Hip Hop Dance: Performance, Style, and Competition

• Main Author: Gorney, Christopher Cole, 1977-
• Language: en_US
• Published: University of Oregon 2009
• Subjects: Hip-hop dance
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/1794/9869

vii, 41 p. A print copy of this thesis is available through the UO Libraries. Search the library catalog for the location and call number. === The purpose of this study was to identify and define the essential characteristics of hip hop dance. Hip hop dance has taken many forms throughout its four decades of existence. This research shows that regardless of the form there are three prominent characteristics: performance, personal style, and competition. Although it is possible to isolate the study of each of these characteristics, they are inseparable when defining hip hop dance. There are several genre-specific performance formats in which hip hop dance is experienced. Personal style includes the individuality and creativity that is celebrated in the hip hop dancer. Competition is the inherent driving force that pushes hip hop dancers to extend the form's physical limitations. Defining these vital characteristics in the vernacular context should help dancers, scholars, and educators to develop a better understanding of hip hop dance. === Committee in Charge: Jenifer P. Craig Ph.D., Chair; Steven Chatfield Ph.D.; Christian B. Cherry MM