Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Learning the basics
• Tips
• Warnings

"Hip-hop" refers to various forms of music that originated within the African-American and Latino community among young people in the South Bronx and Harlem in the 1970s. You can come across this style of music in a club, at a dance night at school or actually almost anywhere. It helps to look like you know what you're doing when you've listened to something from Chris Brown's "Forever" to Snoop Doggs "Gin and Juice". If you want to learn how to dance hip hop, read on to step 1 to get started.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Learning the basics

1. Turn on the music. Put on a song from OutKast, lil john, Kanye West or whatever artist that will keep you going. Also try the dub step if you want to challenge yourself!
   • Feel the beat. You want to be inundated with the music, so turn it up loud enough so you can feel every hit of the kick drum and every thump of the bass.
2. Wear comfortable clothes. Your clothes should be roomy and comfortable when you exercise. When going to clubs you may want to wear slightly tighter and less comfortable clothing, but it is always better to practice with as much comfort as possible.
   • Wear shoes that don't have too much grip on the floor. You should be able to slide and turn easily. If the soles of your shoes slow to the floor during a quick movement, you could trip or even sprain your ankle.
3. Relax. You are not supposed to appear stiff when you dance hip-hop. Try to look relaxed in a relaxed position, instead of standing up too straight or looking like your neck and head are too stiff. When your body is relaxed, you are free to move to the beat as you wish. If you are too nervous about it, you will not be able to let go completely.
4. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. This is a good starting point if you are going to dance to hip-hop music. This neutral position makes it easier for you to try any dance move you want. Your knees are slightly bent, which makes it easier for you to dance and doesn't look stiff or formal.
5. Keep your hands on both sides. Don't cross your arms or fidget with your hands. Just keep your arms relaxed and loose at your sides, and stay relaxed as you move to the music.
6. Watch and learn. MTV, YouTube and the Internet are overloaded with great music and videos from people of all skill levels. Whether the talents in these videos are world-class hip-hoppers or housewives, it doesn't matter! The point is that you watch their movements. Copy what you can, be inspired by what you cannot.
   • Watch a friend practice his or her routine, then practice his or her standard routine. Learn the same stunts and practice the whole routine over and over, adding stunts. Then make it your own.
7. Take lessons. If you've gotten far enough yourself and think you can do some of it, take lessons. Many dance studios or even yoga studios offer hip hop classes.
   • Look for an inspiring dancer in your area and ask if he / she gives lessons.
   • If you don't have the money to take hip hop lessons, you can learn by watching YouTube videos. This is a cheap way to learn to dance hip hop without having to pay for lessons.
   • Take a look at a gym in the area. Hip-hop dancing is a great way to stay in shape, and it's fun too.
8. Keep practicing. Some people were born to dance. Some need to work on it. It doesn't matter which group you belong to, what is important that you practice, and put your heart and soul into it.
   • Practice on yourself. Dance alone in a room where no one can see you and you don't have to worry about what others think. Let your body get used to the rhythm. Let your body move in your own rhythm!

Tips

• Practice, practice, practice.
• Start dancing in front of the mirror. Then you will feel more comfortable.
• Practice with the basics first and then move on to the trickier movements.
• If you forget something, just keep going.
• YouTube is a great way to learn. Practice with friends or family on the songs you like.
• While you're dancing, don't worry about what others think.
• Remember, this is a workout. Stretch before you dance and when you are done to keep your body limber and supple.
• Feel the music in your body, always!
• Do not be shy.
• People love when you dance to songs with lyrics. Familiarize yourself with a few songs.

Warnings

• Be careful. As with any sport, there is a risk of injury. Warm up and stretch before dancing - don't exercise when you have had a drink, are tired, or in a dangerous place, and don't start the difficult moves until you are ready.
• Start with easier movements to warm up and then move on to movements that are a bit more difficult than you are used to.
• If you are used to dancing, find a dance partner. You can help each other and hold on to each other for balance in learning strange movements.
• If you don't have a great sense of rhythm, or are you shy, have patience and keep practicing. Stay positive. You can become a great hip hop dancer with a combination of commitment and hard work.