hip-hop dance

 

What is hip-hop dance and its benefits?

Bust a Move with Hip Hop Dance's Fun Workout

From breakdancing in the streets to music videos full of slick choreography, hip hop dance has become a widespread form of artistic expression. Beyond just looking cool, learning some hip hop dance moves has awesome benefits for both your physical and mental health.

Let's dig into this dynamic dance style, its roots, and how you can harness its perks!

The Origins of Hip Hop Dance

Hip hop dance stems from the lively culture of hip hop music that rose out of New York City neighborhoods in the 1970s. Early pioneers like the Rock Steady Crew infused traditional African dancing with moves inspired by sources like James Brown's slick stage slides.

Over the decades, hip hop dancing has evolved into diverse funky styles. While freestyling and street dance battles are still the essence, choreography and classes have made hip hop dance more accessible. From popping and locking to breaking and tutting, hip hop encompasses various urban dance forms.

Common moves involve steps that loosen up dancers' limbs like liquidy waves, robotic ticks, and "animation" illusion. Upbeat hip hop music provides the perfect rhythm to get those feet moving and hips swaying. The emphasis is on expressing yourself through dance.

Benefits for Your Bod

Now that we've got the groove, let's break down just how hip hop dancing does your body good:

• - Major calorie burner. The high-energy style elevates your heart rate for 45-60 minutes, torching 200-600 calories per class. Say bye to love handles!

• - Total body toner. Hip hop works your core, arms, glutes, legs - pretty much everything - through its athletic moves. Get toned while having fun!

• - Improves coordination. Nailing those tight footwork sequences involves mastering coordination. Your rhythm and balance will be on point.

• - Boosts bone density. All the jumping works your bones against gravity, increasing bone mineral density over time.

• - Enhances mobility. Learning to loosen up your body improves joint flexibility and range of motion. Get nimble!

• - Develops muscle control. Isolating muscle movements helps build control over your core and limbs.

The dynamic workout boosts your fitness, flexibility, strength, and endurance - everything needed to crush those dance routines.

Perks for Your Mind 

Aside from the sweet physical benefits, hip hop dance also works wonders for mental health:

- Mood booster. Moving your body releases feel-good endorphins that uplift your mood. The music adds to the fun factor too!

- Confidence builder. Nailing those choreography milestones makes you feel like a star. Strut your stuff!

- Creative outlet. Hip hop provides a space to freely express yourself through unbounded movements.

- Stress relief. An hour of exertion helps release daily tension, clearing your head.

- Social connection. Classes allow you to connect with a community over a shared love of dance.

With so many physical and mental perks, from calorie burning to confidence building, it's clear why hip hop dance is so rewarding. And as a low-impact activity for all skill levels, anyone can join in the fun!

Find a beginner hip hop dance class near you to experience the energizing benefits. Bring some friends along and get ready to fall in love with this feel-good activity. Just feel the groove of the music, move those feet, and bust out some fly moves!