Description of Krump Dancing Style
The evolution of hip-hop culture is often attributed to "increasing ravages of urban poverty, alcohol and drug abuse, crime, street violence, and gang rivalries" as noted by Thenewblackmagazine.com. The subject matter of the music, the attitude of the dance and the style of the clothing all reflect the realities of street life. Hip-hop culture has thrived because of a controlled aggression--the ability of the artists, rappers and dancers to harness their emotions into words, beats and movement. The same is true for Krump dancing, born in South Central Los Angeles and picked up globally since the 90's, according to Krumpup.com.
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Origins
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The movements and body language used when Krumping can be traced by to African folk dancing, as mentioned in the 2005 film about Krump culture called "Rize." Although there is a vast range of movement and style in African dance, it typically serves one or more functions in society; it can be a method of worship, a way to teach and instill social responsibilities, a way to encourage hard work, and an outlet for nonviolent competition and dispute settlement, among others. Krump dancing serves many of the same functions. As shown in the film "Rize," Krumping stems from a violent street culture in South Central Los Angeles, where it serves as a harmless outlet for passion and aggression.
Movement
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The actual movements incorporated in Krump dancing appear to be random, aggressive and wild. Krump allows the performer room to incorporate his own personality and style. As an outlet for frustration and passion, it must be adaptable to each performer's unique feelings in the moment. Wavelike movements in the torso, arms and hips typical of African dancing appear in Krump dance. Specific names for moves include bucks and flares, which often resemble the unpredictable movements of rodeo bulls, though skillfully controlled to the beat of the music. Krump is based on improvisation. Although a performer may learn by imitating others, he will soon come to experience the style in a unique way through his own body. Traces of popping and locking, b-boying and the Oakland, California, equivalent to Krump called "turfing" can be found in Krump dance. The dancer may use imitation and intimidation in his dance moves to come across as a competitor.
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Lingo
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Krump dancing culture is supported by a lingo that would appear violent to an outsider. A battle implicates a face-off between two Krump troupes or teams, in which the only goal is to defeat the other with harder, faster, and more complicated moves. Bucking and flaring name the wild arm, leg, back, chest and hip jerks, thrusts and hits that build a fight. Finally, the most aggressive, hard-hitting competitor delivers the "kill-off". A kill-off will be signaled by an audience uproar after an especially skilled performance, and implicates a total defeat of the opponent, who must back down.
Battlezone
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A battlezone, as described in "Rize," is a place where two competing Krump troupes (or teams) gather to face off. It has been compared to gang activity as its harmless equivalent - a way to release anger and frustration that might otherwise manifest as true violence. Troupes will typically have a name, a theme or a costume. One by one, members of each troupe will come into the center of a stage or circle of competitors and unleash the wildest, strongest, most intimidating moves they have. Points are gauged by audience participation in the form of screaming, clapping and yelling. At a battlezone, total release is encouraged for the sake of individual honor and the honor of the troupe.
Implications
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Krump dancers portrayed in movies such as "Rize," documentaries, online videos and personal clips published to YouTube may appear aggressive and violent. However, most aspects of hip-hop culture exist to counter the negative realities of street life, as noted by Newblackmagazine.com. Krump dancing gives potentially violent groups a way to express their anger without doing real physical harm. Furthermore, it has been predicted by slangcity.com that krump will change the way women are viewed in hip hop culture. Sporting baggy clothes and Chuck Taylor Converse shoes, women Krump dancers use the same aggressive, assertive moves as male Krump dancers. Children of all ages are allowed to participate, giving them a creative outlet for their feelings before they learn a violent alternative.
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References
- Photo Credit disc-jockey image by iMAGINE from Fotolia.com
