Hip Hop dance speaks to a generation

Hip Hop speaks to a generation

In a world that becomes more complex by the day we have one glimmer of hope  - a dance genre that can speak to an entire generation and beyond.  Hip Hop is a form of dance that speaks with ease drawing on everyday observations of everyday situations.  However, the detail in these observations is quite magical.  It takes a simple movement and breaks it down into parts.  The parts are then reconstructed and the new whole is more than the sum.  It is a challenging dance form to learn and it takes great patient and musicality.  But for our youth of today it has captured their interest, imagination and passion. 

Taking its roots from African American Hip Hop music that emerged in New York during the 1970s, the dance form has swept right around the world.  It has crossed the gender barriers with ease and allows boys to find their dance voice without losing their street credibility.  In recent years Hip Hop has been blended with other dance genres and the results are often dynamic, fresh and exciting. 

As a technique Hip Hop draws heavily on improvisation as a creative tool.  It enables a sense of play to stay at the centre of the creative process.  Hip Hop dancers spend enormous amounts of their rehearsal time perfecting single moves such as popping and locking.  These intricate movements require high levels of physical discipline.  Improvisation takes these movements to a different level and allows the dance voice to speak clearly. 

Hip Hop dancers have their own spoken language that shrouds their dance and music interests.  Organised into crews the members create a brand identity and this is represented through clothing, art and even through the creation of new words.  The Hip Hop dance that we see today is often a studio version which has undergone a dance process.  This may have taken it away from its street roots, but it has reached new audiences.  Watching young people watching high quality Hip Hop dance reveals the esteem these dancers are held in.  At this time there is a real place for this.  It has created a language that transcends cultures and this is to be admired.  Time spent in a rehearsal room is time away from the streets and that can only ever be a good thing.

Lyrical Hip Hop seems to be grabbing a lot of air time, particularly in places such as Youtube.  Using R&B music as a common accompaniment it, arguably, appeals more to the masses.  Featuring on television shows such as the BBCs ‘So you think you can dance?’ has enabled Hip Hop to reach new audiences and within that new generations.  This show, in particular, has attempted to place Hip Hop dancers on a level playing field with more traditionally trained dancers.  The 2010 final was a stand- off between a traditionally trained dancer and a Hip Hop dancer.  It made for a fascinating battle that captured the imagination of many.  Claiming a more central role in dance Hip Hop has found its place and is very much here to stay.  The clip attached demonstrates Lyrical Hip Hop well and tells a story that needs no translation.  Quite an achievement in this complex and challenging world.