There are actually more than just 7 different styles of hip hop dance, but I will focus on the most commonly recognized ones. Each style has its own unique movements and characteristics that set it apart from the others. Here are 7 different styles of hip hop dance:
1. Locking: Locking is a funk-based dance style that originated in the 1970s. It involves quick and distinct movements, with dancers freezing in certain positions called “locks.” Locking incorporates a lot of arm and hand movements, as well as energetic footwork. It is known for its infectious energy and big, exaggerated movements.
2. Popping: Popping is another funk-based style that emerged alongside locking. It involves contracting and relaxing the muscles in a rhythmic manner, creating a popping effect. Poppers often perform techniques like the “robot” or the “ticking” to create the illusion of mechanical movements. Popping also incorporates waving, gliding, and other fluid movements.
3. Breaking: Breaking, also known as B-Boying or breakdancing, is one of the most well-known styles of hip hop dance. It originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York. Breaking is characterized by its acrobatic and athletic movements, including floorwork, freezes, and power moves. B-Boys and B-Girls (break dancers) showcase their skills through intricate footwork patterns, spins, flips, and dynamic freezes.
4. Hip Hop Freestyle: Hip hop freestyle, also known as new style, is a more contemporary form of hip hop dance that incorporates elements from various styles. It is characterized by its improvisation and individuality, allowing dancers to express their own personal style and creativity. Hip hop freestyle can include elements of popping, locking, breaking, and other street dance styles, as well as influences from other genres like jazz and contemporary dance.
5. House Dance: House dance originated in the clubs of Chicago and New York in the 1980s. It is characterized by its fast footwork, fluid movements, and intricate rhythms. House dancers often incorporate elements of other dance styles, such as locking, popping, and breaking, into their routines. The style is heavily influenced by the music it is danced to, which is typically house music or other electronic dance music genres.
6. Krumping: Krumping is a high-energy and expressive street dance style that emerged in the early 2000s in Los Angeles. It is characterized by its aggressive and exaggerated movements, often performed in freestyle battles. Krump dancers use their entire body to create powerful and intense movements, incorporating stomping, chest pops, arm swings, and facial expressions to convey emotion and tell a story.
7. Tutting: Tutting is a style of dance that involves creating geometric shapes and angles with the arms, hands, and fingers. It draws inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphics and is often performed in a slow, controlled manner. Tutting requires precision and coordination, as dancers create intricate patterns and formations with their arms and hands.
Here is a videoclip showcasing some of these different styles of hip hop dance: [insert videoclip link]
These are just a few of the many styles of hip hop dance that exist. Each style has its own unique history, techniques, and cultural influences, but all share the common thread of self-expression and creativity through movement.