Introduction
In the dynamic world of Locking, a funk-inspired dance style that emerged from the streets of Los Angeles, the Pacing move stands as a fundamental technique that drives the rhythm and timing of a routine. This essential move serves as the backbone, providing a steady beat and allowing dancers to seamlessly transition between other locking moves. Pacing is not just a step; it’s a rhythmic expression that embodies the essence of Locking, combining precise arm movements with a groovy swagger.
Video Demonstration
Dance History
The origins of Pacing can be traced back to the pioneers of Locking, a group known as The Lockers, formed in 1971. As they performed on various platforms, including Saturday Night Live and Soul Train, they established names for many of the locking techniques, including Pacing. Derived from the Latin word “passus,” meaning “to stretch,” Pacing involves stretching out the arms in a rhythmic pattern, creating a visual representation of the music’s beat.
Step By Step Instruction
1. Start in a relaxed stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
2. Let your arms hang loosely at your sides, allowing gravity to do its work.
3. On the beat, raise one arm outward, extending it fully with a sharp wrist flick.
4. Bring the arm back to the relaxed position, allowing it to fall naturally.
5. Repeat the movement with the opposite arm, creating a rhythmic pattern that matches the music’s tempo.
6. Incorporate leg movements, such as basic hip-hop steps or grooves, to add fluidity and style to your Pacing.
Tips For Learning
– Practice the arm movements slowly at first, focusing on the sharpness of the wrist flick and the relaxed return. – Listen to the music and feel the beat, allowing your body to naturally sync with the rhythm. – Experiment with different arm positions and angles to add variety and personal flair to your Pacing. – Incorporate facial expressions and body isolations to enhance the funk and attitude of the move. – Gradually increase the speed and complexity of your Pacing as you become more comfortable with the technique.
Conclusion
Pacing is a fundamental move in the Locking dance style, serving as the backbone that drives the rhythm and timing of a routine. By mastering this essential technique, dancers can tap into the funk-inspired essence of Locking, creating a mesmerizing visual representation of the music’s beat. Whether performed as a standalone move or integrated into intricate combinations, Pacing remains a timeless and essential part of the Locking repertoire.
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.
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.
Master the Funky “Stop N Go” – A Locking Dance Move That Oozes Swagger
The “Stop N’ Go” is a quintessential locking dance move that involves freezing in place and then seamlessly transitioning back into motion, creating a mesmerizing contrast of stillness and fluidity. Originating from locking pioneer Scoo B Doo, this funky and rhythmic move is a must-learn for anyone looking to add serious swagger to their locking repertoire.
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