Scribble Foot Dance: How to Do This Hip Hop House Footwork Move

Introduction

The Scribble Foot is a dynamic and intricate hip hop dance move that has become a staple in the world of street dance. This move involves a series of quick and precise footwork patterns, creating a visually striking and rhythmic effect. It is a testament to the creativity and skill of hip hop dancers, showcasing their ability to blend technical precision with artistic expression.

Video Demonstration

Dance History of The Scribble Foot

The origins of the Scribble Foot can be traced back to the early days of hip hop culture in the 1970s. As breaking and other street dance styles emerged from the streets of New York City, dancers began experimenting with intricate footwork patterns to showcase their skills and individuality. While the exact creator of the Scribble Foot is unknown, it is believed to have evolved from the vibrant street dance scene of that era.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart.

2. Shift your weight onto your right foot and lift your left foot off the ground.

3. Using your left foot, rapidly draw intricate patterns on the floor, as if you're scribbling with a pen.

4. Alternate between drawing patterns with the ball of your foot and the heel, creating a rhythmic and dynamic movement.

5. Incorporate variations by changing the direction, speed, and complexity of the patterns.

6. Repeat the same process with your right foot, maintaining a smooth transition between feet.

Tips For Learning The Scribble Foot

• Start slowly and focus on control and precision before increasing speed.

• Practice the footwork patterns separately for each foot until you feel comfortable.

• Use a mirror to ensure proper form and alignment.

• Incorporate arm movements and upper body isolations to add style and flair.

• Experiment with different rhythms and music genres to challenge yourself.

Conclusion

The Scribble Foot is a testament to the creativity and skill of hip hop dancers. Its intricate footwork patterns and rhythmic execution make it a visually captivating and challenging move to master. By dedicating time and practice, dancers can not only perfect this move but also develop a deeper appreciation for the art of hip hop dance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Scribble Foot dance?

The Scribble Foot is a hip hop and house dance move where one foot rapidly "scribbles" intricate patterns on the floor, drawing small circles, zigzags, or figure-eights with the ball and heel of the foot, while the other foot supports. It's a footwork-focused move that emphasizes dexterity, musicality, and creative individual expression.

Where did the Scribble Foot come from?

The Scribble Foot evolved from the early hip hop dance scene in 1970s New York City, where dancers experimenting with intricate footwork patterns developed many of the foundational floor-level moves. Its exact creator isn't documented, it emerged organically from the culture of street dance experimentation, and it has strong overlap with house dance's foot-precision vocabulary.

Is the Scribble Foot a house dance or hip hop move?

Both. The Scribble Foot lives in the overlap between hip hop and house dance, both traditions claim it as part of their vocabulary. It shows up in hip hop freestyle (especially battle and cypher contexts) and in house dance routines. The rapid foot precision it develops is equally valuable in both styles.

How long does it take to learn the Scribble Foot?

The basic concept takes 10-15 minutes to grasp, but developing the foot dexterity to move rapidly and precisely takes 2-4 weeks of daily practice. Building up to creative, varied patterns at music tempo takes a few months. The move rewards patience, clean precision at moderate speed beats messy patterns at fast speed every time.

What's the most common Scribble Foot mistake?

Using the whole leg instead of just the foot. The Scribble Foot should move from the ANKLE, your foot flicks, traces, and scribbles while your thigh and knee stay relatively still. Beginners use the whole leg, which turns small intricate patterns into big awkward sweeps. Isolate the motion to the foot and ankle.

More Hip Hop Dance Moves

If you liked the Scribble Foot, these moves share the same intricate footwork-first approach requiring precise control and individual expression:

• House Dance | Loose Leg, the Loose Leg is a foundational house dance move that builds the heel-toe awareness and foot sensitivity needed to execute the Scribble Foot's rapid, precise patterns cleanly.
• How to Do the Heel Toe Hip Hop Dance Move, the Heel Toe develops the same ball-and-heel pivot dexterity as the Scribble Foot, and both share roots in the house dance tradition that crossed over into hip-hop street styles.
• 5 Easy Steps to Master The Dolphin Dive, the Dolphin Dive is another hip-hop house move that demands full-body control and creative expression, pairing well with the Scribble Foot in a house dance showcase.
• 5 Easy Steps to Learn The Farmer Dance, the Farmer shares the Scribble Foot's hip-hop house lineage and lateral footwork energy, making both moves complementary in the same house dance vocabulary.