This fun, high-energy class introduces young dancers to the exciting world of hip hop through foundational technique, musical games, and age-appropriate choreography. Designed to build confidence, coordination, and rhythm, students will explore movement basics like groove, isolations, footwork, and freestyle in an encouraging and creative environment.

Throughout the year, dancers will develop body awareness, learn to express themselves through movement, and grow in teamwork and performance skills. Classes emphasize listening to music, learning combinations, and building confidence to perform short routines. Every student is encouraged to bring their personality and style to the dance floor!

The course is structured in three progressive units:
Unit 1: Foundations of Hip Hop Technique & Style
Unit 2: Musicality, Freestyle, & Choreography
Unit 3: Performance Confidence & Personal Style

Students will have two special opportunities to share their progress with family during our informal “Family Night: Inside the Studio” events, held at the end of each semester (December and May). These evenings are designed to let families step into the studio and see firsthand what their student has been learning and experiencing each week, and to provide a celebratory atmosphere for students to showcase their growth and skills.

Class Objectives:

1. Learn foundational hip hop movements including groove, bounce, isolations, and footwork
2. Move in rhythm with music and demonstrate timing, control, and energy
3. Build confidence and creativity through structured freestyle and group activities
4. Perform short dance combinations with age-appropriate choreography and expression
5. Understand simple dance terms and begin applying corrections from instructors
6. Work respectfully and enthusiastically as part of a dance team
7. Share a short group piece in an informal setting with performance focus and fun

Instructional Tone: Playful, supportive, and energetic — helping students move with confidence and joy
Activities: Groove and rhythm games, hip hop basics, freestyle prompts, across-the-floor patterns, mini-choreography
Skills Focus: Coordination, rhythm, self-expression, musicality, confidence, and foundational hip hop vocabulary
Performance Readiness: Prepared to perform a fun, short group routine with teamwork and personality during informal observation events

Aligned National Core Arts Standards (Dance):
Creating:
DA:Cr1.1 — Generate and conceptualize artistic ideas and work (freestyle, creativity)
DA:Cr2.1 — Organize and develop artistic ideas and work (learning choreography, basic technique)
Performing:
DA:Pr5.1 — Develop and refine artistic techniques and work for presentation (timing, control, movement quality)
DA:Pr6.1 — Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work (expression and energy)
Responding:
DA:Re7.1 — Perceive and analyze artistic work (group collaboration, respect, enthusiasm)
DA:Re8.1 — Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work (performance focus)
Connecting:
DA:Cn10.1 — Synthesize and relate knowledge and personal experiences to make art (dance terms, corrections)