Mastering the Snaking Move: Fluid Funk Body Control

Introduction

The Snaking move is a mesmerizing and fluid dance technique that has become a cornerstone of Funk Style dancing. This captivating movement involves creating a wave-like motion that travels through the body, typically starting from the head and flowing down to the feet, or vice versa. The Snaking move showcases a dancer's control over individual body parts and their ability to create smooth, continuous motion. It's a visually striking element that adds a touch of grace and fluidity to the often sharp and explosive movements found in Funk Style dancing. Mastering the Snaking move not only enhances a dancer's repertoire but also demonstrates their understanding of body isolation and control, key components in many street dance styles.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

The Snaking move, like many elements of Funk Style dancing, emerged from the vibrant street dance scene of the 1970s in the United States. While it's challenging to attribute its creation to a single individual, the move gained prominence alongside the rise of Funk music and the development of various street dance styles. The Snaking technique likely evolved from earlier body wave movements seen in styles like the Robot and Electric Boogaloo. It became more defined and refined as dancers experimented with ways to express the smooth, groovy elements of Funk music through their bodies. By the 1980s, the Snaking move had become a recognizable and essential part of the Funk Style vocabulary, showcased in dance battles, music videos, and street performances across the country.

Step By Step Instruction

Start in a relaxed standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Begin by tilting your head slightly backward.
Slowly roll your head forward, initiating the wave motion.
As your chin tucks, push your chest forward slightly.
Continue the wave by sucking in your stomach and pushing your hips forward.
Let the motion flow down through your thighs, bending your knees slightly.
Finally, rise onto the balls of your feet as the wave reaches your ankles.
Reverse the motion, starting from your feet and moving back up to your head.
Practice the movement slowly at first, gradually increasing speed as you gain control.
Experiment with different directions and starting points for the wave.

Tips For Learning

Practice in front of a mirror to visualize and correct your form.
Focus on isolating each body part to create a smooth, continuous motion.
Start with slow, exaggerated movements and gradually increase speed and subtlety.
Use music with a clear, steady beat to help time your movements.
Incorporate breathing techniques to enhance fluidity and relaxation.
Practice regularly, even for short periods, to build muscle memory.
Watch videos of experienced dancers performing the Snaking move for inspiration.
Experiment with different intensities and amplitudes of the wave motion.

Conclusion

The Snaking move is a testament to the fluid and expressive nature of Funk Style dancing. By mastering this technique, dancers can add a mesmerizing element to their performances that captivates audiences and showcases their control and artistry. While it may take time and practice to perfect, the Snaking move is a valuable addition to any dancer's repertoire, offering a way to physically interpret the smooth, groovy essence of Funk music. As you continue to refine your Snaking technique, remember that the key lies in patience, consistent practice, and allowing your body to flow with the rhythm of the music.

More Funk Style Dance Moves

If you liked the Snaking Move, these moves share the same sequential full-body isolation and the goal of making continuous motion look effortless:

Mastering the Art of Waving: A Fluid Funk Style Dance Move — Waving is snaking applied specifically to the arms — the same chain-of-isolation logic runs through both, and arm waves are usually the entry point dancers use before attempting a full-body snake.
Mastering the Filmore: A Funky Dance Move That Oozes Style — The Filmore initiates with a wave through the chest and hips — the same spinal and torso articulation you develop drilling the snake feeds directly into the Filmore's opening motion.
Mastering the Sleepy Style: Laid-Back Funk Dance Move — The Sleepy Style's continuous side-to-side sway requires the same relaxed torso and fluid weight transfer you build by practicing the snake — both moves fall apart if your core is tense.
Mastering Popping: The Fundamental Move of Funk Style Dancing — Snaking looks like the opposite of popping but uses the same skill: isolating individual muscle groups on demand; understanding what a pop is helps you control which muscles release and in what order during the snake.