Hip-Hop Dance and Health - Vocabulary

A vocabulary-style set of key terms and definitions from the notes on hip-hop dance, health, and related concepts.

MVPAs (Moderate to Vigorous Physical Activities)

A level of physical activity ranging from moderate to vigorous intensity used to monitor participation or effort; associated with physiological indicators.

Physiological indicators

Measurable bodily functions that provide insight into health and well-being (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, temperature, glucose).

Heart Rate

The number of heartbeats per minute; reflects the effort your heart is making in relation to exercise demand.

Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE)

A subjective measure of exercise intensity based on how hard you feel you are working.

RPE Scale (6-20)

A scale from 6 (very, very light) to 20 (very, very hard) with 1-point increments between values.

Pace

The rate or speed at which you perform a physical activity.

Pacing

Regulating participation by gradually adjusting activity intensity or duration to achieve a goal.

FITT principle

An approach to structuring exercise encompassing Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type, used to guide gradual changes in activity.

Hip-hop

A culture and dance style that goes beyond music; a state of mind; crosses cultural boundaries.

Street Dance

Dance styles performed in urban settings; includes hip-hop and related forms.

Old School Break Dancing (Breaking)

A highly improvisational street dance known for explosive moves and breaks between sequences; popularized in the early 1970s.

Power Moves

Explosive breakdancing moves such as the Windmill, Head-spin, and Flare.

Windmill

A power move where the dancer spins on their upper back to chest with legs forming a V; variations include nutcrackers and handcuffs.

Head Spin

A spin performed on the head, often with a cap; can be aided by the hands (Tapping) to speed the spin.

Flare

A power move resembling a pommel horse, balancing on one hand with the body extended.

Nutcrackers

A variation of the windmill.

Handcuffs

Another variation of the windmill.

Jackhammer

A difficult move with balance on one hand, the body supported by the elbow of the same arm.

Top Rock

A simple stand-up move to initiate breakdancing; distinct from Up Rock.

Up Rock

Partnered top-rock style; rhythmic and like a non-contact fight.

6-step (Six Step)

Foundational footwork forming a circular pattern; building block for the rest of the dance; often heavily stylized.

Moonwalk

A glide move popularized by Michael Jackson, creating the illusion of walking backward while moving forward.

Worm

A ground ripple move where the dancer undulates along the floor; can move forward or backward.

Popping

A contraction and relaxation of muscles to produce jerking motions at joints.

Locking (Campbellocking)

A funk-style dance created by Don Campbell in 1969 in Los Angeles; fast arm/hand movements with relaxed hips and legs; the 'lock' is a basic move.

Don Campbell

Creator of locking (Campbellocking) in 1969 in Los Angeles.

Krumping

Characterized by unrestrained, rapid-fire, highly energetic movements of the limbs and torso; a newer dance style.

House Dance

Dance style that emphasizes fast, complex footsteps with fluid movements of the torso.

Street Jazz

Combination of hip-hop dance style and jazz dance movements.