One of my resolutions for myself in 2013 was to start transitioning away from b-boying toward house and other street dance styles. Last week I started taking house classes with Jenay of Mix'd Ingredients Crew at ODC Studios in the Mission. So far it has been AMAZING.
House is an urban dance that primarily came out of Chicago and New York as an outgrowth of the disco scene in the 70s. The fundamental aspects of house, as I understand it, are intricate footwork, rhythmic movement, sensuality and flow. House movement incorporates latin steps, floorwork similar to breaking, vernacular jazz, tap and more.
All of that is very abstract I know. Here's an example of Brian "Footwork" Green, one of the pioneers of house dance, freestyling, showing a lot of the elements mentioned above.
I love how much continuous flow he has, and how he rocks the beat the entire time.
Jenay's class so far has been really amazing and fun. She spends part of the class working on fundamental movements of house, part of the class moving across the floor, and part of the class working on a short combo together. And she concludes the class with a dance circle, where everyone is encouraged to jump in and share whatever house moves they got.
By the end of class I'm covered in sweat after an hour and a half of non-stop dancing. House is super-aerobic and fast as hell. Can't wait to learn more!
Here's a little promo video about Jenay's class at ODC.
