Hip Hop Dance Academies in India: A Guide to Training and Finding the Best Schools

Hip hop dance is one of the most popular and energetic dance forms worldwide, characterized by its strong, rhythmic movements, and creativity. It has roots in street culture and has evolved to become a mainstream dance style that includes various sub-genres, such as breaking (breakdance), popping, locking, and krumping. Hip hop dance academies in India have been instrumental in promoting this dynamic dance form, offering students of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to learn, perform, and even pursue a career in dance.

What is Hip Hop Dance?

Hip hop dance refers to the collection of street dance styles that emerged alongside hip hop culture in the 1970s in the United States, particularly in New York City. The dance form is often performed to hip hop music, but it can also be danced to other genres like pop, electronic, or R&B.

The main components of hip hop dance include:

• Breaking (Breakdance): Known for acrobatic moves, such as headspins, windmills, and freezes, breaking is one of the original hip hop styles.
• Popping: Involves contracting and relaxing muscles to create jerky, sharp movements that resemble "popping" of the body.
• Locking: Characterized by quick, jerky movements followed by pauses or "locks."
• Krumping: A highly energetic and expressive style that focuses on intense, exaggerated movements and personal expression.

Hip hop dance is highly expressive, creative, and individualistic, allowing dancers to showcase their personality, skills, and passion through movement.

Benefits of Hip Hop Dance

1. Improved Physical Fitness

Hip hop dance is a full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and enhances coordination. The fast-paced movements help burn calories and increase endurance, making it a great fitness activity.

2. Creative Expression

Hip hop dance offers dancers the chance to express themselves creatively. Whether you're performing a choreographed routine or improvising, hip hop encourages dancers to bring their own style and emotions into their movements.

3. Increased Confidence

Learning hip hop dance builds confidence, as dancers get to showcase their skills and perform in front of others. As students progress, they feel more assured in their abilities, both on and off the dance floor.

4. Social Interaction

Hip hop dance classes often emphasize group work and teamwork, fostering a sense of community and friendship. The social aspect of hip hop dance can help individuals make new connections and build lasting relationships.

5. Mental Health Benefits

Dancing, in general, has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Hip hop, in particular, allows for emotional release, which can improve overall well-being.

What to Expect at Hip Hop Dance Academies in India

Hip hop dance academies in India offer structured programs that teach a variety of hip hop dance styles, from the basics of breaking and popping to advanced choreography and performance techniques. Here’s what you can expect when enrolling in a hip hop dance academy:

1. Diverse Dance Styles

Most hip hop dance academies teach a range of sub-genres under the umbrella of hip hop, allowing students to explore different styles. You may start with basic movements and gradually move on to more complex routines.

2. Professional Training

Hip hop dance academies employ skilled instructors who have extensive knowledge of the dance form. These instructors are trained to help students develop their technique, improve their strength and flexibility, and perform with style.

3. Choreography and Performance

Academies often teach choreography for hip hop routines that can be performed at recitals, competitions, and dance shows. Performance opportunities allow students to showcase what they’ve learned and gain experience on stage.

4. Battle and Freestyle

Hip hop dance encourages freestyle or "battling," where dancers compete in a friendly, non-judgmental way, showing off their unique style. Some academies organize dance battles or cyphers (informal group dances), where students can engage with other dancers and develop their freestyle skills.

5. Fitness and Conditioning

Hip hop dance training typically includes warm-ups, stretches, and strength-building exercises to enhance flexibility, mobility, and stamina. This helps dancers perform more challenging moves safely and effectively.

6. Community and Culture

Hip hop is not just a dance form but a culture that includes elements of music, fashion, and attitude. Hip hop academies often expose students to the broader cultural aspects of hip hop, encouraging them to understand its history and values.

Popular Hip Hop Dance Academies in India

India has a vibrant hip hop scene, with numerous dance academies offering professional training in hip hop dance. Here are some prominent hip hop dance academies across the country:

1. The Danceworx

Based in Delhi and Mumbai, The Danceworx is one of the leading dance schools in India, offering a variety of dance forms, including hip hop. The academy provides both beginner and advanced-level hip hop dance classes and is known for its world-class instructors and performances. The Danceworx also hosts workshops with international dancers, giving students exposure to different styles of hip hop.

2. Shiamak Davar’s Institute of Performing Arts (SDIPA)

SDIPA, with branches across Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and other cities, offers hip hop dance classes as part of its comprehensive dance curriculum. The academy is recognized for its professional approach and high-quality training in various dance forms. SDIPA's hip hop classes focus on technique, performance, and choreography.

3. Gurukul Dance Academy

Located in Mumbai, Gurukul Dance Academy is a popular institution for hip hop dance training. The academy specializes in hip hop, breaking, and other street dance styles. Gurukul also hosts dance events, competitions, and performances, giving students opportunities to showcase their skills.

4. Urban Dance Company

Based in Delhi, Urban Dance Company is a leading academy for urban and hip hop dance styles. They offer both individual and group classes in various hip hop forms and are known for their structured courses and talented instructors. The academy also organizes dance battles, workshops, and performances.

5. Terence Lewis Professional Training Institute

Terence Lewis Professional Training Institute in Mumbai is one of the most renowned dance schools in India, offering a variety of dance styles, including hip hop. The academy focuses on both dance technique and performance, and students get the chance to participate in dance shows and events.

6. The Hip Hop Institute

Located in Bangalore, The Hip Hop Institute specializes in hip hop dance training and offers courses for all levels of dancers. From beginner to advanced classes, the institute teaches a variety of hip hop styles such as popping, locking, breaking, and hip hop choreography.

7. Dance Plus Academy

With locations in Delhi and Gurgaon, Dance Plus Academy offers hip hop and urban dance styles for students of all ages. The academy focuses on performance-based learning, helping students develop their skills and stage presence.

8. Step Up Dance Academy

Located in Chennai, Step Up Dance Academy is known for its training in hip hop dance and urban styles. The academy’s courses are designed to develop both individual expression and technical proficiency.

Choosing the Right Hip Hop Dance Academy

When selecting a hip hop dance academy, consider the following factors:

1. Reputation and Experience

Choose an academy with a good reputation and experienced instructors who can guide you through the intricacies of hip hop dance. Look for academies with a proven track record of training successful dancers.

2. Location and Facilities

Ensure the academy is conveniently located and provides excellent facilities, including spacious classrooms, proper flooring, and mirrors.

3. Types of Classes

Consider the variety of classes offered. Some academies focus more on street styles, while others may emphasize choreography and performance. Choose one that aligns with your interests.

4. Performance Opportunities

Look for academies that offer performance opportunities. These will help you build confidence and experience as a dancer.

5. Class Size and Personal Attention

Smaller class sizes allow for more individual attention from instructors, which can accelerate your progress.

6. Trial Classes

Many academies offer trial classes. Attend one to get a feel for the teaching style and environment before making a long-term commitment.

Hip hop dance academies in India provide a fantastic platform for learning and refining your dance skills. Whether you're looking to learn breaking, popping, or the latest hip hop choreography, these academies offer structured training, performance opportunities, and a chance to immerse yourself in the hip hop culture. With the rise of street dance competitions and global recognition of Indian dancers, joining a reputable hip hop academy can be a transformative experience, opening doors to both personal growth and professional opportunities.