"Street dance is about the music"

10:20am Friday 18th July 2008

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Driving to Little Frieth along picturesque country lanes and past quaint village pubs, I was struck with a certain sense of irony. You see, my reason for the scenic journey was a hip hop lesson with the artistic director and founder of street dance specialists Urban Strides, Andy Instone, who is busy preparing for Hip Hop Don't Stop 08 - a unique event which will see the finest hip hop and street dancers from around the world coming to High Wycombe to teach their secrets from July 28 to August 1.

Stressing the importance of understanding the culture of hip hop, Andy embarks on a lengthy explanation before I can get in touch with my inner groove, telling me: "Modern street dancing started in the '70s in the James Brown era with social movements. Everyone would form a circle and dance together. For example the bump was a social dance that everybody did and it was defined by the music playing in the clubs at that time, just like it is now.

"I trained with one of the original lockers. I don’t just watch it on TV, I learn off the guys that were there. It’s very costly to travel round the world but it means that I get the truth."

Andy Instone

"Around the same time in Los Angeles the popular style of locking was born - it took the social movement and put it into a theatrical concept for the stage and TV and became massive from exposure on the TV show Soul Train.

"Then you have Bboying which came from New York. Bboy stands for break beat, break boy, Bronx boy or boogie boy, it depends who you speak to; it was the media that decided to call it break dancing."

After taking a quick breath, Andy continues: "Then, in the '80s, music technology evolved and the dance developed to the sharp jerking movements and poppin was born. This was made famous by Michael Jackson, who was taught by Pop N' Taco and Popin Pete, two street dancers from LA.

"Ultimately all street dance is about the music of that era and the music is defined by the artists as well as the political, social and economic climate, and because of its constantly evolving nature it is one of the most accessible dance forms and is suitable for anyone who has a passion for music and movement"

Once Andy, 26, is satisfied I have a thorough enough understanding he sets about teaching me what he calls "the foundation" of street dance, the rock'.

For all my bravado, as soon as I find myself in the middle of the dance studio and instructed to bounce, nerves and embarrassment take over, prompting Andy to comment: "This is the problem most adults have, they are too stiff and can't let go, whereas kids are great because they don't embarrass so easily."

Initial blushes over I start to enjoy myself (not to mention sweat profusely) and Andy - a locking expert and revered choreographer - goes on to teach me a slide, a battle rock and a baby freeze.

Dance is not just a job, it is Andy's life, which is what makes him such a great teacher, as he tells me: "I trained with one of the original lockers. I don't just watch it on TV, I learn off the guys that were there. It's very costly to travel round the world but it means that I get the truth."

This is the basis of what makes Urban Strides (excuse the pun) strides ahead of the competition: a dedication to observing the fundamentals of street dance rather than simply sticking to commercial MTV dance routines, which Andy tells me are actually founded in jazz.

In fact, Urban Strides are so well respected they were asked to open the Royal Variety Performance when they wanted a hip hop act and are the first street dance company to complete a ten-date arena tour.

So, if you fancy learning from the best, including a world champion who is flying in especially from Las Vegas, and choreographers who have worked with artists such as Dizzee Rascal, Kanye West and even Her Majesty the Queen, then sign up to Hip Hop Don't Stop 08.

Just remember to keep it real!