Hip hop is a style of street dancing from New York and Los Angeles that hit music videos and went mainstream. It's a tough dance form to do well and takes real attitude, athleticism and practice. If you're not ready to invest in a class but you wouldd like to try some moves, check the Web, TV and your local rec center for free classes and demonstrations.
Virtual Hip Hop
Obliging online entrepreneurs with choreography DVDs and downloads to sell have posted so many sample moves and combinations that you can learn a lot, for free, in your own living room. Check out Darrin's Popping moves on the Central Home site that has videos from several different instructors (See References). Learn some beginner basics and then put the steps together on Hip Hop Dance (See References). A handful of separate steps are isolated in quick videos about halfway down the Simone Maurice Hip Hop Dance site (See References). Use the free instruction online as a way to view different moves and styles, a guide to learning some hip hop or a check against what you have learned elsewhere. But keep looking for a free non-virtual opportunity to learn from a teacher who can correct your form and help you find safe ways to perform tricky moves.
Local Freebies
Many community centers offer free hip hop classes for pre-teens and teens. The classes typically meet weekly and may be drop-ins. This is a great way to pick up some popping, locking and crazy legs pointers and combinations and connect with the hip hop dancers and resources where you live. Community centers also offer fitness classes called hip hop abs workouts that feature the music, the moves and a sweat-inducing, lively workout. A complete hip hop cardio workout can start with a warm-up of a few isolated moves, progress to an aerobic choreographed dance session and wind down with stretches. You get a free exercise class and free dance moves instruction all in the same hour.
The Tube and youtube
Click on the TV for some of the best free hip hop dancing you'll see anywhere. BET sponsors the annual Hip Hop Awards with plenty of dancing to record and learn afterward (See References). MTV and VH1 videos have first rate hip hop choreography, original to the music videos they play. Shows that include "So You Think You Can Dance" will sometimes have B-boy contestants who perform a lot of hip hop. The shows regularly bring in famous hip hop choreographers to stage dances for the contestants. Hunt around on Youtube to find amateur videos of dance moves you like and can copy. Cross-reference a few versions of the same move to find the one you like best.
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