Urban Dances | Traditional Summary
Contextualization
Urban dance emerged in the streets and urban communities, primarily in the United States, during the 1970s and 1980s. It is a form of cultural expression that combines dance movements with elements of music and street art. These dances evolved as a means of communication and expression, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and share their stories and experiences through movement. Today, urban dances are an integral part of popular culture and are practiced worldwide, influencing fashion, music, and even language.
Dances such as Hip Hop, Breakdance, Popping, and Locking are not just choreographed movements. They carry profound meanings of freedom, creativity, and expressiveness. Each style of urban dance has its own characteristics and specific techniques, but all share the central idea of using the body as a powerful tool for communication and personal expression. Through urban dances, practitioners not only have fun and stay fit but also celebrate their cultural and social identities.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop is not just a dance style but a culture that includes elements such as music (DJing and MCing), art (Graffiti), and knowledge of cultural roots. It emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, as a form of expression for marginalized youth, providing a platform for creativity and self-affirmation. Hip Hop dance is characterized by fluid and rhythmic movements, such as Bounce and Groove, which reflect the energy and cadence of Hip Hop music.
Hip Hop dance has evolved over the years, incorporating influences from other styles and developing into different subgenres, such as Old School and New School. Each subgenre has its own characteristics and techniques, but all emphasize improvisation and personal expression. Hip Hop dancers often compete in battles, showcasing their skills and creativity in improvised performances.
In addition to movements and techniques, Hip Hop also values the connection with music and culture. Dancers often draw inspiration from the lyrics of songs and the beats of DJs to create their choreographies. This deep connection with music is one reason why Hip Hop remains such a vibrant and ever-evolving art form.
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Originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York.
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Includes elements such as DJing, MCing, Graffiti, and cultural knowledge.
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Characteristic movements such as Bounce and Groove.
Breakdance
Breakdance, also known as B-boying or B-girling, is one of the most well-known forms of urban dance. It originated in the Bronx, New York, during the 1970s and was popularized by youth from African American and Latino communities. This dance is characterized by acrobatic and ground movements such as Toprock, Downrock, Freezes, and Power Moves. Each of these movements allows dancers to demonstrate their strength, agility, and creativity.
Toprock involves movements performed standing, often used as an introduction to a Breakdance performance. Downrock, on the other hand, includes floor movements like the Six-Step, which are fundamental for transitioning between different phases of dance. Freezes are dramatic pauses in challenging positions, while Power Moves involve spins and acrobatics that require great strength and body control.
Improvisation is a crucial element in Breakdance. Dancers must be able to respond to the music and the movements of opponents in real-time, creating unique and dynamic performances. Breakdance battles are an important part of the culture, where dancers compete to showcase their skills and gain respect among their peers.
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Originated in the Bronx, New York, in the 1970s.
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Basic movements include Toprock, Downrock, Freezes, and Power Moves.
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Emphasis on improvisation and dance battles.
Popping
Popping is an urban dance style that originated in California during the 1970s. It is characterized by the use of quick contractions and relaxations of muscles to create 'pop' or 'hit' movements. These movements are often combined with other visual effects, such as Wave, Robot, and Tutting, to create impressive and visually impactful performances.
In Popping, the technique of muscle contraction and relaxation is used to give the impression that the body is being 'popped' or 'hit' by the music. This requires exceptional muscle control and a deep understanding of rhythm and music. Popping dancers often compete in battles, where they demonstrate their ability to create complex visual effects synchronized with music.
In addition to technique, Popping also values creativity and originality. Dancers are encouraged to develop their own styles and movements, experimenting with different combinations and variations. This makes Popping an ever-evolving art form, always open to new influences and ideas.
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Originated in California in the 1970s.
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Uses quick contractions and muscle relaxations to create 'pop' or 'hit' movements.
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Includes visual effects such as Wave, Robot, and Tutting.
Locking
Locking, also known as Campbellocking, is an urban dance style that emerged in California in the 1970s. Created by Don Campbell, Locking is known for its quick and exaggerated movements, with sudden pauses called 'locks.' These 'locks' are often accompanied by exaggerated facial expressions and theatrical movements, making Locking a highly performative and expressive dance.
The movements of Locking are characterized by a combination of arm and leg movements, performed in a quick and synchronized rhythm. Locking dancers often interact with the audience, using gestures and facial expressions to engage and entertain spectators. The theatricality is an essential part of Locking, and dancers are encouraged to develop their own personas and unique styles.
In addition to the 'locking' technique, Locking also includes movements such as Wrist Roll, Point, and Funky Chicken. These movements are combined to create dynamic and energetic performances that reflect the joy and spontaneity of dance. Locking is a form of art that celebrates individuality and self-expression, encouraging dancers to explore their creativity and enjoy the process.
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Created by Don Campbell in California in the 1970s.
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Quick and exaggerated movements with sudden pauses called 'locks.'
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Emphasis on theatricality and audience interaction.
To Remember
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Urban Dances: Dance styles that emerged in urban communities, combining dance movements with music and street art.
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Hip Hop: Culture and dance style that includes elements such as DJing, MCing, Graffiti, and cultural knowledge.
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Breakdance: Urban dance style characterized by acrobatic and ground movements, such as Toprock, Downrock, Freezes, and Power Moves.
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Popping: Urban dance style that uses quick contractions and muscle relaxations to create 'pop' or 'hit' movements.
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Locking: Urban dance style characterized by quick and exaggerated movements with sudden pauses called 'locks,' as well as theatrical facial expressions.
Conclusion
During the lesson, we deeply explored urban dances, focusing on styles such as Hip Hop, Breakdance, Popping, and Locking. Each of these styles has its own characteristics and techniques, but all share the essence of freedom, creativity, and expressiveness. We learned about the origin and evolution of these dances, which emerged in urban communities in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s, and how they have become an integral part of popular culture worldwide.
We understood that urban dances are more than just choreographed movements; they are powerful forms of communication and personal expression. Through the cultural elements of Hip Hop, the acrobatic movements of Breakdance, the muscle contractions of Popping, and the theatrical pauses of Locking, dancers celebrate their cultural and social identities, promoting diversity and inclusion.
The relevance of the knowledge gained extends beyond the classroom, as urban dances influence fashion, music, and other forms of art. We encourage students to continue exploring these dances, developing their own creativity and personal expression, and connecting with the rich history and culture of the urban communities that gave rise to these dance styles.
Study Tips
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Watch videos of urban dances to observe the movements and techniques in action. This can help visualize and better understand the concepts discussed in class.
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Practice the basic movements of each style of urban dance at home. Regular practice is essential to develop skills and gain confidence in dance.
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Research more about the history and culture of urban dances. Reading articles, watching documentaries, and attending related events can enrich your knowledge and appreciation for the topic.
