Among the many expressive styles found in hip hop dance, tutting stands out as one of the most intricate and visually captivating. Characterized by sharp angles, precise lines, and geometric patterns created with the arms, hands, and fingers, tutting showcases both control and creativity. This dance form takes its inspiration from ancient Egyptian art and has evolved into a powerful movement language within hip hop culture. Though it may look simple at first glance, tutting demands attention to detail, timing, and a strong connection to music.
Origins and Historical Roots of Tutting
Inspired by Ancient Egypt
The name ‘tutting’ is derived from ‘King Tut,’ referring to the famous Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun. The angular poses seen in Egyptian art elbows bent at right angles, hands positioned flat are echoed in the movements of tutting. Early hip hop dancers adopted and stylized these positions, transforming them into rhythmic sequences that fit the beats of street music.
Evolution in Hip Hop Culture
Tutting began emerging prominently in the 1980s as part of the broader popping and animation scene in urban dance. Originally performed with the arms and hands to create box-like shapes, it gradually expanded to include more fluidity, finger movements, and synchronized body control. Over time, tutting developed into a separate sub-style within hip hop dance, with its own vocabulary and techniques.
What Makes Tutting Unique
Geometric Precision
Unlike other freestyle hip hop styles that emphasize flow and groove, tutting is more structured and mathematical. Dancers use right angles, symmetry, and mirrored patterns to create striking visual illusions. The clean execution of lines and angles is essential to maintaining the distinct aesthetic of tutting.
Isolation and Control
Tutting emphasizes body isolation moving one part of the body while keeping the rest still. This creates a robotic or animated feel. Hand tutting, in particular, requires an extraordinary level of finger independence and coordination. Mastery of small movements allows dancers to perform rapid, complex sequences without losing form.
Visual Storytelling
Many tutting routines tell stories or mimic mechanical patterns. Dancers often build sequences that resemble puzzles, machinery, or digital movements, creating illusions with their limbs. The effect is mesmerizing when done with musicality and control.
Types of Tutting in Hip Hop Dance
Arm Tutting
This is the most recognized form of tutting, involving angular arm positions that move through a sequence. Dancers focus on creating lines with elbows, wrists, and shoulders, transitioning smoothly while maintaining sharp angles.
Hand Tutting
Hand tutting focuses on the fingers and wrists. Dancers manipulate their hands into various shapes and shift through positions in tight, rapid movements. It is often used for close-up performances or to complement broader body movements.
Finger Tutting
Finger tutting is a highly detailed form of tutting that uses individual fingers to create intricate designs. It requires extraordinary dexterity and is often performed at a slower pace to showcase the complexity. Finger tutting has gained popularity in viral videos and dance competitions due to its visual appeal.
Tutting Techniques and Fundamentals
Right Angles
A core element of tutting is creating perfect right angles with the limbs. Dancers often practice in front of mirrors to ensure their elbows, wrists, and shoulders form clean, boxy shapes.
Timing and Synchronization
Because tutting is heavily tied to beats and musical rhythm, dancers must synchronize their transitions precisely with the music. Sharp timing enhances the illusion of mechanical or animated movement.
Transitions and Flow
While the angles are rigid, the transitions between them should feel fluid. Good tutters focus on how each movement flows into the next without breaking the illusion. Clean transitions give the performance a polished and mesmerizing look.
Symmetry and Repetition
Symmetry is often used in tutting to create balance and visual appeal. Repeating certain movements or mirroring them between arms or hands adds to the artistic effect and keeps the audience engaged.
The Role of Musicality in Tutting
Tutting, like other hip hop styles, relies heavily on musicality. Dancers interpret beats, accents, and breaks in the music using angular shapes and timing. Fast beats may lead to sharp, quick movements, while a slower tempo allows for controlled and expressive transitions. Understanding musical layers helps dancers choose which rhythms to emphasize with their patterns.
Performance and Application
Solo Freestyle
Many dancers use tutting as a solo freestyle form, either as a complete style or blended with popping, waving, or robotics. It’s often used in dance battles or cyphers where dancers showcase creativity, control, and precision.
Group Routines
Tutting also appears in choreographed group routines. Synchronization becomes even more important here, as groups create large visual patterns by aligning their movements. Group tutting can be especially impactful when performed with lighting effects or in cinematic settings.
Social Media and Digital Influence
With the rise of social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, finger and hand tutting have become widely shared in short dance clips. Dancers now choreograph routines specifically for the camera, playing with perspective and framing to enhance the visual effect.
Tips for Learning Tutting
- Practice angles: Use mirrors to perfect your 90-degree arm and hand angles.
- Work on isolation: Train your ability to move one part of your body without affecting others.
- Start slow: Begin with slow transitions before increasing speed. This builds control.
- Study the music: Understand how your moves can fit into beats, pauses, and melodies.
- Watch and mimic: Learn from experienced tutters by watching online tutorials and breakdowns.
Popular Figures and Influence
Tutting has been popularized by iconic dancers and choreographers in the hip hop and street dance community. Names like Pnut, JayFunk, and Dytto have contributed significantly to the global appreciation of tutting. Their performances blend creativity, sharp execution, and storytelling, making them influential role models for emerging dancers.
Combining Tutting with Other Dance Styles
While tutting is powerful on its own, it’s often combined with other dance styles for a more dynamic performance. Dancers might blend it with popping for robotic effects, with waving for smooth contrast, or even with krumping to add raw intensity. This fusion expands the expressive possibilities and allows dancers to develop a unique signature style.
The Art of Tutting in Hip Hop
Tutting is a powerful expression of geometry, rhythm, and control within hip hop dance. It transforms precise angles and isolated motions into stunning visual stories, all while syncing perfectly with the beat. As a sub-style that continues to evolve with each new generation, tutting offers dancers a creative outlet that blends discipline with imagination. Whether performed on stage, in a cypher, or in front of a camera, tutting continues to inspire dancers worldwide and remains a key element of hip hop’s rich and diverse dance culture.