hip-hop: world class, pre-professional training

HIP HOP

MSA’s Hip-Hop syllabus has been specifically designed to enable students to learn using a framework of movement progression which incorporates a variety of Hip-Hop styles. Through participation in MSA’s Hip-Hop program, students will:

  •  Study Hip-Hop as a leisure and / or vocational activity.
  • Experience a logical movement framework, age-appropriately devised, taking into consideration their physical, cognitive and emotional development, which challenges and measures the technical, musical and performance skills of the student.
  • Explore Hip-Hop music, history and culture.
  • Experience a variety of Urban dance styles, such as Breaking, Popping, Locking, Vogueing, Whacking and House.

Hip-Hop 1 (ages 8-12)  
Recommended to concurrently enroll in Jazz

Description:  This class explores the popular free-form dance style, which developed from urban American culture and music. Students learn street-style movements and develop awareness of Hip Hop style and rhythmic patterns. The choreography at this level is primarily creative movement with Hip Hop influences. It is fun, energetic and suitable for the young age range. Students will have the opportunity to perform in the Winter and Spring Productions.

Hip-Hop 2 (ages 9-13)
Recommended to concurrently enroll in Jazz

Description: This class continues to explore the Hip Hop style and incorporates movements that increase in speed and complexity. Students experience differing rhythms including Lyrics, Bass and High-Hat. Choreography at this level begins transitioning into a more consistent Hip Hop style. Students will have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Production.

Hip-Hop 3 (ages 9-13)
Recommended to concurrently enroll in Jazz

Description: This class continues to explore the Hip Hop style and incorporates movements that increase in speed and complexity. Students experience differing rhythms including Lyrics, Bass and High-Hat. Choreography at this level begins transitioning into a more consistent Hip Hop style. Students will have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Production.

Hip-Hop 4 (ages 10-14)     

by placement
Recommended to concurrently enroll in Jazz

Description: This class continues to explore the Hip Hop style and incorporates movements that increase in speed and complexity. Students experience differing rhythms including Lyrics, Bass and High-Hat. Choreography at this level begins transitioning into a more consistent Hip Hop style. Students will have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Production.

Hip-Hop 5 (ages 11-15)      
by placement
Recommended to concurrently enroll in Jazz

Description: This level of Hip Hop challenges and trains the student’s ability to hear, distinguish, follow and predict music. The speed of choreography increases dramatically. The content of music and choreography at this level may be unsuitable for a younger audience. Students are exposed to other forms of Hip Hop by the observation of videos. Hip Hop as a culture is further developed. Students will have the opportunity to perform in the Spring Production.

Hip-Hop 6 (ages 14-18)     
by placement
Description: This advanced level of Hip Hop focuses on training delivery, pick up, musicality and further knowledge of Hip Hop dance and culture. The class tempo and choreography is extremely fast and demonstrates a mature style. Students are advised to be high school age. This level is preparation for those continuing Hip Hop dance at the collegiate and professional level. Students will have the opportunity to perform in the Winter and Spring Productions.