Interested in the history of hip hop dance? Wondering if your grandparents had the chance to rap about social issues or dance in the streets? Hip hop dance is a relatively recent art form, originating in the 1970s but continuing in popularity today. This dance culture has gained mainstream acceptance and has permeated American culture, making "hip hop" a household word.
The History of Hip Hop Dance Pioneers
Hip hop culture began evolving into what we think of it today back in the late 1960s and the early 1970s. It consists of several elements that work together to create a distinctive style. Break dancing, rapping, and funk dance styles, such as locking and popping, all combined to create hip hop, a form of street dance that was both created by and sustained primarily by African American and Hispanic communities. Some of the earlier music was performed or promoted by DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, the Fat Boys and the Furious Five. Later artists such as Run-DMC and LL Cool J, who both became more mainstream, brought what was once a subculture into the spotlight.
Mainstream Acceptance Of Hip Hop
As this music gained popularity, so did the street dance associated with it. Hip hop dance clothes also became popular, as the public appreciated loose, comfortable clothing word during dancing. In the late 1980s, modern dance began to influence the street dance techniques, merging these styles. Hip hop dance competitions became popular as the dance style permeated film, television, the airwaves and the Web. Hip hop dance music became the favored dance music of house parties in the late 1980s, all of the1990s and into the 2000s. Even people who didn't know how to dance liked the music.
Hip Hop Today
The history of hip hop dance has evolved so much so that you can take classes, watch dance competitions or even participate in aerobics classes based on hip hop moves at your local fitness club. Most teenagers know the dance moves; even most elementary school kids can do the Running Man, a hip hop move that became mainstream. Most recently, a hip hop dance troupe named Diversity won the 2009 "Britain's Got Talent" competition. This style of dance has gained popularity; it certainly doesn't look like it'll be going away anytime soon.
 | Hip hop dance has its origins in African dance and Caribbean music. While many artists have contributed to the hip hop culture, DJ Kool Herc is typically credited with pioneering break beat sounds that are the foundation of hip hop. |
 | Beginner hip hop dance moves are not hard to master. These moves are the foundation for other, more complicated dance moves that you might want to learn later. |
 | Looking for hip hop dance tips? Are you new to the scene and worry that you don't know what to do? These suggestions can help you stand out at the club-for all the right reasons. |
If you want to dance hip hop but you don't have time for formal hip hop instruction, check out these simple moves, such as popping and crazy legs. |
Want to learn how to dance hip hop? Not sure where to start? A popular hip hop dance move, the Harlem Shake, is a good place to start. |
