Exploring the Different Hip Hop Dance Moves
Hip hop dance, with its vibrant energy, expressive movements, and cultural significance, has become one of the most influential dance styles worldwide. Emerging from the streets of New York City in the late 1970s, hip hop dance encompasses a wide range of styles and steps that have evolved over the decades. Whether performed in dance battles, music videos, or on stage, these steps reflect the creativity, rhythm, and spirit of the dancers. Here’s a closer look at some of the most iconic steps in hip hop dance.
The Toprock
Toprock is often the first step in a breakdancer’s routine, serving as the introduction before moving to the floor. It’s performed standing up and involves a series of rhythmic steps combined with a dancer’s unique style and flair. Toprock allows dancers to showcase their rhythm, creativity, and connection to the music. Some popular variations include the Indian Step, the Salsa Step, and the Bronx Rock. Toprock is characterized by its quick footwork and the way it seamlessly blends different influences, from salsa to African dance.
The Six-Step
The Six-Step is a foundational move in breakdancing (B-boying/B-girling) and is a key part of footwork. It involves a circular movement on the floor where the dancer steps in a six-count sequence, using their hands to support their body as they move around. The Six-Step serves as a building block for more complex moves and allows dancers to transition smoothly between different floor moves. Mastering the Six-Step is essential for any aspiring breakdancer, as it sets the stage for more advanced footwork and power moves.
The Moonwalk
The Moonwalk, popularized by Michael Jackson, is one of the most recognizable dance steps in the world. Although it’s not exclusive to hip hop, the Moonwalk has become an integral part of the hip hop dance repertoire. This illusionary move creates the appearance of walking forward while actually moving backward. It’s performed by sliding one foot backward while keeping the other foot flat on the ground, creating a smooth, gliding motion. The Moonwalk is a testament to the fluidity and finesse that hip hop dance can embody.
The Dougie
The Dougie is a dance move that became a viral sensation in the early 2010s, inspired by the song ‘Teach Me How to Dougie’ by Cali Swag District. The move involves a series of shoulder shrugs and arm movements, allowing dancers to express their own style and personality. The Dougie is all about attitude and swag, with dancers often adding their own variations and flair to the basic movements. Its simplicity and versatility have made it a staple in hip hop dance, especially in social settings and parties.
The Wave
The Wave is a popular popping move that involves creating a wave-like motion through the body, typically starting from the fingertips and travelling through the arms, chest, and down to the feet. This move is all about control and precision, requiring dancers to isolate different parts of their body to create the illusion of a fluid wave. The Wave is often combined with other popping moves, like gliding or hitting, to create visually stunning sequences. It’s a prime example of how hip hop dance can blend smoothness with sharpness.
The Harlem Shake
The Harlem Shake is a fun and energetic dance move that originated in the Harlem neighbourhood of New York City in the 1980s. It involves a series of quick, jerky upper body movements, particularly in the shoulders and arms, while the rest of the body remains relatively still. The Harlem Shake gained renewed popularity in the 2010s thanks to viral internet videos, but its roots in hip hop culture run deep. This move embodies the playful and improvisational nature of hip hop dance, encouraging dancers to let loose and have fun.
The Kriss Kross
The Kriss Kross, made famous by the hip hop duo Kriss Kross in the early 1990s, is a simple yet iconic move that involves jumping and crossing the legs in mid-air before landing with the legs uncrossed. It’s a high-energy move often used in routines to add a burst of excitement. The Kriss Kross is frequently seen in old-school hip hop dance routines and remains a popular step in dance circles, especially during throwback performances.
The Freeze
A Freeze is a key move in breakdancing where the dancer halts all movement and holds a specific pose, often balancing on their hands or head. Freezes are typically used to punctuate a routine or end a set with a dramatic flair. Some common freezes include the Baby Freeze, the Headstand Freeze, and the Shoulder Freeze. This move requires a combination of strength, balance, and control, as well as the ability to smoothly transition in and out of the freeze. It’s a way for dancers to showcase their power and precision in a visually striking manner.
Front Rock and Back Rock
Front Rock and Back Rock are variations of the basic rock step in hip hop dance.
- Front Rock involves stepping forward with one foot and shifting the body weight forward and back, often combined with arm movements to emphasize the rhythm.
- Back Rock is the opposite, where the dancer steps backward, shifting the weight from one foot to the other while maintaining a steady bounce.
- These moves are foundational and allow dancers to maintain a groove, often used in social dances and party settings.
Up Bounce and Down Bounce
Up Bounce and Down Bounce are essential grooves in hip hop dance.
- The Up Bounce involves bouncing the body upward, with a slight lift of the heels and an upward movement of the torso. It’s often used to express excitement and is integrated into various dance routines.
- Down Bounce is the opposite, focusing on dropping the body downwards by bending the knees and lowering the hips. This move is grounded and often gives a relaxed, laid-back vibe.
Walk It Out
Walk It Out is a popular hip hop dance move that became widely recognized after the release of the song ‘Walk It Out’ by Unk.
- The move involves a side-to-side step with a bounce, often with the arms swinging in the opposite direction of the legs. It’s a simple yet versatile step that can be customized with different variations and grooves.
Also Read: The Birth of Hip-Hop: East Coast Roots vs. West Coast Evolution
Reebok
The Reebok is an old-school hip hop move that’s fun and easy to learn.
- It involves stepping one foot back while the opposite arm swings forward, mimicking the motion of running. The move is performed with a rhythmic bounce, making it a great groove-based step that fits into many hip hop routines.
Bart Simpson
The Bart Simpson is a playful dance move named after the famous cartoon character.
- This move involves a side-to-side step, where the dancer kicks one leg out while moving the arms in a circular motion as if driving a car. It’s a light-hearted, fun move that adds a bit of personality to any dance routine.
Party Machine
The Party Machine is an energetic, groove-based move that’s often seen in party settings.
- It involves a quick side-to-side step with a lot of upper body movement, particularly in the shoulders and arms. The move is all about having fun and letting loose, often accompanied by a big smile and a lot of attitude.
Hip hop dance is a rich and ever-evolving art form, with each step reflecting the innovation and individuality of its dancers. From the foundational Six-Step to the iconic Moonwalk and newer steps like the Reebok and Bart Simpson, these moves have shaped the way hip hop dance is performed and perceived around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting, mastering these steps is essential to understanding the essence of hip hop. More importantly, they serve as a foundation for creativity, allowing dancers to develop their unique style and contribute to the ongoing evolution of this dynamic dance form.
–Silviya.Y
