Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction to hip-hop dance --
Defining hip-hop dance --
Benefits of studying hip-hop dance --
Basics of hip-hop dance --
Expectations and etiquette for students --
Evaluation of your class performance --
Structure of the hip-hop class --
Summary --
2. Preparing for class --
Dressing for class --
Carrying dance gear --
Preparing yourself mentally and physically --
Summary --
3. Safety and health --
Studio safety --
Personal safety --
Basic anatomy --
Basic kinesiology --
Preventing common dance injuries --
Treating common dance injuries --
Warming up --
Understanding fitness --
Nutrition, hydration, and rest --
Summary --
4. Basics of hip-hop technique --
BEATS approach --
Alignment and stance --
Isolation grooves --
Across the floor --
Performance directions --
Summary --
5. Basic hip-hop dance steps --
Dances from the 1980s --
Dances from the 1990s --
Dances from the early 2000s --
Summary --
6. History of hip-hop dance --
Origins of hip-hop dance --
Appropriation and approximation of hip-hop --
Commercialization of hip-hop dance --
Summary --
7. Hip-hop dance forms --
Locking --
Waacking --
Electric boogaloos and popping --
House.

Since its development in the 1970s, hip-hop has grown to become a global dance phenomenon. In Beginning Hip-Hop Dance, students gain a strong foundation and learn the fundamentals of hip-hop techniques. Written by a dance educator and historian, this guide gives students the chance to explore hip-hop history and significant works and artists in the field. Students are also taught to understand the styles and aesthetics of hip-hop as a performing and cultural art form. There is also information about the different forms of hip hop dance, including locking, waacking, popping, boogaloo and house.