Hobbies & Pursuits Part XLVII
Freestyling
What freestyling ibasically is ?
Freestyling is a fun, creative dance form
that anyone can enjoy! Simply put, freestyling is dancing without choreography
- it's all about moving freely to the beat in a way that feels good to you.
There are no set rules when it comes to freestyle dancing.
Rather than focusing on learning specific
routines or steps, freestyling is all about self-expression and improvisation.
Dancers experiment with their own unique style and flow by stringing together
moves however they feel inspired in the moment. It's a super welcoming dance
style because there's no pressure to hit the "right" moves - you can
just vibe out however your body wants to move!
This open-ended nature is what makes
freestyling so accessible for people of all ages and skill levels. Even if
you've never taken a dance class before, freestyling gives you the freedom to
put your own spin on the dance floor. Kids, teens, adults - anyone can jump in
and start moving to the music in a way that feels good. Whether you're a
seasoned dancer or a total beginner, freestyling provides a low-pressure way to
enjoy the fun of dancing.
There's also no "wrong" way to
freestyle - it's all about following your own creative flow. Want to mix up
some hip hop-inspired moves with some ballet? Go for it! Feel like busting out
a silly improvised dance one moment and a more fluid contemporary style the
next? You're free to switch it up as much or as little as you like. The great
thing about freestyling is that self-expression and personal flair are highly
encouraged over technical perfection.
So whether you're looking for a new hobby,
a fun social activity, or simply want to bust a move without overthinking it,
freestyling provides an inclusive, flexible dance form that people of all
backgrounds can enjoy. Give it a try - I promise you'll have a blast just
cutting loose to the beat in your own unique way!
Physical and mental health benefits of freestyling
Freestyling is not only super fun, but it
can also provide some amazing physical and mental health benefits. Did you know
that dancing is actually a fantastic way to improve your coordination, build
confidence, and reduce stress? As a freestyle dancer, you experience all these
perks and more.
For one thing, freestyling is a full-body
workout that gets your blood pumping to boost cardiovascular health. All that
movement also helps build muscle tone, flexibility, and balance. When you're in
the zone improvising dance moves, your brain and body have to work together
seamlessly. This constant coordination of different movements trains your brain
to fire on all cylinders. Over time, freestyling can really enhance things like
hand-eye coordination, footwork, and spatial awareness.
Mentally, freestyling is super empowering
because it encourages self-expression. Having the freedom to just move however
you want, without worrying about the "right" way to dance, does
wonders for confidence and self-esteem. You learn to truly own your personal
style through trial and error on the dance floor. After a while of freestyling,
public speaking or performing in front of others may seem like no big deal!
The physical activity of dancing also
releases feel-good endorphins that can help relieve stress. Freestyling offers
a fun way to blow off steam and fully immerse yourself in joyful movement. No
more thinking about your to-do list or problems at work - just pure presence
and positivity through dance. Whether you freestyle alone at home or in a
group, that stress-melting effect is powerful.
So in summary, when you make freestyling a
regular hobby, you gain so much more than just dance skills. You invest in your
overall well-being by improving coordination, building confidence from within,
and reducing stress - benefits that will enhance your quality of life both on
and off the dance floor.
Basic overview of freestyle dance styles and movements
Alright, so you want to try your hand at
freestyling but aren't sure where to start? No problem - let me give you a
quick rundown of some basic freestyle dance styles and moves to get your
creative juices flowing on the dance floor!
A great place to begin exploring your
freestyle style is with some classic hip hop moves. This includes things like
body isolations (popping different body parts like shoulders, arms, legs),
waving/windmills (circular arm movements), and footwork tricks like liquid
(smooth ankle rolls), glides, and swipes. Hip hop is super accessible because
it focuses on sharp, punchy movements driven by the lower body.
If you want to experiment with more fluid
styles, contemporary or jazz dance are great options for freestyling too. These
incorporate long, flowing arm lines and continuous full-body isolation. Some
go-to contemporary moves include leg swings, torso isolations, and floor work
like rolls. Jazz dance lends itself well to kicks, leaps, and turns too.
House dance is another foundational
freestyle genre with an emphasis on fluidity. Its signature four-on-the-floor
beat lends to moves like jackhammers (up-down foot motions), shoulder shimmies,
and booty pops. You can also experiment with liquid-like arm movements that ebb
and flow.
No matter your style, don't forget the
fundamentals of body rolls, body waves, and voguing-inspired poses too! And
most importantly - don't be afraid to mix it all up however feels natural in
the moment. The beauty of freestyling is that there are no rules - it's all
about following your creative flow and having fun out there. I hope this gives
you a good starting point to put your own unique spin on the dance floor. Now
go freestyle!
Freestyling tutorials or choreography videos
Okay, I've got a few great freestyling
tutorial videos lined up that are perfect for beginners to follow along with
and start picking up some basic moves. Are you ready to learn?
The first one I recommend is a 10-minute
hip hop dance warmup by The Studio West. It covers all the fundamentals - from
isolations, body rolls and waves to some foundational footwork. The instructor
breaks things down super clearly step-by-step so you can easily follow. I
always go back to this one when I'm feeling rusty.
Next, check out Kayla Hanna's jazz dance
tutorial on YouTube. In just 5 minutes she teaches a short routine that
incorporates jazz classics like kicks, leaps and turns. It's super fun and will
have you feeling like a dancing queen in no time. Plus the music is super
upbeat so it's hard not to get into the groove.
If you want to start exploring house dance,
Janelle Ginestra has an awesome beginner tutorial. In under 10 minutes she
covers all the low-impact essentials like jackhammers, shoulder shimmies and
booty pops. The routine is repeated on both sides so both halves of your brain
get a workout too.
Finally, for something a bit more hip hop
driven, check out cody_simpson's 20-minute freestyle practice video. He breaks
down a range of body rolls, arm waves and footwork combinations that you can
mix and match however feels right. It's a great way to start putting together
your own moves.
Have fun exploring those videos - don't get
frustrated if you need to rewatch parts. Freestyling is all about having fun,
so dance like no one's watching! Let me know if you want any other video
recommendations for building your freestyle skills.
Profiling inspirational freestyle dancers who found success and joy through their passion.
You know, one of the coolest things about
freestyle dancing is that it has allowed so many talented individuals to find
success and fulfillment through following their passion. Let me tell you about
a few inspiring freestylers who really wowed the world with their unique moves
and styles.
We've got to talk about Lil Buck. This
Memphis native is known worldwide for his jaw-dropping jookin' skills - a style
of dance that originated in his hometown. Through viral videos and performances
with Madonna, he demonstrated how jookin' can be both mesmerizingly fluid and
powerfully athletic. His rise from the streets of Memphis to the global stage
is super inspiring.
Another household name is Lil Man. As a
pioneer of Memphis jookin', his signature liquid-like arm and torso isolations
blew audiences away. But it was his joy, charisma and willingness to share his
craft that truly captivated people. He proved dance has no boundaries and has
inspired countless youth to find confidence through their moves.
In the house dance world, a standout is
Tommieee. Her electric performances at events like Dance Battle USA showcase
not only unbelievable technique, but a passion and personality that light up
any room. Through competitions and her viral videos, she's become a leading
lady in the scene and proof that hard work and dedication really pay off.
On a more commercial level, choreographers
like JaQuel Knight and Sean Bankhead have taken their freestyle skills all the
way to mega stars like Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake. Their unique styles
helped define major pop eras and introduce new audiences to dance on a global
scale. Talk about living your dreams!
Stories like these go to show that
freestyling isn't just about the moves - it's about the joy, self-expression
and community it can foster. I hope these dancers continue inspiring many more
to find their groove.
Freestyling is about self-expression rather than perfection. Having fun is the goal
.
You know, one thing I think is really
important for beginners to remember when starting out with freestyling is that
it's really not about being perfect - it's all about just having fun and
expressing yourself through movement!
When I first started exploring dance, I put
so much pressure on myself to get all the moves exactly right. But over time I
realized the best freestylers aren't the most technically flawless, they're the
ones who dance with the most confidence, joy and personality. Freestyling is a
way to truly feel music and let loose, not a performance you have to
meticulously rehearse.
So I say forget worrying if your two-step
is tidy or your isolations are loose - just focus on finding the rhythm in each
song and letting your body flow however it wants to. The best way to improve is
by dancing without self-judgment and simply enjoying the process. You'll be
surprised how much more freely you express yourself when you stop overthinking
every little move.
It's also important to remember that
everyone's style is different. What looks amazing for one person may look
totally different for another, and that's what makes freestyling so fun - you
get to define your own swag. So don't compare yourself to videos online or
other dancers. Focus on cultivating your unique moves and own it with
confidence.
At the end of the day, dancing is a
celebration. So don't be afraid to cut loose, smile big and dance from your
heart - even if that means busting out some silly improvised moves that make
you giggle. That sense of play is what freestyling is all about. As long as
you're moving to music and having a blast, you're doing it right!
So go ahead and freestyle - express
yourself freely without judgment. I promise having fun is way more important
than anything else when you're starting out. The skills will come with time, so
just dance on!
Ways to practice freestyling on your own or find local dance communities.
Here are some great ways for you to start
practicing freestyling on your own or connect with other dancers in your area:
One of the easiest things you can do is
follow along with dance tutorials online. There are tons of great instructional
videos that can help build your foundation, like this one from Mike
Bredy[^1](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5rPfOKW17KTdLUjl8p3_Yg/videos).
Following along is a low-pressure way to learn some new moves.
Beyond The Moves also has a great
self-paced training program[^2](https://www.beyondthemoves.com/) that gives
customized routines and challenges to keep improving your freestyling skills
from home. Their workouts are super fun and will have you feeling like a better
dancer in no time.
If you want some live instruction, check
sites like Meetup.com to see if there are any dance classes, cyphers or jams
happening near you. Local dance studios may also offer hip hop, house or other
freestyle-focused classes. Taking group lessons is a wonderful way to learn
proper technique and meet new dance friends.
You can also search hashtags on Instagram
like #freestyledance or #hiphopcyphers to find local dance communities and
events in your city. A lot of crews and promoters use social media to connect
dancers and organize sessions. Following local dancers is a great way to stay
in the loop.
Once you feel ready to show off your moves,
look for open dance circles called cyphers that welcome newcomers. The energy
of dancing with others is unbeatable motivation. Just be sure to observe
etiquette and ask before joining in.
With a little practice and some exploring,
you'll discover just how much fun and expression freestyling brings. I hope
these tips help you get started on your dance journey - now go get grooving!
Freestyling - an enjoyable social activity and outlet to meet new people.
You know, one thing I really love about
freestyling is how social of an activity it can become once you start getting
more comfortable showing off your moves. Dance really is a great way to connect
with others and put yourself out there in a fun, low-pressure way.
When I first started practicing at home,
I'll admit I was pretty shy about letting people see my skills. But over time,
as I got braver joining local cyphers and classes, I realized just how
welcoming and supportive dance communities can be. People were always so
encouraging, even when I was still learning. It really helped bring me out of
my shell.
Now apart from blogging ,freestyling too has become one of my
favorite ways to meet new people. Whether it's making friends at the studio or
chatting with others at events, I've found dancers tend to be some of the most
accepting and down-to-earth groups. We all share a love of music and movement,
so there's an instant bond.
I will say practicing in front of mirrors
can get a bit lonely after a while! Dancing with others just brings so much
more energy and motivation. It's so fun bouncing moves off each other, getting
feedback, and hyping each other up. You start to form real connections and look
out for each other.
So if you're feeling shy about your skills,
I say just go for it and put yourself out there. Dance is such a welcoming
community, I promise people will be way more focused on cheering you on than
judging. You might even find your people - it's been really cool for me to make
such great friends through dance.
So don't be afraid to take your freestyling
to the next level socially. I have a feeling once you start connecting with
others through dance, you'll be hooked on all the fun and friendships it leads
to.
Ways to develop personal style through experimentation.
When it comes to developing your own
personal style as a freestyler, experimentation is key. Don't be afraid to try
new things and play around with different vibes to see what really feels right.
Here are some ideas to get you exploring your unique dance identity:
Follow different choreographers and crews
on social media for inspiration. Seeing a variety of styles performed can spark
new moves to incorporate. Try recreating short combos or putting your own spin
on trends.
Take some risks outside your comfort zone.
If you usually stick to more hip hop styles, challenge yourself with some house
dances or voguing. Or vice versa. Stepping out of the box is how you'll really
discover hidden talents.
Try different music genres too. The type of
beat you groove to shapes the way you move. Give everything from pop to K-pop a
chance. You never know what new vibes will click.
Play dress up! Outfits are self-expression.
Get creative with colors, silhouettes, accessories. Dancing in a new look can
unlock a side of you.
Record yourself from different angles.
Watch back and critique honestly - what feels most natural? Notice habits to
enhance or break. Video is so helpful for finding your flow.
Take classes beyond your norm. A yoga flow
may inspire fluidity while hip hop can build sharper tricks. Cross-training
keeps things interesting.
Don't be in a rush. Developing style is a
journey. Keep experimenting freely without judgment. One day you'll look back
and connect with the dancer staring back - that's when you'll know it's yours.
Most of all, remember to simply have fun
with it! Creativity thrives when we play, so don't overthink and just dance how
it feels good. Your personal style will shine through before you know it.
Start embracing freestyling as a hobby that provides lifelong benefits. it's never too late to start.
You know, one of the best things about
freestyling is that it's truly a hobby you can enjoy for life, no matter where
you're at in your journey. I think it's so important we make time for creative
outlets that bring us joy and keep us active. Dance really does offer so many
benefits, both physically and mentally.
Just think - as long as we have our health,
we have the ability to move. And moving feels good! Dancing is such low-impact
exercise, but it works your whole body and gets your heart pumping. I know for
me, it's the best stress relief after a long day. Your mind and body just sync
up to the beat in a really therapeutic way.
Plus, learning dance skills is so great for
your brain. It keeps you sharp, focused and engaged. Freestyling especially
requires quick thinking on your feet, adapting choreography, and retaining
patterns. Dancers often say it helps them feel more alert and confident in
everyday social situations too.
I also love how dance encourages you to
embrace self-expression no matter what stage of life you're in. It's never too
late to start exploring that creative side of yourself and bring more joy into
your world. I've seen people pick it up in their 50s, 60s, beyond! Age is
really just a number when it comes to finding an outlet you truly love.
So whether you're a seasoned pro or
complete beginner, I say don't delay and start incorporating freestyling as a
hobby now. You won't regret it, I promise. The sense of accomplishment from
learning a new move is unbeatable. And who knows, you might just find a whole
new community and a lot of fun memories along the way. What do you have to
lose, right?
Let's get moving! then !!