Do the Hip-hop way!
Learn and practice a short hip-hop dance routine, exploring rhythm, counting beats, and creating your own moves to upbeat music.
Step-by-step guide to Do the Hip-hop way!
Step 1
Clear a safe open space to dance by moving toys and furniture out of the way.
Step 2
Put on comfortable shoes and clothes you can move in.
Step 3
Pick an upbeat hip-hop song you love and get it ready to play.
Step 4
Warm up by marching in place and stretching your arms and legs for 60 seconds.
Step 5
Listen to the music and clap on each beat while counting out loud from 1 to 8.
Step 6
Choose a simple first move like a step-touch and practice it for one full 8-count while you count.
Step 7
Choose a second move like a body roll or shoulder pop and practice it for one full 8-count while you count.
Step 8
Choose a third move like an arm wave or chest pop and practice it for one full 8-count while you count.
Step 9
Choose a fourth move like a stomp or quick spin and practice it for one full 8-count while you count.
Step 10
Put your four moves together in order and slowly go through the routine, doing each move for one 8-count.
Step 11
Invent one original move and try it once for an 8-count to add your own style.
Step 12
Play your song and perform the whole routine three times with the music, keeping to the 1-to-8 counts.
Step 13
Cool down by stretching gently and taking three deep breaths.
Step 14
Share your finished hip-hop routine on DIY.org so everyone can see your moves.
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have a speaker or can't play the upbeat hip-hop song from step 3?
If you don't have a speaker, play the upbeat hip-hop song from step 3 on a phone or tablet set safely on the floor, or clap a steady beat yourself while you count out loud so you can follow steps 5–11.
I keep losing the 1-to-8 counts when putting the four moves together—what should I try?
Slow the music or practice each move separately for the full 8-counts as in steps 5–11 while counting out loud, then combine two moves at a time before doing the full sequence in step 10.
How can I adapt the routine for younger kids or older kids who want more challenge?
For younger children shorten counts to 4-counts and use simpler moves like step-touches and stomps from steps 6 and 9, and for older kids pick a faster song, add sharper moves, extra 8-counts, or longer repeats in step 12.
What are easy ways to personalize or extend the routine before sharing it on DIY.org in step 14?
Personalize the routine by inventing a signature move in step 11, adding props or a costume for step 2, filming from two angles during step 12, and editing the video to the music before uploading to DIY.org.
Watch videos on how to Do the Hip-hop way!
HIP HOP Dance Choreography Tutorial for Beginners - Free Dance Class at Home
3 Videos
HIP HOP Dance Choreography Tutorial for Beginners - Free Dance Class at Home
🕺 Hip Hop Dance Tutorial for Beginners | Cool & Easy Moves 🎶 | Learning Dance Hub #hiphopdance
HIP HOP Dance Choreography Tutorial for Beginners - Free Dance Class at Home
Facts about hip-hop dance for kids
🕺 Hip-hop dance mixes many styles like breaking, popping, locking and krumping — you can blend moves to make your own style!
🎵 Most hip-hop routines are taught in 8-counts (two bars of 4/4), which helps dancers stay together with the music.
⏱️ Many hip-hop tracks range from about 80–110 beats per minute — a comfy tempo for cool grooves and sharp moves.
🧠 Practicing rhythm and counting improves timing, coordination, and even helps with math skills like fractions and patterns.
👟 Short daily practice sessions (even 10–15 minutes) build muscle memory and make tricky moves feel easy over time.
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