Street Dance as we know it today is a vibrant and dynamic form of dance that originated outside of traditional dance studios and clubs, in environments such as community spaces, block parties, barbecues and talent shows. Emerging from the cultural and social landscapes of cities across America, Street Dance encompasses a wide variety of styles that reflect the creativity, energy, and community spirit of those who practice it. These dances are often characterized by their improvisational nature, allowing dancers to express their individuality and emotions through movement. The term “Street Dance” as defined by Dr. Rennie Harris is a euphemism for community dance. These dances and rhythms are handed down from generation to generation.
Bone Breaking evolved from the Jamaican Dance Hall style referred to as “Bruk-Up”. “BrukUp” (Broken-Up) was created by George “Bruk Up Adams” who overcame a bone infection as a child to become a legendary street dancer in Jamaica. Eventually, Bruk-up became popular in Brooklyn, New York in the early to mid 90’s. BrukUp has its own interpretation of animation (Jamaican flavored) and storytelling with its trademark movement vocabulary such as the crabwalk, the shoulder pop, and many more. BrukUp (the original style, Reggae and DanceHall) also has more looser movements that look like Shotta dancing. BruckUp in the current days, NYC Style, incorporates waving, gliding, and bone breaking into the style for transitional purposes. The style has gradually evolved.
Breaking was created by African-American and Latino youths in the Bronx borough of New York City in the early 1970’s. DJ Kool Herc noticed young people would go off on the dance floor, moving with more sporadic and dynamic energy, whenever the break of the tracks he was playing would come in. The “break” being the part of the song where all vocals and other instruments would drop out, only leaving the percussion section i.e. the drummers’ solo. Seeing this, Kool Herc started to play two copies of the same record, mixing between them on two turntables with a technique called the “Merry-Go-Round”. This was so that he could extend the break and the dancers would have more time to showcase their moves. This is what inspired the creation of the dance of “breaking”, so-called because the B-boys and B-girls would dance to the break of the track (Break dance is a misnomer).
Dancehall is a vibrant culture and movement originating from the ghettos of Kingston, Jamaica. It embodies joy, freedom, and unity, offering a space for people to entertain and express themselves. Dancehall began in Kingston as a community radio alternative. Local DJs played American records, often toasting (talking over) the B-sides, which featured instrumentals, a fundamental aspect of dancehall music. This practice evolved, leading to the creation of original Jamaican beats and lyrics, forming the dancehall genre. Key pioneers include Yellowman, Super Cat, Ninja Man, and Shabba Ranks, followed by artists like Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Movado, and Vybz Kartel, Alkaline, and Popcaan. Each generation has continued to elevate the genre. Gerald “Bogle” Levy, inspired by Michael Jackson, played a significant role in dancehall dancing, creating moves and popularizing the style globally.
The term “house” can be traced back to Chicago’s nightclub The Warehouse, located at 206 S. Jefferson St. The Warehouse was opened in 1977 by Robert “Robbie” Williams, who aimed to create an after-hours nightclub similar to New York’s “The Loft”. The Loft, opened in 1970 by David Mancuso, was intended to be a place for the misfits of the era, including the gay community, Black people, and Latinos who couldn’t afford high-end nightclubs and didn’t feel welcome. Mancuso, an orphan himself, was inspired by rent parties and wanted to make The Loft a safe space for his friends. These parties were kept underground to avoid the need for an alcohol license. The music from The Warehouse became popular thanks to New York DJ Frankie Knuckles. Invited by Robbie to play as the resident DJ, Knuckles recorded his DJ sets at The Warehouse on cassette tapes and distributed them for free. These cassettes were shared all over Chicago, leading people to ask record stores for music like they heard at The Warehouse. Over time, this got shortened to “house music.” 
Jersey Club hails from Newark, New Jersey and is heavily influenced by Philly movement and Baltimore sound. The dance is known for its distinctive rhythmic patterns, and includes moves such as The Jersey Rock, The Shapbounce, Rock Yo Hips and more. 
Litefeet is a style of street dance that originated in Harlem, New York. Known for its quick rhythmic movements, it includes moves like “The Chicken Noodle Soup” and “The Tone Wop.” This dance form gained popularity in the middle 2000s (2006) and has become a significant part of Street dance culture, often showcased in music videos and social media. A few Litefeet pioneers are Mr. YouTube and Chrybaby Cozie, co-founders of Litefeet Nation. In addition, key contributors like DJ Webstar and Young B played crucial roles by creating hit songs that featured Litefeet dance moves, thus bringing wider recognition to the style. Litefeet movement vocabulary includes various signature moves, such as:
Salsa emerged in New York City, primarily among Puerto Ricans. Venues like the Palladium Ballroom played a crucial role in its development. The albums that were recorded by Palladium Ballroom were titled “Descargas”, or improvised jam sessions consisting of variations on Cuban music themes, primarily son montuno, but also guajira, bolero, guaracha and rumba. These albums were for music lovers who enjoyed the extensive time they had for improvisation, but commercially Palladium Ballroom still couldn’t compete with Jazz in terms of record sales.
The record label Fania was founded by Johnny Pacheco and Jerry Masucci in 1964. They commercially labeled the term “Salsa.” This record label gained notable popularity thanks to the album “Pacheco Cañonazo,” and by 1968, Fania launched its first All Stars at the Red Garter Club. Initially “Salsa” was referred to as Mambo (Perez Prado), a Latin mix of big band and Creole music. Tito Puente didn’t like the term; he said that salsa was what he ate, not what he played. However, salsa represents more than a marketing term; it is a genre formed over centuries. Salsa’s roots trace back to Afro-Cuban rhythms and traditions. The music incorporates elements from various Cuban genres such as Mambo, Cha-Cha-Cha, Danzón, and Son. The drum, a central element in Salsa, is derived from African music, specifically from the Yoruba tribe. The Spanish conquerors in the Caribbean allowed slaves to keep their music and drums, leading to a rich musical heritage. 
The style of “Voguing” gets its name from Vogue magazine. The movements that define the dance are based on model poses from the fashion publication. Willi Ninja, who’s called the godfather of voguing, also drew inspiration from martial arts, ballet, gymnastics, and even pantomimes. In the critically-acclaimed documentary called Paris is Burning, Ninja defines the dance as an extension of throwing shade. So whoever had the best moves, would be throwing the best shade. During the 1970s, in Harlem, houses were formed within the larger drag ballroom scene. These houses serve as surrogate families, primarily for Black and Latino queer youth.
To date there are two distinct styles of Boogaloo. Oakland Boogaloo from Oakland CA and The Electric Boogaloo’s Popping/Boogaloo style – created by Boogaloo Sam originally from Fresno California.
Created in 1992 by Thomas Johnson aka Tommy the Clown in Los Angeles. Tommy became a Hip-hop Clown as a means of surviving. Eventually it evolved into its own street dance and is now known globally.
Robot is said to be Inspired by pioneers Robot Ann, Charles “Robot” Washington, Bill “Slim the Robot” Williams and The Jackson 5’s 1973 performance of “Dancing Machine” on Soul Train. Today, it’s practiced by both amateurs and professionals.
Originally called “punking,” Whacking/Waacking is a dance style characterized by expressive, rhythmic arm movements and dramatic poses that emerged in the early 1970s LGBTQ+ club scene in Los Angeles. Two key figures were Viktor Manoel & Tyrone Proctor.
Chicago footwork, emerging around the turn of the millennium, is known for its high-tempo beats and intricate, syncopated drum patterns. A descendant of Chicago juke and ghetto house, footwork features rapid, fragmented rhythms.
Originating in Memphis, Tennessee (1980) Jooking also known as Gangsta Walking, which evolved from Gangsta Walkin’, a strutting walk with a bounce, and is characterized by freestyle movements, hip hop swag, and intricate footwork.
Bounce is a rhythmic dance style that is often playful, emphasizing creativity and personal expression. Its music is characterized by fast-paced beats, call-and-response lyrics, and lively dance moves. Bounce music incorporates elements of funk, hip-hop, and local party culture.