Hip Hop Dance Routines

Hip hop is not just a dance, it has become a culture in itself. As there is no dance without music, hip hop dance is primarily performed to some catchy hip hop music. Hip hop is a fairly recent dance form, which originated in the 70's. Hip hop dance like any other dance can be a way of escaping boredom and exhaustion of the same old draggy routine. Moreover, it can also be a good way to exercise, along with some fun. Hip hop dance can be a nice distraction to all your problems and worries. Some hip hop dancing styles are popping, locking, break dancing or B-Boying. Let's take a look at each of them.

Hip Hop Styles

Before starting the hip hop dance routine, let's get familiar with some hip hop styles

Popping
It is the most original funk styles of dance. Popping is stunning to watch. It involves quick contraction and relaxation of muscles by the dancer to cause a jerk in his body, which is also called pop or hit. Every pop must be done in rhythm with the music. Popping is commonly performed in dance competitions.

Locking
Locking is a famous form of street dance. Locking involves rapid hand movements with relaxed leg or hip movements and then taking a sudden pause, freezing the movements momentarily and then continuing the step in the same rhythm. Popping and locking are two very distinct style of dances and can't be performed at the same time.

Break Dancing
Black Americans are credited with the invention of break dancing, also called B-Boying. Break dancing involves rapid acrobatic movements, in which the different parts of the body touch the ground and all the moves have to be in-sync with the music.

For Beginners

As I have said earlier it's not the easiest dance form to learn, but having said that, hip hop allows the dancer to enjoy the beat and get to the rhythm with minimum fuss about dancing rules. Before starting the routine make sure the floor is smooth, it should be like the one on which ballet is performed. Get yourself a good pair of flexible sports shoes along with a long sleeve shirt or baggy clothes like the hip hop dancers. Buy some latest hits.

Basic Steps
I am listing some easy dance steps with which you can start the routine.

• Twist your legs to the left and right alternatively, along with swaying and waving of your hands. It is a simple step, it will help to get you in the groove. Hey don't forget to put on some hip hop music.
• This next step involves putting your feet together and standing in an upright position, then kick with the right foot and return to the upright position. Now place your weight on the right foot by stepping on to the right side, now pick up your left foot, step sideways by shifting the weight on left foot.
• This particular move will help you learn crip walk, stand in an upright position with your feet, shoulder width apart. Now place the heel of your left leg in line with the right toe. After doing this, lift the ball of your left leg few inch up above the floor, then again move it sideways and regain the earlier position.
• Remember that your left heel should be touching the floor while doing this step. Now step your left leg sideways and move your right leg exactly behind left. This step is tough, but you will learn with practice.

Remember to take sufficient breaks during these hour long routines everyday, because if you are not used to the exertion it will take a toll on your health. For the first few days or weeks of your routine, practice and perfect the above moves.

Advanced Steps
After the above routine, you can move on to the next level by practicing the following steps. Remember that, its one step called 'Salute' but I am simplifying it by listing it in steps.

• Keeping your feet together in a standing position, hold your arms at shoulder height and point the hands towards right side while folding your left hand in a position pointing towards right, make sure you are looking at the right side while doing all this.
• Follow the same steps as above with your arms and legs pointing to the left side. After this, bend your knees slightly and step forward onto the right leg.
• Now while doing the above step, move your right arm and shoulder in L-shape form, facing the front side.
• Put your left arm under the right elbow and while facing to the left side get back to the upright position.
• Now hold your left arm at shoulder height and push your right palm to the front, while taking a turn simultaneously. Now look back in the opposite direction of your right palm.

Well, I know this is going to be pretty darn difficult but with rigorous practice you will be able to perfect it. Watching some famous dance videos can also simplify your dance. Try to make all moves sharp and clean, improper hand or foot positioning will make the dance sloppy. If you are planning to enter a dance competition you can practice in front of a mirror or videotape your moves to make sure that the moves are perfectly in-sync with the music. You can also perform in front of some friends to gain some valuable inputs.

First few weeks are going to be tough and you will feel that you are never going to make it, but where there is a will there is way. So whenever you feel like giving up, turn on the music and just hit the floor. Enjoy dancing to your heart's content, after all dancing is all about celebration!