What is Hip Hop?

Is Hip Hop Here To Stay?

I had someone ask me one time if Hip Hop was going to be like break dancing and only be around for a little while.  There was a break dancing class for a few years at my dance studio growing up, but it didn’t last long.  As far as I can tell, hip hop classes are here to stay.

Define Hip Hop

Webster’s Dictionary defines hip hop as: the rhythmic music that often accompanies rap; also : the part of the culture especially of inner-city youths who are typically devotees of rap music

How do dance competitions define Hip Hop?

Hall of Fame – Street or Contemporary Jazz-Funk

Starquest- Routine using primarily Hip Hop technique and moves.

NYCDA – Consists of street, funk, MTV video style jazz technique.

KAR – Routine demonstrating street style of jazz that incorporates hip hop and/or funk choreography. Acrobatics and break dancing is permissible.

While traditional street hip hop is typically done in circles, hip hop at dance competitions is geared towards entertaining the audience and has a different performance aspect to it.

What is Lyrical Hip Hop?

Lyrical hip hop tells a story and the song is generally slower than in a traditional hip hop dance. The movements in a lyrical hip hop routine are more fluid and not as hard hitting. Check out the two videos below of lyrical hip hop routines choreographed by Tabitha & Napoleon D’Umo (NappyTabs) on SYTYCD.

Katee & Joshua – No Air – Season 4 SYTYCD

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Chelsie & Mark – Bleeding Love – Season 4
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What is traditional Hip Hop?

Hard hitting movements that, for lack of a better word, are more in your face.  Contrary to what some believe, it doesn’t have to be angry.  Check out the video below of Kaycee Rice a 10 Year Old Dancer who is well known for Hip Hop moves.  Kaycee dances at Studio 13 which is owned by her mother.

[youtube 82WwqXyyWXg]

 

Also, check out Rage Crew.  This dance starts out a little slow and quickly picks up the pace.  The Rage Entertainment Complex is in California.

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Do you take hip hop?  What type style of hip hop do you prefer?