"I wouldn't call it hip-hop at all - it's just a fad," says Kazzajazz director Karen Lees.

"It's funny steps that have been made up and it's because the tune is so catchy that everyone knows the style."

The main thing, Lees emphasises, is that real hip-hop is not as easy as it looks.

"Contrary to popular belief you need to have a lot of co-ordination," Lees says.

Both Lees and Dance Sensations Kiama director Amanda Barr say the numbers interested in hip-hop always varies.

"We do get a lot of inquiries about it," Lees says.

"They love it but it really comes down to the parents."

Barr believes TV shows such as So You Think You Can Dance have been the major push for youngsters turning up to dance classes.

The energetic form of dancing, developed from several cultures, also includes breakdancing. "Cheerleading seems to be becoming more popular now too - I guess we're becoming more American," Barr says.

Lees, whose Kazzajazz hip-hop troupe remain undefeated in five City of Wollongong Eisteddfods, says she has students from three years of age through to 23, although it is best to start about seven.

Barr says the Kiama studio also has a large group aged between 18 to 21.

"People who have spent a lot of time doing jazz or ballet also step into it easily," Lees says.

"A lot of girls who have done ballet have shown interest and started doing hip-hop."

Pictured: Hip-hop dancers Jesse Hyde, Demi Mcgregor, Brittany Doyle and Jerome Burluraux at Kazzajazz dance studio in Wollongong. Photo: ADAM McLEAN