How to Do The Lock: The Foundation Move of Locking Dance

Introduction

The Lock is the foundational move that gave Locking its name. Originating in the late 1960s, it asks you to freeze from a fast movement and hold a clear stationary position. That contrast between rhythm and stillness is central to the style.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Locking dance?

Locking is a funk-style street dance that originated in Los Angeles in the late 1960s. It's defined by sudden "locks" , freezing mid-movement into a held position, then releasing into the next move. This freeze-and-release contrast is what gives Locking its signature punchy, theatrical energy, distinct from popping, breaking, or hip hop styles.

Who created Locking dance?

Locking was created by Don Campbell in 1969 in Los Angeles. While trying to perform a dance called the Funky Chicken, Campbell got stuck in an awkward position and froze. His friends thought it looked cool and asked him to do it again , that accidental freeze became "The Lock," and Campbell built an entire dance style around it.

What is The Lock move in dance?

The Lock is the foundational move of Locking dance. It's a fast arm movement that suddenly freezes , locks , in a specific position, creating a sharp visual contrast against the body's ongoing momentum. Every other Locking move (the Point, Stop N Go, Sneak, Scoobot, Pacing) builds on The Lock's freeze-and-release mechanic.

When was Locking dance created?

Locking was created in 1969 by Don Campbell in Los Angeles. It gained national exposure in the early 1970s through Campbell's dance crew, The Lockers, which included future stars like Fred Berry (of "What's Happening!!"), Toni Basil, and Shabba-Doo. The Lockers appeared on Soul Train and helped codify Locking as a recognized street dance style.

How is Locking different from popping and breaking?

Locking uses freeze-and-release , fast movement into a held lock, then out again. Popping uses muscle contraction (pops) to create sharp jerks. Breaking (b-boying) is floor-based and includes power moves, footwork, and freezes. All three emerged from the 1970s funk era, but they have different techniques, music, and origins: Locking from LA, Popping from Fresno, Breaking from the Bronx.

More Locking Dance Moves

If you liked the Lock, these moves all depend on the freeze-and-release mechanic you just learned:

• Master the Stop N Go: A Locking Dance Move with Swagger , The Stop N Go is a direct extension of the Lock concept , you apply the same freeze into a side-to-side traveling pattern, making it the most immediate next step after the foundational Lock.
• Mastering the Sneak: A Classic Locking Move , The Sneak uses the same freeze-from-fast-movement principle Don Campbell established with the Lock, adding a forward slide and lean that makes the freeze feel earned.
• Mastering the Locking Point: A Funky and Animated Move , The Locking Point is one of the most common moves paired with the Lock in a sequence , you lock, then point, making these two moves naturally linked in Don Campbell's original vocabulary.
• Mastering the Pacing Move in Locking Dance , Pacing gives you a rhythmic arm framework that connects your Locks together into a flowing routine rather than isolated freezes.