Hip-Hop dance in Malta : history, theory, and ethnography

Abstract

Hip-hop has evolved into one of the biggest global phenomena and has become one of the largest cultures to date. Over the past four decades, hip-hop has never stopped growing and evolving. It has continued to spread and adapt across different time periods and countries. In this dissertation, information on the origins and the history of the culture is provided, most specifically on dance and the particular styles relevant to my study: Popping and Locking, Breaking, Waacking and Voguing. This dissertation addresses how the hip-hop culture spread and expanded around the world and eventually became commercialised. Using my personal experience as a local dancer and teacher, I discuss hip-hop dance in Malta, the lack of education and knowledge present on the island, and how it is still developing.