How to Become a Better Hip-Hop Dancer
Overview
On the street corner atop the sidewalk where the only separation between body and pavement is cardboard, in a dance studio or music video is where hip-hop dance is performed. Old school popping, locking and breaking or upright and jumpy new hip-hop styles are skills a dedicated dancer can master. Wherever the music is pumping is where hip-hop dancers will be, popping and locking to Grand Master Flash or krumping to Master P. Follow these steps to improve your own and become a better hip-hop dancer.
Step 1
Learn the fundamentals by joining a class or at home from a DVD. As with any other dance, hip-hop can be broken down into step-by-step movements you can follow at your own pace. Because no two people will move exactly alike, you'll have to move in a manner that is natural and comfortable for your body. You may not be physically capable of contorting and locking your body as your favorite dancing mentor, but that's okay because a major part of hip-hop dance is including your personal flair to the moves.
Step 2
Feel the beat. Listen to the music, particularly the bass. The "boom-boom-bat" is what will get your body moving. Follow the rhythm of the beat and apply the dance moves you have learned. To become a better hip-hop dancer, you'll need to incorporate steps with more complexity into your basic series of dance moves. Perform this task once you are "in a groove" with the music. You may have to take an advanced class when you're ready or purchase an advanced-level hip-hop dance DVD.
Step 3
Practice in a mirror. By viewing your reflection in a full-length mirror, you can watch your mistakes. If you look like you're off beat or lack rhythm, the mirror is revealing the truth. Do this in private until you have enough confidence to perform in front of others. If you are taking classes, you cannot avoid dancing in front of people; however, you can practice alone elsewhere.
Step 4
Smooth it out. By "smoothing out" the rough edges and making your movements more fluid, your personal style will develop as you master your newly acquired hip-hop dance moves. Hip-hop dancers can appear mechanical when their movements are intentionally so, but when you are to transition into the next dance step that does not require a jerking or sharp movement, it has to be a smooth one.
Step 5
"Keep your head up." One of the most important aspects of becoming a better hip-hop dancer is confidence. The better practiced you are, the more confident you will be and the more confidence you will exude. This means your performance will be "tight" because you'll possess the self-assurance to dance well and complete higher level moves as well as demonstrate your own interpretation of hip-hop dance. This will ensure that you will become a better hip-hop dancer.
skill
4
ingredient
Hip-hop dance class Hip-hop dance DVD Full-length mirror Hip-hop music
tip
Warm up as with any other exercise. Cool down after dancing to lower your heart rate. Stretch your limbs to avoid injury and cramping.
warning
Do not perform risky moves outside your skill level; paralysis or other injury may result.
keyword
hip-hop dance dancer hiphop
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