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.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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
3 Simple Dance Moves for Beginners (Hip Hop Dance Moves Tutorial) | Mihran Kirakosian
Facts about hip-hop dance for kids
⏱️ Many hip-hop tracks range from about 80–110 beats per minute — a comfy tempo for cool grooves and sharp moves.
🕺 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.
🧠 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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