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How to Hip Hop Dance Online

Hip-hop dance is an American form of dance. Though countries the world over have embraced hip hop dance and music, these forms originated in the United States in the late 20th century. Since then, several subgenres of the dance have arisen and have been shared worldwide through music videos. Though you can conduct formal study of hip-hop at a dance studio, you can also reach an advanced level through self-study. Hip hop was created as an experimental form of dance, by those with no formal training. Take inspiration from the original creators of such forms and teach yourself online.

Instructions

    • 1

      Familiarize yourself with the different styles of hip-hop dance. You may like "old school" break dancing, the aggressive"krumping" style, or belly dance-inspired hip hop choreography, such as the style performed by Beyonce and Shakira. Watch documentaries on hip hop dance styles, such as 2005's "Rize" which focuses on the history and development of the "krumping " style. View videos of famous hip hop dance artists such as Michael and Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Prince, or Britney Spears. The TV show "So You Think You Can Dance" features both highly trained and self-taught advanced hip-hop dancers performing innovative choreography. Use such dancers as inspiration for what style to learn and for what level to aspire to reach. Research the differences between the various hip hop styles on such websites as Dance.net, which features a forum where you can interact with other dancers and discuss hip hop dance. Dance Magazine has featured several articles over the years on hip hop dance history. You can read many of these articles online.

    • 2

      Take an online class. A beginning hip hop class with a qualified instructor can give you the basics of the dance form which you can apply to any form of hip hop. Look at the instructor bios for online classes to see the kind of experience each teacher has. A qualified instructor will have extensive experience in teaching live classes as well as professional performing experience.You can find a number of free online classes for every level. Look on the websites LearntoDance and Hip-Hop Dance for classes that may interest you. Start with the beginning level classes, even if you have experience in other dance forms.

    • 3

      Do some cross-training. You can take a number of classes of different dance styles online. If you want to dance hip-hop professionally, formal training and knowledge of different dance styles will benefit you in the audition process. Take some tap lessons to help you with rhythm and weight change. Ballet can help you develop flexibility and help with your balance and turns. Belly dance teachers explain and demonstrate the science behind isolations, which you can apply to your "pop and lock" and isolation techniques.

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