10 Famous Hip Hop Dancers of All Time

Hip hop dancing is a street-style dance form that emerged during the 1960s. Characterized by dynamic movements, it often exhibits balance on either hand or legs at different angles. The movements are synchronized with the rhythm and lyrics of the music. Famous hip hop dancers revolutionized this form across generations, making it popular worldwide.

Hip hop encompasses various genres, like breaking, popping, locking, and krumping. Are you a fan of hip hop dancing? We’ve brought you a list of the top 10 famous hip hop dancers of all time, offering a glimpse into their professional achievements, career, and personal lives.

10 Famous Hip Hop Dancers

1: Michael Jackson

Born: August 29, 1958, Indiana, US

Died: June 25, 2009

Awards:

• 13 Grammy Awards
• 5 Billboard Music Awards

Career:

• The album, Epic and Off the Wall became best selling album of the year in 1979
• From 1976 to 1984, Michael Jackson released more than six albums and wrote songs such as “Can You Feel It” and “Shake Your Body.”
• His solo performance on Billie Jean was nominated for his first Emmy Award.
• He partnered with Pepsi and did campaign promotion by using his Billie Jean song with improvised lyrics in 1984.
• His signature step, “The Moonwalk,” was introduced during the performance at Mtown with Billie Jean in 1983.

Michael Jackson, the king of pop, belonged to a working-class African-American family and was the eighth child among ten siblings. In 1986, he was diagnosed with vitiligo, so he underwent two rhinoplasty surgeries.

In 1992, he established the Heal the World Foundation, a charitable organization. Jackson’s signature step, ‘The Moonwalk,’ captivated the audiences, cementing his status as one of the most famous hip hop dancers and renowned personalities of all time.

2: Les Twins

Born: December 6, 1988, Val-d’Oise, France

Awards:

• Battle of the Stylez – Germany in 2010
• World of Dance in 2017
• Juste Debout Japan in 2011
• World of Dance 2010

Career:

• Larry and Laurent, the twin brothers known as the Les Twins, are internationally recognized for their new-style hip hop talents.
• They started performing at the age of 12 in different concerts.
• The twin brothers participated in different competitions and reality shows like Season 3 of Incroyable Talent.
• Les Twins reached the final round of World of Dance, became the winner of season 1, and took $1,000,000 against the Swing Latino dance group from Columbia.
• The twin brothers were also featured in reality shows and the Bollywood film ABCD2, showcasing their freestyle dance moves in the song Tattoo.

Overview:

Les Twins, renowned as born dancers, are entirely self-taught dancers, with no formal dance training. They co-founded their team, “Criminalz Crew,” and hired five members for their team.

The twin brothers quickly gained recognition for their freestyle moves, leaving an indelible mark. They influenced the artists with their moves and choreography. The twin brothers are global icons and stand tall among the most famous hip-hop dancers. Furthermore they have worked with acclaimed artists and collaborators like Beyoncé, Missy Elliott, and Jay-Z.

3: Parris Goebel

Born: October 29, 1991, Manurewa, New Zealand

Awards:

• Street Dance New Zealand Choreographer of the Year (2009)
• Special Recognition Award at the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards (2006)
• Female Choreographer of the Year at the World Of Dance Awards (2014)
• Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Choreography in 2022
• Worst Ad 2016 in the TVNZ Fair Go Ad Awards

Career:

• Parris Goebel, acclaimed for her choreographic brilliance, has worked with many renowned hip hop artists, including Justin Bieber, Rihanna, and Janet Jackson.
• She achieved success for her choreography for Justin Bieber’s album song “Sorry,” released in 2015. In 2020, it gained 3 million views on social media.
• She choreographed Jennifer Lopez’s performance for the Super Bowl halftime show.
• She published her autobiography “Young Queen” in March 2018.
• Goebel and her father founded the Palace Dance Studio in Auckland in 2009.

Overview:

Parris Renee Goebel is a New Zealand dancer and choreographer. She started practicing hip hop dance lessons at the age of 10. By 15, she co-founded the dance group “ReQuest” with her four friends

The Palace Dance Studio created many dance crews under the instruction and guidance of Parris Goebel, such as the Royal Family and Sorority. She achieved success at a young age and became a famous hip-hop dancer and choreographer.

4: MC Hammer

Born: March 30, 1962, California, US

Awards:

• Three Grammy Awards
• MTV Video Music Awards

Career:

• MC Hammer released his first debut album song in 1986, “Feel My Power.”
• His iconic “Hammer Dance,” “The Running Man,” and “The Butterfly” became popular while he performed in live shows and albums.
• MC Hammer was also an entrepreneur and a celebrity spokesperson.
• He has also launched a new clothing brand named J Slick.
• He wore his trademark Hammer pants while performing in live concerts or videos, creating his own unique style.
• In 1990, MC Hammer produced and starred in his own movie, “Please Hammer Don’t Hurt ‘Em.”
• He also established his own music production company, Oaktown Productions.
• He coined Hyphy to describe the music and culture associated with urban hip-hop.

Overview:

MC Hammer is the stage name of Stanley Kirk Burrell. He is renowned for his multifaceted talents in rapping, hit songs, and exceptional dance moves. Often hailed as the forefather of pop rap, he has left an indelible mark with his dance moves, solidifying his legacy in the realm of entertainment.

5: Jabbawockeez

Established: The Jabbawockeez is a crew established in 2003 in San Diego, California, US, by Kevin Brewer and Joe Larot.

Awards:

• Season 1, America’s Best Dance Crew in 2008
• Voted as Favorite Reality TV star in Asian Excellence Awards (AXA) (2008)

Career:

• Jabbawockeez made their professional identity by wearing gloves and masks while performing.
• The Jabbawockeez crew started with eight members in 2004, increasing the number of members over time.
• They made their special appearance in different shows and opened their clothing brand named “Wockshop.”
• The crew performed in front of a 35000 crowd at the University of Florida’s Gator Growl.

Overview:

The Jabbawockeez, known for their signature white masks, made history in 2010 when they became the first dance crew with 20 members to headline a show in Las Vegas. This crew garnered much recognition in the world of hip-hop dance and remains etched in the list of most famous hip-hop dancers. Their freestyling moves captivated audiences, and they won the hearts of millions with their styles and movement techniques in hip-hop.

6: Fik-Shun

Born: September 2, 1994, Kansas, United States.

Awards:

• Winner of season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance
• Won Title Welcome to Oz in 2019

Career:

• From performing on the streets of Las Vegas to becoming a well-known dancer, Fik-Shun has come a long way in his journey to success and achievements.
• He debuted on the television show “Making Moves” in 2016.
• Fik-Shun appeared in different seasons of “So You Think You Can Dance” in seasons 10, 11, 13, and 14.
• Fik-Shun attracted numerous followers across different social media platforms.
• His predicted net worth in July 2022 from internet sources is around $600,000.

Overview:

Dushaunt ‘Fik-Shun’ Stegall is a famous hip-hop dancer and actor. He is known by the stage name Fik-Shun. At the age of 12, he moved to Las Vegas in 2006. Fik-Shun is a renowned and popular figure on the internet dance community as well. He has shared the stage with artists like Jason Derulo and Jennifer Lopez. Furthermore, he trains aspiring artists through workshops in his unique free-flowing style.

7: tWitch

Born: September 29, 1982, Alabama, US

Death: December 13, 2022, California.

Awards:

• Runner-up in “Star Search” in 2003
• Runner-up of So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD) in season 4
• Teen Choice Award for Choice Dance

Career:

• ‘tWitch’ Boss started his professional career in 2003 and became a semi-finalist of The Wade Robson Project.
• After participating in the dance competition, “So You Think You Can Dance,” tWitch Boss began teaching dance classes at South County Classical Ballet.
• tWitch hosted the television series Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, featuring different couples and their fairy weddings aired on Disney plus.

Overview:

Stephen Laurel “tWitch” Boss was a dancer, actor, choreographer, and producer known for his appearances on shows like SYTYCD and as a guest host on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. He has also been featured in many web series, television shows, and films, including Step Up 3D and Magic Mike XXL. As per the investigation, it was found that he committed suicide.

8: Brian Puspos

Born: May 2, 1986, Texas, United States.

Awards: Male Choreographer of the Year title by World of Dance (2012 and 2014)

Career:

• He was a member of SoReal Cru, the runners-up in season 2 of America’s Best Dance Crew (ABDC).
• In 2012, Brian Puspos performed in season 7 of ABDC with Most Wanted Crew
• He has done workshops and performed in more than 40 countries around the world.
• Brian Puspos choreographed and collaborated with various artists for music videos for Justin Bieber, BTS, and many more.

Overview:

Brian Puspos is a Filipino-American choreographer and dancer. With the rise of platforms like TikTok, Puspos gained more recognition and popularity. A former member of the “Seven” dance group, Puspos later choreographed music videos for BTS. Today, he is one of the most famous hip-hop dancers. Furthermore, he has worked with Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, and Nelly Furtado, showcasing his versatility and skill in the world of dance.

9: Ian Eastwood

Born: April 16, 1993, Chicago, USA

Awards: World of Dance Youth Choreographer of The Year

Career:

• Ian Eastwood founded his own dance company, “Young Lions.”
• He made an appearance in 2011 in a commercial for a video game company.
• He choreographed the songs and videos of many renowned artists like Kris Wu, Vic Mensa, and Tori Kelly.

Overview:

Ian Eastwood was an actor, dancer, choreographer, and director. He began his career in dancing at age of 10 and became popular for his influential dance moves and unique style. He began to post his dancing videos on YouTube at the age of 13. By the age of 16, he began to teach dance.

In 2011, he debuted in a commercial for a video game company. In 2012, he became a member of a dance group on America’s Best Dance Crew. He has also worked with artists like Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, and Tori Kelly.

10: Jennifer Lopez

Born: July 24, 1969, The Bronx, New York City

Awards:

• Fashion Icon of the Year at ACE Awards in 2006
• MTV Europe Music Award for Best Female in 2001
• Outstanding Music Video Performer in ALMA Awards in 2000
• Best New Dance Artist in International Dance Music Awards in 2000

Career:

• Jennifer Lopez debuted her professional career in 1989 with the musical revue show Golden Musicals of Broadway.
• She was a professional dancer on the TV show, “In Living Color.”
• She was cast in the 1997 movie ‘Selena’ in the role of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez and became the first Latina actress to earn $1 million.
• She has experienced disappointment in her career, with back-to-back movies facing box office failure.
• She returned to the big screen after three years in 2010 with the movie The Back-up Plan.

Overview:

Jennifer Lopez is an American actress, singer, and dancer. She is known as one of the most influential and iconic hip-hop dancers and entertainers of all time. Jennifer Lopez was nominated for over 500 awards; she has won approximately 292 awards. Furthermore, Lopez’s impact extends beyond accolades, as she has sold more than 80 million records and is also recognized among the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.