Hip Hop, Commercial, Popping, Breakdance, Locking, House & Commercial are the styles we cover under Street Dance.
~ House dance started in the underground club scenes of Chicago in the early 1980s and is danced to house music – think bass – this loud! Think upbeat and complicated footwork, it’s a social style of dance that’s one of our students favourites!
~ Popping started in California in the early 1970s as it grew with the “Funk Era” it focuses on small isolations across the body – think Boogaloo Sam & the Electric Boogaloos dancing to James Brown!
~ Hip Hop started in the Bronx, NYC in the 1970s. It grew from Black and Latin communities as a way to express themselves during a time which was full of major social & economic challenges in the city. Loud, basey music with lots of rapping!
~ Commercial dance is slightly different to all other styles of Street Dance, it grew through music videos/tv/films created to entertain audiences and support lading artists, it’s the style you see backing dancers do at concerts!
~ Breakdance also started in the Bronx, NYC in the 1970s and was one of the original elements of Hip-Hop culture. It firstly developed in block parties – where upcoming DJs would play “breaks” in the music, these sections where the beats and drums were most powerful, which is where the name breakdance comes from.
~ Locking started in LA in the late 1960s, it was created by a pioneer – Don Campbell, a failing comedian who, verbally wasn’t very funny! But he was creative with creating funny dance moves such as the “Funky Chicken” – a signature move where he would suddenly “lock” his body into it, which is where the name Locking comes from!
Why Choose Street Dance?
~ Ultimate Self Expression: Unlike classical genres that require following strict, standard movements, Street Dance empowers you to develop your own unique freestyle and personal artistic flair.
~ Technically Demanding: While it is incredibly fun and informal, don’t be fooled, Street Dance is highly physical. It demands sharp coordination, power, and stamina.
~ The Perfect First Step: Its accessible, casual, and high vibe atmosphere makes it a fantastic entry point for children and teens who might not feel drawn to traditional ballet or tap.
Students get the opportunity to perform in an annual showcase and compete at competitions, we attend On the Beat.