Hip Hop Dancing

To get the best advice on Hip Hop dancing, I talked to my friend, hip hop master and company director, Sarah "Saza" Dimmick.

Saza co-directs the hottest dance company in the Phoenix area, Epik Dance Company. I asked her what it takes to get the job, why hip hop is so pertinent right now and, of course, about the shoes.

Have the Right Shoes

HTD: What shoes do you love to dance in?

Saza: PUMAS all the way... I also love my Reebok high tops... but I recommend getting insoles or arch supports. Those shoes are great because they are light and stylish, but they don't always offer the best support... take care of your feet! :)

HTD: Are there any hip hop dance shoes you just hate?

Saza: Ummmmm.... some of the "hip hop" sneakers made by dance apparel companies are pretty cheesy... I'd rather stick with regular sneakers.

HTD: Newbies usually don't know what shoes to buy. What other shoes do you recomend?

Saza: Any shoes that are light and pliable, that you can really move around in... nothing with too much tread at the bottom that will keep you from sliding or turning. Some of my fave brands are Puma, Adidas, and Reebok, but any brand will do - just keep em funky!

Hip Hop Dancing

Saza: To be a well-rounded dancer, its important to take as many different styles of training as you can, including hip hop.

Nowadays, dance jobs are looking for dancers who can switch from one style to the next. Choreographers are creating work that is more fusion-influenced, where they combine different dance genres in one choreographic piece. You should never limit yourself to being "just a ballerina" or "just a contemporary dancer." It's all important.

And on top of that, hip hop is FUN! It teaches rhythm, control, dynamics, performance, and promotes self-esteem and creativity through freestyle activities.

HTD: So, when you hold auditions for Epik, what are the 3 most important qualities you look for?

Saza: Technique - the ability to pick up the choreography quickly and perform it with good form and as clean and precise as possible.

Performance - the energy that they give out to the judges/audience through their body and their facial expressions; the ability to express an emotion through their movement

Freestyle - For a hip hop audition, you can always count on having to freestyle or improvise. I look for originality, attitude and performance, confidence and good technique in a variety of styles.

Attitude - (I know you only said 3 but this is important!) You will be watched from the moment you enter the room. I watch how the dancers treat each other, how they respond to direction and their general attitude as a whole. I don't care how good you are, I don't want to work with someone with a bad attitude.

HTD: So true. So, some people are nervous going to their first class. Any advice?

Saza: Just go for it and focus on having fun! Don't be hard on yourself - you have to start somewhere, right? I remember my first dance class - I had 2 left feet! But I just kept at it, and each time I got a little better.

HTD: Is ballet training a plus or minus when it comes to hip hop?

Saza: Plus, plus, plus!! Ballet will help ANY dance style! It teaches you body and spatial awareness, balance, and coordination. Even the b-boys and b-girls in EPIK take ballet!

Looks that Work!

HTD: You always look great. What are 2 of your favorite hip hop dancing outfits?

Saza: For class, I really like rockin' a t-shirt with the neck cut out 80's style with a sports bra underneath with sweats or shorts and a pair of high top sneakers.

I'm also a fan of layers and funky jackets and accessories - arm bands, hats, bandanas, gloves.

See looks that are serious but not trying too hard.

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