Master the Stop N Go: A Locking Dance Move with Swagger

Introduction

The "Stop N' Go" is a quintessential locking dance move that epitomizes the funky and rhythmic nature of this style. Originating from the locking pioneer Scoo B Doo, this move involves freezing in place and then seamlessly transitioning back into motion, creating a mesmerizing contrast of stillness and fluidity. With its playful and expressive character, the "Stop N' Go" is a must-learn for anyone looking to add some serious swagger to their locking repertoire.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

Locking, a funk dance style that emerged in the late 1960s, was pioneered by Don Campbell, who accidentally created the "locking" concept while struggling to remember the steps of the "Funky Chicken" dance. One of Campbell's proteges, Jimmy "Scoo B Doo" Foster, is credited with inventing the "Stop N' Go" move, which quickly became a staple in the locking dance vocabulary.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
2. Step out to the side with one foot, shifting your weight onto that leg.
3. Freeze in place, locking your body and holding the position for a beat or two.
4. Smoothly transition back into motion by stepping with the other foot, continuing the movement in the opposite direction.
5. Repeat the process, alternating between freezing and moving, and incorporating arm movements and body isolations for added flair.

Tips For Learning

• Practice the freeze and transition slowly at first, ensuring a clean and sharp lock.
• Experiment with different arm positions and body angles to add variety.
• Incorporate hip movements and footwork variations to enhance the funk factor.
• Sync the freezes and transitions with the music's rhythm and accents.
• Study videos of locking pioneers like Scoo B Doo and Don Campbell to capture the authentic style.

Conclusion

The "Stop N' Go" is a true embodiment of the locking dance style, showcasing the contrast between stillness and motion that defines this funk-fueled art form. By mastering this move, dancers can tap into the raw energy and playful spirit that has made locking a beloved dance genre for decades. Whether performed solo or incorporated into intricate routines, the "Stop N' Go" is a surefire way to elevate your locking game and command the dance floor with unparalleled swagger.

More Locking Dance Moves

If you liked the Stop N Go, these moves share the same freeze-and-flow contrast at the core of locking:

• Mastering the Iconic Lock: The Foundation of Locking Dance — The Stop N Go is built on the same freeze-then-release mechanic that defines the Lock itself, so mastering the original Lock directly sharpens the stillness moments in your Stop N Go.
• Mastering the Sneak: A Classic Locking Move — Both the Sneak and the Stop N Go are freeze-based moves that use a sharp hold to punctuate motion, and both were staples of early Don Campbell-era locking vocabulary.
• Mastering the Pacing Move in Locking Dance — Pacing builds the rhythmic arm extension that gives you something purposeful to do with your upper body during the "go" phase of the Stop N Go.
• Mastering the Volkswagen: A Funky Locking Move — Like the Stop N Go, the Volkswagen relies on holding a precise shape at a defined beat before releasing, training the same sense of rhythmic pause and body control.