Hip Hop Classes

Hip Hop Classes (ages 4 - adult)

About the Hip Hop Program

Our hip hop classes are offered at various times during the week to students beginning at age 5. Hip Hop is a style of dance that is more technically free, funky, and a derivative of jazz and African dance. Hip Hop steps are closely tied with those seen in current music videos and "pop culture". Like Jazz, the music is highly energetic and the movement is more free. We promote a family friendly atmosphere at LAAPA, so only music with appropriate lyrics and messages is used in the classes.

Students in our Hip Hop classes come away with a great sense of rhythm and style. A variety of positions, techniques, and terminology are introduced and reinforced within each class to prepare them for any future dance endeavors, whether it be dance teams, musicals, or any of our many performance opportunities. The culmination of the student's hard work is showcased at our Winter Show and Spring Recitals through creative and original choreography. Below are class description for the various levels we offer.

Watch a hip hop class in action!

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Campus Locations in Covington, Harahan, Mandeville, & River Ridge

Hip Hop classes are offered in Covington (conveniently located near the Little Red School House), Mandeville (conveniently located near I-12 in Northern Mandeville/South Covington) and River Ridge/New Orleans (conveniently located just outside of Metairie/Kenner and a short drive from New Orleans via the Earhart Expressway).

Pre Hip-Hop/Acro (Ages 4-6):

Pre-Acro/Hip Hop is an introductory course to help young children experience joy in dancing and aid with kinesthetic development and awareness of self. Students will be inspired to explore the world around them through movement. Students will gain an understanding of correct form and beginner acrobatic skills as well as beginner hip hop technique. They will gain strength, flexibility, and learn how to interact well with others through the medium of a dance class.

Hip-Hop/Acro I (Ages 7+) (Ages 4-6):

This class will help students to gain confidence and expression through movement as well as to channel energy into an engaging performing art. Students will learn correct acrobatic alignment that can be applied to all skills. They will begin to learn acrobatic sequences at this level as well as intermediate hip hop technique. Dancers are encouraged to let their personality shine through in this class. They will gain an understanding of hip hop history and its relevance in the world around us.

Hip Hop/Acro II

Hip Hop/Acro II will build on the concepts, skills and techniques taught in level I. Students will accomplish longer acrobatic sequences and continue to apply correct alignment and technique learned. Footwork and syncopation will become quicker and more advanced within the hip hop portion of the class. Students will showcase a confident sense of self and show distinction in their movement.

Hip Hop/Jazz I (Ages 7+):

Hip Hop/Jazz I combines street dance with funk and jazz in a fun, fast-paced environment. The incorporated movement is upbeat, energetic, and technical. Students gain body and spatial awareness throughout their time in this course as well as athleticism and aerobic stamina. Dancers are encouraged to let their personality shine through. The class strives to equip students with the knowledge of various hip hop styles while also teaching the foundations of jazz technique and terminology, such as pas de bourree, jazz squares, ball changes, etc. Students will learn the importance of isolations and dynamics to execute pop-and-lock and funk movements, while also increasing endurance and flexibility. In addition, this class hopes to foster and improve skills such as self-discipline, spatial awareness in the center and across the floor, gross motor skills and social interaction in a fun environment.

Hip Hop/Jazz II:

In Hip Hop/Jazz II, we build off of what the students have learned in level one, while also adding new and exciting challenges. In this class, we begin working on turns, leaps, kicks, and floor work, while also increasing the amount of endurance and strength and conditioning work with an emphasis on core and upper-body. Students are encouraged to take risks, perform bigger, and memorize more challenging and longer combinations and performance pieces.

Hip Hop/Jazz III:

This class will build on the skills learned and developed in level II, while continuing to increase students’ sense of personal artistry and individuality. Students will demonstrate a well-rounded knowledge of both hip hop and jazz. This class is catered to students who have been studying hip hop and jazz for at least 4 years. Students will be challenged physically and mentally as they continue to work on endurance, strength, musicality, as well as retention. In this class, students will learn choreography faster, as well as execute more difficult floor work, turns and leaps. This level is the critical point where we inspire students to continue their dance education, to embrace new experiences, and open new doors.

Hip Hop III:

After establishing a solid technical foundation, students in Hip-Hop III can now focus on more complex combinations and performance techniques. Students will be challenged physically and mentally as they continue to work on endurance, strength, musicality, as well as retention. In this class, students will learn choreography faster, as well as execute more difficult floor work, turns and leaps. They will also explore the importance of isolations and dynamics to execute pop-and-lock and funk movements. Another aspect of the class is introducing students to choreography technique and teaching them how to explore and create their own movement. ***Hip Hop III is not a beginning level class - brand new dancers in this age group will need to have previous dance experience and/or meet with the faculty to determine the best class placement.***

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Registration for Hip Hop Classes

Our Hip Hop classes are offered year round and students who are brand new to dance are welcome to get started at any time.

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