There are four primary elements to Hip Hop: DJing, rapping, graffiti art and break dancing. Though break dancing originated in the 1970s and 1980s, it has only become more exciting since then.
“It is still very much alive today and has been able to evolve and grow,” said Chris Torchia.
Torchia teaches break dance lessons at 329 N. Queen St. in Lancaster City on Tuesday and Thursday nights from nine until 10, each lesson costs 10 dollars per person. He will be keeping the studio open for an extra hour after lessons for people to hang around and try out their new moves.
This is his first time running his own class; however, Torchia has been teaching for about two and a half years, working in schools and helping teach other classes. He liked especially working with elementary students in Lancaster City.
Torchia got interested in break dancing when he was young. His cousin influenced him and his twin brother to start practicing and has performed at various places in Lancaster including community events and churches.
“Dancing adds so many dimensions: physical, flexibility, dance, rhythm and style,” said Torchia. “It is amazing what the human body is capable of doing and all the amazing things you can teach people.”
If you have ever seen break dancing in action, the moves can look not only daunting, but near impossible to be able to learn. However, with a little determination, even you can learn them.
“It is pretty much what you want to do with it. Some of it is difficult and other stuff is easy. It’s easy to learn the basics and girls will normally focus more on the style instead of the strength.”
Torchia explained that often time guys will have the hardcore dance moves down, but not have the same rhythm and style as girls. It offers a lot to both guys and girls, however, allowing Guys to focus on the power moves, while girls can explore the actual style.
Learning the basics takes no time at all, but people interested in getting good are going to have to work. Torchia estimated it takes about nine months to one year to get really good at it.
“It all depends on the determination of the person,” said Torchia.
Break dancing takes dedication, but the outcome is something a little more than amazing.
Millersville students would benefit from break dance lessons for many reasons.
It is a great way to relieve stress from studying and have a little fun away from campus.
It also helps to keep you in shape without feeling like it is work.
All types of people can break dance, anywhere from little kids on up to adults. Even though Torchia admits that it is not the easiest thing to try and teach a seven year old how to do it.
It has no gender or cultural divide, simply allowing everyone to express themselves through rhythm and dance.
You do not need any experience or background in dance to learn to break dance. Torchia has taught people at all levels and feels that even he has room to improve.
Loading ...
`