Hip hop dance exploded onto the scene in the 1980s, captivating audiences with dynamic performances on television. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, evidenced by its widespread presence in dance studios worldwide. If your student is eager to enroll in hip hop dance classes, equipping them with the right gear, especially shoes, is crucial.
Choosing the right footwear is paramount for hip hop. What kind of sneakers are suitable for hip hop class? Before your dancer steps into their first session, it’s essential to understand the facts about hip hop dance shoes. This guide will provide you with the essential information you need!
Hip Hop Dance Shoes: What Makes Them Different?
Hip hop dance stands apart from styles like ballet and jazz. Unlike the rigid structure of ballet, hip hop is characterized by its freedom, looseness, and lack of restriction. This spirit extends to hip hop attire, which favors casual, comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement.
Hip hop, or street dance, demands athletic shoes or sneakers that offer a secure fit and necessary traction. These shoes differ significantly from ballet or jazz shoes. Hip hop sneakers are designed to be worn with socks, unlike ballet and jazz shoes which are typically worn with tights or barefoot.
Decoding Hip Hop Dance Sneakers: Essential Features
Proper hip hop dance sneakers should provide a balance of traction, support, flexibility, and style. They must fit comfortably, allowing for a full range of motion. While there are various ways to meet these criteria, opinions may differ on selecting the ideal hip hop shoe.
However, a general consensus points to three main sneaker categories:
- Regular sneakers
- Split-sole dance sneakers
- Full-sole dance sneakers
Regular Sneakers for Hip Hop: Are They Sufficient?
Hip hop dance embraces a casual and unrestricted nature, meaning strict rules on attire are minimal. For beginners, a standard pair of sneakers will suffice for attending classes.
However, it’s important to note that sneakers are engineered for walking stability and are not specifically designed for the unique spins and movements inherent in hip hop. Running shoes, for instance, prioritize grip at the toes and heel for forward motion, often sacrificing flexibility.
Here are examples of regular sneakers often favored for hip hop dance:
- Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
- Adidas Originals Superstar Sneakers, iconic street shoes immortalized by Run DMC in their song “My Adidas.”
Split-Sole Dance Sneakers: Prioritizing Flexibility
Split-sole dance sneakers stand out as an excellent choice for dedicated hip hop dance shoes. Their split-sole design offers superior foot flexibility. These sneakers typically incorporate arch support, cushioned insoles for impact absorption, and a spin spot on the ball of the foot to facilitate effortless turns.
The primary drawback of split-sole dance sneakers is their departure from authentic hip hop culture aesthetics. While highly functional for dance and popular in other genres, their appearance can sometimes be considered too understated for the hip hop style.
Notable examples of split-sole dance sneakers include:
- Bloch Boost Split Flex Dance Sneakers
- Capezio DS11 Fierce Dansneakers
Full-Sole Dance Sneakers: Style Meets Function
Full-sole dance sneakers closely resemble street shoes in appearance but are engineered for optimal dance performance. These sneakers feature memory foam or cushioned footbeds and a smooth spin spot on the outsole. Constructed with lightweight and flexible materials, they allow for complete foot movement and dancer mobility.
Beyond functionality, full-sole dance sneakers are recognized for their stylish designs, making them a great option for stage performances.
A prime example of full-sole dance sneakers is:
- Pastry Pop Tart Grid Glitter High-Top Dance Shoes
Key Characteristics of Hip Hop Dance Sneakers
Regardless of the specific type of sneakers chosen for hip hop class, ensure that the footwear shares these essential characteristics:
- Non-marking soles to prevent scuff marks on wooden dance floors.
- Indoor use only, avoiding outdoor wear to keep them clean.
- Cleanliness to prevent dirt from transferring onto the dance floor.
Completing the Look: Hip Hop Dance Class Clothing
Street dance calls for street clothes. Therefore, appropriate attire for hip hop class includes everyday casual wear such as loose-fitting t-shirts, sweatpants, hoodies, and shorts. Trendy hip hop-style pants and tops are also suitable options.
Inappropriate clothing and accessories to avoid:
- Spandex and yoga pants, commonly seen in other dance styles.
- Loose jewelry that could pose a safety risk during movement.
Are you or your child interested in learning hip hop dance? Ten-Dance offers a range of engaging hip hop dance classes for various age groups!
Explore our class offerings:
- Kinder Hip Hop (4-5yrs): Saturdays, Sundays
- Hip Hop 1 (6-7yrs): Thursdays, Saturdays
- Hip Hop 2 (8-10yrs): Thursdays, Saturdays
- Boyz Hip Hop & Popping (8-11yrs): Thursdays
- Hip Hop 3 (10+): Saturdays
- Teen Hip Hop (11+): Thursdays, Saturdays
Discover the numerous benefits of dance classes for your child in our blog! Learn how dance students can overcome stage fright and the advantages of contemporary dance lessons for children!
