The benefits of Hip-Hop for children

Learning to let go, build self-confidence and develop creativity is what Saho teaches young people in his Hip-Hop classes.

Very popular and accessible, dance attracts an audience of all ages and genders. Blending sport and art, it allows you to burn energy physically while developing your creativity. Hip-Hop stands out through its link with urban culture and the codes associated with it. It includes varied dance styles, such as Breaking, Locking and Popping. Highly dynamic, it is constantly evolving, following the flow of the music and of all the dancers who bring this dance to life through their improvisations during competitions and street battles.

“Dance is magnificent, and Hip-Hop in particular, which really has this power to bring people together and bring joy. It’s a beautiful way to express yourself and create authentic connections.” Saho

At Mounier, Hip-Hop has been worthily represented for many years by Patrick Lor, aka Saho, who teaches Hip-Hop steps dance kids classes on Saturday afternoons. We met this performer and choreographer, recognised as a professional dancer by the dance department of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, to discover the benefits of this dance for children.

“A memorable anecdote concerns a young girl who, at first, was very shy and struggled to move on stage. After several months of practice, she not only improved her technique, but also gained confidence and began taking the initiative to create her own choreographies.” Saho

• What do your Hip-Hop classes look like?

“The atmosphere in the classes is meant to be chill and relaxed, in the Hip-Hop vibe. Above all, I call on the children to open up, express themselves, let go, have fun and go with the flow.

Classes for the youngest (7+) are often focused on play and fun, with exercises that encourage creativity and personal expression. Children learn to count and understand music, fundamental movements and simple combinations, which allows them to develop their coordination and rhythm.

The older ones (10+) already have a good foundation in Hip-Hop. At this age, classes can introduce more complex movements and specific techniques. Students learn more elaborate choreographies and work on performances, which allows them to develop their muscle memory and stage presence. A deeper exploration of the different Hip-Hop styles allows students to refine their own personal style.”

• What do you think Hip-Hop particularly helps children develop?

“Physically, it improves coordination, flexibility and endurance. Mentally, it promotes creativity, self-confidence and personal expression. Hip-Hop dance also encourages teamwork and discipline, which is beneficial for their social development.

More experienced children often show better mastery of steps and combinations, as well as greater creativity. In addition, their self-confidence is generally higher, which allows them to express their personality through dance.

Children who have been dancing for a long time have often developed teamwork and communication skills that strengthen their interaction with others.

I remember a boy who, thanks to dance, overcame problems with shyness and coordination. At first, he stayed on the side, he dared neither speak nor move. It took him a little while to gain confidence and get going. Since then, he expresses himself more easily on the dance floor, which has boosted his self-esteem and his social interactions.”

Joining a Hip-Hop class is not simply learning to dance, it is above all discovering yourself in a caring and motivating environment. Want to introduce your child to the world of Hip-Hop? With Saho, the trial class is free. Feel free to take a look at the club page Hip-Hop steps dance kids and to ask the teacher for information for the start of the 2025-2026 season.