Framing Hip Hop Dance as an Object of Sociological and Cultural Research

Abstract The longevity of Hip Hop dance has generated a rich cultural legacy that links it with music, spoken word, art, writing, and photography. Another important feature of Hip Hop dance is the way it situates the body in space and place. Although Hip Hop dance is a global form, it retains strong ties to the “local,” a quality that reflects Hip Hop’s origins as a street culture. This chapter provides a series of conceptual and theoretical tools with which to contextualize and think about Hip Hop dance. Drawing on contemporary sociological and cultural theories of key themes, including the body, space and place, and cultural scenes, as well as work around identity and belonging, the chapter will equip readers with the necessary conceptual and analytical skills to begin to think critically about Hip Hop dance and its significance as a contemporary cultural practice.