Finding the Rhythm

One of the dance crazes in Europe right now (among the nimble youth, anyway; this is not something for those with aching bones or excess body fat, let me just be candid here—which leaves me out in both cases) is called jumpstyle. Not only is it a dance craze, but it’s created a new dance genre (or sub-genre) to go with it.

Frankly, I find it pretty cool to watch, and despite the fact I’m neither nimble nor especially youthful, I’m considering trying to learn how to do it because it just looks like so much fun!

Wanna see it; or learn it? Here’s a cool YouTube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHKrZ0E6eTg

What does this have to do with dance music? Well, as I said, it’s spawned a new form of dance music that’s a little difficult to describe. It’s similar to hands-up, but the bass line is largely omitted from the mix. I’m not as wild personally with the musical style as I am the dancing, but I see how they work together.

To hear an example of jumpstyle, visit CAPP Records’ web site and view the 50 Techno Electro Tunes compilation. In the embedded Flash MP3 player there, scroll down until you see Sample Rippers’ song Miracle Maker in the Picco vs. Jenso Dutch Jumpstyle Remix. You can go right to the page here.

We’ll see if jumpstyle takes-hold in the United States, but I think once more American kids get exposed to it, the more likely it is we’ll be to see it. Like so many dance crazes before it, the fun factor alone might well drive this one.