Since hip hop requires freedom and range of movement that includes jumping, running, skipping, hopping, spinning on the ground, head stands and hand stands, it is best to wear garments that are protective and nonrestrictive. Pants that stretch, T-shirts or long-sleeved shirts, sweatshirts, sneakers or other flexible closed-toe shoes, snow hats or bonnets are recommended. Often hip hop garments are embellished with slogans, graphics and artwork reflecting attitudes from the hip hop or "street" culture.
Locking has its roots in Los Angeles and was introduced by a dance troupe called the Lockers. The lock is the main movement in this particular style of hip hop, whereby the dancer will freeze or pause before resuming a motion. Compared with breaking and popping, the "locker" will hold a position longer. One can see "locking" performed by characters such as Rerun in the 1970s television show "What's Happening." Toni Basil, a choreographer, is one of the original "lockers" and became well known through her hit song and video, "Mickey."
Popping is also a California creation and was originally performed by a dance troupe called the Electric Boogaloos. In this style of hip hop, the dancer jerks his body, creating a series of contractions and relaxations of muscle groups. Each jerk is called either a "hit" or a "pop" that accompanies the musical rhythms. One can see "popping" performed in street venues and on TV programs such as "So You Think You Can Dance."
Break dancing came out of the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s and was created by black and Hispanic Americans. Of the three distinctions of hip hop, break dancing is considered the most authentic and the most acrobatic. Breaking or B-boying can be done individually but is most often associated with a "crew" of dancers in which a line, called an "Apache," is formed. Each crew battles against the other by engaging in flips, spins, hands supporting weight and poses held by hands.
While hip hop's origins are essentially from the "street," and you could learn steps by imitation or exploration, today there are hip hop dance classes with instructors teaching the various forms from a basic to an advanced level. Additionally, hip hop classes appear in gyms and fitness clubs and are revered for their health and fitness aspects of toning muscles and providing a cardio workout.