Urban Dances | Socioemotional Summary

Objectives

1. To know and identify the main urban dances and their characteristics.

2. To develop creativity and expressiveness through the movements of urban dances.

3. To understand the freedom of movement and its importance in urban dances.

Contextualization

Did you know that urban dances emerged on the streets as a form of cultural expression and resistance? Styles like Hip Hop and Breakdance are not just amazing movements; they carry stories of creativity and struggle. Get ready to embark on a journey through urban rhythms and discover how these movements can help us understand and express our own emotions!

Important Topics

Hip Hop

Hip Hop is a cultural movement that originated in Afro-American and Latino communities in the United States during the 1970s. Hip Hop dance emphasizes improvisation, freedom of movement, and expressiveness. Besides being a form of dance, Hip Hop is a complete culture that includes music, art, and fashion, reflecting the creativity and identity of urban youth.

• Improvisation: In Hip Hop, improvisation is fundamental. Dancers create spontaneous movements, expressing their emotions and ideas in the moment.

• Expressiveness: Dance is a powerful form of communication. In Hip Hop, each movement is charged with meaning and emotion.

• Culture: Hip Hop goes beyond dance; it is a complete cultural movement that includes music, fashion, and art, reflecting urban life and social issues.

Breakdance

Breakdance, also known as B-boying or B-girling, is an urban dance characterized by acrobatic and floor movements. It originated in the Afro-American communities of the Bronx, New York, and became a symbol of resistance and strength. Breakdance dancers challenge the limits of the human body with spins, freezes, and power moves.

• Acrobatic Movements: Breakdance is known for its impressive acrobatics, such as head spins, floor spins, and frozen movements (freezes).

• Expression of Strength: Every movement in Breakdance demonstrates strength, control, and skill, often used as a way to showcase individual talents.

• Community Origin: Born on the streets of the Bronx, Breakdance reflected the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities, serving as a form of expression and resistance.

Krumping

Krumping is a dance characterized by energetic and expressive movements, often used as a way to release intense emotions. It emerged in Los Angeles as a peaceful protest against violence and oppression in the Afro-American communities. Krumping dance is powerful and cathartic, allowing dancers to express their frustrations and hopes through movement.

• Energy and Intensity: Krumping is highly energetic, with explosive movements that express strong and deep emotions.

• Emotional Expression: This dance allows dancers to channel their emotions, from anger to joy, in visceral and dynamic movements.

• Origin as Protest: Created as a response to violence and oppression, Krumping is a form of peaceful resistance and expression of community identity.

Key Terms

• Freedom: The ability to express oneself freely through movement, without restrictions.

• Creativity: The skill to create and develop unique and original movements.

• Expressiveness: Dance as a means of communication, where movement and emotion merge.

• Movement: The importance of body control and fluidity in movements to convey the message of dance.

To Reflect

• How can improvisation in urban dances help you express your emotions more authentically?

• In what way can practicing a specific urban dance style, such as Breakdance, influence your perception of strength and personal control?

• How can understanding the cultural origins of urban dances enhance your respect and appreciation for cultural diversity?

Important Conclusions

• Urban dances are more than movements; they are forms of cultural and personal expression that carry rich and meaningful stories.

• Through styles like Hip Hop, Breakdance, and Krumping, we learn about freedom, creativity, and expressiveness.

• Urban dances teach us the importance of movement and body control, as well as developing our improvisational skills.

• Practicing urban dances not only improves our motor skills but also helps us understand and express our emotions more authentically.

Impact on Society

Today, urban dances continue to have a significant impact on society, especially among young people. They provide a platform for personal and cultural expression, allowing people to connect with each other through art and movement. In an increasingly digital world, these dances offer a tangible and visceral form of communication, where words are often unnecessary. Additionally, practicing urban dances can help combat stress and anxiety, promoting a state of emotional and physical well-being.

On a community level, urban dances act as a means to unite people from different backgrounds and cultures, strengthening the sense of belonging and inclusion. For example, community dance groups often organize events and competitions that celebrate diversity and creativity, providing a safe space for everyone to express themselves. This positive social impact is a testament to the transformative power of dance as a form of art and expression.

Dealing with Emotions

Let's do an exercise based on the RULER method to help deal with emotions while studying urban dances. First, take a minute to recognize the emotions you feel while practicing or watching urban dances. Then, try to understand what is causing those emotions. Is it the novelty? The complexity of the movements? Clearly name what you are feeling, whether it is excitement, frustration, or joy. Next, express these emotions through a journal or by talking with a friend or family member about your experience. Finally, reflect on ways to regulate these emotions: how can you better prepare mentally for the next practice? Perhaps a quick meditation or stretching before starting could help.

Study Tips

•  Explore online videos of different styles of urban dance to visualize and learn new movements.

•  Read articles and books about the history and culture of urban dances to deepen your understanding and respect for cultural diversity.

•  Create a playlist with urban dance music and practice the movements during leisure moments, such as during breaks or on the weekend.