Apocalypse Dance Crew, a street dance crew at UF, performs at VISA talent competition.

Camila Gonzalez does a ponche in the Danza Fall Showcase.

There is a constant discussion about the best method to train a dancer: in the streets or in the studio. With the help of my fellow dancers I have come to a consensus.

There are many positives to being raised in a studio. First, you have a teacher. Something that can easily be taken for granted. Second, you get space and time to practice daily on your craft. In addition, you learn techniques clearly and distinctly, and how to apply them.

“As a studio dancer technical training is more prevalent compared to a street dancer,” said Choreographer of Coral Springs Academy of Dance, Kellie Drexel.

As for a street dancer, they have an amazing drive that many studio dancers loose growing up. They must want to learn and grow in order to continue, commonly learning via youtube videos and mimicking others. They have such a genuine essence about them since they must learn on their own.

“One of the pros of street dancers is their raw energy and feeling in their movement,” said University of Florida dancer, Vernie Wade.

Street dancers are also known for their ability to perform for the simple fact that they often must attract an audience.

“Studio dancers are akin to a more predictable stage setting with an audience who chooses to attend said event. Whereas street dancers thrive in a more impromptu venue, whether it be a sidewalk, club, etc.  in which the audience decides whether or not to provide support,” Drexel said.

Another strength many street dancers hold over studio dancers is their ability to improvise on the spot.

“A lot of studio girls struggle with free-styling, I too found that challenging because I didn’t start that way growing up,” said Maile Suganuma, UF dancer.

Strengths come in practice, and most street dancers grow up improvising instead of learning choreography, so most are strong in that category. However, the same is to be told for studio dancers keen ability to pick up choreography quickly.

Whichever side you come from, there are clear benefits from both. And so, the point these dancers have made is that no type of dancer trumps the other, they are equally impressive in their own ways.

“Regardless of whether a dancer is considered street or studio each brings a unique quality to this artistic sport,” Drexel said.