The Hip Hop Handbook: 2026 Edition

By John “Comix” Barrella

This is not just a dance book.

It’s a guide to understanding what you’re actually teaching when you step into a Hip Hop class.

The Hip Hop Handbook is designed for teachers, dancers, and anyone looking to bridge the gap between authentic Hip Hop culture and structured dance education. It breaks down the essentials such as history, pioneers, terminology, music, class structure, and core training concepts...in a way that’s clear, direct, and usable.

Whether you’re new to teaching Hip Hop or looking to refine your approach, this book gives you a strong foundation without watering down the culture.

Inside, you’ll find:

• A breakdown of Hip Hop history and its cultural roots

• Key pioneers every dancer should know

• Clear definitions of styles like Breaking, Popping, and Locking

• Terminology and concepts often misunderstood in studio settings

• Practical teaching insights and class structure guidance

• A preview of The Comix Method and how this training method is developed

This 2026 Edition is a fully updated and expanded version that combines both Hip Hop Handbook Part 1 (2016) and Part 2 (2023) into one complete resource. It has been refined, reorganized, and enhanced to better reflect the evolution of Hip Hop education and The Comix Method.