Dancing in Highrise: Learn the Basics, Practice with Music, and Show Off Your Moves

Introduction

Highrise dancing is a type of street dance that was developed in the early 2000s. It takes inspiration from various styles of dance, such as hip-hop, breakdance, and popping. This style emphasizes quick, precise movements combined with creative styling and intricate footwork. Highrise dancers strive to create an energetic, fast-paced atmosphere while incorporating their own unique flair into their routines.

This article will explore how to get started with highrise dancing. We’ll look at the basics of this style and discuss ways to practice and perfect your technique. Finally, we’ll discuss the importance of performing in public and the benefits of taking specialized classes.

Learn the Basics

Before you start practicing highrise dancing, it’s important to learn the basics. These include footwork, body movement, and understanding rhythm.

Footwork

Footwork is the foundation of highrise dancing. According to professional dancer and choreographer Erick “E-Funk” Figueroa, “Footwork is the key element of any style of dance. It allows you to move quickly and effectively, and provides a strong base for all other movements.” Footwork involves using your feet to create patterns and shapes on the floor while also transitioning between different steps. It can involve shuffling, gliding, and spinning.

Body Movement

Once you’ve mastered the basics of footwork, you can start to work on your body movement. This includes isolations, which are movements that isolate specific parts of your body, and freezes, which involve holding a pose for a short amount of time. You can also add in arm movements, spins, and jumps to create a more dynamic routine.

Rhythm

Finally, it’s important to understand rhythm when learning highrise dancing. According to a study by the University of California, San Diego, “Rhythmic awareness is essential for successful execution of dance movements.” Understanding the beat of the music will help you stay in time with your steps and transitions, allowing you to create a more cohesive routine.

Practice with Music

Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s time to start practicing with music. This will help you develop your skills and create new routines. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

Pick Music You Enjoy

When selecting music to practice with, choose songs that you enjoy. This will make it easier to stay motivated and inspired as you practice. Don’t be afraid to try out different genres of music to find what works best for you.

Practice Moves to the Beat

As you practice, focus on staying in time with the beat of the music. Listen closely to the rhythms and beats and practice moving to them. This will help you develop better coordination and timing, which are essential for creating smooth and well-executed routines.

Study Professional Dancers

Another great way to improve your highrise dancing skills is to study professional dancers. Watching videos of experienced dancers can help you get a better understanding of the style and learn new moves and techniques.

Watch Videos

Start by watching videos of professional dancers. Look for dancers who specialize in highrise dancing and pay close attention to the way they move and transition between steps. Try to imitate their moves and incorporate them into your own routines.

Analyze Technique

In addition to watching videos, analyze the technique of professional dancers. Take note of the way they use their feet and arms to create shapes and patterns and how they transition between different steps. This will help you refine your own technique and create smoother, more dynamic routines.

Incorporate Freestyle Moves

Once you have a good understanding of the basics and have studied professional dancers, you can start to add in your own freestyle moves. This will help you create unique and interesting routines that showcase your individual style.

Add Personal Flair

When adding freestyle moves, think about what makes you unique. Incorporate elements from other dances that you enjoy, such as hip-hop, breaking, and popping. This will help you create routines that are one-of-a-kind and showcase your personality.

Think Outside the Box

In addition to adding personal flair, don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Take risks and experiment with new moves and techniques. This will help you create innovative and captivating routines that stand out from the crowd.

Take Classes

Taking classes is another great way to improve your highrise dancing skills. Specialized classes can provide guidance and feedback from experienced instructors, allowing you to refine your technique and take your skills to the next level.

Enroll in Specialized Classes

Look for classes that specialize in highrise dancing. These classes will provide instruction on the basics of the style and teach you more advanced moves and techniques. They can also provide valuable feedback that will help you perfect your routines.

Receive Professional Guidance

Professional instructors can provide guidance and direction that will help you take your skills to the next level. They can offer critiques and advice on how to improve your technique and create more dynamic routines.

Perform in Public

The final step in improving your highrise dancing skills is to perform in public. Participating in local events and open mic nights can help you gain confidence and hone your skills.

Participate in Local Events

Look for local events that feature highrise dancers. This is a great way to gain performance experience and test your skills in front of an audience. The feedback you receive will also help you refine your technique.

Test Your Skills at Open Mic Nights

Open mic nights are another great way to gain performance experience. These events allow you to showcase your skills in front of an audience and receive feedback from experienced dancers. This can help you gain confidence and improve your routines.

Conclusion

Highrise dancing is a unique and exciting way to express yourself through movement. To get started, learn the basics of footwork, body movement, and rhythm. Practice with music you enjoy and study professional dancers to refine your technique. Incorporate freestyle moves to add your own personal flair and take classes to receive professional guidance. Finally, take your skills to the stage by participating in local events or open mic nights.

With dedication and practice, you can become a skilled highrise dancer.