Hip hop dance – and the musical genre as a whole – has become a global phenomenon, with its vibrant energy and rhythmic beats captivating audiences and ears around the world. At the heart of this cultural movement are the dancers, whose creativity, passion, and athleticism have redefined the art of dance.
In this blog, we explore the lives and legacies of the most famous hip hop dancers, whose unique styles and boundary-breaking performances have left an indelible mark on the genre and continue to inspire new generations of dancers. From household artists to underrated b-boy groups, there’s truly something for everyone.
Let’s dive in!
The Most Famous Hip Hop Dancer
There are so many famous hip hop dancers we could’ve mentioned to take the mantle of the “most famous” hip-hop dancer, but one name stands out above the rest. Drum roll, please…
Popin’ Pete
Timothy Earl Solomon, better known by his stage name Popin’ Pete, is a dance pioneer and original member of the legendary crew, The Electric Boogaloos, which was founded back in 1978. Inspired by his older brother, Boogaloo Sam, Popin’ Pete has been captivating audiences with his popping moves for over four decades, and his influence continues to shape the dance form today.
Having worked with Michael Jackson to choreograph his global hits’ ‘Beat It’ and ‘Thriller’ music videos – as well as prominent industry names such as Janet Jackson, Chris Brown, Justin Timberlake, and The Black Eyed Peas – it’s safe to say Popin’ Pete is a legend in the hip-hop dancing scene.
Despite turning 61 this past year, you can still find him popping like he hasn’t aged a day on his YouTube channel today.
Instagram @popinpete | TikTok @popinpeteteeb
Famous Male Hip Hop Dancers
From the moonwalking man himself to an incredibly underrated French dance duo, there’s no shortage of amazing male hip-hop dancers that have made names for themselves during their peak.
Here are a couple of dancers and artists worth checking out:
Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson is widely recognized as the King of Pop due to his legendary status in the music industry, but interestingly, many of his iconic dance moves can be traced back to the roots of hip-hop dance. Jackson found the perfect fusion of hip-hop dance styles with electric boogaloo, soul, and funk to craft a distinct and unparalleled marriage of pop and hip-hop dance.
His innovative style that made fanatics across the world faint at the mere sight of the legend has earned him a global reputation for its originality and fashion, and it continues to inspire new generations of dancers today. There’s a reason why the late great is regarded as one of – if not the best – on-stage performers of all time.
MC Hammer
We cannot overlook the contributions of MC Hammer, one of the most renowned hip-hop artists and dancers ever. Rising to fame during the 80s and 90s, Stanley Kirk Burrell dazzled audiences with his impressive dancing skills on various platforms. He’s widely recognized for his signature moves, such as the Hammer Dance, The Running Man, and The Butterfly.
Moreover, MC Hammer is credited with founding the Hyphy culture, a term derived from “hyperactive,” which describes the urban hip-hop music and culture associated with the Bay Area of California. His influence on the development and mainstreaming of hip-hop culture cannot be overstated, and he’s the man who’s also credited with opening up rappers to lucrative endorsement deals – something that was thought of as “selling out” within the industry and scoffed at by other contemporaries at the time.
Instagram @mchammer
Les Twins
Larry and Laurent Burgeois, known worldwide as “Les Twins,” burst onto the scene with their electrifying performances at the 2010 World of Dance competition. Since then, they have not only shared their original choreography with dancers around the world in workshops but have also achieved success as the founding members of the Criminalz Crew and Eleven Paris.
The duo’s exceptional musical flow and teamwork have made them a standout pair in the dance world; if you haven’t checked out their astounding World of Dance performance, it’s certainly a watch that’ll make your joints ache.
Instagram @officiallestwins | TikTok @lestwinsoff
Famous Female Hip Hop Dancers
As talented, creative, and imaginative as the men in their industry, many of the most famous hip hop dancers are women, and they’ve been making waves in the industry for decades.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these names:
Paula Abdul
For years, Paula Abdul has been highly regarded for her exceptional musical talents and choreography skills. As a highly-skilled choreographer, Abdul has lent her talents to organizing dance routines for top-name performers such as Janet Jackson and The Jackson 5.
She has also made significant contributions to the film industry, having choreographed the iconic piano dance scene performed by Tom Hanks in the movie Big.
Abdul’s unreal talent has earned her multiple MTV “Best of Dance” awards, further cementing her status as a highly respected figure in the hip-hop dancing community.
Instagram @paulaabdul | TikTok @paulaabdul
Kaelynn Gobert-Harris
Dancing her way to greatness since the age of five, Kaelynn “KK” Gobert-Harris is a highly versatile and skilled dancer who can truly bust it down in various genres of dancing. She has showcased her talents across several national platforms, such as The X Factor, Glee, and MTV’s Video Music Awards.
Currently, KK is a highly acclaimed industry professional who is in great demand as a dancer, choreographer, and educator. Her exceptional talent has cemented her as a leading authority in her field, and her popularity is evidenced by her sold-out masterclasses held across the globe.
She’s also now the go-to face and choreographer for several high-profile brands, including Curls, Fleur Du Mal, Gap Fit Degree Women, Reebok, Kohl’s, Google Play Music, Abercrombie, and more.
Instagram @kaelynharris
Ciara
Ciara has been a major player in hip hop as both a singer and dancer since her debut in the industry over 19 years ago, with the release of her first studio album, Goodies. Ciara has made a name for herself by infusing hip-hop and pop elements into her music and dance style, and her exceptional talent has been recognized by the Soul Train Music Awards, which has honored her with the “Best Dance Performance” award on three occasions.
In 2010, she won her first award for her video “Ride,” followed by a second win in 2013 for her “Body Party” video. Most recently, she was awarded in 2018 for her captivating performance in “Level Up.”
Instagram @ciara | TikTok @ciara
Famous Breakdancing Dancers
Breakdancing, also known as breaking, is a dynamic and high-energy style of street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the early 1970s. It emerged from the hip-hop culture that was taking shape in urban communities and quickly became a popular form of self-expression for the youth of America.
Breakdancing incorporates a wide range of acrobatic and athletic movements, including spins, flips, and power moves, all set to the beat of hip-hop music.
Crazy Legs
Born in 1966 in the Bronx, New York, Richard “Crazy Legs” Colon grew up in a neighborhood where street gangs were prevalent, leading to him turning to dance as a way to stay off the streets.
He then became a member of the Rock Steady Crew, one of the most prominent breakdancing crews in the world in the late 1970s. His unique style, which involved a lot of footwork and acrobatic moves, quickly earned him the nickname “Crazy Legs.”
Colon and the Rock Steady Crew helped to popularize breakdancing around the world, performing on TV shows, in movies, and at concerts. Colon also founded the b-boy charity organization, “The Rock Steady For Life Foundation,” which promotes the positive aspects of hip-hop culture and provides support for those in need.
Instagram @crazylegsbx
Menno
Menno Van Gorp is widely regarded as one of the best breakdancers in the world. Stage named B-boy Menno, the man hailing from Tilburg, the Netherlands, has dominated the scene, taking home top prizes in many prestigious competitions. He’s a three-time winner of the Red Bull BC One World Finals, making him the first-ever in the world to achieve this feat.
What sets Menno apart is his meticulous approach to his craft, with experts saying that he analyzes every move and pauses in between to create routines that captivate and energize audiences.
We weren’t lying when we said that breakdancing has become a sport, and at this point, we think that his approach has certainly paid off, given his numerous victories and impressive resume.
Instagram @mennovangorp
Sarah Bee
After starting her breakdancing career at just 11 years old, Sarah Bee took the world by storm when she won the 2v2 B-Girl Competition with her partner Manuela at the Battle of the Year event in 2008. She’s continued making headlines as a member of the all-styles, all-female dance crew Zamounda, winning several prestigious titles with the group.
Known for her fast, aggressive dancing style and fearless attitude, Sarah Bee deservedly ranks as among the most famous hip hop dancers of today, both at home in France and on the global stage. She cites rigorous daily practice and the inspiration she gets from her Zamounda teammates – whom she describes as a family – as the driving factors behind her success.
Instagram @iamsarahbee | TikTok @iamsarahbee
Famous Streetdancing Dancers
Street dance is a diverse and vibrant style encompassing a wide range of dance forms that originated on the streets (including breakdancing and hip hop dancing). The term is often used to describe dance styles that have their roots in urban communities, particularly in the United States.
Above all else, street dancing encourages dancers to express themselves and push the boundaries of what’s possible through movement.
Let’s take a closer inspection at some of these famous hip hop dancers and what makes them so unique as street dancers.
Ashley Banjo
Ashley Banjo is a highly recognizable name in the world of dance, particularly in the UK. He is the founder of Diversity, a dance group that won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009. Under Ashley’s leadership, Diversity has become one of the most popular and successful dance groups in the UK, selling out arena shows across the country.
Ashley is also a published author, having co-written a children’s book with his brother Jordan called Fly High Crew. His influence on the UK dance scene cannot be treated lightly, and his dedication to promoting the art form and inspiring young dancers is truly admirable.
Instagram @ashleybanjogram | TikTok @ashleybanjo
Brian Footwork Green
We’d be remiss not to include someone with “Footwork” in his name! Brian “Footwork” Green is a renowned dancer and choreographer who has made a name for himself through his exceptional skills and diverse background in dance.
He began his dance journey by learning tap, jazz, ballet, modern, and African dance styles before moving on to master popping, hip hop, and house dance.
In 1987, Brian fully immersed himself in the house culture, which led him to develop a unique and fast-paced footwork style that earned him his nickname, “Footwork.” Since then, he has danced and choreographed for many big names in the music industry, including Missy Elliott, Salt-N-Pepa, Busta Rhymes, and Fergie, to name a few.
Don “Campbellock” Campbell
No write-up on the most famous hip hop dancers would be complete without a mention of Don Campbell, known in the street dancing world and beyond by his alias Don Campbellock. As the inventor of Locking, Don is renowned as one of the most influential dancers in the industry’s history.
His group, The Lockers, brought street dancing to the global stage with performances on The Tonight Show, Saturday Night Live, Soul Train, and more.
Famous Hip Hop Dance Groups
The most famous hip hop dancers can also come in the form of groups. Here are two of our favorites.
Jabbawockeez
If you’ve ever seen a group of hooded and white-masked figures dancing on television, odds are they’re probably The Jabbawockeez.
The Jabbawockeez are known for their signature white masks and gloves, which they wear during every performance. Their dance style blends various elements of hip hop, including popping, locking, and breaking, with theatrical and sometimes comedic elements that make their shows truly a blast to witness.
Instagram @jabbawockeez | TikTok @jabbawockeez
Massive Monkees
The Massive Monkees are more than just a dance crew – they are a cultural force that has had a profound impact on the hip hop dance scene in Seattle and beyond.
Founders of The Beacon, a community dance space in their hometown state, the Massive Monkees are also dedicated to social justice and community activism. The group has worked with numerous non-profit organizations, such as Arts Corps and 4Culture, to provide opportunities for young people to engage with hip hop culture and the arts.
Instagram @massive_monkees
Royal Family
As the only consecutive three-time winner of the World Hip Hop Dance Championship in history, New Zealand megacrew Royal Family deserves mention on any list of the most famous hip hop dance groups.
Royal Family hails from the renowned Palace Dance Studio in South Auckland, New Zealand, and is led by Parris Goebel – an Emmy Award-winning choreographer, dancer, director, singer, and actress. Goebel and members of Royal Family have danced for numerous pop stars and hip-hop celebrities, including Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Jason Derulo, and Justin Bieber.
Thanks to their energy, passion, and raw dance power – and in terms of sheer numbers – Royal Family is known for dominating the stage and delivering electrifying performances everywhere they go.
Instagram @officialroyalfamilydancecrew | TikTok @theroyalfamilydancecrew
Bonus: Famous Hip Hop Choreographers
WilldaBeast & Janelle Ginestra-Adams
There’s probably not a more iconic power couple in the hip hop dancing scene than WilldaBeast and Janelle Ginestra-Adams. William Adams, a renowned choreographer from Indianapolis, Indiana, is recognized for his distinctive choreography for the popular song “Upgrade You” by Beyonce and Jay-Z – which, funnily enough, played a significant role in launching the social media dance video trends you occasionally see plastered over your TikTok For You page.
Janelle Ginestra, his spouse and an exceptional choreographer in her own right, partnered with Adams to establish Imma Beast and Imma Breath, two dance companies that have united dancers and promoted a sense of camaraderie in the dance industry.
Instagram @willdabeest @janelleginestra | TikTok @willdabeest__
Wrap Up
The world of hip hop dance has been shaped and influenced by some truly remarkable talents. From pioneers like Crazy Legs Colon and Popin’ Pete to modern-day icons like Les Twins and Menno, these famous hip hop dancers have not only entertained and inspired us but also paved the way for the next generation of performers.
Their passion, creativity, and commitment to their craft have made them true dance icons.
If you enjoyed this article, you may like our article titled Elements of Hip Hop: The big 5, history, and key figures where we discuss the pioneers of hip hop. This would be a great read if you are wanting to dive into the raw core of hip hop dancing.