Ragga Jam is a highly energetic and infectious dance style. In a way, this dance is unique. It can be performed beautifully by both women and men.
Fact 1
In dance circles, Ragga Jam is often called "women's hip-hop." Indeed, when you add fluidity, femininity, sensuality, and softness to standard hip-hop moves, you get the core of Ragga Jam.
Fact 2
Ragga Jam isn't just modified 90s hip-hop moves. Modern Ragga Jam incorporates styles like dancehall and a wealth of elements from Latin American dances.
Fact 3
Nearly all Ragga Jam dancers are highly adaptable to different spaces. That's because the style has no spatial limitations. You can dance it in tiny, stuffy studios, massive dance halls, or even outdoors in the fresh air.
Fact 4
This dance style originated in France at the very end of the 20th century. That's why the movements are so feminine and delicate, reminiscent of French women of that era.
Fact 5
The founder of modern Ragga Jam is Lær Courthémon. At the time, she seemed to be attempting the impossible: to blend the boldness of street dancers and their moves, reggae music, and hot Latin American dances into one style, while keeping the choreography soft and sexy. And she succeeded.
Fact 6
When Lær Courthémon set out to create her own style, Afro-Caribbean moves from Jamaican ragga were everywhere—from casual clubs to serious venues. Before introducing the dance to the French, she decided to first give master classes to the very creators of Jamaican ragga: Latin American women. Dancers across the ocean were as thrilled with the style as they were with its creator. Only after successful master classes abroad did she feel ready to teach in her home country with a clear conscience.
Fact 7
Originally, Ragga Jam was created to boost confidence in shy, insecure women. The core movements include chest compressions, undulating back movements, and whole-body shimmies. These moves are meant to show every woman her own sensuality and femininity, regardless of weight, skin color, or scars. That still holds true today. But now the style also serves as a pillar for young men.
Fact 8
In the modern world, Ragga Jam isn't just for the young. Older adults and even retirees dance it worldwide. Thanks to the moderate physical activity it provides, participants feel better after just 2–3 sessions.
Fact 9
Ragga Jam has lifted countless people out of depression. The atmosphere in classes is almost always friendly, energetic, and positively charged.
