Summary of Urban Dances

Objectives

1. Identify and describe the main urban dance styles such as breaking, popping, locking, and house dance, while highlighting their origins and unique characteristics.

2. Explore and internalize the concepts of freedom, creativity, expressiveness, and movement within the context of urban dances.

3. Enhance skills of critical observation and collaboration through hands-on dance and expression activities.

Contextualization

Did you know that urban dances started as a means of self-expression on the streets and in public spaces? In the vibrant lanes of New York City during the late 60s and early 70s, groups of young individuals turned their movement and rhythm into a powerful language portraying their lives, challenges, and aspirations. This creative explosion led to the emergence of styles we now call 'breaking' and 'popping', which are not just dance forms, but stories expressed through motion!

Important Topics

Breaking

Breaking, popularly known as breakdancing, is one of the oldest urban dance forms. It emerged from the streets of New York City in the 1970s as a way for young people to channel their frustrations and hopes. This style is noteworthy for its acrobatic movements, floor spins, and dance battles, where individual expression and healthy competition are pivotal.

• Acrobatic movements: Featuring impressive head spins and gravity-defying jumps that highlight the dynamic physical aspects of breaking.

• Individual expression: Each dancer or ‘b-boy’/‘b-girl’ uses breaking to assert their personal identity, making every performance stand out.

• Friendly competition: Breakdancing battles are integral to this style, where dancers showcase their skills, creativity, and flair, fostering mutual respect and camaraderie.

Popping

Popping is an urban dance form that originated in California during the late 70s. This style is recognized for its sharp, robotic movements that 'pop' along with the beats. Popping dancers frequently employ optical illusions and fluid movements to create mesmerizing performances.

• Pop movements: Characterized by a quick muscle contraction followed by relaxation, producing a 'pop' effect that syncs with the music's rhythm.

• Optical illusions: Many popping routines include ‘waves’ and ‘glides’ that appear to challenge the laws of physics, captivating the audience.

• Expressiveness and control: Popping demands exceptional muscle control, empowering dancers to convey a spectrum of emotions through their meticulous movements.

Locking

Locking is an energetic and funky urban dance style that took root in the clubs of Los Angeles in the 1970s. It involves rapid, precise movements followed by sudden ‘locks’, moments where the dancer freezes in a position.

• Quick movements and ‘locks’: The ‘locks’ create dramatic pauses amidst a series of rapid movements, injecting dynamism into the dance.

• Style and clothing: Locking is typically paired with vibrant and eye-catching outfits that reflect the lively, expressive character of this style.

• Interactivity with the audience: Lockers often engage with their audience during performances, enhancing the entertainment value and connection in the dance.

Key Terms

• Urban Dances: Dance styles that sprang from and evolved within urban areas, mostly in streets or public spaces, recognized for their energy, creativity, and social dimensions.

• Expressiveness: The ability to convey emotions and narratives through body movements, enabling dancers to communicate feelings and stories without uttering a word.

• Movement: In dance, it signifies the change in the body's position in space, fundamental for both technical execution and artistic expression across different styles.

For Reflection

• How can the cultural and environmental factors of a city shape the evolution of a specific urban dance style?

• In what ways do the principles of freedom and expressiveness manifest in urban dances compared to other art forms?

• What effects do dance battles have on the identity development and social skills of dancers?

Important Conclusions

• Today, we delved into the vibrant realm of urban dances, exploring styles like breaking, popping, locking, and house dance. We learned that these dance forms are not mere movements; they reflect deep cultural expressions that tell the stories and identities of communities.

• We examined how freedom, creativity, expressiveness, and movement are embodied in these dances, allowing dancers to articulate their emotions and narratives in distinct and impactful ways.

• We acknowledged the significance of each urban dance style and how they enrich cultural diversity and foster understanding among people, encouraging inclusion and respect through the arts.

To Exercise Knowledge

To apply what we've learned, try creating your own short choreography by blending two styles of urban dances we discussed. Record your performance and reflect on how you integrated the ideas of expressiveness and movement in your dance.

Challenge

🌟 Urban Dancer Challenge 🌟 - Take on the challenge of learning and executing a 30-second sequence from a well-known urban dance video. Focus on embodying the essence of the style and share your experience with the class!

Study Tips

• Watch videos of urban dance competitions to see firsthand how expressiveness and creativity are interpreted by different dancers.

• Investigate the history of urban dances and their evolution over the decades; this knowledge can provide deeper insight into the styles and their cultural roots.

• Regular practice is key. Just like any art form, dance flourishes with practice. Use music that inspires you to fuel your movements and expressions.