Learn graceful dance moves and habits by studying other forms of dance. The habits and training you learn in your other classes will transfer to your hip hop performance. If you want to learn to execute traditional hip hop moves more gracefully, taking ballet is an intelligent first step. The study of ballet can help you attain a graceful carriage of the upper body and add softness and awareness to the hands as you dance. You can also learn practical skills that will help your execution of certain moves to be more graceful. Ballet will teach you the science behind executing smooth turns, and help you come out of jumps with softer landings and more control.
Try some belly dance moves. The classical Egyptian style is one of the more graceful forms of belly dance. This form utilizes many choreographic elements found in contemporary hip hop, such as isolations, chest pops, hip locks and muscle vibrations. Learn the graceful execution of these moves in belly dance class and apply the moves to your hip hop routines. Beyonce and Shakira are two artists who have integrated moves from hip hop and belly dance into their choreography and who consistently appear graceful when performing.
Study hip hop consistently. As with any form of dance, regular formal study will help you advance and improve your skill level. Though practicing on your own is a good idea, taking classes will challenge you to quickly learn new combinations and choreographic elements. Knowing and being comfortable with the choreography will make you appear more confident when you dance, and allow you to be graceful.