Introduction
The Lock is the quintessential move that gave birth to the electrifying dance style known as Locking. Originating in the late 1960s, this foundational move involves freezing from a fast movement and “locking” into a stationary position, creating a striking visual contrast. The Lock is the cornerstone of Locking, a funk-inspired dance form that seamlessly blends rhythmic movements with theatrical elements. Its unique style and infectious energy have made Locking a beloved dance genre worldwide.
Video Demonstration
Dance History
The Lock was created by Don Campbell, a young art student in the late 1960s. While attempting to perform the popular “Funky Chicken” dance, Campbell found himself stuck in an awkward position, unable to remember the next step. Instead of giving up, he embraced the freeze and incorporated it into his routine. This accidental move, dubbed “The Lock,” quickly gained popularity among his peers and became the foundation of a new dance style, later known as Locking.
Step By Step Instruction
1. Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
2. Raise your arms to chest level, with your elbows bent and your hands facing inward.
3. Initiate a fast, rhythmic movement with your arms, as if you’re conducting an orchestra.
4. Abruptly freeze your arms in a specific position, locking them in place while maintaining the rest of your body’s momentum.
5. Hold the locked position for a brief moment, accentuating the contrast between the frozen arms and the moving body.
6. Release the lock and continue with the next movement or transition smoothly into another lock.
Tips For Learning
– Practice the lock in front of a mirror to ensure proper form and timing.
– Experiment with different arm positions and angles to add variety to your locks.
– Incorporate facial expressions and body language to enhance the theatrical aspect of Locking.
– Start with slower tempos and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the lock.
– Attend Locking workshops or classes to receive guidance from experienced instructors.
Conclusion
The Lock is the cornerstone of the Locking dance style, a testament to the creativity and innovation of its founder, Don Campbell. By embracing an accidental freeze and transforming it into a captivating move, Campbell paved the way for a unique dance form that continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned Locker or a beginner, mastering the Lock is essential to truly embodying the spirit and energy of this dynamic dance style.
More Locking Dance Moves
The “Which A Way” Locking Move
The “Which A Way” is a classic locking dance move that involves a smooth, rhythmic rotation of the hips and torso, creating an illusion of the body moving in multiple directions simultaneously. Originated by Damita Jo Freeman in the 1970s, this signature move perfectly captures the essence of locking, showcasing the dancer’s ability to isolate and control various body parts while maintaining a cool, funky vibe.
Unleash Your Swagger: Mastering the Iconic Pimp Walk in Locking
The Pimp Walk, a stylized and captivating movement that exudes confidence and attitude, has become an iconic staple in the Locking dance style. Originating from the exaggerated swagger of zoot-suited men in Harlem, this move embodies swagger, attitude, and self-expression, transcending generations and cultures within the dance world.
Mastering the Locking Point: A Funky and Animated Move
The locking point is a fundamental and iconic move in the locking dance style, originating from the early days when dancers would point at audience members or friends to acknowledge their appreciation. Over time, it evolved into a signature move, incorporating various techniques and styles to make it more dynamic and expressive. Mastering the locking point involves extending the arm with precision, adding flair and animation through wrist rolls, torso twists, and facial expressions, all while maintaining the funk and attitude that defines this unique dance form.
Unleash Your Funk: Mastering the Iconic Leo Walk
The Leo Walk, a quintessential move in the world of Locking, combines rhythmic footwork with expressive hip movements, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Created by Leo Lundy, one of the original Lockers, this dynamic step showcases the dancers’ rhythmic precision and stylistic flair, embodying the funk-inspired essence of the Locking dance style.
Unlock the Rhythm: Mastering the Pacing Move in Locking Dance
The Pacing move, derived from the Latin word “passus” meaning “to stretch,” is a fundamental technique in the Locking dance style. It involves stretching out the arms in a rhythmic pattern, creating a visual representation of the music’s beat and serving as the backbone that drives the rhythm and timing of a Locking routine.
Unleash Your Funky Side: Mastering the Locking Scoobot Move
The Scoobot is a dynamic and playful locking move that combines elements of the classic robot dance with the smooth and funky style of locking. Originating from the creative minds of locking pioneers, this move showcases the dancer’s ability to transition seamlessly between robotic and fluid movements, adding a touch of humor and personality to any routine. By mastering the blend of precise robotic gestures and smooth locking elements, dancers can unleash their funky side and captivate audiences with this iconic and crowd-pleasing move.
Mastering the Locking Move: Giving Yourself Five
The “Giving Yourself Five” move, a quintessential part of the Locking repertoire, is a celebration of self-expression and individuality. Originating from Don “Campbellock” Campbell’s early routines, this gesture involves extending a hand and slapping it with the other, symbolizing the dancer’s confidence and self-appreciation. It pays homage to the roots of the funk-inspired dance style while encouraging dancers to embrace their unique presence on the dance floor.
Master the Funky Scooby Doo: A Locking Dance Move with Personality
The Scooby Doo, a locking dance move created by Jimmy “Scoo B Doo” Foster, is a funky and playful step that combines arm locks, kicks, and stomps. With its distinctive movements and comical flair, this move has become a staple in the locking community, allowing dancers to showcase their personality and funk.
Master the Funky Skeeter Rabbit: A Locking Dance Move Masterclass
The Skeeter Rabbit is a classic locking dance move that originated in the 1970s, created by James “Skeeter Rabbit” Higgins. This intricate footwork pattern combines kicks, hops, and shuffles, showcasing the unique groove and syncopated rhythms of the locking style. With its distinctive arm movements and funky essence, the Skeeter Rabbit has become an iconic move in the hip-hop dance community.
Mastering the Sneak: A Classic Locking Move
The Sneak, also known as the Seek, is a smooth and controlled movement that showcases the essence of locking – freezing from a fast motion into a stationary position. This classic move originated in the early days of locking and quickly became a staple, often seen on the iconic dance show “Soul Train.” By mastering the Sneak, dancers can build a strong foundation in locking and incorporate it into more complex routines and performances.
Recent Comments