Gymfinity Kids: Hip Hop Dance Classes 

We have worked through some iconic dance styles in our Dance Mash-Up classes this year. We started the year with Musical Theatre which got the children’s toes tapping and fingers clicking, and then moved on to the graceful, elegant art of Lyrical dance. 

Our next dance focus for our Gymfinity Kids dance classes is Hip Hop! This dynamic and energetic dance was created in the 1970s in the USA and has become a worldwide phenomenon in the dancing community. It’s lively, it’s creative, it’s upbeat, and we can’t wait to teach the children the moves! 

If you’re looking for children’s dance classes near you, then try a free dance class with Gymfinity Kids and see if hip hop dancing will be your child’s new favourite way to move. 

Curious to find out more about hip hop and why it’s such a fun dance genre to learn? Look no further. We cover everything you need to know about hip hop dancing and why your child will love learning it! 

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What is Hip Hop Dancing? 

Hip hop dancing originated in the 1970s in New York City, particularly in the Bronx. It encompasses a wide range of urban dance styles which is typically matched to hip hop music, but you can do these moves to any other music that has a similar beat!  

It is characterised by its improvisational nature, creativity, and individuality. It has some common elements and fun movements that are seen in many choreographed or improvised routines. Hip hop dancing is often practiced within a community or crew, where dancers come together to share knowledge, skills, and experiences. Collaboration and camaraderie are central to hip hop culture, with dancers supporting and inspiring each other through dance battles, cyphers, and group performances. 

It is often associated with street dance culture and is frequently showcased in dance battles, performances, music videos, and movies. 

Dancers would create their own moves and styles, drawing inspiration from their surroundings, cultural heritage, and personal experiences. It also served as a form of self-expression and resistance for marginalized communities. Dancers used their movements to assert their identity, challenge social norms, and express solidarity with their peers. 

The combination of cultural authenticity, artistic diversity, improvisational creativity, and social relevance makes hip hop dancing a truly unique and impactful art form. 

Origins of Hip Hop Dancing

Whilst hip hop dancing has been around since the 70’s, several interconnected factors contributed to its development. 

It was created in The Bronx, particularly in the marginalised neighbourhoods, providing the backdrop for the emergence of hip hop culture. The socio-economic conditions, including poverty, crime, and deteriorating infrastructure, led to the formation of tight-knit communities seeking creative outlets. It became deeply rooted in the experiences, struggles, and creativity of these communities, serving as a form of self-expression and cultural identity. 

Block parties were central to the early hip hop scene. The music played at early hip hop parties was heavily influenced by funk, soul, and disco, with artists like James Brown, Kool & the Gang, and The Sugarhill Gang providing the soundtrack for dancers to showcase their skills.  

DJ’s such as DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash also played a crucial role in shaping hip hop culture by mixing and blending records, creating the beats and rhythms that dancers would later groove to. 

Hip hop dance become closely intertwined with street fashion, graffiti art, and other forms of urban expression. Dancers often incorporated elements of street fashion into their style, including baggy clothing, sneakers, and distinctive hairstyles. It truly became a cultural cornerstone of the 20^th century and birthed a generation who championed these unmistakable moves and unique looks. 

Over the decades, hip hop dancing evolved and diversified, incorporating influences from various dance styles, music genres, and global cultures. It still maintains its roots in the urban communities where it originated but is now celebrated worldwide as a dynamic and expressive art form that continues to evolve and inspire new generations of dancers and artists. 

Common Hip Hop Dance Moves

Hip hop dancing is known for its improvisational nature, with dancers often freestyling or spontaneously creating movements in response to the music and the energy of the moment. This emphasis on improvisation fosters creativity, innovation, and individuality, making each dance performance unique and dynamic.  

Whilst we may not be teaching all these distinct moves in our dance classes, we’ve compiled a list of the top hip hop moves most frequently seen in hip hop dancing: 

Breaking (also known as breakdancing): Breaking is one of the most recognizable styles of hip hop dancing, characterized by dynamic moves like spins, freezes, and intricate footwork. 

Popping and Locking: Popping involves contracting and relaxing muscles to create a jerking effect, while locking involves freezing in specific positions, often with exaggerated movements and facial expressions. 

Krumping: Krumping is a high-energy style characterized by aggressive and expressive movements, often performed in freestyle battles. 

B-boying/B-girling: B-boying (breaking) and B-girling refer to the dance style associated with breakdancing, which includes floorwork, acrobatics, and intricate footwork. It takes strength and flexibility to nail these moves, but our gymnasts and ninjas will find them a whole new way to utilise the skills they’ve learnt in class! 

Voguing: Voguing is a style characterized by model-like poses, inspired by the models in fashion magazines, with exaggerated arm and hand movements. STRIKE A POSE! 

Tutting: Tutting involves creating angular shapes with the arms, hands, and fingers, often resembling Egyptian hieroglyphics. 

Waving: Waving is a fluid style that involves moving the arms and body in a wave-like motion. 

What to Expect in Gymfinity Hip Hop Dance Classes

Get ready for a fun class! Our Dance Mash-Up coach has choreographed some easy-to-follow routines that are designed to introduce young dancers to the fundamentals of hip hop dance.  

It will be in a fun, age-appropriate, and supportive environment where the moves will be tailored to be child-friendly. 

Basic Movements: Our classes will focus on teaching basic hip hop movements such as grooving, bouncing, stepping, and simple footwork. These movements are taught gradually, allowing children to build coordination, rhythm, and confidence. 

Fun and Creative Choreography: You can expect the classes to be upbeat, energetic and designed to appeal to children. Our coaches will incorporate elements of play, imagination, and storytelling into the routines to keep children engaged and motivated. 

Age-appropriate Music: The music selected is kid-friendly, featuring upbeat hip hop tracks with clean lyrics and suitable content. It will inspire movement whilst maintaining a positive and inclusive atmosphere. 

Positive Reinforcement: Like all our classes at Gymfinity, our coaches use positive reinforcement to encourage children to feel confident and empowered in their dancing. There will be games, exercises and activities that will foster teamwork, cooperation and self-expression.  

Safety and Technique: While the focus is on fun and creativity, we will also emphasize proper technique and safe dance practices. Our coaches teach children how to execute movements safely to prevent injuries and promote healthy physical development. 

Inclusive Environment: Our hip hop dance classes strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment where all children feel welcome and valued regardless of their skill level or background.  

We have core values at our clubs that we encourage, recognise and reward when a child demonstrates them in our club – from teamwork to friendship and bravery to determination, our core values can help nurture a sense of belonging, respect and mutual support among the young dancers. Find out more about our Values Recognition Scheme here! 

Performance: Our dance classes focus on a particular dance style for 6 – 8 weeks and end with a Show Week where children can perform their learned routines and skills in front of parents. We all adore Show Week as it provides an opportunity for the children to gain a sense of achievement and pride in their dancing abilities. 

Gymfinity Kids Dance classes provide a positive outlet for creativity and physical activity, helping children build a lifelong love for dance and movement!

It’s a fun and engaging way to learn hip hop dance while developing important skills such as coordination, confidence, teamwork, and self-expression. It gives the children the opportunity to express themselves, connect with their fellow classmates and develop valuable life skills that extend beyond the dance studio. 

So, what are you waiting for? Hit the link below to book a free taster class and get popping and locking!

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*Dance Mash-Up classes are available in our Bracknell, Cambridge, Walton-on-Thames and Wandsworth clubs.