Modern dance courses & street dance classes for kids

Modern dance is a very broad category of performing arts that is associated with theatrical dancing styles rooted in folk, ethnic or social practice and is thought to have risen in popularity as a backlash to classical ballet. Free dance emerged in the late 19th Century as a precursor to modern dance, and evolved with each generation of artist in response to the decline of Victorian social strictures, political crises and periods of economic depression. In the 20th Century it was also significantly influenced by the African and Caribbean dance movements with its characteristics of flexible torso and spine, polyrhythmic movement and articulated pelvis.

Modern dance courses for kids contain many dance syles that blend ballet skills with modern dance. The most popular courses include k-pop dance for kids. This is a dance style that is associated with music videos in the South Korean pop music scene that include a lot of complicated and precise movements. K-pop dance for children is all about creativity, teamwork, accuracy, passion and energy. K-pop dance contains lots of formation changes where dancers must all be in sync and group choreography where dancers are moving in exactly the same way at the same time. If you’re looking for a fun, engaging, social and high energy course for kids, then K-pop dance courses are a must try.

Another very popular dance style is jazz funk dance for kids. As the name suggests, it is a blend of jazz dance (swing, tap, ballet) and hip-hop. Jazz funk has foundational movements that are jazz which means a routine might include pirouettes, arabesques or dancing on relevé. It also has greater precision and scripting than hip-hop, often including swoops, body rolls and precise footwork.

Another incredibly popular modern dance style is hip-hop dance for kids. This has evolved as part of a broader hip-hop culture which includes music, and hip-hop dance for children reflects a street dance style put to (clean!) hip-hop music. Within hip-hop itself, there are a number of different techniques used such as breaking or breakdancing (vigorous acrobatic movements and complicated footwork), funk, lyrical and stepping. The most popular hip-hop dance of them all is the moon walk created by Michael Jackson in 1983!

Some other modern dance courses for kids on the Bizibuz platform include popping, waacking, locking, double dutch, Latin dance, zumba dance, and pure jazz dance.

Figuring out which type of dance style might resonate most with your child is never that straightforward but we’ve tried to make it easier for you below! Look up the dance examples provided to watch videos of the different styles. Afterall above all modern dance classes for kids should be FUN!

How would you describe K-pop dance to a child?

K-pop dance is a type of dance that is often performed by K-pop groups, which are music groups from South Korea. The dance style often combines hip-hop, jazz, and other modern dance styles with traditional Korean dance elements.

K-pop dance is known for its dynamic and energetic movements, synchronized choreography, and flashy costumes. The dance routines often feature intricate footwork, sharp turns, and impressive jumps and acrobatics.

Some of the most well known K-pop dances (that a child may recognize) include

"Gangnam Style" by Psy: This song and dance became a viral sensation in 2012, and the dance moves, including the "horse-riding" move, are still recognized and imitated today.
"Sorry Sorry" by Super Junior: This song and dance became a hit in 2009 and is one of the most iconic K-pop dances. The dance includes hand gestures, footwork, and synchronized movements.
"I Am the Best" by 2NE1: This song and dance became popular in 2011 and features strong and confident movements, along with a catchy beat.
"Fantastic Baby" by Big Bang: This song and dance became a hit in 2012 and features a mix of modern and traditional Korean dance elements, along with colorful costumes.
"Blood Sweat & Tears" by BTS: This song and dance became popular in 2016 and features fluid movements, intricate footwork, and powerful expressions.
"TT" by Twice: This song and dance became a hit in 2016 and features cute and playful movements, along with a catchy chorus.

How would you describe Jazz Funk to a child?

Jazz funk is a type of dance that combines elements of jazz and hip-hop dance styles. It's a fun and energetic dance style that often features fast, upbeat music and sharp, precise movements.

In jazz funk, dancers often use their entire body to express themselves, from their fingertips to their toes. The dance style is known for its fluid, dynamic movements, including isolations, turns, jumps, and kicks. Jazz funk is often associated with popular music and is often seen in music videos and live performances.

The most famous jazz funk dances that are popular amongst kids include

“Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce: This song and dance routine features a mix of jazz funk and African dance styles, and has become an iconic routine in the music industry.
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: This song and dance routine features a mix of jazz funk and hip-hop dance styles, and has become a popular routine for dance performances and competitions.
“Worth It” by Fifth Harmony ft. Kid Ink: This song and dance routine features a blend of jazz, hip-hop, and burlesque styles, and has become a popular routine for dance groups and solo performers.
“Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish: This song and dance routine features a mix of jazz funk and contemporary dance styles, and has become a popular routine for dance competitions and showcases.
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran: This song and dance routine features a mix of jazz funk and ballroom dance styles, and has become a popular routine for dance groups and solo performers.

How would you describe Hip-Hop dance to a child?

Hip-hop is a type of dance that originated in African American and Latino communities in the United States in the 1970s. It's a fun and energetic dance style that features fast, upbeat music and dynamic movements.

Hip-hop dance is often characterized by its emphasis on rhythm and groove, and incorporates a variety of different movements, including popping, locking, breaking, and krumping. These movements involve isolating different parts of the body and moving them in sync with the beat of the music. Hip-hop is not just a dance style, but also a culture that includes music, fashion, and art.

Some examples of different dances that have contributed to the growing popularity of hip classes for kids include (your kids will no doubt be able to demonstrate these to you if you’re not familiar with them!)

The Dougie: This dance originated in Dallas, Texas, in the 1990s, and became popular in the 2010s thanks to the song "Teach Me How to Dougie" by Cali Swag District. It involves a combination of arm movements, swaying, and footwork
The Running Man: This dance originated in the 1980s and involves a series of quick, alternating steps while moving forward. It has been featured in many music videos and movies.
The Whip/Nae Nae: This dance became popular in 2015 thanks to the song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" by Silentó. It involves a combination of arm movements and a hip sway.
The Harlem Shake: This dance originated in Harlem, New York, in the 1980s, and became popular in the early 2000s thanks to the song "Harlem Shake" by Baauer. It involves a series of quick, jerky movements.
The Floss: This dance became popular in 2017 thanks to the video game Fortnite. It involves swinging your arms and hips in opposite directions while simultaneously swinging your legs back and forth.

Famous modern dancers in Hong Kong or Singapore from which a child might draw inspiration

Try to see performances of the following top dancers with your child to get into the groove of learning modern dance. Listed in no particular order.

K-pop dance

Mandy Wong: Mandy Wong is a popular dancer and choreographer in Hong Kong who has gained a large following on social media for her K-pop dance covers. She is known for her precise and dynamic movements and has covered dances from many popular K-pop groups.
Bubble Gum: Bubble Gum is a dance crew from Hong Kong that specializes in K-pop dance covers. The group has performed at many events and competitions in Hong Kong and has gained a large following on social media.
The Hype: The Hype is another dance crew from Hong Kong that is known for their K-pop dance covers. They have won several awards for their dance performances
Urban Dance Crew: Urban Dance Crew is a popular dance group in Singapore that specializes in K-pop dance covers. The group has performed at many events and competitions in Singapore.
Kueendom: Kueendom is an all-female dance crew that is known for their K-pop dance covers, also with a robust social media following.
Jayden Rodrigues: Jayden Rodrigues is a popular dancer and choreographer in Singapore similarly well known for performing K-pop dance covers.

Jazz funk

Becky Lee: Becky Lee is a jazz funk dancer and choreographer in Hong Kong. She has won quite a few awards for her dance performances and has worked with many famous artists across Asia.
Fiona Fung: Fiona Fung is a talented jazz funk dancer and choreographer who is also the founder of a dance group called "The Hotsteppers."
Ming Bridges: Ming Bridges is a singer and actress in Singapore who is known for her jazz funk dance performances. She has worked with many famous choreographers and dancers in Singapore.
Matthew Goh: Matthew Goh is a jazz funk dancer and choreographer in Singapore with a strong social media presence given his wins at various competitions.
Rachel Lim: Rachel Lim is a talented jazz funk dancer and choreographer and is also the founder of a dance group called "The Urban Dance Company."
Kreativ Units: Kreativ Units is a popular dance group in Singapore that specializes in jazz funk dance. The group has performed at many events and competitions in Singapore.

Hip hop dance

Henry Chung: Henry Chung is probably the most well known hip hop dancer and choreographer in Hong Kong.
Andy Wong: Andy Wong is another popular hip hop dancer and choreographer from Hong Kong who has performed in many dance competitions.
Jazzy Li: Jazzy Li is a talented hip hop dancer and choreographer who has won multiple awards for her dance performances.
Emilie Chan: Emilie Chan is a hip hop dancer and choreographer, and the founder of an all-female dance crew called "Ladies First."
Johnson Lee: Johnson Lee is a hip hop dancer and choreographer in Hong Kong who is also a staple presence at many competitions.
Kei: Kei is an award winning hip hop dancer and choreographer in Singapore.
Ritz Lim: Ritz Lim is a talented hip hop dancer and choreographer, and the founder of an all-female dance crew called "Radikal Forze."
Geraldine Ong: Geraldine Ong is another well-known hip hop dancer and choreographer in Singapore.
Ryan Tan: Ryan Tan is a popular hip hop dancer and choreographer in Singapore, having won several dance competitions

If you want to take your child to see any of the above talents perform or want to enter your child in a dance competition to win acclaim and cash prizes (!), then check out the following dance competitions which are held annually and either open to dancers of all ages, or particularly targeted at youth: Hong Kong International Youth Dance Festival, Hong Kong Dance Open, Hong Kong Dance Power, Singapore Youth Festival Dance, Get The Beat Asia, and Singapore Dance Delight.

The benefits of kids’ modern dance classes, kpop dance courses

The benefits of modern dance classes such as k-pop, hip-hop and jazz funk for children include

encouraging an active lifestyle which establishes healthy practices for adulthood
enhancing cognitive development
improving social skills
physical benefits such as strengthening bones
protecting against future cardiovascular disease, cancer and metabolic diseases
increasing engagement levels and confidence
better quality sleep which improves a child’s resiliency and concentration