Hip Hop Terminology Every Dancer Should Know

Introduction

Welcome to the fascinating world of hip hop—a dance form, a culture, and a way of life. Whether you're stepping into this dynamic world for the first time or are a seasoned pro looking to deepen your understanding, this guide is for you. In hip hop, terminology isn't just jargon; it's the essence of the culture. Understanding the key terms helps dancers communicate better, appreciate the art form, and create a more inclusive community.

Basic Moves

1. Popping

What is it?
Popping is a dance technique that requires you to contract your muscles and release them quickly, creating a "pop" or "hit."

Why it matters:
Popping has its roots in the late 1970s in California and is often the gateway into other hip hop styles. Mastering popping is akin to an artist learning how to sketch before diving into painting—it lays down the basics.

2. Locking

What is it?
This style involves a series of fast movements followed by a "lock" or freeze. Picture it as punctuating a sentence with an exclamation mark!

Why it matters:
Locking is all about rhythm and timing, punctuated by flair and theatrics. Developed in the 1970s, it's a cornerstone of hip hop dance history.

3. Breaking

What is it?
Breaking, often referred to as breakdancing, is a dance style characterized by acrobatic moves like spins and flips, intertwined with intricate footwork and freezes.

Why it matters:
Breaking has long been the public face of hip hop dance, widely popularized in movies and commercials. It remains one of the "pillar styles" of the hip hop dance scene.

Advanced Moves

4. Krumping

What is it?
Krumping is characterized by free, expressive, exaggerated, and highly energetic movement involving the arms, head, legs, chest, and feet.

Why it matters:
Krumping is more than a dance style; it's a form of expression. Originating from African tribal dances, Krumping has become a way for dancers to express their emotions and comment on social issues.

5. Tutting

What is it?
Tutting involves complex and intricate angular movements of the limbs, often imitating the straight lines and right angles found in Egyptian art.

Why it matters:
Tutting allows dancers to experiment with geometry and shapes, often giving performances a mesmerizing, visual-art like quality.

6. Waving

What is it?
Waving is the fluid movement that gives the illusion of a wave traveling through the dancer’s body.

Why it matters:
Waving adds a different texture to hip hop dance, providing a contrast to the often sharp and explosive movements typical of the style.

Styles

1. Boogaloo

What is it?
Boogaloo is a funk style dance that incorporates rolling hip movements and leg shuffles.

Why it matters:
Originating from the 1960s, Boogaloo has influenced various other styles, especially popping, and serves as an essential chapter in the history of hip-hop dance.

2. Vogue

What is it?
Vogue is a highly stylized dance form that originated in the Harlem ballroom scene of the 1960s.

Why it matters:
Vogue has transcended its underground roots to become a significant influence on mainstream hip-hop and pop culture. The style is known for its dramatic poses, angular arm movements, and a strong emphasis on lines and symmetry.

Social and Cultural Terms

1. B-Boy/B-Girl

What is it?
B-Boys and B-Girls are individuals who engage in breakdancing.

Why it matters:
Being a B-Boy or B-Girl is not just about mastering the moves; it’s also about embodying the spirit and culture of hip-hop dance. The term is integral to the identity of dancers within the breaking community.

2. Old School vs. New School

What is it?
Old School refers to the foundational forms of hip hop dance, like breaking and popping, whereas New School represents newer styles that have emerged, such as Krumping and Tutting.

Why it matters:
The distinction between Old School and New School provides a contextual framework for understanding the evolution and diversification of hip-hop dance. Both have a role to play in enriching the art form.

Hip Hop Music Terms

1. Sample

What is it?
Sampling involves taking a portion of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument in a different song.

Why it matters:
Sampling allows hip-hop artists to create new compositions and pay homage to their musical influences. It's a cornerstone of the genre and has legal, ethical, and artistic implications.

2. Freestyle

What is it?
Freestyling is the art of improvisation in hip-hop, whether it's in dancing or rapping.

Why it matters:
Freestyle sessions provide a platform for artists to showcase their skills, creativity, and adaptability. These sessions can happen anywhere—at dance battles, on the street, or in the recording studio.

3. MC

What is it?
MC stands for Master of Ceremonies. In a hip-hop context, an MC is a rapper but also more than that. The MC sets the mood, controls the crowd, and serves as the overall narrator for the event or song.

Why it matters:
The MC is often the face and voice of a hip-hop event or track, responsible for guiding the audience's experience and ensuring a high level of engagement.

Conclusion

As we've seen, the language of hip-hop is as diverse and dynamic as the culture it represents. Understanding the terminology allows dancers, artists, and fans alike to engage more deeply with the art form and each other. From basic moves like Popping and Locking to cultural terms like B-Boy and MC, each term is a thread in the rich tapestry that is hip hop. So, whether you're stepping onto the dance floor or diving into a new hip-hop album, you're now better equipped to groove along. Keep learning, keep dancing, and keep the spirit of hip-hop alive!