Hip-Hop Dancing

Hip-Hop Dancing
By: Joan Freese
Copyright: 2008
Pages: 32
Reading Level: 8-12

"This Dance (Breaking) was bore here, right in the south Bronx, and how many other dances have been created over the past 25 years that have survived this long? It's a true American Art form."- Richie Colon "Crazy Legs"

Hip Hop Dancing is an informational book about, yes you guessed it Hip Hop Dancing. This book had a lot more information than what I thought a dancing book for children could have. First it goes over the history of the dance, where it was created and what has changed. It then talks about how international it has become, in our videos, and television shows. The book talks about warming up first, and dressing the part. Finally it talks about the current styles of Hip- Hop today. Including popping, locking, and breaking. Which is now often called breakdancing, but still breaking by most breakers. It also has information on how to do some moves yourself, and places to get more instruction. What I really liked about this informational book, that is different than most. Is it has quotations through out it from real hip-hop dancers. Talking about why they love it, and how it began.

Recommended to: Anyone who loves dance.
Problems: It does use some generals, like when describing how hip-hop dancers dress. But in such a small and simple book. You have to use generals to get the basic information out there.
My Reaction: I was pleasantly surprised, I don't believe you can truly experience dance through a book. But I like that this one encourages children to try out the moves for themselves. And stresses that the key to Hip-hop is putting your own flare on the moves.