Objectives
1. Identify and describe the primary urban dance styles, such as breaking, popping, locking, and house dance, while highlighting their origins and distinctive traits.
2. Analyze and internalize the ideas of freedom, creativity, expressiveness, and movement within the realm of urban dance.
3. Cultivate critical observation and collaboration skills through hands-on activities involving dance and self-expression.
Contextualization
Did you know that urban dances started as a form of self-expression in the streets and public spaces of cities? In the vibrant streets of New York City during the late 60s and early 70s, groups of youth turned movement and rhythm into a powerful language that reflected their lives, challenges, and dreams. This surge of creativity led to the birth of what we now call 'breaking' and 'popping'—styles that are not just about dance but are stories unfolding in motion!
Important Topics
Breaking
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is one of the founding forms of urban dance. It emerged in the streets of New York City in the 1970s as a way for young people to channel their frustrations and aspirations. This style is defined by acrobatic moves, floor spins, and dance battles, where personal expression and friendly competition take center stage.
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Acrobatic movements: Featuring powerful head spins and gravity-defying jumps that showcase the physical intensity of breaking.
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Individual expression: Each dancer, known as a 'b-boy' or 'b-girl', uses breaking to convey their unique identity, making every performance distinctive.
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Friendly competition: Breakdancing battles are a core aspect of this style, emphasizing skill, creativity, and flair, while fostering mutual respect and camaraderie.
Popping
Popping is an urban dance style that originated in California during the late 70s. This style is recognized for its sharp, robotic movements that 'pop' with the beat. Dancers often use optical illusions and fluid motions to create visually stunning performances.
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Pop movements: These involve a quick contraction of the muscles followed by relaxation, generating a 'pop' effect that coincides with the music's rhythm.
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Optical illusions: Many popping routines include 'waves' and 'glides' that appear to defy physics, captivating the audience.
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Expressiveness and control: Popping demands exceptional muscle control, enabling dancers to communicate a wide array of emotions through their precise and calculated movements.
Locking
Locking is a lively and funky urban dance style that emerged in the clubs of Los Angeles in the 1970s. It's marked by fast, precise movements followed by sudden 'locks', where the dancer freezes briefly in a pose.
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Quick movements and 'locks': The 'locks' provide dramatic pauses, adding energy and dynamism to the performance.
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Style and clothing: Locking is often paired with vibrant and eye-catching outfits that reflect the energetic and expressive nature of this style.
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Audience interaction: Lockers frequently engage with the audience during performances, boosting the entertainment value and overall experience of the dance.
Key Terms
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Urban Dances: Dance styles that have their roots in urban settings, typically developed in the streets or public spaces, known for their dynamic energy, creativity, and social components.
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Expressiveness: The capability to convey emotions and stories through body movements in dance, facilitating dancers to communicate feelings without the use of words.
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Movement: In the context of dance, it refers to the changes in the body's position within space, which is crucial for both technical execution and artistic expression across various dance styles.
For Reflection
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How can the culture and environment of a city shape the development of a specific urban dance style?
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In what ways do the concepts of freedom and expressiveness show themselves in urban dances compared to other artistic forms?
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What impact do dance battles have on the identity and social skills of dancers?
Important Conclusions
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Today, we delved into the vibrant realm of urban dances, including styles such as breaking, popping, locking, and house dance. We learned that these dances go beyond mere movements; they serve as profound cultural expressions, narrating the stories and identities of their communities.
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We explored how freedom, creativity, expressiveness, and movement are embodied in these dances, allowing dancers to convey their emotions and stories in rich and impactful ways.
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We acknowledged the significance of each urban dance style and their contribution to cultural diversity and mutual understanding among individuals, promoting inclusivity and respect through the medium of art.
To Exercise Knowledge
To apply what we've learned, try creating a short choreography by blending two of the urban dance styles we discussed. Record your performance and reflect on how you infused the concepts of expressiveness and movement into your dance.
Challenge
🌟 Urban Dancer Challenge 🌟 - Learn and perform 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
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Watch videos of urban dance competitions to see how dancers embody expressiveness and creativity.
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Research the history of urban dances and their evolution over the decades for a deeper understanding of the styles and their cultural roots.
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Practice regularly. Like any art form, dance improves with practice. Use music you love to fuel your movements and expressions.
