Street dancing is a diverse and dynamic art form that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. From the raw energy of breaking to the fluid grace of voguing, street dance styles offer a unique blend of athleticism, skill, and creativity. Whether you are already a fan of street dancing or simply curious about this fascinating art form, this article will introduce you to ten popular styles that you should definitely know about. So let’s dive right in and explore the captivating world of street dance together!
Top 10 Street Dance Styles
Street dance is a diverse and constantly evolving form of expression that has been around for centuries. It originated in the inner cities of the United States, where young people created moves and styles that reflected their surroundings and experiences. The dance styles that came out of these communities have spread all over the world, becoming a global cultural phenomenon. In this section, we will delve into the top 10 street dance styles that everyone should know about. From Breaking to Memphis Jookin’, we’ll explore the history, key features, and signature moves of each style. Whether you’re a master of street dancing or just starting out, this guide will give you a solid understanding of the most popular street dance styles today. For more insights into the world of street dancing, check out our article on the history and evolution of street dance .
1. Breaking
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, originated in the Bronx during the 1970s. It is one of the most well-known and well-loved street dance styles across the world. Breaking includes a combination of acrobatic and athletic moves, such as spins, flips, and freezes. It is a highly energetic dance style that requires a great deal of strength, flexibility, and coordination.
The following table summarizes the key features of breaking:
| Style Name | Key Moves | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking | Toprock, footwork, power moves, freezes | Requires strength, flexibility, and coordination; performed to hip-hop and funk music; often involves dance battles |
Breaking has evolved significantly over the years, and there are now many sub-styles within breaking. Some of the most popular sub-styles include:
– Toprock: This involves footwork performed from a standing position. It is often the first move in a breaking routine and sets the tone for the rest of the dance.
– Footwork: This consists of intricate steps performed on the floor. It is a crucial element of breaking, and dancers often spend years perfecting their footwork.
– Power moves: These are acrobatic moves performed using momentum and speed. Some of the most common power moves include windmills, flares, and headspins.
– Freezes: These are static poses held by the dancer. They often involve balancing on one or more body parts, such as the hands or head.
Breaking is often performed to hip-hop and funk music, and dancers often participate in dance battles to showcase their skills. These battles can be highly competitive, with dancers trying to outdo each other with their moves and creativity.
If you want to learn breaking, there are many resources available online, including tutorials, classes, and videos of top dancers in action. Breaking is a challenging dance style, but with practice and dedication, anyone can master it.
2. Popping
Popping is another popular street dance style that originated in California during the 1970s. This style involves quickly tensing and relaxing the muscles to create a pop or jerk in the dancer’s body, usually to the rhythm of the music. The technique is executed by contracting specific muscles in the arms, chest, legs, and neck.
The main feature of Popping is the sudden release of tension, which creates a powerful visual effect. Dancers often incorporate other styles such as locking and waving to create a more diverse routine. One of the most well-known and celebrated popping dancers is the legendary Boogaloo Sam.
Popping has since evolved over the years, with the introduction of new styles such as animation, ticking, and strobing. These styles add a more futuristic and electronic feel, with dancers often wearing LED suits and other high-tech costumes. Its popularity has also gained a foothold in the mainstream, with popping elements often incorporated into music videos, live performances, and commercials.
If you’re interested in trying out popping or other street dance styles, there are plenty of resources out there for beginners. Check out 5 Street Dance Moves or Master Street Dancing to get started. You can also watch some of the best battles on YouTube or read up on the experiences of renowned street dancers in our exclusive interview. Whatever your interest, street dancing is sure to bring joy, excitement, and a sense of community.
3. Locking
One of the popular street dance styles is Locking. This dance style was founded by Don Campbell in the 1970s in California. Locking is characterized by its strong, sharp movements and is all about freezing in a pose. It combines moves such as pointing, waving, and arm swinging with other funky, stylistic moves. Dancers usually wear brightly colored clothing to make their moves more visible.
Key features of Locking:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Funky moves | Locking incorporates many funky moves that are a mix of dances such as jazz, hip-hop, and disco. |
| Freezes | Locking is all about freezing in a pose, holding it for a second or two, and then moving on to the next move. |
| Pantomime | Locking includes pantomime, which is a graphical demonstration of a story with the help of body movements and facial expressions. |
| Comedic aspect | A comedic aspect is sometimes added to the dance by exaggerating the movements or expressions, making it more entertaining for the audience. |
Locking, just like other street dance styles, originated in African American and Latino communities. It has evolved since then and has become more mainstream. Many people now consider it a fun and energetic way to exercise and stay fit. If you want to learn more about the significance and impact of street dancing or the benefits of street dance for health, check out our other articles. Also, if you are interested in street dance fashion and dressing up for dance battles, please have a look at our article about street dance fashion.
4. Waacking
Waacking, also known as Wacking, is a style of street dance that originated in the LGBTQ+ clubs in Los Angeles during the 1970s. It is characterized by fluid, expressive, and flamboyant movements that involve the arms, hands, and head. It was originally called “punking” and was used to express and celebrate the LGBTQ+ culture and identity. However, it eventually became popularized in the mainstream and has since been incorporated into various dance styles and routines.
Key Features of Waacking:
- Fluid and sharp arm movements
- Contrasting fast-paced and slow-controlled movements
- Expressive hand gestures and poses
- Incorporation of theatrical and dramatic movements
- Focus on musicality and rhythm, especially disco music
Waacking is often performed in dance battles and showcases, where dancers compete or showcase their skills and creativity. It is also commonly used in music videos, especially within the disco and funk genres. The style has seen a recent resurgence in popularity due to its incorporation in popular shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Aside from its entertaining and expressive qualities, waacking has also been seen as a form of liberation and empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. It gave them a platform to freely express themselves and their unique culture, which was often marginalized and discriminated against in society.
Waacking is just one example of the many diverse and dynamic street dance styles that exist today. Each style has its own distinct history, characteristics, and significance. They have not only influenced the world of dance but also fashion, music, and popular culture.
To learn more about the significance and impact of street dance, check out our article on the significance and impact of street dance. Or, if you want to know more about the relationship between street dance and hip-hop music, read our article on hip-hop music and street dance. Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of street dancing, we have an article on the benefits of street dance for health.
5. Voguing
One of the most visually stunning street dance styles is Voguing, a dance form that originated in the 1980s in the ballroom scene of Harlem, New York. Inspired by models and their poses in fashion magazines, voguing is a form of dance that celebrates individuality and self-expression.
Voguing is typically characterized by its sharp, angular movements and vogue “poses”, which are often held for extended periods of time. These poses are designed to showcase the dancer’s body and create a visually striking appearance.
There are three main styles of voguing: Old Way, New Way, and Vogue Fem. Old Way is characterized by linear movements and controlled hand and arm gestures, while New Way is marked by complex, contortionistic movements and extreme flexibility. Vogue Fem is a more recent development and is characterized by feminine movements and catwalk-inspired poses.
In addition to its dance elements, voguing is also a highly social and cultural phenomenon, with an emphasis on community and competition. In ballroom culture, voguing is often performed as part of competitive dance battles, in which dancers compete in a variety of categories, including Old Way, New Way, and Vogue Fem.
Voguing has also had a major influence on popular culture, with many music videos, films, and fashion shows incorporating elements of the dance form. The style has even inspired its own fashion trend known as “voguing fashion”, which features a mix of flamboyant, over-the-top clothing and accessories.
If you want to try out voguing for yourself, there are many resources available online, including tutorials and dance challenges. You can even incorporate elements of voguing into your own street dance style and make it your own. For more inspiration, check out the online game Street Dance Fashion Dress Up & Dance Battle, which allows players to create their own voguing-inspired dance looks and compete in virtual dance battles.
6. Krumping
Krumping is a high-energy street dance style that originated in Los Angeles, California in the 1990s. It is characterized by its aggressive, expressive movements and its emphasis on freestyle dancing. Krumping is often performed in “battles,” where dancers face off against each other and attempt to outperform their opponent.
Krumping is known for its use of facial expressions, including grimaces and scowls, which are used to convey emotion and intensity. Dancers often wear loose-fitting clothes and face paint to enhance their visual impact.
The following table highlights some key features of Krumping:
| Key Features of Krumping | Description |
|---|---|
| Style | Aggressive, intense, and expressive |
| Movements | Quick and sharp arm and leg movements, acrobatic flips and jumps |
| Facial Expressions | Grimaces, scowls, and other intense facial expressions used to convey emotion and intensity |
| Costumes | Loose-fitting clothing, often with elements of streetwear style, and face paint |
| Battles | Krumping is often performed in battles, where dancers compete against each other to showcase their skills and creativity |
Krumping has gained popularity around the world and has been featured in movies and TV shows, including the documentary “Rize” and the TV series “So You Think You Can Dance.” Despite its aggressive and intense style, krumping has also been used as a form of therapy and self-expression for young people in underprivileged communities.
7. House Dance
One of the popular street dance styles that emerged during the 1980s is House Dance. It is a club-style dance that originated in Chicago, during the height of the disco era. House Dance is influenced by a variety of dance styles, including salsa, martial arts, tap dancing, and contemporary dance. It is often characterized by fast and complex footwork, fluid arm movements, and acrobatic stunts.
Origins: House Dance emerged from the House music scene in Chicago in the 1980s. It was developed as a form of self-expression for individuals who wanted to escape their daily struggles and find liberation on the dance floor. The dance style became popular in New York City, where it evolved and began to incorporate elements of hip hop and breakdancing.
Elements: The primary elements of House Dance include footwork, jacking, and lofting. Footwork involves intricate and rhythmic foot movements, while jacking is characterized by fast upper body movements, such as shoulder shrugs and head nods. Lofting refers to dance movements that involve jumping and flying movements, often in a freestyle manner.
Music: House Dance is typically danced to House music, which is characterized by its repetitive beats and electronic instrumentation. The genre was initially played in underground clubs and parties, but has since gained mainstream popularity.
Famous dancers: Some of the famous House Dance pioneers include Marjory Smarth, Caleaf Sellers, and Brian Green. They are known for their mastery of footwork and acrobatic movements, as well as their contribution to the development and evolution of the dance style.
Competitions: House Dance competitions have become popular in recent years, such as Juste Debout and House Dance International. These competitions showcase dancers from around the world and provide a platform for up-and-coming performers to showcase their skills and creativity.
House Dance is a dynamic and energetic dance style that continues to evolve and influence contemporary culture. It emphasizes free expression and creativity, making it a popular form of self-expression and entertainment for individuals worldwide.
8. Turfing
Turfing is one of the most unique and fascinating street dance styles you should definitely know about. It originated in Oakland, California in the early 2000s and has since become widespread. This dance style combines waving, gliding, and popping with footwork that resembles stepping, strutting, and gliding.
Turfing is a highly improvisational dance style that incorporates storytelling through movements. Dancers often use clothing or props to tell a story while they perform. It’s a dance style that encourages creative expression and individuality, making it an incredibly exciting and diverse form of street dance.
Here’s a table summarizing the key features of Turfing:
| Origin | Oakland, California |
| Primary Movements | Waving, gliding, popping, stepping, strutting, gliding |
| Style | Highly improvisational with a focus on storytelling through movements |
| Use of Props | Commonly uses clothing or props to enhance story-telling |
| Music | Turfing is often performed to a variety of genres including hip-hop and electronic music. |
Turfing is an exciting and unique street dance style that combines a wide range of movements and encourages individual expression. It’s definitely worth checking out and even trying out for yourself if you’re interested in street dancing.
9. Memphis Jookin’
One of the street dance styles that has gained popularity in recent years is Memphis Jookin’. This style originated in Memphis, Tennessee in the 1980s and is known for its intricate footwork and fluid movements.
Memphis Jookin’ often involves dancers wearing sneakers or athletic shoes that allow for ease of movement on the dance floor. The style incorporates elements of hip-hop, ballet, and modern dance, but also has its own unique characteristics.
Here are some key features of Memphis Jookin’ in detail:
- Footwork: One of the main components of Memphis Jookin’ is its intricate footwork. Dancers use their feet to create fast, intricate patterns that often involve a lot of toe-tapping, toe-stomping, and sliding movements.
- Glide: The glide is a signature move in Memphis Jookin’. It involves the dancer sliding their foot along the ground while keeping their upper body still, giving the illusion of floating or gliding across the floor.
- Isolation: Like many street dance styles, Memphis Jookin’ involves a lot of isolation, meaning dancers move one body part at a time. This style places a particular emphasis on isolating the legs and feet, which creates the intricate footwork patterns.
- Flexibility: Memphis Jookin’ involves a lot of fluid, flowing movements that require a great deal of flexibility. Dancers often incorporate turns, spins, and leaps into their routines.
Memphis Jookin’ is a unique and impressive style of street dance that has gained popularity in recent years. Its fast footwork, glide, isolation, and flexibility make it a challenging and exciting dance style to watch and perform.
10. Flexing
One of the lesser-known street dance styles is Flexing. Originating from Brooklyn, New York, in the 1990s, Flexing is a dance style that involves a lot of contortion, gliding, and popping. It is usually danced to electronic and hip-hop music. Flexing is a combination of several different styles, including gliding and robot dancing.
Flexing is also referred to as “bone breaking” due to its signature moves that involve dancers contorting their bodies in unnatural ways. Another signature move of Flexing is the “bone dislocation,” which involves a dancer making it appear as though their arm or leg is dislocated.
Flexing has come a long way from its beginnings as a street dance style. Nowadays, it is often incorporated into performances and music videos. The dance style has even evolved to include its own sub-genres, such as “connect” and “bone breaking.”
Some notable Flexing dancers include Reggie “Regg Roc” Gray, who is credited with popularizing the dance style, and Flexum, a dancer known for his unique style and impressive contortion moves.
Flexing may not be as well-known as some other street dance styles, but it is still an intense and impressive form of dance that requires a lot of skill and flexibility. Its unique combination of contortion, gliding, and popping sets it apart from other street dance styles and has helped it gain a dedicated following within the dance community.
History of Street Dancing
As we delve deeper into the world of street dance, it’s impossible not to be struck by the rich and intricate history behind each style. The evolution of street dance is as diverse as the styles themselves, each one born out of a unique cultural movement and set of influences. From the earliest beginnings of breaking and boogaloo in the 1970s, to the emergence of house dance, Latin Hustle and krumping, street dance has been both a reflection and an influence on the social, political and artistic movements of the past few decades. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating history of street dance, and the key features that set each style apart.
1. Breaking
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is one of the most iconic street dance styles. It originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s and quickly spread throughout the world.
Key Elements of Breaking:
- Footwork: This involves intricate movements of the feet, such as spins, twists, and turns. Footwork requires a great deal of coordination and control, and is often combined with other elements of breaking.
- Freezes: A freeze is a stationary pose held at the end of a dance move. Freezes require strength, balance, and control.
- Power Moves: Power moves involve fast, acrobatic movements such as flips, spins, and handstands. These moves require a great deal of strength, flexibility, and stamina.
Breaking evolved from various dance styles, including salsa, capoeira, and martial arts. The dancers, known as b-boys and b-girls, would gather in public spaces to battle each other and showcase their skills. Breaking quickly became a competitive dance style, with dancers competing in organized events called battles.
Throughout the years, breaking has continued to evolve and expand, with new movements and techniques being developed by dancers all over the world. Today, breaking is recognized as a legitimate dance style and is often featured in music videos, commercials, and movies.
2. Popping, Locking, and Boogaloo
Popping, locking, and boogaloo are three street dance styles that emerged in the 1970s and gained popularity in the 1980s. While each style has its own unique characteristics, they are often grouped together due to their shared origins and many similarities. Let’s take a closer look at each of these street dance styles in detail:
| Popping | Locking | Boogaloo |
|---|---|---|
| Popping is a street dance style that involves quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to create sharp, jerky movements. It is often performed to funk or electro music and is characterized by a distinctive popping sound made when the dancer contracts their muscles. | Locking is a street dance style that involves freezing in certain positions and then moving again. It is characterized by sharp, exaggerated movements and is often performed to funk music. Locking also includes a lot of high-energy, theatrical gestures. | Boogaloo is a street dance style that involves fluid, graceful movements that give the impression of an almost liquid quality. It is often performed to funk or soul music and is characterized by the use of isolated body movements and rolls. |
| Some of the most famous Poppers include Popin’ Pete, Suga Pop, and Boogaloo Sam. | Some of the most famous Lockers include Don Campbell, Greg “Campbellock” Jr. and Toni Basil. | Some of the most famous Boogaloo dancers include Poppin’ Taco, Skeeter Rabbit, and Mr. Wiggles. |
| Popping has influenced other dance styles such as hip hop and krumping, and has contributed to the development of animation and robotics in dance. | Locking has contributed to the development of other dance styles such as popping, breaking and hip hop, and has influenced the development of musical theatre and film choreography. | Boogaloo has influenced other dance styles such as popping and waving, and continues to be a prominent dance style in street dance competitions and performances. |
These three street dance styles have contributed greatly to the development of contemporary dance and continue to influence popular culture today. Understanding their unique characteristics and history can provide a greater appreciation for the art of street dancing as a whole.
3. Hip-hop Dance
Hip-hop dance is a style that originated from the streets of New York City in the 1970s. It is a popular form of street dancing that includes a range of movements such as popping, locking, breaking, and krumping. Below are some key features of Hip-hop dance:
Musicality: One of the main characteristics of Hip-hop dance is its musicality. Dancers often synchronize their movements to the rhythm and beats of the music, creating a unique style that is both expressive and rhythmic.
Breaking: Breaking is one of the foundational styles of Hip-hop dance. It incorporates acrobatic moves such as headspins, windmills, and flares. Breaking often involves intricate footwork and body movements that require both strength and creativity.
Popping and Locking: Another key feature of Hip-hop dance is popping and locking. Popping involves creating sharp, abrupt movements by contracting and relaxing certain muscles in the body. Locking, on the other hand, involves freezing in a certain position before transitioning smoothly to the next move.
Krumping: Krumping is a relatively newer style of Hip-hop dance that originated in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. It is characterized by energetic, aggressive movements that are meant to convey emotion and intensity.
Personal Style: Hip-hop dance is also known for encouraging individual expression and personal style. Dancers are encouraged to create their own unique moves and dance to their own rhythm, allowing for a wide variety of creative expressions within the style.
Hip-hop dance is a vibrant, dynamic style of street dancing that incorporates a range of styles and movements. Its emphasis on musicality, creativity, and individual expression make it a popular form of dance around the world.
4. House Dance
House dance is a street dance style that originated in the clubs and underground scenes of Chicago and New York in the 1980s. It is characterized by fast and fluid footwork, explosive movements, and intricate rhythms.
History
House dance evolved from disco and funk dances popular in the 1970s, such as the hustle and the bump. As nightclubs and DJs began playing house music, a new style of dance emerged that fused elements of these earlier styles with African American and Latino social dances.
Technique
House dance is a free-form style that emphasizes improvisation and individual expression. It is characterized by quick and intricate footwork, fluid arm and body movements, and a strong connection to the music. Dancers often dance in circles or “cyphers,” taking turns showcasing their moves and responding to the music and each other.
Music
House music is the primary genre associated with house dance. It is characterized by a 4/4 beat, synthesized melodies, and soulful vocals. The music is typically played at a tempo of 120-130 beats per minute, which allows dancers to showcase their fast footwork and explosive movements.
Notable dancers
Some notable house dancers include Brian “Footwork” Green, Ejoe Wilson, and Caleaf Sellers.
Events and competitions
House dance is often performed and celebrated in underground clubs and parties, where dancers can showcase their skills in “cyphers” and dance battles. There are also several international events and competitions, such as House Dance International and Juste Debout, that attract dancers from around the world.
House dance is a high-energy and dynamic street dance style that celebrates individual expression and connection to the music. With its roots in the underground scenes of Chicago and New York, it has become a global phenomenon that continues to evolve and inspire new generations of dancers.
| History | Evolved from disco and funk dances in 1970s |
|---|---|
| Technique | Free-form, improvised, quick footwork, fluid body movements, emphasis on musicality and individual expression |
| Music | House music, 4/4 beat, synthesized melodies, soulful vocals, 120-130 BPM |
| Notable Dancers | Brian “Footwork” Green, Ejoe Wilson, Caleaf Sellers |
| Events and Competitions | House Dance International, Juste Debout, underground clubs and parties |
5. Latin Hustle
Latin Hustle is a partner dance style that originated in the 1970s in New York City. It combines elements of salsa, swing, and hustle. The dance is characterized by fast and intricate footwork, precise turns, and rhythmic hip movements. Here is a breakdown of the key features of Latin Hustle:
| Footwork | The footwork in Latin Hustle is fast and intricate, with a lot of small, quick steps. Dancers often hop and slide their feet across the floor, incorporating rhythm and syncopation into their movements. |
| Turns | Like many partner dances, turns are an important component in Latin Hustle. The turns in this dance are particularly precise and require good technique and timing. Dancers often turn on one foot while the other foot is lifted in the air. |
| Hip movements | Latin Hustle incorporates a lot of hip movements, including hip rolls and isolations. These movements are often done in sync with the rhythm of the music and add an extra layer of flair to the dance. |
| Partnerwork | Partnerwork is a key aspect of Latin Hustle. Dancers often dance in a closed position, with the leader initiating turns and dips. The follower must be responsive to the leader’s movements and follow cues to maintain the flow of the dance. |
| Music | Latin Hustle is danced to a variety of music, including salsa, disco, and swing. The music is typically fast-paced with a strong beat, allowing for quick footwork and intricate turns. |
Latin Hustle is a fun and energetic dance style that requires both technical skill and musicality. It is popular in social dancing scenes and competitions alike.
6. Waacking and Voguing
Waacking and Voguing are two distinct styles that were developed in the late 70s and early 80s in the underground dance scene of gay clubs in Los Angeles and New York, respectively. These dance styles were heavily influenced by disco music and the fashion trends of the time.
Waacking: This dance style emphasizes fluid arm and hand movements that are synchronized with the rhythm of the music. It also involves quick and dramatic poses, spins, and turns. The dance moves are inspired by Hollywood movie stars such as Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich, and Joan Crawford.
Voguing: Voguing, on the other hand, has its roots in the ballroom culture of New York City’s LGBT community. It is a dance style that involves striking a series of poses, inspired by fashion magazines and models, in synchrony with the beat of the music. Voguing can be broken down into three distinctive categories: Old Way, New Way, and Vogue Fem.
Here’s a table that summarizes the key features of Waacking and Voguing:
| Waacking | Voguing | |
|---|---|---|
| Musical Genre | Disco, Funk | House, Vogue Beats |
| Influences | Hollywood movie stars | Fashion magazines, models |
| Emphasis | Fluid arm and hand movements, quick poses, spins and turns | Series of poses, striking and exaggerated arm and hand movements |
| Categories | N/A | Old Way, New Way, Vogue Fem |
Waacking and Voguing remain popular in the dance community today, and have even found their way into mainstream media through music videos, movies, and television shows. These styles have had a lasting impact on the dance world, and have influenced many other dance styles that have emerged since their inception.
7. Krumping and Turfing
Krumping and Turfing are two distinct dance styles that have emerged from the streets of Los Angeles. Both styles are characterized by their high energy and improvisational movements, but each has its unique features.
Krumping originated in the early 2000s in South Central LA and is known for its aggressive and expressive movements. It is often described as “intense” and “powerful.” Krumping movements include jabs, arm swings, chest pops, and stomping. The style incorporates a lot of facial expressions and is usually performed in battles or in freestyle cyphers.
Turfing also originated in Oakland and has its roots in the hyphy movement. It combines elements of popping, locking, and hip-hop dance styles. Turfing is short for ‘Taking Up Room on the Floor’ and focuses on the performer’s footwork. The style involves impressive footwork and acrobatic movements, including slides, glides, and spins. The dancers often add elements of storytelling in their performances.
Krumping and Turfing both started off as regional dance styles but have garnered attention worldwide, thanks to social media and television shows like So You Think You Can Dance. Today, there are many dance crews and competitions around the world that specialize in these styles.
Here’s a table summarizing the key features of Krumping and Turfing:
| Key Features | Krumping | Turfing |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | South Central LA | Oakland |
| Movements | Jabs, arm swings, chest pops, stomping, facial expressions | Footwork, slides, glides, spins, acrobatic movements |
| Attire | Loose-fitting clothes, bandanas, hoodies | Baggy pants, athletic shoes, hats |
| Music | Heavy bass and fast-paced music | Hyphy music and other urban styles |
| Performance | Battles or freestyle cyphers | Solo or group performances with storytelling elements |
Krumping and Turfing may have originated from the same street dance scene and share some similarities, but they have very different aesthetics and techniques. Both dance styles have influenced the development of newer styles such as Memphis Jookin’ and Flexing, which have become popular in their own right.
8. Memphis Jookin’ and Flexing
Memphis Jookin’ and Flexing are two street dance styles that originated in Memphis, Tennessee. Memphis Jookin’ is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and footwork, often performed to hip-hop or Memphis rap music. It involves intricate footwork, gliding, and fluid body movements. Jookin’ dancers often wear sneakers or dance shoes that allow them to slide across the floor, emphasizing the flowing movements of the dance.
Flexing, on the other hand, is a more aggressive street dance style that originated in Brooklyn, New York. It is characterized by sharp, jerky movements and contortionist poses. Flexing often involves isolations, bone breaking, and tutting, a style of popping that involves intricate hand movements.
Both Memphis Jookin’ and Flexing are often associated with gang culture and are used by dancers as a means of expressing their creativity and individuality. The dancers often engage in battles or competitions to showcase their skills and gain recognition within their community.
Memphis Jookin’ and Flexing are unique dance styles that showcase different aspects of the street dance culture. While Jookin’ emphasizes smoothness and flow, Flexing is all about sharpness and precision. Together, they represent the diverse and evolving nature of street dancing.
Key Features of Street Dancing
Street dancing is a unique dance style that differs from other forms of dance due to its specific key features. One of the most prominent characteristics of street dancing is its improvisation. Street dancers aim to express themselves and their emotions through their movements, and they do so spontaneously. This means that street dancers often do not have a set choreography, and they create their routines on the spot.
Another outstanding feature of street dancing is its inclusivity. Street dancing welcomes anyone who has a passion for dance, irrespective of their age, gender, or background. It is a universal language that brings people together, and everyone can participate in it. This aspect of street dancing makes it an excellent tool for community building, and it encourages social interaction and connection.
Street dancing is also characterized by its fusion of different dance styles. It incorporates elements of numerous dance forms such as jazz, ballet, folk, and contemporary dance, among others. Street dancers blend these styles to create something entirely unique and innovative.
Street dancing is heavily influenced by music. Street dancers move in sync with the rhythm of the music, and they use music as a source of inspiration for their movements. The beat of the music is the driving force for street dancers, and they use it to create their dance routines.
Finally, street dancing emphasizes personal style and creativity. Dancers are encouraged to develop their unique style and add their personality to their movements. This individualistic approach to dance enables anyone to express themselves genuinely and authentically through their movements.
Street dancing is marked by its improvisation, inclusivity, fusion of different dance styles, emphasis on musicality, and personal style and creativity. These key features make street dancing a vibrant and exciting dance style that is loved by people all over the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Street dancing has evolved as an expression of daily life and cultural backgrounds that incorporate different styles of dancing from around the world. It is not only a form of entertainment but also an art form that has brought people together and created a sense of community. With its unique and diverse elements, street dancing provides versatility and an opportunity for individuals to showcase their creativity and individuality.
Moreover, learning and practicing different street dance styles can be a fun and challenging activity that helps improve physical fitness and mental coordination. It requires discipline and hard work, but the results are rewarding.
In addition, street dancing has gained recognition and popularity through diverse entertainment avenues such as music videos, films, and TV shows. Today, street dancing has become an essential element of popular culture.
In summary, knowing about the different types of street dance styles and their history, as well as their unique features, can broaden your appreciation and understanding of street dancing as an art form. Whether you are interested in learning more about it or just want to experience and enjoy this genre of dance, street dancing offers a vibrant and exciting world of movements, rhythms, and expressions.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is street dance?
Street dance refers to an urban dance form that evolved in the streets or in a club setting.
What is the origin of street dance?
Street dance originated in the 1970s in African-American and Latinx communities in the United States.
What are the top 10 street dance styles?
The top 10 street dance styles are Breaking, Popping, Locking, Waacking, Voguing, Krumping, House Dance, Turfing, Memphis Jookin’, and Flexing.
Is street dance only for young people?
No, street dance is for everyone regardless of age, gender, or background.
Do you need formal dance training for street dance?
Formal dance training is not necessary for street dance as it is more about self-expression and individual style.
Is street dance the same as hip-hop dance?
No, street dance is a broad term that encompasses multiple dance styles, including hip-hop dance.
Can street dance be performed competitively?
Yes, street dance can be performed competitively at events such as battles and competitions.
Can street dance be used as a form of exercise?
Yes, street dance can be a great form of exercise that promotes cardiovascular health and improves coordination.
What are some key features of street dancing?
Some key features of street dancing include individual style, improvisation, creativity, and a connection to contemporary urban culture.
How can I get started with street dance?
You can get started with street dance by attending classes, practicing on your own, watching videos of street dancers, and immersing yourself in the culture.