Hip Hop Tips & Tricks

Unleash Your Inner Groove: Hip-Hop Dance Tips & Tricks

Hip-hop dance is all about expression, energy, and unity, and today, we're diving into the exciting world of hip-hop with some invaluable tips. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just taking your first steps, we've got something for everyone to enhance your hip-hop journey. Let's groove together and build an even stronger community through the art of dance!

Concept 1: Finding Your Hip-Hop Flow

Hip-hop dance is more than just moves; it's an attitude and a feeling where you’re dancing for yourself and to connect with other people. Here are some tips to help you find your inner groove:

• Embrace Confidence: Confidence is your best friend in hip-hop dance. Walk into the studio with your head held high, and let your inner superstar shine. The more you practice with confidence the more confident you’ll become! Remember, you're among friends, family, and teachers who support and uplift you!

• Get Inspired: Watch dance videos, attend workshops, and follow your favorite hip-hop dancers on social media. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and immersing yourself in the culture will ignite your passion. Here are some amazing Hip Hop groups that can help inspire you!

• • Desi Hoppers 

  • Jabbawockeez 

  • Super Cr3w 

  • The Kings 

  • The Oaks Dance 

  • V Peeps 

• Feel the Music: Hip-hop is all about rhythm. Listen to various hip-hop tracks to get a sense of different styles. Understand the beats, and let the music guide your movements. Dance to express and learn, not just impress.

• Dance with Friends: Dance has always been used to bring people together and to share a unique experience! Taking time to dance with friends, cheer on your fellow dancers, share what you’re learning, and watch other dancers are amazing opportunities to showcase your skills, make friends, and grow as a dancer.

Concept 2: Techniques and Styles

Now that you've got the groove, let's dive into some hip-hop techniques and basics. Pay attention to details, and practice until they become second nature.

• Isolation: Learn to isolate body parts to create unique and dynamic movements. This skill will set you apart on the dance floor and make your routines more engaging. Use this video to start experimenting with new isolations! Isolations Tutorial 

• Popping & Locking: Learn how to activate and release your muscles to make a pop or accent in your movements. Practice finding a “pop” or activation of your muscle in different positions to make it new. Popping & Locking Tutorial 

• Freezing: In the middle of your dancing find a moment where your whole body stops moving in a dramatic pose or stall that makes the audience hold their breath! Check out this video for a simple stall to start with! The Baby Stall Tutorial 

• Waving: Moving your body in a chain or wave can add a smooth dynamic that switches up any hip hop steps. A hip hopper that understands the wave can show the audience where to look and transition movement from any body part to another. Arm Wave Tutorial   

• Break Dancing: Work on your footwork both standing on your feet as well as dropping to the ground to dance on your hands and feet. These fast and complex weight shifts take practice but can transform your hip hop dancing from casual to exciting and spontaneous. Break Dancing Intro Steps 

• Partner Up: Hip-hop is often a communal experience. Grab a fellow dancer and work on partner routines. This not only improves your dance skills but also provides an opportunity to dance with friends! Show your hip hop skills at parties, dances, and community events! Try looking for new ways to use space with your friend to dance more creatively! Experiment with high levels, low levels, and finding the ways to dance with and around each other. As you experiment you'll be able to find new moves that you love!

• Freestyle Sessions: Don't be afraid to freestyle! It's a fantastic way to express yourself and practice your improvisational skills. Our studio classes provide regular time to freestyle and encourage finding time to dance with your friends! Use the link below to sign up for classes or reach out to the studio with any questions you have! Register for Dance Classes!  

Hip-hop dance is not just about moves; it's about expressing yourself, embracing the community, and having a blast while doing it. So, put on your favorite sneakers, feel the beat, and join us as we dive into the vibrant world of hip-hop dance here at The Oaks Dance Studio. We'll continue to create memorable moments and build an even stronger community as we dance together! 

The Oaks Dance Studio