Hip hop dance has come a long way since its humble beginnings in the 1970s. From its roots in African American and Latino culture to its current global popularity, hip hop dance has evolved significantly over the years. In this blog post, we'll take a journey through the history of hip hop dance, exploring its origins, key milestones, and its impact on popular culture.
The Early Days
The roots of hip hop dance can be traced back to the 1970s in the Bronx, New York. At that time, African American and Latino youth were looking for a way to express themselves and tell their stories through dance. They drew inspiration from various styles, including breakdancing, popping, and locking, which were popularized by African American and Latino dancers in the 1960s and 1970s.
One of the pioneers of hip hop dance was DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican-American DJ who is often credited with inventing hip hop music. Herc began hosting parties in the Bronx, where he would extend the breaks in funk and soul records to create a continuous flow of music. This allowed dancers to come up with their own moves and routines, which eventually became known as hip hop dance.
The Golden Age
The 1980s and 1990s are often referred to as the "Golden Age" of hip hop dance. During this time, hip hop dance became more popular and mainstream, with the rise of music videos, TV shows, and films featuring hip hop dance. This period saw the emergence of new styles, such as new jack swing, voguing, and waacking, which added to the diversity and creativity of hip hop dance.
Some of the most iconic hip hop dancers of this era include Michael Jackson, who popularized the moonwalk, and the Rock Steady Crew, a group of dancers from the Bronx who were known for their breakdancing skills. Other notable dancers from this period include the Electric Boogaloos, the Dynamic Rockers, and the New York City Breakers.
The Modern Era
In the 2000s and 2010s, hip hop dance continued to evolve and diversify. The rise of reality TV shows, such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and "America's Best Dance Crew," helped to bring hip hop dance to a wider audience. The internet also played a significant role in the spread of hip hop dance, with the rise of YouTube and other social media platforms allowing dancers to share their skills and connect with others around the world.
Today, hip hop dance is a global phenomenon, with dancers from all over the world performing and competing in various styles, including breaking, popping, locking, and waacking. The rise of social media has also given dancers a platform to showcase their skills and connect with other dancers, which has helped to keep the culture of hip hop dance alive and thriving.
The Impact of Hip Hop Dance
Hip hop dance has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing not only other dance styles but also music, fashion, and visual arts. Hip hop dance has also played a role in promoting social justice and self-expression, providing a platform for marginalized communities to tell their stories and express themselves.
In conclusion, the history of hip hop dance is a rich and complex one, spanning over four decades and encompassing a wide range of styles and influences. From its humble beginnings in the Bronx to its current global popularity, hip hop dance has evolved significantly over the years, and its impact on popular culture is undeniable.
