With movies such as Step up 2 and TV programs such as America’s Best Dance Crew gaining more attention from the viewing public, the Hip-Hop style continues to be popular with many dancers.
Hip-Hop dancing, an urban ethnic dance form that began in the early 1900s, was “reborn” in the 1970s as disk jockeys Afrika Bambaataa and Grandmaster Flash started the “Hip-Hop Movement.” The movement influenced many street dancers as it focused on innovated beats from funk and disco. Still a viable musical form several decades after the movement started, Hip-Hop dancing seems here to stay.

Consisting of vigorous body movement and soulful self-impressions, Hip-Hop dancing is an ideal way to express one’s creativity. And not only has the style captured the interest of American dancers, but it has become a universal form.

“ The great thing about Hip-Hop is that everyone can dance to it,” said Corynne Ranion, a dancer and junior nursing student from Waipahu. “You see dancing crews from all over the world basing many of their moves on Hip-Hop.”

Ranion, who has danced Hip-Hop for 13 years at Rosalie Woodson’s Dance Academy in Aiea, explains how the form has been her primary way of relieving stress. The movements along with the rhythm and beat of the music provide dancers with a dynamic and unique energy that helps them feel relaxed and care free, she said.

Ranion is also a constant viewer of MTV-sponsored America’s Best Dance Crew, a competition that showcases the finest groups of Hip-Hop dancers. She believes, however, that it’s difficult for Hawai‘i dance crews to get noticed since “all the action happens in the mainland.”

“ The Hip-Hop down here, compared to the mainland, is very low-key,” added Ranion. “That’s why everyone goes up there if they want to watch live competitions.”

Although Hawai‘i hosts few general Hip-Hop dance competitions, it does have other forms of Hip-Hop events. Funky 4 Corners, a Hip-Hop promotion company, hosts events that give emcees, disc jockeys, breakdancers, and graphic designers the opportunity to compete and show off their skills.
“ We’ve been doing shows for almost four years now,” said Matthew Stizol, 30, a.k.a “DJ Sirstyle” of Ewa Beach, a founder of Funky 4 Corners. “Not to be bigheaded or conceited, but I admit that we’ve organized some of the biggest and most interesting events to date. Everyone just loves the hype and intensity from the multiple battles, especially the breakdancing.”

Breakdancing, a street dance style that evolved from the Hip-Hop movement, requires a lot of flexibility and stamina. Consisting of spins, twists, and awkward body lifts, breakdancing has attracted many spectators to these events.

Christensen Empleo, 18, a freshman studying communication, has attended some of the Funky 4 Corners events. “The moves that the dancers pull off are incredible,” said Empleo. “The way they do it seems so effortless, but in actuality it takes a lot hard work and flexibility.”
For more information, visit www.funky4c.com.

B-boy Language 101
Uprock a.k.a “downrock” : A simple movement of rocking back and forth with your body to prepare yourself for a move or to gain momentum for certain moves. There is no such thing as a standard uprock,every breaker has an uprock of their own.

Footwork a.k.a “floorwork”: A move that looks like a breaker is running around in circle while being supported by their two hands. Many moves are usually added into the footwork, and it’s usually used to show off a b-boy’s style. Some breakers use it as a warmup.

Apple Jacks a.k.a “tic-tacs”: A move where a breaker gets into a crab soccer position, and supports himself on his/her two hands. Then, they kick up one of their leg until their knee joint is close to their face. Then, they place their leg back to where it was and then pull their body foward and clap lightly with their hands. Then they land back on their hands again, and repeat the move from there.

The Donkey a.k.a “broncos” and “lofting”: This move makes a breaker look like that he’s diving back and forth onto his hands in the same spot really quickly. It’s really simple.

Turtles a.k.a “the float” or “crab”:This move is where a breaker jabs his/her two elbows into their stomach, and walk around on nothing but their two hans. This move is kind of hard to master.

The handglide: A move where a breaker jabs one elbow into his/her stomach, and spins around in a circle on that on hand. A piece of cloth or a glove is usually used to help with the spinning motion. The free hand is used to push off for speed.
For more information visit www.bboy.org