Street
Dance
The fast
growing popularity of Street Dance is well recognised, with
many schools now offering this dance style to the particular
delight and encouragement of boy dancers as well as girls.
There have also been many exciting, inspirational and informative
lectures in recent years at the DFR Faculty Congress. Unfortunately,
the proposed syllabus for Street Medal Tests has had to be
put on hold while the new graded examinations and professional
qualifications are put into place. However, in the meantime
it is still possible to use this style in the Disco Freestyle
medal test system.
In case you have missed the Congress lectures, Richard Marcel
has written an explanation of the various terms for your interest
and information.
Street Dance
This (essentially Hip Hop but with a modern name) is one of
the most exciting and captivating dance styles of the current
time. Now in its 4th decade of existence, this cool and funky
dance is as fun to learn as it is fascinating to watch. As
Street Dance is an umbrella term here is a brief description
of the genres, which make it up.
Hip Hop
This term refers to the culture itself and is not a dance
style. The culture includes DJs, MCs, graffiti and Street
Dance.
Breaking
(or b-boying). This is an acrobatic, physically demanding
style, characterised by backspins and headspins, which was
popularised in the 1980’s although there are possible
links to the 1960’s. The term ‘breakdance’
stems from the percussion and drum breaks in the music, which
the ‘breakers’ would dance.
Locking
This
style evolved in the early 1970’s and is closely connected
to the disco era. It is best described as playful with over
exaggerated gestures and explicit, distinct movements. Many
moves were taken from mime and many steps from everyday situations
(i.e. looking at your watch, waving a handkerchief). This
is the most rhythmical of the street styles and can often
be distinguished by the clothes worn by the dancer, usually
long jackets and braces.
Popping
Jerky body movements are used to freeze the move, which indicates
that the move is complete. It is similar to robotic dance
but is not as rigid.
Boogaloo
Not to be confused with the Latin music style of the same
name, this style flourished in the late 1970’s when
it was made popular by the Electric Boogaloos in California
who took their influences from the robot style of the 1960’s.
Boogaloo’s flowing waves are often combined with popping
in a look, which brings together both mechanical and sinuous
effects.
Old Skool
A comprehensive term for breakdance, locking and popping/
boogaloo. Old Skool is hard-core. Many people define this
as ‘real’ Street Dance.
New Skool
A combination of the above plus Jazz, Funk and Afro. Renee
King and others developed New Skool in Los Angeles in recognition
of their African roots. The bent legs, a stooped upper body
and a kind of continual flow of movement often exemplify this
look with a built-in body resistance to the action.
Commercial Jazz
Choreography created primarily for pop videos and backing
dancers. This grounded style is sharp, sexy and funky using
a range of dance moves from Jazz, R’n’B, Hip Hop
and contemporary dance. The moves are very trendy, incorporating
attitudes from the Pop and fashion industry making it extremely
popular amongst children and teenagers in particular.
Richard Marcel
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