Hip hop dance is one of the most popular styles of dance that has gained immense popularity over the years, thanks to its infectiously rhythmic moves and the impressive skills that performers bring to their performances. However, for beginners, it can be daunting to try and master the countless techniques that go into hip hop dance routines. If you’re among those aspiring hip hop dancers wondering where to start, look no further! In this article, we will introduce you to five of the most essential hip hop dance moves. These moves are easy to learn and practice, and will surely get you grooving in no time!
1. The Running Man
The Running Man is one of the most iconic and recognizable hip hop dance moves that has stood the test of time. With its origins dating back to the late 1980s, this move has been a staple in hip hop and has been used in music videos and performances by some of the biggest names in the industry. Learning this classic move is a great way to start your hip hop dance journey, and it’s perfect for beginners. Let’s get started with the step-by-step guide on how to do the Running Man. But before that, if you are interested in the history and evolution of hip hop dance, check out this interesting article.
What is the Running Man?
One of the most iconic and classic hip hop dance moves that every beginner should know is the Running Man. The Running Man became incredibly popular during the 80s and 90s and has since become a staple of hip hop dance. This move involves a combination of sliding and hopping movements that create the illusion of running in place.
To perform the Running Man, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Then, follow these steps:
- Step one foot forward and extend your opposite arm forward.
- Slide your back foot behind your front foot while simultaneously bringing your arms down to your sides.
- Jump up from your back foot and land on it while simultaneously extending your opposite arm forward.
- Repeat this movement, switching the foot that moves forward and the arm that extends forward.
It is important to keep your upper body steady while performing the Running Man and focus on the movement of your feet to maintain balance. This move may take some practice to perfect, but once you have it down, it can be an impressive addition to your dance repertoire.
To learn more about the history and culture of hip hop dance, check out our article on the breakdown of hip hop dance.
How to do the Running Man?
The Running Man is a classic hip hop dance move that has been around for decades. It involves running in place while moving your feet in a specific way. Follow these steps to learn how to do the Running Man:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart. |
| Step 2 | Lift your left foot and bring it slightly behind your right foot. |
| Step 3 | Shift your weight onto your left foot and slide your right foot back, touching the ball of your right foot on the ground. |
| Step 4 | Slide your right foot back to its starting position while simultaneously lifting your left foot up and bringing it slightly behind your right foot. |
| Step 5 | Shift your weight onto your right foot and slide your left foot back, touching the ball of your left foot on the ground. |
| Step 6 | Slide your left foot back to its starting position while simultaneously lifting your right foot up and bringing it slightly behind your left foot. |
| Step 7 | Repeat steps 3-6 and continue running in place while alternating your feet. |
Once you have the basic Running Man down, you can experiment with different variations and speed to add your own flair to the move. It’s also a great way to get your heart rate up and to incorporate cardio into your dance routine!
If you want to dive deeper into hip hop culture, read about how it has influenced fashion at /hip-hop-dance-fashion-influence/.
2. The Dougie
The next dance move that we will cover is a popular one that originated from the song “Teach Me How To Dougie”. You might have seen this move in viral videos or dance competitions. The Dougie is a fun and simple hip hop dance move that has gained popularity over the years. As with all hip hop dance moves, it is essential to have proper coordination and rhythm. Let’s take a closer look at what the Dougie is and how to perform it. For those interested in the history of hip hop dance and its impact, check out the connection between music and hip hop dance.
What is the Dougie?
The Dougie is a popular hip hop dance move that originated in the early 2000s in Dallas, Texas. This dance was named after rapper Doug E. Fresh, who performed a similar dance move in his music videos. The Dougie gained mainstream popularity after it was featured in the song “Teach Me How to Dougie” by Cali Swag District.
The Dougie is a combination of several dance moves, including:
| Dance Move | Description |
|---|---|
| Shoulder Shimmy | A shoulder movement where the shoulders move up and down in a quick motion. |
| Hype Man Point | A pointing motion where the arms extend out and one finger points forward to hype up the crowd. |
| Back and Forth | A swaying motion where the hips and arms move back and forth in opposite directions. |
To perform The Dougie, start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Then, follow these steps:
1. Begin by doing a shoulder shimmy, where you quickly raise and lower your shoulders.
2. Next, point both index fingers forward in a “Hype Man Point” gesture.
3. Sway your hips and arms back and forth, using your knees to give your movements a little extra bounce.
4. Alternate the direction of the “Hype Man Point” gesture and continue to sway back and forth.
Remember to keep the movements loose and relaxed. The Dougie is all about having fun and feeling the beat.
It’s worth noting that hip hop dance culture has a rich history and has grown to become an international phenomenon. To delve further into this topic, check out the article on The Role of Gender in Hip Hop Dance Culture.
How to do the Dougie?
To do the Dougie, follow these seven simple steps:
| Step 1: | Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. |
| Step 2: | Raise your arms up to shoulder level with your elbows bent and your hands in a fist. |
| Step 3: | Move your weight onto your left foot while your right foot slides to the side. |
| Step 4: | As your right foot slides to the side, simultaneously drop your right hand and bring your left hand up to your head. |
| Step 5: | Reverse the movement by sliding your right foot back to its original position and bending your left elbow while raising your right hand to your head. |
| Step 6: | Shift your weight to your right foot and repeat the sequence with your left foot, dropping your left hand, and bringing your right hand up to your head. |
| Step 7: | Repeat this sequence back and forth, gradually picking up speed to find your rhythm. |
Once you have mastered the basic Dougie steps, you can add your own style to it. You can add some shoulder shimmies or body rolls to make it more interesting. It’s all about finding your own flow and enjoying the rhythm. This dance move was popularized by Cali Swag District’s song “Teach Me How to Dougie.”
If you want to learn more about hip hop dance, check out our article on hip hop dance workout. Additionally, if you are interested in the history of hip hop dance and its social justice impact, you can read more in our article on hip hop dance and social justice.
3. The Cat Daddy
The world of hip hop dancing is full of diverse and fascinating styles. One such style is the Cat Daddy, which has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique movements and catchy beats. Akin to other hip hop dance moves like the Running Man and the Dougie, it’s essential for beginners to learn the right techniques to master this dance style. In this section, we’ll dive into the specifics of the Cat Daddy and learn about its history, what the dance style entails, and how to execute the moves like a pro.
What is the Cat Daddy?
The Cat Daddy is another popular hip hop dance move that involves swaying your arms and legs in a smooth motion. It became widely popularized in 2011 after the hip hop group Rej3ctz released a song of the same name. The name of the dance move comes from the style of clothing associated with the dance. Cat Daddy was an old school fashion term that referred to a type of rolled-up pants worn by 1950s zoot suiters, who also had some fancy jitterbug moves in their dance repertoire.
To perform the Cat Daddy, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms relaxed at your sides. Then, as the beat drops, move your left foot slightly forward while simultaneously shifting your weight onto your right foot. On the next count, move your left arm out to the left side, your right arm out to the right side, and rotate your wrists so your palms are facing upwards. Your arms should be parallel to the floor.
Next, move your left foot back to its original position while shifting your weight onto it. At the same time, move your right foot wide and out to the right side. On the next count, bring both arms in front of you with your elbows bent, fists clenched, and your palms facing inward. Pull your hands back in towards your body and then snap them back out to the sides as you bend your knees and dip your body low, adding a bit of flair to the move.
The Cat Daddy is a bit more complex than some of the other moves. You may want to watch some instructional videos online or take a dance class to master it. However, once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll be able to add your own style and flair to impress your friends on the dance floor.
If you’re interested in learning more about hip hop dance, be sure to check out some of the top hip hop dancers ever or read about the impact of hip hop dance competitions on the industry.
How to do the Cat Daddy?
To do the Cat Daddy, follow these steps:
- Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Pull your left shoulder back. This will cause your right hip to pop out a bit.
- Swing your right arm behind your back. As you do this, your left leg should bend slightly and your left arm should come up in front of you.
- Bring your right arm back around to the front. Your right leg should straighten as you do this.
- Repeat with the opposite side. Pull your right shoulder back, swing your left arm behind your back, bend your right leg, and bring your left arm up in front of you.
- Keep the rhythm going. The Cat Daddy is all about the rhythm, so get into the groove and keep going!
Remember, the Cat Daddy is named after a dance move from the 1980s. It gained popularity after the hip hop group Rej3ctz created a song and video called “Cat Daddy”. The video featured Chris Brown doing the dance, and it quickly caught on as a popular dance move.
If you’re interested in learning more about hip hop dance and culture, check out our article on the top 10 hip hop dancers ever. You can also read about the impact of hip hop dance competitions in our article on hip hop dance competitions and their impact on the dance world.
4. The Wop
Have you heard about the Wop? It’s a hip hop dance move that originated in the 1980s, but it’s still popular today. If you want to impress your friends at a party or just learn more about hip hop dance, the Wop is a must-try move. This dance move might look complicated, but with a bit of practice and guidance, you can master it. So, let’s dive deep into what the Wop is and how to do it step-by-step.
What is the Wop?
The Wop, also known as the Wop Dance, is a hip hop dance move that originated in the early 1990s. It is characterized by quick, shuffling foot movements and fluid arm motions. The origins of the dance move are unclear, but it is believed to have originated on the West Coast of the United States.
Here are some key features of the Wop:
- The dancer keeps their feet close together and slides them to the side in a quick, shuffling motion.
- The arms move in a fluid motion, often swinging back and forth or up and down.
- The dancer may incorporate other moves, such as spins or hops, to add variety to the dance.
- The Wop is typically performed to fast-paced hip hop or rap music.
The Wop gained popularity in the early 1990s, and was featured in several music videos and movies of the time. It has since become a staple of hip hop culture, and is often performed at parties and other social events.
Learning the Wop can be challenging for beginners, but with practice and dedication, anyone can master this classic hip hop move. Start by learning the basic foot movements, and then incorporate arm motions and other variations as you become more comfortable with the dance.
The Wop is a fun and energetic dance move that is sure to impress your friends and get you moving to the beat. Give it a try and see where your dance skills take you!
How to do the Wop?
To do the Wop, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Begin in a comfortable stance. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, your knees slightly bent, and your arms loosely at your sides.
- Step 2: Move your right foot back and twist your left foot. Pivot your left foot to the side and turn it so that your toe is pointing outward. At the same time, move your right foot behind you and slightly to the right. Your toes should be pointing to the right.
- Step 3: Twist your body to the left and bring your right foot forward. As you twist your body to the left, bring your right foot forward and across your left foot, as if you were stepping over something. Your right foot should end up a few inches to the left of your left foot.
- Step 4: Repeat on the other side. Bring your left foot back and twist your right foot, then twist your body to the right and bring your left foot forward and across your right foot. Practice this move until you can do it smoothly and quickly.
- Step 5: Add some style. Once you’ve got the basic move down, feel free to experiment with adding some personal flair. You might try snapping your fingers, pumping your arms, or adding a dip and a turn to the move.
With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to do the Wop with ease and impress your friends with your hip hop skills. So get up, get moving, and have fun learning this classic dance move!
5. The Harlem Shake
The next must-know hip hop dance move on our list is a classic that has been around for decades. It’s been used in countless music videos, parties, and viral videos. It’s a move that begins with a twitch and ends in a flurry of wild movements that can make anyone look great on the dance floor. But what is this move called? Well, you might have heard of it before, it’s the Harlem Shake. So, if you’re ready to learn how to move like a pro and impress your friends with your hip hop dance skills, let’s dive into it!
What is the Harlem Shake?
The Harlem Shake is a popular hip hop dance move that originated in the early 2000s in Harlem, New York City. This dance move gained increased popularity in 2013 when a YouTube video went viral, featuring people performing the Harlem Shake in various settings.
The Harlem Shake is a type of dance where the upper body and arms move vigorously while the legs remain in place. It involves shaking and jerking of the body, with a quick and repetitive movement of the shoulders and head. The dancer also swings their arms back and forth while jumping and twisting.
To perform the Harlem Shake, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, and position your arms out in front of you. Next, quickly move your shoulders up and down, while simultaneously shaking your head back and forth. As you continue to move your shoulders and head, swing your arms back and forth, and jump from side to side. The key to performing this dance move is to loosen up your body and let the rhythm of the music take over.
The Harlem Shake is a fun and energetic dance move that can be performed alone or with a group of people. It has become a staple in hip hop culture and is often used in dance battles and performances. So, get your body moving and try out this iconic dance move. Your friends and family will be impressed by your dance skills!
How to do the Harlem Shake?
To learn how to do the Harlem Shake, follow the steps below:
| Step 1: | Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. |
| Step 2: | Begin shaking your upper body, starting with your shoulders and moving down to your hips. |
| Step 3: | After a few seconds of shaking, quickly jerk your entire body to one side. |
| Step 4: | Return to your original position and continue to shake your body. Repeat the jerking motion, but this time to the other side. |
| Step 5: | Speed up the shaking motion and continue to jerk your body from side to side. |
| Step 6: | Add your own variations to the move, such as incorporating arm movements or jumping. |
Remember, the Harlem Shake is all about having fun and being creative. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this classic dance move!
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning these 5 must-know hip-hop dance moves is a great way for beginners to start their journey into this exciting art form. By practicing each move step-by-step, beginners can build confidence in their abilities and eventually incorporate these moves into their own unique dance style.
It’s important to note that while mastering these moves may take time and practice, the most important aspect of hip-hop dancing is self-expression and having fun. Whether dancing alone or in a group, the energy and passion that goes into each move is what truly makes hip-hop dance special.
Additionally, learning these moves can also benefit beginners in other areas of their life. Practicing these dance moves can improve coordination, balance, and overall physical fitness. It’s also a great way to relieve stress and boost mood, making it a fun and healthy hobby for people of all ages.
Overall, learning these 5 must-know hip-hop dance moves is an excellent way to start your journey into this dynamic and exciting art form. So get ready to move your body, express yourself, and join the community of dancers who have made hip-hop dance a worldwide phenomenon.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is hip hop dance?
Hip hop dance is a style of dance that originated in African American and Latino communities during the 1970s.
Is hip hop dance difficult to learn?
Like any new skill, learning hip hop dance takes practice and dedication, but it can be mastered with time and effort.
What are the benefits of learning hip hop dance?
Learning hip hop dance can improve your overall fitness, coordination, and flexibility, as well as boost your confidence and self-expression.
Can I learn hip hop dance if I have no previous dance experience?
Absolutely! These 5 must-know hip hop dance moves are perfect for beginners and require no previous dance experience.
Do I need a lot of room to practice hip hop dance moves?
While more space is always better, these 5 hip hop dance moves can be done in a small area, such as a living room or bedroom.
Can I learn hip hop dance online?
Yes, there are many online resources and tutorials available to help you learn hip hop dance from the comfort of your own home.
Do I need any special equipment to learn hip hop dance?
No special equipment is required to learn hip hop dance. Comfortable clothing and a pair of sneakers are all you need to get started.
How long does it take to learn these 5 must-know hip hop dance moves?
The amount of time it takes to learn these moves varies for each individual, but with practice and repetition, you can master them in a few weeks.
Can hip hop dance be a form of exercise?
Yes, hip hop dance can be a fun and effective form of exercise that can help improve your cardiovascular health and overall fitness.
Is it important to practice proper form and technique when learning hip hop dance?
Yes, practicing proper form and technique is key to avoiding injury and improving your skills as a hip hop dancer. Take the time to learn each move correctly and practice consistently to see progress.