The House Dance Project

House Dance Evolution

To contact us:

Phone: 9172703651

E-mail: byron@thehousedanceproject.com

 

New School

The next wave of house dancers came after the hip hop explosion was already full tilt.  Mega clubs such as the Tunnel were playing to mixed audiences, which included both house and hip-hop.  For some DJ’s, the delineation between dance music was seen as more of a marketing ploy, but for the dancers, an evolution occurred.   Many of the hip hop dancers (party dancers, poppers, b-boys) were attracted to the rhythms and messages contained with the house sound of the time.  The music had graduated to include Latin, African, and various electronically derived beats of experimental jazz and DJ/Producers.

In addition, house remixes of existing songs became a popular format for B sides of many LPs. 

 To address these new rhythms, the old disco steps of the 70’s became infused with hybrids from tap, Latin, African, and other social and traditional dances.  The combination of the Chicago Jack and the New York footwork became the foundation for the post Loft version of House Dance.

Many of the new dancers have pushed the limits and added to the fabric and texture of house scene over the years.   Many hybrids and new groups have taken form from the house club and used house movement.  Cyclone and his crew, the infamous Step Fenz, a prominent B-boy crew, combine house, bboying, and other dances to produce a lethal arsenal.  Afro-mosaic Soul combines roots, lofting, and house steps to evoke an organic approach to the diasporas of Black Brooklyn culture.   

An with new abilities and fresh approaches, groups like the New Dance Fusion, GBA, Soul Sector, Flowology, Otrip, Wanted, Alma, Roots,  Next Generation, Vissi, and THDP chase the evolution of house music with movement, innovation, and culture. 

Byron Cox

 

Cross Step