Dance Units

Popping,

Locking, and Dropping

In our first unit we explored popping, locking, and dropping and explored how these percussive qualities change the way a movement is executed. We explored these qualities by grouping them as bound or loose, stiff or fluid, direct or indirect.

Tutting

In our second unit, we explored the style of Hip Hop known as tutting. We learned how tutting uses inspiration from geometry to make clean and sharp lines with the body, primarily utilizing the 90 degree angle. We learned three basic tuts: Box, Bible, and Egyptian Tuts and learned a phrase that creatively combined them.

In addition to learning a combination, they had the chance to work in groups to create their very own tutting combination and teach to the class!

House Footwork

In our third unit we explored house footwork which is a form of hip hop that emphasizes fast and complex footwork with fluid movements of the torso. We learned how a dancer's personality really has the chance to shine in this style of dance as the movements are usually connected to the rhythm of the music (specifically the down beat).

Breakdancing

In our Breakdancing unit, we learned how break-dancers are able to negotiate their weight through complex weight bearing movements by balancing their center of gravity within their body. We explored a few movements that encouraged students to be mindful of the momentum created within their body, their center of gravity, and how they were negotiating their weight.

Learning to DJ

After learning different styles of dance, students got the chance to learn another element of hip hop culture known as DJing. They created their very own mix of beats online using a sound mixing app. They begun their creation by creating a dance that was then put to music that they created online and ended up creating music that we would preform to!

Special Guest Artist

Lower Middle School had the amazing privilege of working with a professional hip hop dancer from Chicago Dance Crash for a one day Hip Hop masterclass. The students learned hip hop foundations and demonstarted such an openness to all that was offered. The class was a place of support, encouragement, and creative investigation as we continued to explore the style of hip hop.

" This experience changed the way I look at hip hop because it gave me a different view point to appreciate it."

" I enjoyed exploring different aspects of hip hip and realized that there is more hip hop in your daily life than I thought."

" This experience made me look at hip hop dance more creatively and I realized that I can always add new moves to a combination."

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