**"From Beginner to Pro: Hip Hop Drills to Master as an Intermediate"**

So you’ve nailed the basics—two-steps, body rolls, and simple grooves—but now you’re hungry for more. Welcome to the intermediate zone, where precision meets creativity. These drills will bridge the gap between casual practice and pro-level execution.

1. The Bounce & Control Drill

Hip Hop lives in the bounce, but pros control it. Try this:

• Set a metronome to 90BPM
• Bounce on beat for 16 counts, then freeze for 16
• Repeat, adding micro-bounces (10% intensity) during freezes

This builds the muscle memory to switch between loose and locked movements—key for hitting beats hard without losing flow.

2. Isolation Stacking

Take your body rolls to the next level:

1. Start a chest roll (4 counts)
2. Layer in shoulder shimmies (2 counts)
3. Add head slides (2 counts)
4. Reverse the sequence

Advanced tip: Practice in front of a phone camera—clean isolations separate intermediates from amateurs.

3. Groove Transitions

The secret sauce of freestyle? Seamless transitions. Drill this combo:

      Krump stomp → Tutting arms → Waving → Quick two-step
      (4 counts each)
    

Practice at half-speed first, focusing on the moment between moves. This builds the muscle intelligence needed for battles.

4. Footwork Grids

Mark a 2x2 tile grid on the floor:

• Monday: Glide patterns (see: Memphis Jookin’)
• Wednesday: Quick direction changes
• Friday: Weight shift drills (pretend the grid is lava)

This develops the spatial awareness seen in dancers like Les Twins.

5. Musicality Challenges

Intermediate dancers often hear beats but miss textures. Try:

• Dance only to hi-hats for 32 counts
• Switch to bass lines mid-routine
• Freestyle to spoken word (try Mos Def acapellas)

Putting It All Together

Create a weekly schedule:

Remember: Intermediate is where most quit. Push through the plateau—your future pro self will thank you.