1. Staging the Ethnographic of Dance History – Yvonne Hardt

2. Dance in Search of Its Own History – Explores how contemporary choreographers archive history through performance.

3. The Routledge Dance Studies Reader – Edited by Alexandra Carter and Janet O’Shea.

4. Contemporary Choreography: A Critical Reader – Edited by Jo Butterworth and Liesbeth Wildschut.

5. The Body Eclectic: Evolving Practices in Dance Training – Melanie Bales and Rebecca Nettl-Fiol.

6. Moving History/Dancing Cultures: A Dance History Reader – Edited by Ann Dils and Ann Cooper Albright.

📄 Journals & Articles

• Dance Research Journal – Peer-reviewed journal covering contemporary dance theory and history

  1- Dance Research Journal | Cambridge Core

  .

• “Contemporary Dance on Native Land” – Alessandra Williams, Dance Research Journal.

• “Choreographing Deportation” – Juan Manuel Aldape Muñoz, Dance Research Journal.

🌐 Websites

• Dance Research Journal – Cambridge Core

  1

• Dance Studies Association

  2

• Concordia University OER Guide

• Jazz Dance: A History of the Roots and Branches – Lindsay Guarino & Wendy Oliver 3 4.

• Steppin’ on the Blues – Jacqui Malone.

• Dancing Many Drums – Thomas DeFrantz.

• The Jazz Dance Styles and Techniques of Bob Fosse – Cheryl Mrozowski.

• Jazz Dance: A Celebration of the Roots and Branches – Includes contributions from Moncell Durden.

• The African Origins of Jazz Dance – Takiyah Nur Amin (chapter in Guarino & Oliver).

📄 Journals & Articles

• RIPM Jazz Periodicals – Historical jazz publications archive- RIPM Jazz Periodicals: Music, History, and Culture | EBSCO

• “Jazz Dance from Emancipation to 1970” – Jill Flanders Crosby & Michèle Moss.

• “Jazz Dance and Racism” – Carlos Jones.

🌐 Websites

• Oxford Academic – Florida Scholarship Online 3

• Stanford SearchWorks4

• Dance Parent 101 – Jazz Dance Timeline

• Britannica – Jazz Dance

• History of Jazz

• The Oxford Handbook of Hip Hop Dance Studies – Mary Fogarty & Imani Kai Johnson.

• Can't Stop, Won't Stop – Jeff Chang.

• Renegade Rhythms – J. Griffith Rollefson.

• Everything Remains Raw – Moncell Durden (also a documentary).

• The Cambridge Companion to Hip-Hop – Includes chapters on dance.

• Foundation: B-Boy Basics – Ken Swift (chapter in Oxford Handbook).

📄 Journals & Articles

• Journal of Hip Hop Studies – Virginia Commonwealth University

• “Hip Hop in History: Past, Present, and Future” – JSTOR

• “From House Party to World Dominance” – Cassandra Chaney, JHHS.

• “The Spatio-Temporality of J Dilla’s Sound Aesthetic” – Masahide T. Kato, JHHS.

🌐 Websites

• Journal of Hip Hop Studies | Virginia Commonwealth University

• Red Bull Dance Style Guide

• New Type of Class – Hip Hop Styles

• SlideShare – Street & Hip Hop Styles

• Google Scholar – Search for academic papers on specific styles.

Pioneers:

• DJ Kool Herc – Originator of the breakbeat.

• Crazy Legs – Rock Steady Crew legend.

• Ken Swift – Innovator of foundational footwork.

Recent Practitioners:

• Logistx (USA) – Red Bull BC One World Champion, B-girl icon.

• Victor Montalvo (USA) – World champion and Olympic-level competitor.

• Kid Karam (UK) – Leading UK B-boy, known for power and creativity.

🔒 Locking

Pioneers:

• Don “Campbellock” Campbell – Creator of Locking.

• Toni Basil – Co-founder of The Lockers.

Recent Practitioners:

• Luna (France) – Red Bull Dance Your Style finalist, known for expressive locking

• FireLock (USA) – Modern ambassador of locking and funk styles.

• Locking Khan (South Korea) – International battle winner and teacher.

⚡ Popping

Pioneers:

• Boogaloo Sam – Creator of Popping.

• Popin’ Pete – Electric Boogaloos member.

Recent Practitioners:

• Dassy (South Korea/USA) – Known from So You Think You Can Dance.

• Greenteck (Canada) – Champion popper with a unique style.

• Nelson (France) – Renowned for musicality and battle wins.

🏠 House Dance

Pioneers:

• Marjory Smarth – NYC house dance legend.

• Ejoe Wilson – Known for groove and footwork.

Recent Practitioners:

• Frankie J (UK) – House dancer and educator.

• Toyin (USA) – Known for Afro-house fusion and battle presence.

• Hurrikane (USA) – House and hip hop fusion dancer.

💃 Waacking

Pioneers:

• Tyrone Proctor – Soul Train dancer and waacking pioneer.

• Punkin’ – Original waacker.

Recent Practitioners:

• Princess Lockeroo (USA) – Global educator and performer.

• Lip J (South Korea) – Known for sharp technique and battles.

• Waackeisha (Canada) – Prominent in the international waacking scene.

🪞 Voguing

Pioneers:

• Willi Ninja – “Godfather of Voguing.”

• Jose Xtravaganza – Madonna’s choreographer.

Recent Practitioners:

• Leiomy Maldonado (USA) – Vogue Femme icon and Legendary judge.

• Dashaun Wesley (USA) – Host of Legendary, House of Lanvin.

• Honey Balenciaga (USA) – Rising star in ballroom and fashion.

⚡ Krumping

Pioneers:

• Tight Eyez – Co-founder of Krump.

• Big Mijo – Co-founder and innovator.

Recent Practitioners:

• Outrage (UK) – Leading UK krumper and battle organiser.

• Konkrete (USA) – Known for storytelling and intensity.

• Baby Tight Eyez (USA) – Next-gen krump leader.

🕶️ Old School Hip Hop

Pioneers:

• Boogaloo Shrimp – Star of Breakin’.

• Mr. Wiggles – Bridged popping and hip hop freestyle.

Recent Practitioners:

• Salah (France) – Known for mixing old school with animation.

• Poppin John (USA) – YouTube educator and performer.

• Buddha Stretch (USA) – Innovator of freestyle hip hop.

🧢 New School Hip Hop

Pioneers:

• Elite Force Crew – Defined freestyle hip hop in the 90s.

Recent Practitioners:

• Les Twins (France) – Global icons of freestyle and musicality.

• Keone & Mari Madrid (USA) – Choreographers blending hip hop and storytelling.

• Ayo & Teo (USA) – Viral dancers blending hip hop and litefeet.

🕺 Litefeet

Pioneers:

• Chrybaby Cozie – Founder of Litefeet Nation.

• Kid The Wiz – Known for hat tricks and subway fame.

Recent Practitioners:

• Goofy (USA) – Litefeet innovator.

• King Charles (USA) – Educator and battle dancer.

• Kidd Patt (UK) – Emerging UK litefeet dancer and teacher.

Parris Goebel is best known for blending street dance with strong visual storytelling in commercial dance.

🎵 Major Music Videos

• “Sorry” – Justin Bieber (2015)

  • Breakthrough global success using her dance crew ReQuest

  • Bright visuals + synchronised group choreography

• “Company” – Justin Bieber (2016)

  • More intimate, groove-based movement

  • Focus on personality and performance quality

• “Run the World (Girls)” – live choreography influence / style references

  • Not original choreographer, but her style aligns with powerful female ensemble work

• “Swalla” – Jason Derulo (2017)

  • Combines commercial hip-hop with attitude-driven performance

🎤 Live Performances & Tours

• Justin Bieber Purpose World Tour

• Rihanna (Savage x Fenty show choreography influence)

• Jennifer Lopez performances

🎬 Film

• “Born to Dance” (2015)

  • Goebel choreographed and acted

  • Showcases urban dance crew culture

💥 Key Features of Her Choreographic Style

1. 🔥 Strong Commercial Hip-Hop Foundation

• Rooted in hip-hop, dancehall, and urban styles

• Designed to be:

  • visually impactful

  • accessible to wide audiences

2. 👯‍♀️ Precision and Synchronisation

• Tight, unified group work is a signature

• Dancers move as one:

  • clean lines

  • exact timing

• Creates a powerful visual effect, especially on camera

3. 😎 Performance & Attitude (Not Just Steps)

• Emphasis on:

  • facial expression

  • confidence

  • “swagger”

• Dancers are performers, not just technicians

👉 Often described as “full-out performance energy”

4. 🎶 Musicality

• Movement closely matches:

  • beats

  • lyrics

  • accents in the music

• Includes:

  • sharp hits

  • groove-based sections

5. 💃 Strong Use of Feminine Energy

• Celebrates:

  • confidence

  • empowerment

  • individuality

• Especially visible in:

  • “Sorry”

  • all-female dance crews

6. 🧍 Formation and Visual Design

• Clever use of:

  • levels (floor vs standing)

  • spacing

  • formations

Creates:

• dynamic stage pictures

• camera-friendly choreography

7. 🔄 Repetition and Catchy Movement

• Uses repeated motifs so choreography is:

  • memorable

  • shareable (important for social media + music videos)

8. 🌍 Fusion of Styles

• Blends:

  • hip-hop

  • dancehall

  • street jazz

  • commercial dance

Gives her work a distinct, global appeal

✏️ Quick Summary (for revision)

Parris Goebel’s style =

Commercial hip-hop choreography characterised by precision, strong performance quality, musicality, and bold, confident group work.

Brian Friedman is known for bold, theatrical commercial choreography with a strong emphasis on performance.

🎵 Major Music Videos

• “Toxic” – Britney Spears (2004)

  • Iconic, stylised choreography with sharp dynamics

  • Combines sensuality with precision

• “Slave 4 U” – Britney Spears (Live/performances)

  • Highly physical, controlled and expressive style

• “Fighter” – Christina Aguilera (Live performances)

  • Strong character-driven choreography

• “Buttons” – Pussycat Dolls (live/TV work)

  • Fusion of jazz, burlesque, and commercial dance

📺 TV & Commercial Work

• X Factor (UK & USA) – creative director and choreographer

• So You Think You Can Dance – guest choreographer

• Britain’s Got Talent – staging and performance work

🎤 Tours & Artists

• Britney Spears (extensive collaboration)

• Beyoncé (early work)

• Mariah Carey

• Cher

💥 Key Features of His Choreographic Style

1. 🎭 Theatrical & Dramatic Style

• Strong influence from:

  • jazz dance

  • musical theatre

• Focus on:

  • storytelling

  • dramatic intention

👉 Movements often feel larger-than-life and expressive

2. 🔥 Performance Quality & Characterisation

• Dancers must:

  • fully “embody” a role

  • perform with intention

• Emphasis on:

  • emotion

  • attitude

  • facial expression

👉 Not just dancing — acting through movement

3. ⚡ Sharp Dynamics & Contrasts

• Frequent use of:

  • fast vs slow

  • sharp vs fluid

• Strong accents in movement

Creates:

• dramatic impact

• high visual interest

4. 💪 Technical Precision

• Requires:

  • strong technique

  • control

  • clean execution

• Especially influenced by:

  • jazz technique

  • lines and shapes

5. 💃 Stylised, Sensual Movement

• Incorporates:

  • body isolations

  • fluid torso work

  • controlled, sensual movements

Often seen in:

• Britney Spears choreography

6. 🧍‍♂️ Use of Shape & Line

• Strong emphasis on:

  • body angles

  • extensions

  • silhouettes

Creates:

• visually striking stage pictures

7. 🎶 Musicality & Interpretation

• Choreography closely follows:

  • lyrics

  • mood

  • instrumentation

• Often interprets meaning of the song, not just the beat

8. 🔄 Combination of Styles

• Fusion of:

  • jazz

  • commercial dance

  • street elements

  • contemporary influences

👉 Gives his work a versatile and distinctive commercial feel

✏️ Quick Summary (for revision)

Brian Friedman’s style =

Theatrical commercial choreography that combines strong jazz technique, dynamic contrasts, and expressive performance to create bold, character-driven work.

Diversity are known for storytelling through street dance and theatrical group performances.

📺 Major Performances

• Britain’s Got Talent (2009 – Winning Performance)

  • Their most famous routine

  • Featured storytelling using different dance styles and formations

• BGT Return Performance (2020)

  • Powerful, narrative-driven piece addressing social issues

  • Combined dance with spoken word and symbolism

🎤 Tours & Stage Shows

• “Born Ready” Tour (2013–2018)

• “Connected” Tour (2021)

• “Supernova” Tour (2023 onwards)

👉 These shows mix:

• dance

• technology

• narrative themes

📺 Other Work

• TV performances (e.g. Got to Dance, Strictly Come Dancing)

• Collaborations with brands and live events

💥 Key Features of Their Choreographic Style

1. 🎭 Storytelling & Narrative

• A defining feature of Diversity

• Each routine often tells a clear story or theme

Examples:

• Life journey

• Society and culture

• Unity and identity

👉 Dance is used as a communication tool

2. 👥 Group Synchronisation & Formations

• Strong emphasis on:

  • tight unison

  • intricate formations

• Frequent changes in:

  • spacing

  • levels

  • group shapes

Creates:

• visually engaging routines

• dynamic stage pictures

3. 🔄 Variety of Styles (Fusion)

• Blend of:

  • hip-hop

  • popping

  • locking

  • contemporary

  • breaking

👉 Makes their work versatile and unpredictable

4. ⚡ Use of Tricks & Visual Effects

• Incorporation of:

  • lifts

  • freezes

  • acrobatics

  • illusions

Creates:

• “wow moments” for the audience

5. 🎶 Musicality & Sound Effects

• Strong connection to:

  • beats

  • sound effects

• Often choreograph to:

  • specific sound cues

  • spoken word

👉 Enhances storytelling and impact

6. 🧍 Levels and Transitions

• Constant use of:

  • floor work

  • jumps

  • standing sections

Transitions are:

• smooth

• creative

7. 💡 Use of Props & Staging

• Occasionally use:

  • props

  • lighting

  • stage effects

👉 Helps build narrative and atmosphere

8. 🔥 Energy & Audience Engagement

• High-energy performances

• Designed to:

  • entertain

  • surprise

  • emotionally connect

✏️ Quick Summary (for revision)

Diversity’s style =

A fusion of street dance styles combined with storytelling, sharp group synchronisation, and creative staging to produce theatrical and visually impactful performances.

Michael Jackson revolutionised dance in music performance, blending street, pop, and theatrical styles.

🎵 Iconic Music Videos

• “Thriller” (1983)

  • Choreographed with Michael Peters

  • Famous group zombie routine

  • Strong storytelling + cinematic dance

• “Billie Jean” (1983 live performances)

  • Introduced the moonwalk

  • Minimal but highly impactful solos

• “Beat It” (1983)

  • Gang-style choreography

  • Fusion of jazz and street dance

• “Smooth Criminal” (1988)

  • Iconic anti-gravity lean

  • Sharp, stylised ensemble work

🎤 Live Performances

• Motown 25 (1983) – first moonwalk performance

• Dangerous World Tour (1992–93)

• HIStory World Tour (1996–97)

💥 Key Features of His Choreographic Style

1. ⚡ Iconic Signature Moves

• Instantly recognisable movements:

  • moonwalk

  • toe stand

  • spins

  • isolations

👉 Made dance moves part of global popular culture

2. 🎶 Exceptional Musicality

• Deep connection to:

  • rhythm

  • lyrics

  • instrumentation

• Movements precisely match subtle sounds

👉 Often dances to every beat and accent

3. 💥 Isolation and Control

• Mastery of:

  • isolating body parts (e.g. shoulders, chest)

• Extremely precise and controlled movement

Creates:

• a smooth, almost robotic effect

4. 🎭 Storytelling & Character

• Dance used to express:

  • narrative

  • emotion

  • character

Seen clearly in:

• “Thriller” (horror theme)

• “Smooth Criminal” (gangster persona)

5. 🔄 Fusion of Styles

• Blends:

  • jazz

  • street dance

  • popping & locking

  • funk

👉 Created a unique hybrid style

6. ⚖️ Contrast in Dynamics

• Combines:

  • sharp, fast movements

  • smooth, fluid transitions

👉 Keeps performances visually engaging

7. 🧍 Minimalism vs Ensemble Work

• Could perform:

  • solo with minimal movement (e.g. Billie Jean)

  • or large group routines (e.g. Thriller)

👉 Both equally powerful

8. 👔 Use of Costume & Visual Identity

• Costume enhances choreography:

  • fedora hat

  • glove

  • sharp suits

👉 Movements designed to work with costume (e.g. hat tricks)

✏️ Quick Summary (for revision)

Michael Jackson’s style =

A groundbreaking fusion of street and jazz dance characterised by precision, musicality, iconic signature moves, and powerful storytelling.

Michael Jackson revolutionised dance in music performance, blending street, pop, and theatrical styles.

🎵 Iconic Music Videos

• “Thriller” (1983)

  • Choreographed with Michael Peters

  • Famous group zombie routine

  • Strong storytelling + cinematic dance

• “Billie Jean” (1983 live performances)

  • Introduced the moonwalk

  • Minimal but highly impactful solos

• “Beat It” (1983)

  • Gang-style choreography

  • Fusion of jazz and street dance

• “Smooth Criminal” (1988)

  • Iconic anti-gravity lean

  • Sharp, stylised ensemble work

🎤 Live Performances

• Motown 25 (1983) – first moonwalk performance

• Dangerous World Tour (1992–93)

• HIStory World Tour (1996–97)

💥 Key Features of His Choreographic Style

1. ⚡ Iconic Signature Moves

• Instantly recognisable movements:

  • moonwalk

  • toe stand

  • spins

  • isolations

👉 Made dance moves part of global popular culture

2. 🎶 Exceptional Musicality

• Deep connection to:

  • rhythm

  • lyrics

  • instrumentation

• Movements precisely match subtle sounds

👉 Often dances to every beat and accent

3. 💥 Isolation and Control

• Mastery of:

  • isolating body parts (e.g. shoulders, chest)

• Extremely precise and controlled movement

Creates:

• a smooth, almost robotic effect

4. 🎭 Storytelling & Character

• Dance used to express:

  • narrative

  • emotion

  • character

Seen clearly in:

• “Thriller” (horror theme)

• “Smooth Criminal” (gangster persona)

5. 🔄 Fusion of Styles

• Blends:

  • jazz

  • street dance

  • popping & locking

  • funk

👉 Created a unique hybrid style

6. ⚖️ Contrast in Dynamics

• Combines:

  • sharp, fast movements

  • smooth, fluid transitions

👉 Keeps performances visually engaging

7. 🧍 Minimalism vs Ensemble Work

• Could perform:

  • solo with minimal movement (e.g. Billie Jean)

  • or large group routines (e.g. Thriller)

👉 Both equally powerful

8. 👔 Use of Costume & Visual Identity

• Costume enhances choreography:

  • fedora hat

  • glove

  • sharp suits

👉 Movements designed to work with costume (e.g. hat tricks)

✏️ Quick Summary (for revision)

Michael Jackson’s style =

A groundbreaking fusion of street and jazz dance characterised by precision, musicality, iconic signature moves, and powerful storytelling.