So, you’ve got the foundational moves down—the two-step, the body roll, maybe even a basic pop-and-lock. But now you’re itching to level up, to move beyond the basics and craft a style that’s uniquely yours. Welcome to the intermediate zone, where precision meets personality, and confidence is built one drill at a time.
This isn’t about flashy choreography (yet). It’s about refining your technique, expanding your vocabulary, and making those beats work for you. Let’s break it down.
1. Groove Reinforcement: The Bounce & Hold
Why it matters: Hip Hop lives in the pocket. If your groove feels stiff, even the slickest moves won’t land. This drill locks in your rhythmic flow.
- Step 1: Stand relaxed, knees slightly bent. Play a mid-tempo beat (90-100 BPM).
- Step 2: Bounce lightly on the balls of your feet, syncing with the kick and snare (down on the kick, up on the snare).
- Step 3: Every 4th beat, freeze for a full count—no movement, just tension. Then resume bouncing.
- Pro tip: Record yourself. Your freezes should look like paused video, not a shaky "pause-ish."
2. Isolation Stacking: The Wave Layer
Why it matters: Clean isolations separate intermediates from beginners. This drill builds control while adding texture.
- Step 1: Start a slow arm wave (right hand fingers → wrist → elbow → shoulder).
- Step 2: As the wave reaches your shoulder, initiate a separate chest roll forward.
- Step 3: Add a heel-toe step with your left foot as the chest completes the roll.
- Challenge mode: Reverse the sequence without breaking rhythm.
This isn’t speed—it’s intentional layering. Think of it like stacking LEGO blocks, not throwing confetti.
3. Footwork Acceleration: The Shuffle Cut
Why it matters: Fast feet = stage presence. This drill trains agility without sacrificing control.
- Step 1: Practice a basic shuffle (step-together-step-tap) to a beat.
- Step 2: On the 4th count, instead of tapping, cut sharply by pivoting 90° to your right.
- Step 3: Repeat, alternating pivot directions. Keep your upper body relaxed but engaged.
- Key detail: Your cutting foot should land silently—no stomping.
Bonus: Try this to drill music with sudden stops (e.g., "Look at Me Now" by Busta Rhymes).
4. Freestyle Fuel: The 8-Count Switch-Up
Why it matters: Freestyling isn’t just inspiration—it’s trained spontaneity.
- Step 1: Play a random 8-count of any Hip Hop instrumental.
- Step 2: For counts 1-4, perform only footwork patterns.
- Step 3: On count 5, switch abruptly to upper-body moves (e.g., punches, waves).
- Level up: Have a friend yell "SWITCH!" at random intervals to force adaptation.
This kills the "what do I do next?" panic in battles or cyphers.
Remember: Drills Are Your Foundation, Not Your Ceiling
These exercises aren’t meant to be performative—they’re the push-ups and pull-ups of Hip Hop. Do them daily for two weeks, and you’ll notice:
- Cleaner transitions when improvising
- Less "thinking" and more feeling the music
- Confidence to experiment with your own flavor
Now hit play on that beat, and let’s build.
