"The Dancer believes that his art has something to say which cannot be expressed in words or in any other way than by dancing... there are times when the simple dignity of movement can fulfill the function of a volume of words. There are movements which impinge upon the nerves with a strength that is incomparable, for movement has power to stir the senses and emotions, unique in itself. This is the dancer's justification for being, and his reason for searching further for deeper aspects of his art." ~ Doris Humphrey, 1937 Street dancing has steadily evolved over the years and has amassed universal appeal. The unique characteristic of street dancing is that, it allows dancers to express their own personal style of dancing. This form of dancing includes everything from break-dancing, salsa, ballet, to even robotic dance. Street dancing has its doors open for everyone who wishes to learn. You do not need to be trained as a dancer, in order to excel in the genre of hip-hop dancing. However, if you have learned traditional forms of dance, you can adapt those moves into your style of dancing. So, let's have a look at some street dance moves that you can start practicing with! Step ➀ This is an easy dance routine to start with. All you need to do is, bring your right knee forward and let your left inner-elbow rest beside your extended knee. This stance will seem as if you're about to pick something heavy from the floor or bolt into a sprint! Simultaneously, keep your right hand behind you while ensuring that you raise your left heel. Step ➁ The second step requires that you lift your right leg slightly and shift your body towards the left, while resting your entire weight on your left leg. This time, your left hand should be aligned parallel to your right leg, while your left hand stays bent. Step ➂ Now, set your right foot away from the body, while you extend your right arm above your right leg. Look leftwards, while your left arm stays parallel to floor and both your hands point downwards. Step ➃ And now you've got the Mr. Robo move, wherein you'll cross your feet, keep your back straight, and let your arms do the pop and lock! Both arms should be kept parallel to the ground and aligned with your shoulder, while your left hand points down and the other one points up! Step ➀ This is one of the basic steps of B-boying. You will need to get down into a pushup stance, so that your entire weight is on your arms. Keep your knees from touching the ground, while you lift your right leg. Step ➁ Now, quickly bring your left knee forward while you slide your right leg before you. Rest your weight on your right arm and keep your left arm free for the next step! Step ➂ Now, slide to take a U-turn so that your left leg crosses over the right one. While doing this switch, bring your right leg up so that it stays suspended over your head. Step ➃ Here comes the best part! Take your right leg further across your head, while you turn your torso rightwards as well. Keep your left arm and elbow supporting your torso, and your right hand beside your head. Gradually pick your left leg upwards so that together your legs form a big 'L'. Step ➀ Street dancing is incomplete without krumping. This style of dancing is easy to perform, but requires a lot of energy to keep the momentum going. This dance focuses on the abs and hips. Begin by parting your feet and pushing your hips out, krump or compress your abs inwards and release the tension from your core after every second beat. Do this step a couple of times and then switch to the next step. Step ➁ Now, cross your feet and repeat the krumping twice. Thereafter, return to step 1 and 2, this time crossing your other feet. Ensure that you keep your hands moving while you are practicing these steps. Step ➂ This type of krumping is done with your body bent forward, so that the lower half of the body does most of the dancing. Keep your legs crossed and perform a few more sets, thereafter return to step 2, and repeat step 3. Step ➃ Now, switch to step 1 with your torso pointing sidewards, while you look the opposite way. Krump your torso and then your lower body, while you freestyle with your hands. B-boying or Breakdancing Even though Breaking or B-boying is a part of hip-hop dance, it evolved from several different dance styles and came into the limelight during 1970s. Break dance includes four basic steps, such as Toprock, which is done standing and involves a lot of footwork, Downrock which involves footwork while your body is supported by your hands. Freezes are stylish poses which are done while being upside-down and Power-moves include challenging acrobatic tricks, such as the flare (where the dancer rests his body on his hands and brings his legs around for a 360 degree turn), windmill (where the dancer turns on the floor with his legs up in the air in a v-shape and with the help of his shoulders, back, or hands), and the headspin. Locking Locking is a funk style that involves a series of quick moves followed by timed pauses. It is different from popping, because each pose is held for longer. It was initially called Campbellocking in honor of the pioneers, Don Campbell and his crew, The Lockers, from Los Angeles. Some of the popular locking steps are, the breakdown and jazz split. Popping Popping is another funk dance that evolved in California in the 1970s. It involves quick stiffening and then relaxing of muscles to create an illusion of flow or movement. It was created by the popping group known as the Electric Boogaloos. It includes a number of popular dance styles including robotting, miming, crazy legs, and slides (like the moonwalk). House Dance House dance was developed in a popular nightclub during the early eighties. This form of dancing has been incorporated by hip-hop dancers in recent times. Some of the popular styles that are a part of House dance are - footwork, jacking, lofting, and voguing. Electro Dance Also known as tecktonik, this street dance originated in France from a club called Metropolis in the early 2000s. It uses a blend of all the aforementioned styles and combines it with disco. So go ahead and try these new tricks, practice hard and don't forget, "We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance." ~ Japanese Proverb