Module III: Hip-hop

Lesson Objectives:

At the end of this module, the students should be able to:

1. Define and explain the meaning of Hip Hop.

2. Appreciate the value and benefits of dance to every individual.
3. Perform actively the elements Hip—Hop dance.
4. Discuss intelligently the elements of Hip Hop and its terms.

Elements of Hip-hop

1.Djing (Disc jockeys)

2.Graffiti (art)

3.MCing (rappers)

4. Break Dancing(Bboying) Hiphop Dance

Hip-hop dance

Hip Hop refers to street dance styles primarily performed to hip-hop music or that have evolved
as part of hip-hop culture. It includes a wide range of styles which was created in the 1970s and
made popular by dance crews in the United States. The television show Soul Train and the
1980s films Breakin', Beat Street, and Wild Style showcased these crews and dance styles in
their early stages; therefore, giving hip-hop mainstream exposure. The dance industry
responded with a commercial, studio-based version of hip-hop—sometimes called "new
style"—and a hip-hop influenced style of jazz dance called "jazz-funk". Classically trained
dancers developed these studio styles in order to create choreography from the hip-hop dances
that were performed on the street. Because of this development, hip-hop dance is practiced in
both dance studios and outdoor spaces.

The commercialization of hip-hop dance continued into the 1990s and 2000s with the
production of several television shows and movies such as The Grind, Planet B-
Boy, Rize, StreetDance 3D, America's Best Dance Crew, Saigon Electric, the Step Up film series,
and The LXD, a web series. Though the dance is established in entertainment, including mild
representation in theater, it maintains a strong presence in urban neighborhoods which has led
to the creation of street dance derivatives Memphis jookin, turfing, jerkin', and krump.

1980s films, television shows, and the Internet have contributed to introducing hip-hop dance
outside the United States. Since being exposed, educational opportunities and dance
competitions have helped maintain its presence worldwide. Europe hosts several international
hip-hop dance competitions such as the UK B-Boy Championships, Juste Debout, and
EuroBattle. Australia hosts a team-based competition called World Supremacy Battlegrounds
and Japan hosts a two-on-two competition called World Dance Colosseum.

What distinguishes hip-hop from other forms of dance is that it combines elements of different
dance styles and hip-hop dance crews often engage in choreographed dance competitions—
colloquially referred to as "battles". Hip-hop dance can be a form of entertainment or a hobby.
It can also be a way to stay active in competitive dance and a way to make a living by dancing
professionally.

Hip hop dance is a fusion dance genre that incorporates elements of popping, locking, jazz,
ballet, and tap dancing. It is a fusion dance genre. It primarily consists of choreography that is
not improvised. Hip hop dancing is separate from popping, locking, and other dance styles that
are characterized by specific movements.

ELEMENTS OF HIPHOP DANCE

1. Popping

Created by Sam Solomon in Fresno, California and performed by the Electric Boogaloos dance
crew, popping consists of quickly contracting and relaxing your muscles, causing a jerk in your
body. These jerks are known as pops or hits. Popping is performed with other dance moves and
poses to the beat of the music.

Popping Terms:

 Puppeting
 Waving
 The Creep
  Tutting
 Robotting
 Ticking
 Dynorama
 Strobing
 Vibrating

2. Locking

Created by Don Campbell in Los Angeles and introduced by his crew The Lockers, locking
consists of performing a series of locking movements, which involves performing a quick
movement, "locking" into another position, then holding the last position for a few seconds.
The hips and legs usually remain in a relaxed position while movements of the arms and hands
are more distinct and exact. Movements are big and coordinated closely with the beats of the
music. Locking has a bit of a comedic flair and is usually performed to funk or soul music.
Dancers who perform locking movements are called "lockers."

Locking Terms

 Lock
 Points
 Throwback
 Wrist Roll
 Iron Horse
 Muscle Man
 Scooby Doo
 Stop & Go
 Scootbot
 Skeeter Rabbit
 Funky Guitar
 Knee Drop
 Leo Walk

3. Breaking
Breaking (also referred to as b-boying or b-girling) is probably the most well-known element of
hip hop dance. Breaking is very unstructured and improvisational, and evolved from a style of
dance known as uprock. Breaking, or breakdancing, is composed of movements performed at
different levels: toprock (performed while standing), downrock (performed close to the floor),
power moves (acrobatics) and freeze moves (poses). Dancers who perform breakdancing are
often called b-boys, b-girls or breakers.

Breaking Terms

 Rock Steady Crew

 Zulu Kings
 Sal Soul
 Crazy Commandos
 Dynamic Rockers
 New York City Breakers
 Air Force Crew
 Full Circle
 The Bronx Boys
 Seven Gems

4. Krumping – is relatively new urban street dance- form that began in South Central Los
Angeles and is characterized by free, expressive, and highly energetic moves involving the arms
and chest. It has become a major part of hiphop dance culture.