NEW YORK, April 17, 2024 /Entertainment/ —
To understand its journey, let’s rewind to the 1980s, a pivotal decade for street dance, rap, and hip-hop culture.
Hip-Hop’s Roots and Dance Floor Explorations:
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Early 70s: Block parties in the Bronx, New York City, laid the foundation. DJs like Kool Herc spun funky breaks, and people danced to styles like popping, locking, and uprocking (think energetic battles). This era saw the birth of breaking, known for its athleticism and power moves.
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Evolving Styles: The 80s saw a further explosion of street dance styles. Breaking continued to evolve, with crews battling each other in “cyphers” (circular formations) showcasing their footwork, freezes, and spins. Popping and locking, characterized by sharp, robotic movements, gained popularity.
From Streets to Screens:
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Movies as a Catalyst: Films like “Wild Style” (1983), “Beat Street” (1984), and “Breakin'” (1984) brought hip-hop culture, including dance, to a wider audience. These movies showcased the energy, creativity, and social commentary embedded in the movement.
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Social Dance Crazes: The 80s also saw the rise of social dances like the Running Man, the Worm, and the Cabbage Patch. Unlike breaking’s focus on individual skill, these dances were more about having fun and expressing yourself in a group setting. Remember the iconic dance scene in “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985)? That’s the Pee-Wee Herman dance, another fad from that era.
Rap’s Influence:
Rap music and street dance were inseparable. Rappers often referenced dance moves in their lyrics, and dancers used rap beats to fuel their creativity. This synergy helped propel both art forms into the mainstream.
Examples to Check Out:
- To see some amazing breaking moves, check out videos of crews like Rock Steady Crew or Zulu Nation.
- For popping and locking inspiration, watch videos of dancers like Boogaloo Sam or the Electric Boogaloos.
- And to see the Cabbage Patch dance in action, look up the music video for “The Cabbage Patch” by Gucci Crew II.
The 1980s were a vibrant time for street dance, rap, and hip-hop culture. It all started on the streets and eventually reached the global stage, paving the way for breakdancing’s recent Olympic recognition.