11.1 Origins of Hip-Hop Dance

Hip-hop dance burst onto the scene in 1970s Bronx, NYC. Born from the streets, it blended African American and Latino influences, creating a fresh style at block parties and neighborhood gatherings.

Early hip-hop dance drew inspiration from funk, jazz, and Latin styles. Breakdancing, popping, and locking emerged as key elements, with dancers innovating moves to match the DJ's breakbeats and the MC's rhymes.

Origins of Hip-Hop Dance

Roots of hip-hop dance

Top images from around the web for Roots of hip-hop dance

• 

  DJ Kool Herc - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hip Hop is cultural representation | Tom Van Hout View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hip-hop dance - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  DJ Kool Herc - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hip Hop is cultural representation | Tom Van Hout View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Roots of hip-hop dance

• 

  DJ Kool Herc - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hip Hop is cultural representation | Tom Van Hout View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hip-hop dance - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  DJ Kool Herc - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Hip Hop is cultural representation | Tom Van Hout View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Hip-hop dance emerged in the Bronx, New York City, during the 1970s
  • Influenced by the socio-economic conditions and cultural diversity of the area (poverty, urban renewal, immigration)
• African American and Latino youth played a crucial role in the development of hip-hop dance
  • Adapted and blended various dance styles to create a new form of expression (breaking, popping, locking)
• Block parties and neighborhood gatherings served as platforms for the growth of hip-hop dance
  • DJs provided the music (breakbeats) while dancers showcased their skills and innovations (freestyle, battles)

Influences on early hip-hop

• Funk music and dance heavily influenced early hip-hop dance
  • James Brown's energetic performances and signature moves inspired many dancers (moonwalk, robot)
• Jazz dance contributed to the foundation of hip-hop dance
  • Improvisation and individual expression, key elements of jazz dance, were embraced by hip-hop dancers
  • Breakdancing, a major component of early hip-hop dance, drew from jazz dance techniques (acrobatics, freezes)
• Latin dance styles, particularly from Puerto Rican and Cuban communities, shaped hip-hop dance
  • Salsa and mambo influenced the footwork and partner dance aspects of hip-hop (Hustle, Lindy Hop)

Development of Hip-Hop Culture

Hip-hop music and dance relationship

• Hip-hop music and dance evolved together, each influencing the other
  • DJs played a vital role in providing the musical backdrop for dancers (breakbeats, samples)
  • Dancers responded to and interpreted the music, creating new moves and styles (toprock, downrock, power moves)
• The relationship between MCs and dancers shaped the performative aspect of hip-hop culture
  • MCs would often call out and interact with dancers during performances (call and response)
• The interplay between music and dance helped establish hip-hop as a distinct cultural movement
  • The four elements of hip-hop culture: DJing, MCing, breakdancing, and graffiti art

Role of dance battles

• Dance battles and competitions were essential to the growth and development of hip-hop dance
  • Provided a platform for dancers to showcase their skills and gain recognition (reputation, status)
  • Encouraged innovation and creativity as dancers sought to outperform their rivals (originality, style)
• Battles often took place in informal settings, such as street corners or park jams
  • Dancers would form circles and take turns displaying their moves (cypher, battle rounds)
  • Crowds would gather to watch and judge the performances (audience participation)
• Formal competitions, such as the New York City Rap Tour and the World Supreme Championships, emerged later
  • Offered dancers a chance to compete on a larger scale and gain exposure (prize money, sponsorships)
  • Helped spread hip-hop dance beyond its local origins and establish it as a global phenomenon (international competitions, media coverage)