’s more cheerful and inflammatory, unlike krump. It is often performed by applying bright colors to the faces of the performers. While krump is aggressive, it is performed with the spouting of bad emotions and thoughts. The movements of krump are sharper and more jerky than the movements of clowning.

Who popularized krumping?

Although Krump was popular among teenagers in Los Angeles, it gained real popularity and distribution after the movies “Krumped” and “Rise” by David LaChapelle.

 

Related articles on street dancing:
House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...

Basic Hip Hop Moves for Beginners

by
To begin learning basic hip-hop dance, it is important to start with the basics. This includes getting a feel for the rhythm and music and learning the basic movements. In this tutorial, we provide a detailed breakdown of these foundational techniques, along with a selection of the best video tutorials to help you master hip-hop beginner moves. By starting with these simple steps, you can build a strong foundation for your hip-hop dance journey.

Basic Hip Hop Moves.

Groove

The groove involves alternating between bent and extended knees, in time with the beat. When you bend your knees and swing down, it accentuates the forward tilt of your body. By swinging up and extending your knees, you align yourself as if pushing off and create a slight tilt backwards.

The movement should be done expressively, with muscle tension, but the viewer should see a relaxed dancer. Performing groove, you will feel the music and rhythm. Then the groove can be varied by swinging movements of the hands and light tilting of the body to the sides.

Try to make a groove to different music with different tempo and rhythms. The better you do it, the faster you can choose faster music.

You can make a groove with an accent downwards – then the initial position will be with even legs. Or you can do a groove with an accent upwards, in which case you can start with bent knees.

Tone wop

It’s a basic movement taught to beginners in hip-hop. It needs to be studied to a degree of automation. During Tone Wop, the dancer takes small steps and “closes” and “opens” the feet.

You can take a step in any direction you want – backward, to the side or you can walk all the time just forward. But for starters, we recommend moving only in one direction to understand the structure of the movement.

Rhythm: on the score “once” we make a step, on the score “and” – “close” the stops, on the score “two” – “open”.

When you feel confident in this movement, try to add a variety of hand and body movements.

Brooklyn Bounce

– is a swing with crossed legs. Let’s start with Bounce. You can practice it as follows: jump up slightly and, once you land, bend your knees gently. Do it a few times – you should feel like you’re jumping like a ball, only smoothly and gently.

Next, try to learn how to work your legs:

Criss Cross

It’s a movement in which the legs cross in a jump with a groove. It may seem that the movement is very simple, but it is worth remembering that it is performed at a very fast pace and in conjunction with other elements, so the clarity of execution must be honed in the first class.

Salsa Rock

A little cardio – low jumps in place. The movement consists of throwing one leg forward while making a small jump backward with the support leg. Then the same movement must be done on the second leg. The body and arms are directed towards the jump (most likely this part will be obtained by inertia).

Sham Rock

– is a bailiff system with a twist and a final jump. Professional dancers beautifully capture each phase of the movement and place accents on the shoulders.

Dougie

The fashion movement Dougie looks cool to any music. These are legs with the foot turned inside out and hands walking beautifully in the opposite direction. The width of the step, the degree of bending of the knees, the waving of hands, and the general mood of the performance – all make this element into a full dance.

FAQ

What are the basic movements of hip hop?

The very first thing to start studying hip-hop is groove.
A list of basic movements:

  • Groove:
  • Tone wop;
  • Brooklyn Bounce;
  • Criss Cross;
  • Sham Rock;
  • Dougie

How do you do basic hip hop moves?

First, it is necessary to study the technique of execution of this or that movement, then – to bring the execution of the movement to automatism. After that, add the groove and freedom in your movements with your hands.

How can I learn hip hop?

It’s best to learn to hip-hop in a specialized dance studio. Under the guidance of the coach, classes will be held as productively as possible. If this is not possible, you can start with video lessons on YouTube. Watch more videos of cool professional dancers dancing – it will help you “catch” style and technique.

Here’s some other articles relating to hip hop and street dance:

House dance, street dancing

House Dance

Urban and street dances have always been able to go beyond traditional barriers and really connect people through movement. House dance does just this, hand in hand with the electronic ...
Popping dance on the street

Popping: Dance with Precision. 3 beginner techniques.

What is the popping dance technique and how do you 'Pop'? Popping is a style of street dance, where dancers quickly tense and release muscles (sometimes known as ‘hitting’ or ...
An image of a clown at a fair. Article about Clowning dance

Clowning Dance: Tommy the Clown & Hip-hop Clowns

What is clowning dance? Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, ...
Street dance styles. Photo of male breakdancer in square outside tall building

Street Dance Styles

Street dance styles. When you hear the term "street dancing," what comes to mind? Do you think of hip-hop? Breakdancing? House dancing? Street dance is a broad term that encompasses ...
street dance

Best Street Dancers in the World

It is nearly impossible to accurately rank the top street dancers in the world, as each has their own distinct style and talent. While there are many skilled street dancers ...
Breakdancer performing in front of the crowd

What is Break Dance?

What is breakdance? You probably have a pretty good idea of breakdancing but maybe you're not close to the details and how to get started? Let us give you an ...

Cover photo by Breakreate on Unsplash