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Street dance and hip hop for beginners

Street dance is a broad family of styles that grew out of communities and clubs. It is energetic and individual, and it welcomes beginners of all ages.

Last updated 2 November 2026

The main styles

• Hip hop: Grooves and moves to hip hop music. Classes are often choreography-based.
• Breaking (breakdance): Acrobatic, floor-based style with spins and freezes. Breaking has been a part of the Olympic Games.
• Popping and locking: Sharp muscle contractions and stop-start moves from funk.
• House: Fast, flowing footwork to house music.
• Commercial or street jazz: Music-video style choreography, high energy.
• Krump and waacking: Other expressive styles you may meet later.

What a class looks like

1. A warm-up, often with music and basic grooves.
2. Drills for key moves and rhythm.
3. A choreography learned in small sections.
4. Freestyle, where you improvise.

Teachers explain counts and break moves down. You do not need to be flexible. Many moves are about rhythm, attitude and feeling the beat.

Who is it for?

Teenagers and young people often take street classes, but there are adult beginner groups too. It also suits those who would like a fitness workout that does not feel like exercise. Many classes are solo, so you can come alone.

Fitness benefits

Street dance raises your heart rate, builds stamina and tones leg and core muscles. Breaking in particular is demanding on arms and wrists, so build up gradually. See dance for fitness.

What to wear

Loose, comfortable clothes you can move in, and trainers with a flat sole and good grip. For floor work, long sleeves or knee pads may help. See what to wear.

Safety

• Warm up properly and stretch afterwards.
• Be careful with acrobatic moves. Learn them with a qualified teacher.
• Stop if something hurts.
• Drink water.

Competitions and crews

As you progress, you may join a crew, enter battles or take part in competitions. Many street dance schools run youth teams and performance groups, and exam syllabuses such as those from the IDTA cover street styles. See exam boards.

Finding classes

You can find street classes at dance studios, leisure centres, youth clubs and community centres. See how to find a class.

Other styles

If you want something more traditional, check ballet, tap and contemporary, or return to dance styles explained.

Building a base

Strong foundations help you in any street style: bounce and rock to the beat, practise a few basic grooves, and learn to find the downbeat in different tracks. Freestyling at home for five minutes a day builds confidence faster than you might expect. Watch recordings of your own practice and pick one thing to improve each week.

Questions to ask a studio

• Is the class for complete beginners?
• Is it choreography, freestyle, or both?
• What age range is in the class?
• What kind of floor is it, and are knee pads needed?

Staying motivated

Set a small goal such as learning one short routine from start to finish. Film it and watch how far you've come after a few weeks.

Etiquette

In freestyle circles and cyphers, give others space, applaud good moves and take turns. Respect for the people who developed these styles, and for your teacher and fellow dancers, is part of the culture.

Spotted a mistake or have a question? Get in touch.