Hip Hop has evolved since its debut in the early 1970s and in today’s era includes far too many styles to list. However, as many of the other Hip Hop dance studios near me will agree, these are the nine most iconic styles of Hip Hop taught here at Virtuous Dance Center in Fredericksburg.

1. B-boying (Breakdancing)

Thought to be one of the very first styles of Hip Hop, B-boying is characterized by acrobatic Power Moves, upright moves, and footwork. Dancers also punctuate their routines with a move known as the Freeze.

2. Locking and Popping

While technically two styles, Locking and Popping often go hand in hand. Locking involves fast movements, sharp pauses, and exaggerated gestures. Popping, on the other hand, is a bouncy style that requires major use of counter-tempo.

3. Funk

Funk, which is a fusion of Disco and Soul, uses a mixture of fluid and sharp movements and is often highly choreographed. Locking and Popping are also often incorporated into this dance style.

4. Up rock

Up rock uses a combination of many dance moves to create soulful dances. Typically, this dance style includes:

• Shuffles
• Spins
• Freestyle Movements
• Jerks
• Hand Gestures

5. Liquid Dance

As its name implies, Liquid Dance is a fluid and graceful dance with a focus on the arms and hands. It may include some forms of pantomime and advanced dancers will use a range of body movements.

6. Boogaloo

Another fluid-like style, Boogaloo as taught by Hip Hop dance studios near me, involves the entire body moving smoothly, often with the rolling of the hips, head, and knees.

7. Reggae

If we had to pick a Hip Hop style that invokes sensuality, it would be Reggae for its Latin influences mixed with more traditional Hip Hop movements set to the modern evolution of Reggae music.

8. Lyrical

Lyrical is a unique style of Hip Hop in that it tells a story and is danced to the words of the music instead of the beat. It is often fluid in nature and more interpretive than other forms of Hip Hop.

9. Stepping

Stepping is a group dance that involves using body movements to create percussive beats. This is accomplished through:

• Stomping or Steps
• Clapping or Slapping
• Spoken Word

To learn more about all the great Hip Hop dance styles, please contact the passionate team at Virtuous Dance Center in Fredericksburg today!