10 Fundamental Hip-Hop Moves You Need to Know

# 10 Basic Hip-Hop Moves Every Dancer Should Know

Hip-hop is built on foundational moves that emerged in the 1970s–80s and remain essential today. These moves are the alphabet of hip-hop. Master them, and you'll be able to improvise, create your own combos, and feel confident on any dance floor.

In this article, we'll break down 10 basic hip-hop moves: technique, common mistakes, variations, and practice tips. By the end, you'll know everything you need to start dancing hip-hop.

## Why These 10 Moves?

We selected moves based on these criteria:

✅ Foundation — used in all hip-hop styles
✅ Versatility — fit any hip-hop track
✅ Ease of learning — beginner-friendly
✅ Combination potential — mix easily
✅ Historical significance — classics you should know

## Before You Start: The Basics

### Bounce — The Soul of Hip-Hop

Before learning specific moves, master bounce — a rhythmic knee bend to the beat. It's the foundation of all hip-hop.

How to do it:

• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart
• Slightly bend your knees
• Spring up and down on each beat
• Keep your upper body relaxed
• Breathe freely

Important: Bounce comes from the knees, not the back. Keep your torso relaxed but controlled.

Practice: Play any hip-hop track (90–100 BPM) and bounce for 5 minutes. This is your warm-up before every session.

---

## 1. Running Man

### History
Running Man appeared in the late 1980s and became one of the most iconic hip-hop moves. Its creator is unknown, but the move took dance floors worldwide by storm.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Stand in a bounce
• One foot forward, the other back
• Weight on the back foot

Step 1:

• Slide the front foot backward
• Simultaneously lift the back knee forward (knee up)
• Creates the illusion of running in place

Step 2:

• Lower the raised foot forward
• Slide the back foot further back
• Repeat the cycle

Arms:

• Move opposite to your legs (like running)
• When right foot is forward, left arm is forward
• Elbows bent at 90°

### Common Mistakes

❌ Jumping instead of sliding — The front foot must slide on the floor, not lift off.

❌ Knee too high — Lift knee only to waist height.

❌ Forgetting the bounce — Running Man requires constant bounce.

❌ Static arms — Arms are a key part of the move.

### Variations

Slow Running Man: Do it slower for more style and groove.

Double Running Man: Two small steps on one foot, then switch.

Reverse Running Man: Slide the foot forward instead of backward.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: 30 seconds straight
- 📅 Time to master: 1–2 weeks
- 🎵 Music: 90–100 BPM

Tip: Practice in front of a mirror. Make sure your foot slides, doesn't lift.

Video Tutorial: Running Man on GoDance →

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## 2. Criss Cross

### History
Criss Cross was popularized by the duo Kris Kross with their track "Jump" (1992). It became a symbol of 90s hip-hop.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Feet together
• Active bounce
• Arms hanging loosely

Step 1:

• Jump and cross your legs (right in front of left)
• Cross your arms at the same time

Step 2:

• Jump back to starting position (feet apart)
• Open your arms to the sides

Step 3:

• Jump and cross legs opposite (left in front of right)
• Cross arms again

Rhythm: Cross — apart — cross — apart. On each beat.

### Common Mistakes

❌ Feet too far apart — In the "apart" position, keep feet shoulder-width.

❌ Over-crossing legs — Light cross; maintain balance.

❌ Static arms — Arms should be actively involved.

❌ No bounce — Even during jumps, keep the groove.

### Variations

Fast Criss Cross: Two quick crosses per beat.

Side Criss Cross: Cross legs while moving sideways.

Criss Cross + Turn: Add a 180° turn after the cross.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: 1 minute straight
- 📅 Time to master: 1 week
- 🎵 Music: 95–110 BPM

Tip: Start slow. Hand-foot coordination comes with practice.

Video Tutorial: Criss Cross on GoDance →

---

## 3. Brooklyn

### History
Brooklyn is a classic move from 1980s New York, named after the borough that produced many hip-hop pioneers.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Stand in a bounce
• Feet together

Step 1:

• Step right foot to the side
• Turn the foot outward (heel inward)
• Lean your torso slightly toward the step

Step 2:

• Bring left foot to meet right
• Simultaneously take another step with right foot

Step 3:

• Both feet together
• Small bounce

Step 4:

• Repeat to the other side

Arms:

• One arm extends in the direction of movement
• Other arm on hip or loosely hanging

### Common Mistakes

❌ Forgetting to turn the foot — Foot turn is key.

❌ Steps too big — Keep steps compact.

❌ Straight torso — A slight lean adds style.

❌ No groove — The move should be smooth, not robotic.

### Variations

Fast Brooklyn: Speed up with smaller steps.

Brooklyn with Bounce: Emphasize bounce between steps.

Brooklyn + Spin: Add a spin after the move.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: Move freely across the floor
- 📅 Time to master: 2–3 weeks
- 🎵 Music: 85–95 BPM

Tip: Brooklyn is all about groove and smoothness. Don't rush.

Video Tutorial: Brooklyn on GoDance →

---

## 4. Reebok

### History
Named after the iconic Reebok Classics sneakers worn by b-boys in the 1980s.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Bounce in the center
• Feet together

Step 1:

• Extend right heel forward (toe up)
• Weight on left foot

Step 2:

• Roll right foot from heel to toe
• Slightly bend left knee

Step 3:

• Step right foot back
• Bounce down

Step 4:

• Repeat with left foot

Arms:

• Alternate swing (opposite to legs)
• Or free movements at sides

### Common Mistakes

❌ Heel too high — Heel barely lifts off the floor.

❌ No foot roll — The roll is a key element.

❌ Missing bounce — Reebok is built on bounce.

❌ Off beat — Move should land on the beat.

### Variations

Double Reebok: Two heel extensions on the same foot.

Side Reebok: Do the move sideways instead of forward/back.

Reebok + Turn: After Reebok, turn 90°.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: 30 seconds in place + 30 seconds moving
- 📅 Time to master: 1–2 weeks
- 🎵 Music: 90–100 BPM

Tip: Focus on the foot roll — it gives the move its signature style.

Video Tutorial: Reebok on GoDance →

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## 5. Roger Rabbit

### History
Named after the cartoon character. It emerged in the late 1980s after the film "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?"

### Technique

Starting position:

• Stance slightly wider than shoulder-width
• Active bounce

Step 1:

• Slide right foot backward
• Simultaneously push left hip forward

Step 2:

• Shift weight to left foot
• Return right foot

Step 3:

• Repeat with left foot

Key: When a foot goes back, the opposite hip goes forward, creating a rabbit-hop effect.

Arms:

• Can mimic rabbit ears (for style)
• Or move freely

### Common Mistakes

❌ Not pushing the hip forward — Hip thrust is essential.

❌ Foot not sliding — Foot should slide on the floor, not step.

❌ Too slow — Roger Rabbit is a fast move.

❌ No bounce — Energy comes from bounce.

### Variations

Fast Roger Rabbit: Max speed.

Backwards Roger Rabbit: Move backward.

Roger Rabbit + Spin: Add a rotation after the move.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: 20 seconds straight
- 📅 Time to master: 2–3 weeks
- 🎵 Music: 95–105 BPM

Tip: Roger Rabbit requires coordination. Practice slowly and gradually speed up.

Video Tutorial: Roger Rabbit on GoDance →

---

## 6. Smurf

### History
Named after the cartoon characters "The Smurfs." The move mimics their characteristic walk.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Feet together
• Bounce in knees

Step 1:

• Make a circular motion with the right foot
• Toe draws a half-circle

Step 2:

• Shift weight to right foot
• Lift left foot

Step 3:

• Repeat circular motion with left foot

Torso:

• Follow the leg movement
• Creates a wave-like motion

Arms:

• Move smoothly for balance
• Can make small circles

### Common Mistakes

❌ Angular movements — Smurf is smooth and circular.

❌ Static torso — Torso should follow the legs.

❌ No weight shift — Fully transfer weight.

❌ Too fast — Smurf is a slow, groovy move.

### Variations

Fast Smurf: Speed up.

Big Smurf: Larger circles.

Smurf + Wave: Add an arm wave.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: Smooth circular movement
- 📅 Time to master: 2–3 weeks
- 🎵 Music: 80–90 BPM (slow)

Tip: Imagine drawing circles with your feet on the floor.

Video Tutorial: Smurf on GoDance →

---

## 7. Happy Feet

### History
Happy Feet is a classic old-school footwork move.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Feet shoulder-width apart
• Knees bent
• Weight centered

Movement:

• Quickly shift weight from one foot to the other
• Feet turn inward and outward
• Knees stay bent
• Upper body remains stable

Rhythm:

• One weight shift per beat, or two per beat (double time)

Arms:

• Move freely
• Or held at chest level

### Common Mistakes

❌ Straightening knees — Knees stay bent.

❌ Stance too wide — Feet close together.

❌ Upper body swaying — Stabilize your torso.

❌ Too slow — Happy Feet should be fast.

### Variations

Super Fast Happy Feet: Maximum speed.

Happy Feet + Travel: Move across the floor.

Happy Feet + Arms: Add active arm movements.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: 30 seconds nonstop
- 📅 Time to master: 1–2 weeks
- 🎵 Music: 100–110 BPM

Tip: Start slow and gradually build speed.

Video Tutorial: Happy Feet on GoDance →

---

## 8. Two Step

### History
Two Step is a simple but versatile move used in all hip-hop styles.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Stand in a bounce
• Feet together

Step 1:

• Step right foot to the right

Step 2:

• Bring left foot to meet right

Step 3:

• Step left foot to the left

Step 4:

• Bring right foot to meet left

Arms:

• Move opposite to legs
• Or free-style

### Common Mistakes

❌ Steps too big — Keep steps compact.

❌ Not fully closing the feet — Bring feet together completely.

❌ No bounce — Two Step relies on bounce.

❌ Static arms — Arms add style.

### Variations

Fast Two Step: Two two-steps per beat.

Two Step + Snap: Snap fingers on the closing step.

Two Step + Turn: After each two step, turn 90°.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: 1 minute straight
- 📅 Time to master: 1 week
- 🎵 Music: any hip-hop

Tip: Two Step is versatile. Use it to connect other moves.

Video Tutorial: Two Step on GoDance →

---

## 9. Prep

### History
Prep is a transitional move used by b-boys to move from toprock to footwork.

### Technique

Starting position:

• Stand in a bounce

Step 1:

• Cross your legs (right in front of left)

Step 2:

• Rotate your torso 90° to the left
• Shift weight to the front foot

Step 3:

• Lift the back foot, ready for the next move

Step 4:

• Either transition into another move or return

Arms:

• Help with balance
• One hand can touch the floor (if moving to footwork)

### Common Mistakes

❌ Not shifting weight — Weight should be on the front foot.

❌ Weak cross — Legs must be clearly crossed.

❌ No torso rotation — Torso rotation is key.

❌ Forgetting the next move — Prep is a setup, don't freeze.

### Variations

Fast Prep: Quick position change.

Prep + Freeze: Hold a pose after prep.

Prep + Floor: Use prep to go to the ground.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: Smooth transitions
- 📅 Time to master: 2 weeks
- 🎵 Music: 90–100 BPM

Tip: Practice prep in combination with other moves.

Video Tutorial: Prep on GoDance →

---

## 10. Bounce + Groove

### History
This isn't a single move, but the philosophy of hip-hop. Bounce is the heartbeat, groove is the soul.

### Technique

Bounce:

• Constant knee bending to the beat
• Never stops

Groove:

• Your individuality in dance
• How YOU interpret the music
• Relaxation + control

### How to Develop

Exercise 1: Bounce Challenge

• Play a track
• Bounce for 5 minutes without stopping
• No other moves, just bounce
• Focus on feeling the music

Exercise 2: Groove Exploration

• Bounce + head movement
• Bounce + shoulder movement
• Bounce + arm movement
• Bounce + torso movement

Exercise 3: Freestyle

• Bounce + any learned moves
• Improvise to the music
• Don't think, feel

### Common Mistakes

❌ Bounce too big — Keep it compact.

❌ Only knees bouncing — Engage your whole body.

❌ Too tense — Relax but maintain control.

❌ Dancing "in your head" — Turn off your mind, turn on your body.

### Practice

- 🎯 Goal: Natural, constant bounce
- 📅 Time to master: Lifelong refinement
- 🎵 Music: any hip-hop

Tip: Bounce and groove separate a great dancer from a robot.

Video Tutorials: Bounce & Groove on GoDance →

---

## Plan to Master in 4 Weeks

### Week 1: Basics
Goal: Master bounce and 3 simple moves

Training (30 min, 3x/week):

• 5 min: Bounce warm-up
• 10 min: Running Man
• 10 min: Two Step
• 5 min: Happy Feet

Homework: Bounce to your favorite music for 5 minutes daily.

### Week 2: Expansion
Goal: Add 3 new moves

Training (40 min, 3–4x/week):

• 5 min: Bounce warm-up
• 10 min: Review week 1
• 10 min: Criss Cross
• 10 min: Reebok
• 5 min: Combinations

Homework: Practice all moves in front of a mirror.

### Week 3: Complexity
Goal: Master complex moves

Training (45 min, 4x/week):

• 5 min: Bounce warm-up
• 10 min: Review all moves
• 10 min: Roger Rabbit + Smurf
• 10 min: Brooklyn + Prep
• 10 min: Freestyle

Homework: Create a combo of 4–5 moves.

### Week 4: Integration
Goal: Free improvisation

Training (60 min, 4–5x/week):

• 5 min: Bounce warm-up
• 20 min: All moves to music
• 20 min: Freestyle improvision
• 10 min: Record yourself, analyze
• 5 min: Cool down

Homework: Dance at least 10 minutes daily.

---

## Move Combinations

Hip-hop moves rarely stand alone. Here are popular combos:

### Combo 1: Classic Flow

• Two Step (2 counts)
• Running Man (4 counts)
• Two Step (2 counts)
• Criss Cross (4 counts)

### Combo 2: Old School Vibe

• Brooklyn (4 counts right)
• Brooklyn (4 counts left)
• Reebok (4 counts)
• Happy Feet (4 counts)

### Combo 3: Quick Feet

• Happy Feet (4 counts)
• Roger Rabbit (4 counts)
• Running Man (4 counts)
• Two Step (4 counts)

### Combo 4: Smooth Transition

• Smurf (4 counts)
• Prep (1 count)
• Running Man (6 counts)
• Freeze (1 count)

Tip: Create your own! Experiment with order and rhythm.

---

## Music for Practice

The right music is critical for learning.

### For Beginners (slow, 80–95 BPM)

• Grandmaster Flash – "The Message"
• Run-DMC – "It's Tricky"
• Salt-N-Pepa – "Push It"
• MC Hammer – "U Can't Touch This"

### For Intermediate (95–105 BPM)

• OutKast – "Hey Ya!"
• Missy Elliott – "Work It"
• N.E.R.D. – "Lapdance"
• The Roots – "You Got Me"

### For Advanced (105+ BPM)

• Travis Scott – "SICKO MODE"
• Kendrick Lamar – "HUMBLE."
• Megan Thee Stallion – "Savage"
• Drake – "Started From The Bottom"

Tip: Start with slow tracks. Once you master a move, speed up the music.

---

## Next Steps

You've learned 10 basic moves — the foundation. Where to go next?

### 1. Deepen the Basics
Don't rush to learn new moves. Perfect these 10 until they're automatic.

### 2. Explore Styles
Hip-hop includes many styles:

• Breaking
• Popping
• Locking
• House
• Krump

Explore style lessons on GoDance →

### 3. Develop Musicality
Learn to hear different layers in music:

• Bass
• Hi-hat
• Snare
• Melody

### 4. Improvise
Put on music and dance. Don't think about moves — feel them.

### 5. Attend Events
Jams, battles, workshops — meet like-minded people and find inspiration.

### 6. Learn from Pros
On GoDance, access lessons from top Russian instructors.

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## FAQ: Questions About Basic Moves

How long does it take to master all 10 moves?
With regular practice (3–4 times a week, 30–45 minutes), you'll grasp basic technique in 1–2 months. But mastery can take years. Even pros continually work on fundamentals.

Do I need to learn moves in a specific order?
It's best to start with the simplest: bounce, Two Step, Running Man, Happy Feet. Then progress to harder moves. But everyone learns differently — go with what feels right.

What if I can't get a move?

• Slow down — practice at half speed
• Break it down into simple parts
• Watch videos — study details
• Take a break — sometimes a pause helps
• Get feedback — record yourself and ask for critique

Above all, don't give up. Everyone goes through this.

Can I learn only from videos without a teacher?
Yes, many professional dancers are self-taught. But a teacher accelerates progress: corrects mistakes, gives feedback, motivates, structures learning. On GoDance, you get the best of both: video lessons from pros.

Do I need physical fitness?
For basic moves, no. Hip-hop itself is great exercise. Strength, endurance, and coordination come with practice. For advanced elements (especially power moves in breaking), general fitness, stretching, and core strength help.

How do I know if I'm doing a move correctly?
Signs of correct technique:

• ✅ Comfortable movement
• ✅ Can do it for a while without fatigue
• ✅ Hits the rhythm
• ✅ Looks smooth

Signs of mistakes:

• ❌ Get tired quickly
• ❌ Lose balance
• ❌ Looks jerky
• ❌ Off beat

Tip: Record yourself. Compare with pros.

How do I stop thinking about moves while dancing?
It comes with practice. You need to re-train your body:

• Stage 1: Conscious incompetence — You know the move but must think about each step.
• Stage 2: Conscious competence — You do it correctly but need focus.
• Stage 3: Unconscious competence — Body moves automatically. You think about music and emotion, not technique.

To speed up: Lots of reps (100+), practice to different music, combine with other moves, improvise.

What's more important: technique or groove?
Both, but groove is more important. You can have perfect technique but without groove it looks dead. Conversely, even basic technique with strong groove looks like a real dancer.

Rule: Develop groove and musicality first, then refine technique.

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## Conclusion: The Journey Begins with the First Step

These 10 moves are your foundation in hip-hop. But remember: moves are just tools. The real dance is how YOU use them.

Don't chase quantity. Better to know 10 moves perfectly than 100 poorly.

Practice. Improvise. Enjoy.

### 🚀 Learn Hip-Hop with the Best on GoDance

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