Famous Hip Hop Dancers

There are a number of famous hip hop dancers who have shaped the dance scene as we know it today. From choreographers featured on hit television shows, to more behind the scenes folks who make music videos and dance classes come alive all over the nation, this article aims to profile a few of those who have made a large influence.

Hip hoppers are a dime a dozen, especially when you take into account how many schools and studios are teaching the craft to a new generation every day. There are choreographers, instructors, students, aspiring dancers, and those who just dance on the street for fun. Hip hop dancers are everywhere, and yet only a select few hit the big time with a high profile contract and the opportunity to influence and inspire the rest of the dance community.

Talent alone is not nearly enough. A dancer needs to have other qualities to stand out from the crowd. Charisma and stage presence are vital. Dance is a very competitive career, and those who make it to the top did not get there by being shy and lurking in shadows. A top dancer is on top of his game at all times and takes every opportunity to make his dance moves known.

Being in the right place at the right time is also important. Dance competition shows such as America’s Best Dance Crew, So You Think You Can Dance, and America’s Got Talent have helped to discover the newest hip hop teams and dancers – opportunities these individuals wouldn’t have otherwise received.

Finally, perseverance is key. Today’s hip hop celebrities have paid their dues – there is rarely such a thing as overnight success. Below are some examples of those individuals who have talent, charisma, timing and tenacity – which is exactly why they’re stars.

Young and vibrant, Wade rocks the under 30 scene when it comes to hip hop dance. Originally from Australia, Wade moved to the United States with his family when he was nine to pursue his dreams of entertaining. He hit achievements some only dream of before he was even in high school, including a teaching job at the age of 12 and the chance to choreograph for a world famous singer (Britney Spears) when he was only 16. He went on to choreograph Britney’s tour performances, her HBO special, and some of her most famous videos. He has also choreographed for NSYNC. In 2007, Wade won an Emmy award for his most recent choreography gig – on the ever-popular TV show So You Think You Can Dance.

Dan Karaty has written routines for singers such as Jessica Simpson and Kylie Minogue. He is also known for being a judge and choreographer for So You Think You Can Dance. He also choreographs for America’s Got Talent. The child of two Broadway performers, he attended New York University and has performed on Broadway himself – in the musical Footloose.

A native of Arizona, Friedman’s mother was a college dance teacher and he was discovered by an agent in Los Angeles while taking a trip to visit a friend. He ditched high school to become a professional dancer at 16, gleaning his education instead from dance greats such as Twyla Tharp and Kenny Ortega. He guest judges on various television talent shows, and has been nominated for awards for his choreography, including an MTV video music award in 2003. These are just a few of the famous hip hop dancers worth admiring and holding up as a role model. Their ambition and drive can be applied as an example to any career path, ensuring success in whatever one dreams of doing.

• Photos of Ballet Dancers
• Dance Studio Equipment
• Pictures of Limbo Dancing

• Dance Steps to Thriller
• Popular Line Dances
• Famous Choreographers
• Country Line Dance Steps
• Famous Ballet Dancers

• Hip Hop Dance Schools
• Hip Hop Dance Moves
• History of Hip Hop Dance
• Hip-Hop Dance Classes
• Learn Hip Hop Dance