Ages 7.0 and up
Length 1 hour
In this program, we look at the basic elements of this dance style— popping, locking, waving, breaking and house dancing. Popping is based on the technique of quick contraction and release of the body, causing a jerk or pop motion, while locking is emphasized by a sudden halt or freeze. Waving is a more fluid version of popping, and breaking and house dancing are characterized by quick footwork performed while standing as well as with hands and feet on the floor; freezing, or holding a pose on the hands, and complex acrobatic moves called power moves.
The hip-hop classes at Charlotte Klein Dance Centers consist of a warm-up routine focused on cardio, stretching and strengthening, all necessary to gain control of the body in order to demonstrate different dynamics, isolations, fluidity and sharp movement. Each week, we spend time on choreography and work on an across the floor combination with new steps while placing an emphasis on traveling. For our young dancers, this is a great opportunity to practice the art of learning combinations, an important skill for a dancer as they progress in their training. Hip-hop style also stretches into contemporary techniques that are extremely important in the contemporary commercial dance industry.
