Pop and Lock Tutorial
No matter what your dance style, you've likely heard the terms "Pop" and "Lock." These are two distinct dance moves that are the building blocks for many types of dances, including hip-hop, break dance and jazz. Popping started as a funk style. It is sometimes called Fresno, since the movement started in Fresno, California, in the '70s. The term can cover many different moves, but looks like a quick jerk of the body. Locking is also called Campbellocking and originated from funk as well. Locking is usually done when the dancer comes out of a fast movement such as a spin. The dancer freezes and poses for the audience. It is a way to interact with the audience and show off form or flexibility.
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Instructions
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Learn How to Pop Your Arm
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Hold your arms straight out on each side of your body. The elbows should be bent slightly. Arms should be shoulder height.
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Point your left hand fingers up toward the ceiling. You should be able to see the back side of your hand. Do not move any other part of your body.
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3
Bend your left wrist forward as far as possible at the same time you bend your fingers up. If you have trouble doing this, you can bend your elbow just a bit more. When you bend your elbow, do not move it to a lower or higher position.
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4
Drop your elbow and lift your left shoulder as high as you are able. Lower your left shoulder and lift your right shoulder.
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Bend your elbow slightly, point your right hand fingers down while lifting wrist toward ceiling. This is the reverse move of how you started.
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Practice until you can do all the steps in one jerky motion after another that looks like a wave spasm through your body.
Learn How to Lock
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Perform the dance move of your choice. The faster the dance move, the more noticeable the locking will be.
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At some point during the dance move, jerk a portion of your body and freeze in place. You can jerk legs, arms, hands, head, feet.
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Hold the freeze for a few seconds before resuming motion. Many hip hop dancers enjoy coming up with interesting freeze positions that create a comical effect for the audience.
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Complete each move to the beat of the music.
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Tips & Warnings
The moves mentioned here are beginning pop and lock dance moves. Once you've mastered the basics, you may want to move on to more complicated dance moves. You can learn this through eHow videos and tutorials.
Always warm up before attempting any dance move. Cold muscles are more easily strained.
References
- Photo Credit Hiphop image by Angelika Bentin from Fotolia.com
