FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM SEPTEMBER 3, 2020 • DANCE • THE QUEENS COURIER 41
dance
Look cooler in any hip hop class
BY SHAWN BYFIELD
If you are thinking about taking a
plunge into the world of hip hop dance
there are some things you should know.
Hip hop class is a great outlet to release
the everyday stress of life and learn a bit
of history. Th e class is a great physical
activity and excellent exercise no matter
where you take it.
Of course, nobody wants to stand out
as “the new kid.” So here’s some proven
tips to help you rank higher on the
cool factor, no matter what your color,
age or ability!
Look And Dress The Part
When was the last time you saw a
hip hop video and the dancers were in
bodysuits and tights? It’s amazing how
just looking the part helps you dance
and feel better. Here’s what to wear:
• Find some baggy sweats, army pants
or cargos.
• Get a funky t-shirt or top that you
feel comfortable and stylish in.
• Find a pair of running shoes that
absorb shock. No ballet or jazz shoes!
• Accessorize with bandanas, hats,
armbands and belts as long as they don’t
distract and prevent you or others from
dancing.
• For the ladies, warm up with your
hair up, then when it comes to dance,
practice with your hair down. No celebrity
ever performs with their hair in a
ponytail. And lastly ladies – leave your
Lulu Lemon pants at home.
Bend Yo’ Knees and Get Low
Hip hop has roots in African dance,
which is very earthy and grounded. A
basic rule for hip hop is, stay low to the
ground. Here’s how:
• Bend those knees of yours, and
widen your stance like a football linebacker.
Th is allows you to transfer your
weight quickly as needed in class.
• Center yourself squarely over your
pelvis, and “sit” into it, almost like
you’re going to ride horseback.
• And no straight backs! It’s not ballet.
Bend that spine, curve forward slightly
and relax your neck.
Bring a Positive Mindset
Because we’re humans, as we age we
tend to fear anything new. Afraid of
change. Afraid of anything diff erent.
Afraid of what others will think. Afraid
of how we’ll look. Afraid of making mistakes.
ALWAYS remember this: You become
what you think about most of the time.
It’s true.
So tell yourself that you’re here to
learn, you are proud of yourself and
you’re not afraid to make mistakes. Be
positive! You’re eager to learn. And
remember, you didn’t learn to run overnight.
First you had to learn to crawl,
then you learned to walk.
Th e same basic process applies to hip
hop dance – and any dance style for
that matter. Be confi dent. Be patient.
Encourage yourself and in time you will
succeed.
Get Professional Guidance
Lastly, get involved oft en! You will
only improve based on the level of eff ort
you put forth.
So if you dance once a month, you
won’t get too far. But if you dance two or
three times a week, now we’re moving
forward. Set your schedule and PLAN
to take yourself seriously. Research
a professional hip hop instructor or
school you’re interested in, sign up and
commit to a class, and prepare to have
a blast!
Shawn Byfield (www.ShawnByfield.
com) is an award winning choreographer,
show director and a leading expert
in dance lessons and industry advice.
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/www.ShawnByfield.com
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