Locking (dance) - Moves

Moves

Locking may be done in solo or in unison with two or more dancers doing steps or handshakes together. A locker may smile while performing to emphasize the comical nature of the dance; other times, a serious demeanor will be maintained to place emphasis on technique. Other important stylistic features are waving of arms, pointing, walking stationary and grabbing and rotating the cap or hat. Don Campbell created the original freezes, incorporating his unique rhythm and adding gestures such as points and handclaps. Other dancers also adapted this style while creating other steps and moves.

Locking is by nature an improvisational dance, but also consists of a set of signature moves of locking pioneers, such as Hilty and Bosch, Jackson 5, GoGo Brothers, Bitterbox Sisters, e.t.c. However, many lockers alter or blend these with other moves or create their own variations. In general The Lockers will often put a small pause and move up on the second and fourth beats to emphasize the locking.

Alpha

Created by Alpha Anderson; One leg is kicked forward from a crouching position while the upper body is leaned backwards can be supported by both hands or no hands at all.

Break down/Rocksteady

in the squatting position, shift the pelvis to the side, then back to center and stand up then down and shift to the other side.

Jazz split

A semi-split done with one leg bent, which enables the dancer to get up again in one swift movement.

Whichaway

Altering twirl kicks to the sides first with either right and left legs, upper body stationary with arms in front.

Kick

A high, quick kick of one leg while standing on the other.

Knee Drop

Drop to the knees with knees pointing inwards (into a W shape leg position).

Leo Walk

A funky two step where the first is an exaggerated step in a particular direction, followed by sliding of the second foot along the floor to meet the first.

Lock/Double Lock

Bending slightly forward with arms forming a circle downward, as if lifting a heavy object.

Up Lock (Muscleman)

Bending arms upwards, like the look of a strong man, and holding for a moment or two.

Pacing

A quick punch to the side then down, with hand starting just below the shoulder. (Fist should still be open.)

Pimp Walk

You kick then put your feet in a shoulder width V shape, but hands stay beside the dancer.

Stop and Go

Created by Jimmy "Scoo B Doo" Foster; starting with a muscle man lock, step back with one foot and punch, do a quarter turn in the direction of the back foot breakdown once, and then return reach-around to the same position.

Stomp the cockroach

Going down on one knee, with the other leg pointing out to the side, then pounding the floor.

Scoo B Doo

Created by Jimmy "Scoo B Doo" Foster; doing a muscle man lock then doing two separate kicks while pacing with one hand in time with the kicks

Scoo B Doo walk

Created by Jimmy "Scoo B Doo" Foster; Walking forward, lifting leg up and bending your back towards the knee

Scoobot

Created by Jimmy "Scoo B Doo" Foster; One arm and leg out then switching to the other leg. Leg out and arms crossed then wrist twirl andclap behind

Scoobot hop

Slightly varied from scoobot with legs hopping towards the sides then the front.

Floor Sweep

Using your hand to swiftly move left to right on the floor, as if using a cloth to wipe.

The Skeeter Rabbit/Skeeter Rabbit Around the World

Created by James "Skeeter Rabbit" Higgins; a kick and shuffle hop move, either at the sides and/or front and back.

Funky Guitar

Hands positioned as if holding a guitar, and start walking backwards.

Point

A quick, extended pointing gesture coming from opposite shoulder, usually held for a few seconds for emphasis.

Wrist Twirl

Twirling wrists while moving arms up

The Seek

Doing a breakdown whilst rolling your arms in front of you and then lifting a hand up over your eyes as if you are looking/seeking for something

Hitch Hike

Arms up and then crossed in front of you, and then three hitchhiker thumbs up to the right and then the left.