Top Hip Hop Dance Classes in Singapore

What is hip hop dance?

Hip hop dance is a type of street dance style that is typically performed to hip hop music.

There is a wide range of styles that fall under hip hop dance, including breaking, funk, and reggae.

Where did hip hop dance originate from?

Hip hop dance was said to have begun between the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. It was subsequently made popular by dance crews in the United States.

The dance movements were said to be inspired by African dancing and eventually flourished as a new style of dance that is performed on the street. Today, hip hop dance movements incorporate various dance genres, including modern dance, tap, and swing.

Where can I sign up for hip hop dance classes in Singapore?

With the growing number of professional and recreational hip hop scene in Singapore, there are plenty of dance studios for you to channel your inner groove.

If you are keen to give hip hop dance a shot, consider enrolling yourself in these top hip hop dance classes in Singapore.

What are some of the most iconic hip hop dance styles?

As hip hop dance has been continuously evolving since its debut in the early 1970’s, there are far too many styles under hip hop dance styles.

However, most hip hop dance studios will agree that there are a couple of iconic styles that define that hip hop today.

Breakdancing

Breaking, also commonly referred to as b-boying or b-girling, is thought to be one of the very first styles of hip hop.

This dance move is typically characterised by acrobatic power moves, top rock, down rock, and freezes. Top rock and down rock essentially refers to foot movement performed from a standing position as well as movements performed on the floor. 

Locking and Popping

While locking and popping are considered as two separate hip hop dance styles, these two often go hand in hand.

Locking involves freezing from a fast movement, essentially “locking” in a certain position. The “locked” position is held for a short while before continuing the dance movements at the same speed as before. 

On the other hand, popping is akin to having your body go through a wave. This type of dance style is concentrated on certain body parts, and involves sharp contrast of dance styles. The dance movements can either be robotic and rigid, or loose and flowing. 

Funk

Funk dance styles are commonly danced to funk music. Funk hip hop dance is typically a fusion of other hip hop dance styles including locking, popping, and another style known as waving.

This type of dance style is usually highly choreographed and leverages on a mix of fluid and sharp dance movements.

Reggae

Reggae is considered one of the most influential dance styles in the development of hip hop. Reggae is one the hip hop styles that invokes sensuality due to its Latin influences. 

There is typically no standard dance movements in reggae and it is about finding your own groove to the music.

Lyrical

Lyrical is a relatively unique hip hop dance style in which the movements tell a story and are danced to the words of the music instead of its beat. 

Dance movements in lyrical hip hop typically involve slow, fluid movements such as gliding as well as contemporary-inspired movements. 

Stepping

Stepping is a form of group dance that involves the use of body movements to create percussive beats. There are various ways to achieve this, such as stomping, clapping or even using spoken words. 

Liquid Dance

Liquid dancing is a type of fluid and graceful dance that focuses on the arms and hands. It involves moving the body flexibility, as if it is made of liquid.

Some types of liquid dance may involve pantomime and advanced dancers may even use a range of body movements to execute the moves.

Do I need prior dance experience to sign up for a hip hop dance class?

Absolutely not! While having prior dance experience will certainly provide you with an advantage on learning the dance moves, it is not necessary to have extensive dance experience when signing up for hip hop dance class.

Anyone with a passion for dancing or simply want to let loose and have some fun can sign up for a hip hop dance class!

What can I prepare for my first hip hop dance class?

Finally decided on enrolling yourself in your first hip hop dance class? Congratulations!

If this is your first time taking part in any form of dance classes, you may wonder how to prepare for it, or even what to wear for the class! Should you be wearing tights? Is there a need to invest in good shoes or will you be dancing barefooted?

Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first hip hop dance class:

Dress the part

Wearing jeans or a tube top is unlikely to be a comfortable outfit for you to dance in. However, that does not mean that you need to be wearing a leotard. Hip hop dance involves a lot of athletic movements and it is wise to wear appropriate clothing that allows you to move easily.

Ideal clothing for a hip hop dance class may include tights and a light cotton short-sleeved shirt. However, if you are unsure whether the clothing that you have in mind is suitable for the class, you may also contact the dance studio prior to attending your first lesson. 

Test your shoes

While it is important to ensure that you have a good pair of shoes for your hip hop dance class to prevent potential injuries, this does not necessarily mean that you have to go all out and splurge on an expensive shoe.

Any regular pair of sneakers will work perfectly fine for your hip hop class. As hip hop dance movements involve a lot of movements and floor work, it would be wise to test your shoes to ensure that it has a good grip and is anti-slip.

Think about your hair

Depending on the genre of the hip hop class that you signed up for, the dance style may involve a lot of body movements. The last thing that you want is for your hair to get in your way.

While some dance movements may involve swinging your hair as part of the choreography, it is best to ensure that your hair is neatly tied up in a ponytail or bun to avoid it smacking into your face.

Editor’s Note:

While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.

If you are a service provider and wish to be featured in this listing (MediaOne reviews are read by hundreds of thousands of Singaporeans), please contact us at [email protected]. There is no charge! Please allow us up to 3 working days to review before adjusting the information or including your entry.