When you’re new to hip hop, it’s tempting to copy every move exactly as the teacher does it. And while that’s a great way to learn foundations, hip hop has always been about more than imitation — it’s about personal expression.
Finding your own style in hip hop doesn’t mean reinventing the dance form. It means taking what you learn, adding your unique movement, and allowing your personality to shine through. Here’s how to get started.
In order to grow into your style, it’s important to understand the basics. The grooves, steps, and cultural foundations of hip hop give you the vocabulary you’ll later personalize. Start with:
Think of foundations as a way to give structure and guidance to building your style.
Freestyle is where individuality shines. It doesn’t mean making things up randomly — it’s applying your skills in your own way.
Try this drill:
Suddenly, the same move looks completely different which is how you start discovering your style.
Hip hop isn’t one-size-fits-all. Explore:
Exposing yourself to multiple substyles helps you discover what feels natural — maybe you’re more fluid, maybe you love sharp moves, or maybe you thrive in grooves.
Watching dancers you admire can spark ideas. Notice:
Then ask yourself: How can I take inspiration while still moving like me?
Your style grows when you learn to “speak” through music. Try:
Your interpretation of the music is part of what makes your dancing unique.
Let you and your body’s natural reaction to the music show! Hip hop style thrives when dancers express their real selves and let their bodies move naturally to the music.
If you smile naturally, lean into it. If you like sharp, bold moves – give them space. Confidence in who you are is what creates your style.
Do I need to master everything before finding my style?
Not at all — your style will evolve as you grow. Even beginners can start adding personality.
What if my style feels awkward?
That’s normal! Style develops through trial and error. Awkwardness often means you’re discovering something new.
Can I mix hip hop with other influences?
Absolutely. Many dancers fuse hip hop with jazz, contemporary, or cultural styles. Just be mindful of respecting hip hop’s roots while adding other moves.
Your style in hip hop won’t appear overnight — it grows with practice, curiosity, and confidence. Keep learning foundations, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep being yourself.
