As street dance continues to grow in popularity across the globe, it’s unsurprising that many have taken an interest in learning how to perform one, or more, of its many different styles. From Breaking (commercially known as Breakdance) to House – and everything in between – street dance encompasses a wide variety of genres, each possessing their own unique history, traits and flashy moves.
If you’ve ever dreamt of being a street dancer, or have always wanted to try it for the first time, this read’s for you! We’re here to help you get up to speed on how to get started the right way so you can have a fun, and fulfilling beginner experience. Check out our list of tips and find out how you can get moving towards your first steps!
1. Try out an open class at a local dance studio
Open classes are independent classes conducted weekly, and are designed to help dancers of all backgrounds improve their knowledge and technique through lessons that focus on the foundation of the chosen genre and, or choreography. Much like what you would expect from a yoga studio, dance studios like O School and Converge Studios, offer open classes throughout the week at different difficulty levels, and across multiple styles, giving everyone the chance to choose a suitable class that can fit in even the busiest schedules.
While you might be wondering if you should pick a style of dance first, we recommend that if you haven’t already made your mind up, to give a beginner open class of any genre a go. Want to kick-start your learning? Artistate’s Open Classes will be back from 20 March! Look out for their weekly Hip Hop, Popping, and House classes and try them out at your convenience!
2. Enrol yourself in dance schools and programmes
Having grown to become the commercial phenomenon it is now, street dance has indeed come a long way from its humble beginnings. While early practitioners may have started out on cardboard boxes, street dancers today are blessed with a wide range of resources and options available to them, which can help make picking up dance much easier than it was before. Many renowned dance crews and organisations around the world have in recent years established official street dance schools and academies, which aim to educate students in street dance, in ways similar to traditional schools.
Such academies can be found right here in Singapore! Like all academic institutions, dance schools operate in semesters and have structured curriculums specifically designed to focus on students’ continued development. Take Artistate’s Dance Programmes for example, where students attend classes on a long term basis for 8 weeks a term, 4 times a year. Through programmes like these, young dancers receive a holistic street dance education and are able to learn from professional instructors while connecting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds. As students of the programme, they are given constant feedback, and are also assessed at the end of each term on their performance to track their progress.
3. Join a club or community
If you’re a student who wants to learn street dance, try looking out for a street dance club or society in your school! Many schools from the secondary to tertiary level in Singapore have official clubs formed by students who share a common interest or passion for street dance. If you manage to find a street dance club, joining it may provide you with what you need to get started. Being a member of these clubs, you can learn around other students, attend club practice sessions, and participate in internal club-run dance competitions to experience what it feels like to compete in casual settings. On top of all that, you might even find the right style of dance for you as most schools have numerous clubs for multiple genres. Some school clubs even have resident instructors, who can have a positive impact on your learning experience as a beginner.
Inside scoop for NUS students! Keep an eye out at your next Open House for university clubs like BreakiNUS, which runs weekly Breaking lessons taught by SEA Games Bronze Medalist and Artistate Faculty member, Jeremaya.
4. Visit open practice sessions
We understand all too well you might need a little push to get started, so why not check out some of our island’s most bustling public dance practice spots and take in all the inspiration you need. Feel free to watch as some of the best dancers practise for their upcoming competitions and performances. If you’re up to it, try approaching and asking them to show you how to do certain steps or moves. It may surprise you how friendly and willing to help our local dancers can be!
5. Check out a street dance event
Like practice spots, they are always open to the public! Experiencing a street dance event can be one of the best ways to kick start your journey in dance. While we recommend you still attend classes or programmes to learn the basics of any dance style, going for events can be a great source of inspiration as it exposes you directly to the different genres of dance and their respective members or communities. Some examples of street dance events include:
- Battles – Seen by many as ‘dance-offs’, battles are the most common type of street dance event you’ll find locally and around the world. These events, which are also referred to as ‘jams’, usually involve solo dancers or groups (known as crews) competing against each other to win, with outcomes being decided by a panel of qualified judges.
- Showcases – A performance-based type of event, showcases unlike battles, are not always competitive in nature. From theatres to festivals, and even at shopping malls, street dance showcase events can be held anywhere, and range from seated, thought-provoking theatrical performances, to exciting public annual dance showcase competitions that are open to all.
- Block Parties – Dance-centric parties that attract large crowds of street dancers and even members of the public. These events are a good place to observe street dancers of different styles dancing – or ‘getting down’ – for the sole purpose of entertainment or enjoyment. Looking for a block party to go for? Check out the after-party for Artistate’s upcoming Female Dance Intensive camp on 6 April at L5 by O School!
- Dance Camps – Dance camps are helpful for those looking to hone their technique and advance their training in a short period of time. Dance camps expose you to new teachers with different teaching styles and perspectives. Usually run over a full day or more, dance camps require more short-term commitment, but offer a wide range of enriching opportunities for you to learn more about different genres of dance at a quicker pace.
6. Follow street dance social media channels or influencers
We live in the age of social media! Thanks to platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok, looking for street dance-related media and content has never been easier. Following popular content creators or channels can be a great way to receive news and information on the styles of dance you like or are interested in trying. Need a recommendation? Give channels like Stance a follow! They’re the world’s largest breaking and street dance production company and are responsible for producing some of the most viral street dance videos watched by millions!
Want to see more street dance on your Instagram feed? Here are some local dancers you definitely want to keep your eye on:
- Jeremaya (Breaking) – @haimerejay
- Kelvin (House) – @jjskittl3s
- Aaron (Popping) – @aarontjy
- Jeremy (Hip Hop) – @jertjf