42 THE QUEENS COURIER • DANCE • AUGUST 29, 2019 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT WWW.QNS.COM
dance
Look cooler in any hiphop 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 Th e 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 Byfi eld (www.ShawnByfi eld.
com) is an award winning choreographer,
show director and a leading expert in
dance lessons and industry advice.
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