3b11

TRENDS

2025 March 24, 25

Level: Low

Hip-Hop: From the Streets to the World Stage

by Campbell Chang

Learn about the dance style that’s grabbing attention around the world!

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Hip-hop began in the early 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, during block parties. It started as a way for people to connect with their neighbors and build a sense of community. Influenced by African and Latin American traditions, hip-hop blended different sounds and styles. DJs spun tracks, MCs rapped and dancers lit up the streets. Today, hip-hop is a global sensation! It is more than just music — it’s a culture that includes fashion, language and attitude.

  Hip-hop dance, which is energetic and creative, is as much about self-expression as it is about rhythm and technique. Dancers bring their own personal touch to their dances. It’s not just about moves; dancers express thoughts and feelings in their dance. They use their moves to tell stories, reflect struggles and share joy. This connection to real experiences makes hip-hop powerful and stand out.

  In 2024, breaking, a style of hip-hop dance, was added to the Olympics as a new sport. This proved that it’s more than a neighborhood dance — it’s an international phenomenon.