Urban dance has been around for many years. It is a type of dance developed in nightclubs and schoolyards. Most urban dancers dance to hip-hop or rap, due to the rhythmic force of these musical styles. This type of dance is usually freestyle. That is, the dancers develop their movement routines on the fly. However, in urban dance there are key movements that most dancers tend to introduce into their routines. This article is about basic urban dance movements.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Preparing to Dance
Step 1. Choose the right footwear
You will need sturdy shoes to practice urban dance.
- Well-made sneakers and hip hop ankle boots work great for street dance.
- Avoid wearing old and worn footwear. The style of shoe you wear is not as important as its level of strength and comfort.
- Try to get a high-quality pair of shoes made of thick canvas or leather, that have a sturdy sole and offer good support.
Step 2. Heat up
You should not start dancing without warming up. If you do, you may be injured.
- Try jumping, running on site, or skipping rope to warm up your muscles and increase your heart rate.
- Try gentle stretches of the major muscle groups, holding each pose for 10-15 seconds.
- Repetitive activities performed at a steady pace also prepare the body for dancing.
Step 3. Choose a music
Urban dance is closely related to music with a marked rhythm.
- Hip hop and rap are traditionally used in urban dance.
- Avoid any slow-paced music. Use only upbeat, rhythmic music.
- Feel the rhythm of the music and follow it with your movements.
Method 2 of 3: Make Popping & Locking Moves
Step 1. Perform a popping motion
To do this, you first have to lean to the left.
- Raise your right arm to shoulder height as you bend over.
- Once your arm is at shoulder height, flex your muscles and lower your shoulders.
- The result will be a sharp and cutting movement.
- Do it one more time by leaning to the left.
Step 2. Lean to the right to perform a popping motion to the other side
The process is very similar to what you have followed to make this move to the left.
- Raise your left arm to shoulder height as you lean to the right.
- Once your arm is at shoulder height, flex your muscles and lower your shoulders.
- The result will be a sharp, cutting movement in the opposite direction to what you were leading when leaning to the left.
- Do it once more by leaning to the right.
Step 3. Take a locking step after popping movements
The popping steps are sharper and stiffer, while the locking movements are more fluid.
- To start this movement, turn slightly to the right while bending your knees.
- From this position, bring your elbows up and out to the sides. Lock that arm stance twice using fluid movements.
- Finish the movement by turning your left arm inward, rotating it all the way down and extending it while pointing your finger outward.
- Repeat this last arm movement on the other side.
Step 4. Mix the popping and locking movements to add variety to your repertoire
Urban dance is based on fluidly linking different freestyle movements.
- Feel the rhythm and follow it with your movements.
- Unleash your creativity and add your own twists or flourishes to the basic moves.
- Make the movements wide and slightly exaggerated to emphasize your dance.
Method 3 of 3: Do Basic Body Waves
Step 1. Start with your feet apart
They should be about shoulder width apart.
- Elevate your heels off the floor.
- Then lower your heels back to the floor, slightly bending your knees.
- Now let the hips move forward, followed by the ribs and chest.
Step 2. Roll your shoulders forward, then look down
This is one of the key parts of this essential movement.
- If you don't roll your shoulders forward and then look down, you won't complete the body wave.
- This movement is very fluid, and must be done to the rhythm of the music.
- The next step is to perform the backward movement and return to the starting position.
Step 3. Roll your shoulders back and raise your head
As you do this, you should lift your heels off the floor.
- Continue this movement by waving your chest and belly back.
- Then, bring your hips back.
- Lower your heels back down to the floor.
Step 4. Return to the starting position
At this point, you can repeat the body wave or incorporate other urban dance moves (such as popping & locking) into your dance routine.
- Don't forget to have fun. Urban dance is a lively and energetic dance style.
- The order and sequencing of movements is not very important in urban dance. Freestyle and improvisation are valued more than set routines.
- Don't be afraid to add your own arm movements or add your own personal touch to each movement. Be creative.
Advice
- Put on some hip hop or rap and wear baggy pants that allow you to move better than ordinary jeans.
- You and your friends can organize an urban dance competition and watch each other's movements.
- Put on some sneakers or dance shoes. Do not wear heels, Ugg boots or platforms, as it would be dangerous and not suitable for dancing.
Warnings
- Warm up before dancing.
- Some localities consider urban dance in the street illegal. Check the laws of your locality to inform yourself well.
- Don't try to do head balances or similar movements unless you master them.
- Always make sure you are in a safe place where you cannot fall on street furniture or other objects.