Hip-hop is one of the most common and popular dance styles today. Music videos and mainstream movies have further increased its popularity. This relatively new genre is widely respected among profesional dancers because of its complicated routines and its high energy perfomances. Most of the current well known hip-hop dancers are actually professionally trained in dance theory and are not really familiar with the background of hip-hop culture. Even though we hear mentions of its "street" roots, most of the dancers we see today are taught in dance studios, not in the street, and aspire to be music video or pop stars. This is actually quite different than it used to be originally.

Hip-hop originated in New York City (Brooklyn) in the 1980s. The term "hip-hop" was created by a dj, Afrika Bambaataa. Early hip-hop was a branch of "funk", an older urban dance style. It developed in the city clubs on the east coast and centered around DJs and rap music. The term actually encompasses several distinct components of the sub-culture, including break dancing, turntable DJ music, martial arts, jazz, pop locking and hip hop music. Breakdancing itself has branched out and became its own distinct dance style. It began as an improvisitional dance "battle" in dance clubs or out in the streets, during which opposing crews formed lines facing each other and tried to outdance their opponents by creating complicated moves. The moves ranged from complex gymnastics to fast aggressive movements to "freezes" and simulated assault.

Since many of the originators of hip-hop were African American, there is an element of Brazilian martial art form in hip-hop dance. The African slaves who were living in Brazil would practise martial arts to keep their bodies strong and ready for battle, at the same time disguising the fighting technique by making it look like a dance. Presently, martial arts influence can be spotted in some hip-hop routines and stances.

These days, hip-hop is often seen in blockbuster movies such as "Bounce", "Hustle & Flow", "Honey" and "Save the Last Dance". The mainstream appeal of these movies generates new interest in this culturally-rich dance form. People line up at their local dance studios to learn the steps they see in pop movies and music videos. Although a professional quality hip-hop routine is by no means easy and can challenge the most seasoned dancer, there are elements of hip-hop that can be mastered by even a beginner learning basic steps at a local gym. Like many dances of the past, it appeals to the human need of expression through body movement. With such a complex past and promising future, hip-hop dance is sure to be around to entertain and educate us for a long time to come.