Mastering the Locking Point: A Funky and Animated Move

Introduction

The locking point is a fundamental and iconic move in the locking dance style. It involves extending the arm and pointing with precision, adding flair and animation to the movement. This funky gesture originated from the early days of locking, when dancers would point at audience members or friends to acknowledge their appreciation. Over time, the locking point evolved into a signature move, incorporating various techniques and styles to make it more dynamic and expressive.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

The locking point traces its roots back to the late 1960s and early 1970s, when Don Campbell, the creator of locking, incorporated pointing gestures into his unique dance style. As the story goes, Campbell pointed at a woman in the audience who was laughing at his moves, marking the first locking point. Later, other pioneers like Leo "Flukey Luke" Williamson introduced variations like the "Leo Lock," contributing to the evolution of the dance form.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Choose the arm you want to point with and extend it straight out, keeping your elbow locked.
3. Point your fingers and hand in the desired direction, keeping your arm and wrist aligned.
4. Roll your head and focus your gaze in the direction you're pointing.
5. Add animation by rolling your wrist, twisting your torso, or incorporating other locking moves like the lock or wrist rolls.
6. Transition smoothly between different pointing directions, maintaining precision and energy.

Tips For Learning

• Exaggerate your movements and facial expressions to add personality and funk.
• Practice pointing in different directions and at varying heights to improve coordination.
• Incorporate the locking point into short routines or freestyle sessions to build muscle memory.
• Study videos of locking pioneers and their unique styles of pointing.
• Have fun with it and let your personality shine through the move.

Conclusion

The locking point is a quintessential move that embodies the funk and attitude of the locking dance style. By mastering the technique and adding your own flair, you can elevate your locking skills and pay homage to the pioneers who shaped this dynamic art form. Remember, the key is to point with precision, animation, and a whole lot of personality.

More Locking Dance Moves

If you liked the Locking Point, these moves share the same arm-extension and gesture-based expression:

• Master the Wrist Twirl: An Essential Locking Dance Move — The Locking Point tutorial specifically calls out wrist rolls as an add-on to the point, and the Wrist Twirl post teaches you exactly that technique in isolation.
• Mastering the Locking Move: Giving Yourself Five — Both moves are directional arm gestures rooted in Don Campbell's audience-interaction style, and they're among the most naturally paired moves in a locking combo.
• Mastering the Iconic Lock: The Foundation of Locking Dance — The Locking Point is most effective when it lands into a sharp Lock freeze — the foundational Lock post teaches you how to stick that freeze with conviction.
• Mastering the Pacing Move in Locking Dance — Pacing's outward arm extension is closely related to the Point's mechanics, and practicing both together develops a broader arm vocabulary for your upper-body locking.