Hip-hop is much more than a genre; it is a culture composed of rhythm, creativity, and self-expression. Besides, hip-hop dance is the core of this culture; it is a dynamic art that gave birth to many styles over the years, starting from technical movements up to freestyle ones.
At Miami Dance Project, we celebrate diversity through our hip-hop dance classes-teaching how to master some of the most famous and popular hip-hop dances. Whether you are an advanced dancer or a beginner, our classes will take you through the different styles of hip-hop dance and guide you in your dancing journey.
Hip-Hop Dance Classes at Miami Dance Project
Our hip-hop program here at Miami Dance Project focuses on variety and self-expression. We focus on 5 aspects of hip hop dance styles: Popping and Locking, Breaking, New Style, and Freestyle-all with various things that dancers can play with.
Popping and Locking
Popping
Popping is one of the most favored hip-hop dance styles. Popping is a technique that involves fast contractions of muscles that create a visual “pop” or jerking effect that happens in time to the music beat.
It has to be one of the funniest styles due to its robotic look and feel. This dance style was born in California in the 70’s and has grown to encompass rhythm and isolation.
Through our popping classes at Miami Dance Project, you will not only learn the basics but also build up your strength and coordination. Our instructors will walk you through exercises that will help you hit each beat sharp and develop smooth transitions from one pop into another.
As you get more experience, you can work on developing your own Style as you master the fundamentals.
Locking
Locking is a sibling style to popping that consists of sharp stops or “locks,” in which the dancer maintains one position before moving into another.
It is a bit more playful than popping, often pertaining to big arm and hand movements and energetic bouncy steps. Locking is a comedic interactive rope-jingling street dance that energizes the crowd into hysterics.
Our hip-hop dance style classes will teach you the history and technique of this dance – how to execute the basics like the wrist roll and point, and develop your timing, and musicality.
Since locking is all about energy and fun, our classes will make sure each session is an energetic and fun experience.
Breaking
Breakin’, also referred to as Breakdancing, belongs to one of the original and most physically demanding dance styles of hip-hop. It is a high-energy dance that combines strength, flexibility, and creativity. Breaking consists of 4 elements: top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes.
Top rock is the footwork that you do while you’re standing, and down rock is the footwork on the ground. The power moves are acrobatic spins and flips; freezes are holding your body in a pose, often on your feet.
At Miami Dance Project, we focus on the more technical and creative sides of breaking. Our breaking classes will build your athleticism and dance skills. You will master the basics of top-and-down rock and work your way into advanced power moves and freezes.
Whether you’re learning the basics or training for dance battles, our breaking classes will have you building your strength and confidence in no time. One of the coolest things about breaking is the battle culture-dancers compete with each other, releasing their best moves.
This competitive spirit will also be brought into the class by our instructors through the use of friendly battles so that you can show off what you learn in fun and support.
New Style-Hip Hop
New Style Hip Hop, also known as New Style, is a much looser and expressive style of hip-hop dancing. This Style is a combination of all dance styles: hip-hop, popping, locking, and breaking combined into one style that reflects today’s rhythm and feeling.
It is most commonly used in music videos and in the competitive dance setting, which makes it one of today’s most versatile and popular styles. In our New Style classes here at Miami Dance Project, we will help you interpret the music through movement.
Since New Style requires loads of musicality, we train you on how to break up the beats and express the music through your body. You will learn choreographies that include popping, locking, and breaking with the spice of flair in them.
Be it for a competition or just to feel like your favorite artist, our New Style classes get you moving confidently.
Freestyle
The freestyle dance is the most pure form of hip-hop dance because, through it, everything is about improvisation and self-expression. In freestyle dancing, there are no rules or choreography.
Dancers respond to the music in real time. That is the reason this genre is highly creative and spontaneous in hip-hop dancing. Through Freestyle, you can mold moves from any hip-hop dance style, popping, locking, or breaking, into your own routine.
We encourage freestyle in all classes at Miami Dance Project, and we even have sessions solely dedicated to helping you develop your freestyle. Our instructors will put you in a comfortable setting where you can just cut loose and play with the movements.
It’s about freestyle, being in the moment, feeling the music, allowing yourself to express freely through your body. Freestyle classes will let you experiment with your dance style and improve your improvisation.
Sign up for the 2024/2025 Season Now!
Are you looking to learn famous dances in hip-hop which make this culture dope? Whether you want to master popping, break into locking, or freestyle to the beat, there is something for each on the list at Miami Dance Project.
But most importantly, our instructors will break down each dance step so you leave every class with a new skill and a lot more confidence. Be part of our hip-hop dance community and find your passion for dancing. Sign up now for a class at Miami Dance Project.
FAQs
What age can learn Hip-hop Dance?
Hip hop dance is for everyone! The Miami Dance Project offers classes from kids to adults for the purpose of letting everyone into the fun of hip hop dancing. We have age-appropriate classes that foster creativity, build confidence, and teach proper technique in a fun and supportive environment.
Do I need to have any prior dance experience to join?
Nope! Our classes cater to all levels, whether you’re a total beginner or have been dancing for years; you’ll find a class that suits your level and goals. Our instructors will take you through the basics and help you improve.
How often are hip-hop dance classes?
We offer several classes week-long, so you should be able to find a schedule that suits your needs. Whether you want to take a once a week class or to dance several times a week, Miami Dance Project has options. Check out our website for the latest class times and availability.
What to wear to Hip Hop Dance Class?
Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes with sneakers. The loose-fitting clothes are essential. Our classes are high-intensity energy, so make sure to wear something that will support your mob.
Can I try out different hip-hop dance styles before committing to one?
Yes! Our intro classes can allow you to try out different hip hop dance styles as you decide which one works best for your liking. We encourage dancers to try out breaking, popping, and locking just to figure out which style fits their personal rhythm.