Hip Hop used to be underground and going against the grain but these days it is mainstream and has a massive influence on street style to high end fashion. You only need to look at someone like ASAP Rocky, who’s in ad campaigns with Dior Homme, Calvin Klein etc., to see how far it’s come. Street dancers can have a particular style and that’s connected to hip hop music and hip-hop style. Clothes are often baggy, loose, customised, label orientated and box fresh.
Before I start choreographing a routine, I choose an outfit that inspires me to create a piece which reflects the mood of the tune. For instance, if I’ve chosen an old skool hip hop track with heavy beats, then I will go for baggy bottoms, an oversized t-shirt and baseball cap. Conversely, if I’m teaching a more up-tempo piece I may choose leopard print leggings, a cropped top and an old shirt wrapped around my waist. Clothes impact how I move. My attitude changes with what I wear, and I never want to feel like I’m off to the gym to work out. That has happened a few times when I’ve taught, and I was so uncomfortable during class. It didn’t feel right, and I lost my ‘swag’. Not that I have much to lose.
If you check out other dancers and choreographers, you’ll see how their look is vital to how they perform and create. Jojo Gomez is someone who uses her clothes to express her mood and creativity. She never quite looks the same and you can’t second guess what she’s going to come up with. Guaranteed a vicious head whip will be in there sooner or later. It’s her thing and she does it so well.
I’ve had clients bring tops to me just before class with a pair of scissors and just say ‘go on. Cut up my top!’ Argh! The pressure. I did it though. Thankfully, they wore the tops a lot.
In essence, the most important thing with clothes you dance in is that you feel good when you move. My motto is “find your style and don’t feel the need to follow the crowd.”
Now grab some scissors, tear up an old t shirt that was destined for the charity shop, channel Hailey Bieber’s Street Style and get ready to dance!
Thal xxx
Choreographer & Dance Teacher
Neon Fuel Dance
Not sure if Street Dance is for you? I offer a discounted rate on our taster classes. Just book a class via our booking system and enter promo code SEPT21 at checkout for 50% off our normal drop in rate.
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