11.3 Hip-Hop Dance in Popular Culture
3 min read•july 18, 2024
Hip-hop dance exploded in popularity thanks to media exposure. Music videos, movies, and TV shows brought the energy and creativity of hip-hop dance to mainstream audiences, inspiring people to learn and engage with the style.
Iconic performances like 's "Thriller" and the on "" left a lasting impact. These showcases sparked trends, influenced pop culture, and drove interest in hip-hop dance across generations and communities.
The Influence of Media on Hip-Hop Dance Popularity
Media's role in hip-hop dance popularity
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- Music videos
- Provide visual representation of hip-hop dance styles showcasing choreography and routines (Michael Jackson's "Thriller", 's "U Can't Touch This")
- Increase exposure and accessibility to a wider audience beyond the original hip-hop community
- Movies
- Feature hip-hop dance in storylines and performances introducing the style to mainstream audiences (, franchise)
- Inspire viewers to learn and engage with hip-hop dance by showcasing its energy, creativity, and cultural significance
- Television
- Include hip-hop dance in various shows and competitions highlighting the skill and artistry of dancers (America's Best Dance Crew, )
- Contribute to the normalization of hip-hop dance in popular culture by presenting it alongside other established dance styles
Impact of iconic hip-hop performances
- Memorable performances
- Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and "Beat It" music videos popularized the moonwalk and other signature moves
- MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" music video and live performances showcased high-energy choreography and the iconic "Hammer dance"
- The Jabbawockeez's performances on "America's Best Dance Crew" demonstrated the power of synchronization and storytelling through dance
- Influence on popular culture
- Inspire imitation and adaptation of dance moves leading to the spread of hip-hop dance across generations and communities
- Increase interest in learning hip-hop dance as people seek to emulate their favorite performers and routines
- Contribute to the development of new dance trends and styles as dancers build upon and innovate existing techniques
Representation and Appropriation of Hip-Hop Dance
Representation of hip-hop dance in media
- Authentic portrayal of hip-hop dance culture and its roots honoring the African American and Latino origins of the style (documentaries like "", "")
- Inclusion of diverse hip-hop dance styles and practitioners showcasing the range and depth of the art form (/, , , )
- Positive representation of hip-hop dance as a legitimate art form worthy of respect and appreciation
- Misrepresentation or oversimplification of hip-hop dance reducing it to stereotypes or caricatures (commercials, parody videos)
- Exploitation of hip-hop dance for commercial gain without proper acknowledgment or compensation for dancers and choreographers
- Lack of acknowledgment or respect for the cultural origins of hip-hop dance leading to cultural appropriation and erasure
Hip-hop dance influence on culture
- Fashion
- Baggy and oversized clothing styles associated with the comfort and freedom of movement needed for hip-hop dance
- Sneaker culture and the popularity of dance-specific footwear (, Nike, ) designed for support and style
- Accessories such as hats, chains, and bandanas that complement the overall aesthetic of hip-hop fashion
- Language
- Incorporation of hip-hop terminology and slang into mainstream vocabulary (fresh, dope, chill)
- Use of rap lyrics and references in everyday conversation as a way to express oneself and connect with others
- Influence on the development of new words and phrases that reflect the creativity and innovation of hip-hop culture
- Other aspects
- Graffiti art and street art inspired by the visual elements of hip-hop culture and often used as backdrops for dance performances
- Breakdancing and its influence on other dance styles leading to the creation of new hybrid forms (break-locking, break-waacking)
- The rise of hip-hop dance competitions and battles providing a platform for dancers to showcase their skills and earn recognition (Red Bull BC One, )
Key Terms to Review (22)
Adidas: adidas is a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures sports shoes, clothing, and accessories. Established in Germany in 1949, it has become a key player in the sportswear industry, closely associated with hip-hop culture and street fashion, particularly through its collaborations with influential artists and athletes.
America's Best Dance Crew: America's Best Dance Crew is a competitive dance television series that aired from 2008 to 2012, showcasing various dance crews from across the United States as they competed for the title of 'America's Best Dance Crew.' The show highlighted diverse styles, including breaking, popping, and locking, contributing to the popularization of hip-hop dance culture and offering a platform for emerging talent in the dance community.
B-boying: B-boying, also known as breakdancing, is a dynamic and energetic style of street dance that originated in the 1970s among African American and Puerto Rican youth in the South Bronx. Characterized by its athletic moves, intricate footwork, and creative expression, b-boying has evolved into a global phenomenon, heavily influencing various dance forms and popular culture.
B-girling: B-girling is a style of hip-hop dance characterized by its dynamic and athletic movements, often performed by female dancers who showcase their skills in breaking, or breakdancing. This form of dance celebrates individuality, creativity, and self-expression, contributing significantly to the culture and development of hip-hop dance as a whole. B-girling not only involves intricate footwork and spins but also incorporates elements of acrobatics and floor work, making it a vital aspect of the broader hip-hop dance community.
Beatboxing: Beatboxing is a vocal percussion technique that involves producing sounds, rhythms, and beats using one's mouth, lips, tongue, and voice. This art form is closely linked to hip-hop culture, where it serves not only as a musical accompaniment but also as a creative expression that enhances dance performances and battles. Beatboxing has evolved into a respected genre within the music scene and plays an essential role in live performances, showcasing the artist's skill and improvisation.
Breakin': Breakin', also known as breakdancing, is a dynamic style of street dance that originated in the South Bronx during the early 1970s. This dance form is characterized by its athletic moves, intricate footwork, and acrobatic spins, often performed to hip-hop music. It has become a vital element of hip-hop culture and has influenced various other dance styles and popular media.
Community expression: Community expression refers to the ways in which individuals and groups share their cultural identities, stories, and experiences through various forms of artistic performance. In the context of dance, particularly within hip-hop culture, community expression is a powerful means of reflecting social issues, celebrating heritage, and fostering connections among participants. It serves as a platform for voices that might otherwise remain unheard, uniting people through shared experiences and collective creativity.
Djing: Djing, short for disc jockeying, is the art of selecting and playing music for an audience using various equipment and techniques. This practice involves mixing tracks seamlessly, creating transitions, and curating a musical experience that resonates with listeners. Djing plays a pivotal role in shaping the cultural landscape of hip-hop dance, as it not only provides the soundtrack for dancers but also influences the evolution of music styles and trends within the genre.
Identity: Identity refers to the qualities, beliefs, personality traits, appearance, and expressions that make a person or group distinct. In the realm of dance, identity is crucial as it encompasses cultural, social, and personal elements that influence performance and expression. It can highlight individual experiences and backgrounds while also addressing broader societal narratives, particularly in contemporary forms and popular culture.
Jabbawockeez: The Jabbawockeez are an iconic hip-hop dance crew known for their innovative choreography, distinct white masks, and gloves that create a sense of anonymity. They gained fame through their performances on television and live shows, bringing a unique blend of street dance styles to mainstream audiences, while also contributing to the popularization of hip-hop culture in the entertainment industry.
Juste debout: Juste debout is a street dance style that originated in France, characterized by its emphasis on standing movements and the use of improvisation. It is rooted in various dance forms, blending elements from hip-hop, locking, and house dance, and celebrates individual expression within a competitive framework. This style not only highlights the importance of personal style but also reflects broader cultural trends in dance, particularly within the African American community and hip-hop culture.
Krumping: Krumping is a highly energetic and expressive street dance style characterized by dynamic, exaggerated movements, often performed in a freestyle manner. Emerging from the African American community in Los Angeles in the early 2000s, krumping serves as a form of emotional release and self-expression, often associated with themes of struggle, empowerment, and individuality. It has become a significant part of contemporary dance culture, intertwining with hip-hop and influencing various aspects of performance art.
Locking: Locking is a street dance style that involves freezing or 'locking' into certain positions, creating a dynamic contrast between fluid movements and sudden stops. This style emerged in the late 1960s and has strong connections to funk music, emphasizing expressive gestures and playful interactions. Locking serves as a vital component of hip-hop culture, influencing various forms of American dance and reflecting the broader developments in African American dance forms.
MC Hammer: MC Hammer is an American rapper, dancer, and entrepreneur known for his flashy style and groundbreaking contributions to hip-hop music and dance in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He gained immense popularity with his hit single 'U Can't Touch This,' which showcased his unique blend of rap and dance, making him a key figure in bringing hip-hop into mainstream pop culture.
Michael Jackson: Michael Jackson was a legendary American singer, songwriter, and dancer, often referred to as the 'King of Pop.' He became a global icon in popular music and culture, influencing various genres, styles, and dance movements, particularly hip-hop dance, which flourished in the late 20th century. His innovative music videos and dance performances set new standards in the industry, blending elements of pop and hip-hop, making him a key figure in the crossover between these genres.
Popping: Popping is a street dance style that emphasizes the sudden contraction and relaxation of muscles to create a jerky, robotic look, often synchronized with music beats. This style is closely linked to the funk music culture and has roots in African American dance, embodying a unique blend of rhythm and physical expression that became essential in the development of hip-hop dance forms.
Puma: In the context of hip-hop dance, a puma refers to a specific style or movement that emphasizes agility, speed, and grace, often resembling the quick and powerful movements of the animal it is named after. This term is closely associated with breakdancing and street dance, where performers showcase their physicality and ability to execute intricate footwork and dynamic moves.
Resistance: Resistance refers to the act of opposing or striving against an established system, authority, or societal norms. In dance, this concept manifests in the ways movements and styles challenge cultural narratives and promote identity, especially in marginalized communities. Through artistic expression, resistance can highlight struggles, reclaim narratives, and serve as a form of protest against oppression.
Rize: Rize is a term that refers to the act of rising up or elevating oneself within the context of hip-hop dance culture. It embodies a sense of empowerment, self-expression, and individuality, often highlighted through personal style and unique movements. In hip-hop, rize is about showcasing one's identity and gaining recognition, both in dance and within the broader cultural landscape.
So You Think You Can Dance: So You Think You Can Dance is a competitive dance reality television series that showcases a variety of dance styles and talents, featuring dancers from across the country who compete for the title of America's favorite dancer. The show has played a pivotal role in popularizing dance within mainstream culture, bringing attention to various forms of dance, including hip-hop, ballroom, and contemporary. It has significantly impacted the way dance is perceived and appreciated in America, bridging gaps between different dance genres and encouraging viewers to engage with the art form.
Step up: In the context of hip-hop dance, 'step up' refers to the act of elevating one's performance level, whether in terms of skill, creativity, or presence. It embodies the idea of pushing oneself to take risks and showcase unique styles while engaging with the audience and fellow dancers. This phrase has become symbolic within the culture, representing both personal growth and the competitive nature of dance battles and performances.
The freshest kids: The freshest kids refers to a group of young dancers who embody the spirit and style of hip-hop culture, often characterized by their creativity, originality, and connection to the broader trends within popular culture. This term highlights the importance of youth in shaping hip-hop dance forms and reflects how these dancers influence and are influenced by contemporary music, fashion, and social movements.