Welcome back, hip hop enthusiasts! If you've been following our journey from basic steps to more intricate moves, you're in the right place. Today, we're diving into the intermediate realm of hip hop dance, where precision, style, and creativity blend seamlessly. Whether you're looking to step up your performance at the next dance battle or just want to impress your friends, these moves will help you elevate your game.
1. The Isolations Game
Isolations are fundamental in hip hop dance. They involve moving one part of your body while keeping the rest still. Start with head isolations, then move to shoulder, rib cage, and hip isolations. Practice these separately and then try combining them. Mastering isolations will give you a smooth, fluid movement that's essential for many hip hop routines.
2. The Pop and Lock
Popping and locking are iconic hip hop moves that involve sudden contractions and releases of the muscles to create a jerky, mechanical look. To pop, tense your muscles quickly and then relax. Locking involves stopping your movement suddenly and then continuing smoothly. Practice these in front of a mirror to perfect the timing and fluidity.
3. The Top Rock
Top rock is the foundation of many hip hop dance battles. It's a series of steps performed while standing, setting the stage for more dynamic moves like drops and power moves. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and incorporating different footwork patterns. Mix in some arm movements and body waves to add flair to your top rock.
4. The Six-Step
The six-step is a basic move in breaking (or b-boying/b-girling) that transitions smoothly from top rock to floor work. It involves six precise steps that rotate your body around a central axis. Practice the footwork slowly at first, ensuring each step is clean and precise. Once you've got the hang of it, add your own style and variations.
5. The Body Wave
The body wave is a fluid, wave-like movement that travels from your head to your feet. It's a showstopper when executed correctly. Start by practicing individual sections of your body—head, chest, waist, knees, and feet—and then connect them smoothly. The key is to keep the wave continuous and flowing, without any jerky movements.
6. The Glide
The glide, also known as the moonwalk, is a classic move that gives the illusion of sliding backward while moving forward. It requires precise footwork and body control. Start by practicing the heel-toe motion on a smooth surface, then gradually add body movement. Mastering the glide will definitely turn heads at any dance floor.
Remember, the journey to mastering these moves is all about practice and patience. Don't rush the process; instead, focus on perfecting each move before moving on to the next. And most importantly, have fun with it! Hip hop dance is all about expressing yourself and enjoying the rhythm.
Stay tuned for our next blog post where we'll tackle advanced moves and combinations. Until then, keep dancing and elevating your hip hop skills!
