So You Think You Can Hip Hop
I’m not sure young dancers today realize how lucky they are. Years ago when I competed, we rarely got the opportunity to learn and perform hip hop choreography. The only place I ever saw hip hop was in music videos, which I was often prohibited from watching.
But these days, with the presentation of hip hop in a positive and age appropriate format thanks to shows like “America’s Best Dance Crew,” hip hop is exploding all over the competition scene. This past season, I judged more hip hop routines than ever before. But I have to be honest—many of them left me a little disappointed. Choreography was weak, energy was low and there was a lack of fundamental understanding of the hip hop technique.
I spoke with some pros to get the 411 on choreographing award-winning hip hop routines. Here’s their expert advice:
• “The problem with today’s hip hop choreography is there is no real meaning behind the movement. No one studies real hip hop dance and feel, so it all looks like ‘perfectly timed cheerleading.’ In the streets we refer to this as ‘studio hop’… Also the foundation of hip hop dance is lost ‘cause no one is bothering to learn where it came from… And lastly, it's only hip hop when done to hip hop music! So why are these kids dancing to Britney Spears and Madonna and calling it hip hop?
I teach all the original hip hop dances and foundations in my classes and trust me, kids walk out with a whole new and improved outlook on hip hop dance.”—Mr. Wiggles
• “There are a few main factors. First, how well and creatively you use the beats and rhythms in the performance music because that is a huge part of what hip hop is all about—the musicality. Secondly, looking for ways to surprise the audience. Use different levels and intensities and find new ways to utilize the dynamics dance styles within the culture. And lastly, do your homework! Train in the foundations of hip hop dance: popping, locking, and breaking.”—The Groovaloos
• “To have award winning hip hop competitive routines, the choreographer must be very creative and able to try different things—levels, tricks, body isolations, break dancing. You need to provide the whole package: outfit, formations, transitions, making sure the dancers are in sync. It’s the choreographer’s responsibility to make sure the routine is high energy and mesmerizing from beginning to the end. You want to leave the judges speechless. Also make sure to create a strong relationship with the dancers and between them, so that everyone works as a team.”— Jessica Sayde
• “An award winning hip hop routine starts with great music selection and edits. Make your music mix unique, add sound effects and accents to help enhance your choreography. I try and stay away from the normal versions of songs and make the music stand out. Clean versions of course! Concept—try and give your routine something special people will remember. Make it stand out, tell a story or make it clever. Think out of the box! Hip hop dates back to the 70s—do your homework. Check out how the styles have changed through the decades. Don't feel like you need to choreograph something from today. Take it back to the old school! Most of all, have fun with your work, don't stress it! Let your creative juices flow and your dancers will flow across the dance floor.”—George 'Geo' Hubela