Since its beginnings in the 1970s, hip-hop dance has continued to grow while staying true to its original style. All around the United States, moves that began in places like the Bronx, New York, and Compton, California are still popular today and continue to grow in popularity. Following are descriptions of three common hip-hop dance styles: Locking is a dramatic movement most often linked with funk music. It was created in the 1960s by Don Campbell, whose technique was originally coined “Campbellocking.” Popularized by Michael Jackson, the move involves suddenly freezing mid-motion and locking your joints. Popping, often associated with locking, is a jarring, choppy motion that uses unique angles. The famous robot dance is considered part of the popping style. The movement began in Fresno, California in the 1970s and has remained a style with a lot of freedom of improvisation. Krumping is an aggressive and passionate style of hip-hop dance that was brought to life in South Central Los Angeles, California. Krumping shares similar techniques as breaking, popping, and locking, but is set apart by its raw emotional charge. In modern choreography, this style is often used to play out a narrative. As hip-hop dance has grown in popularity throughout North America, so to has the opportunity to learn. Many dance studios offer hip-hop dance classes. About the Author: Sherif El Refai enjoys hip-hop dancing. He currently lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.

1. B Y S H E R I F E L R E F A I
Hip-Hop Dance Styles:
Popping, Locking, and Krumping

2. Hip-Hop Dance Styles: Popping, Locking, and Krumping
Since its beginnings in the 1970s, hip-hop dance has
continued to grow while staying true to its original style.
All around the United States, moves that began in places
like the Bronx, New York, and Compton, California are still
popular today and continue to grow in popularity.
Following are descriptions of three common hip-hop dance
styles:
Locking is a dramatic movement most often linked with
funk music. It was created in the 1960s by Don
Campbell, whose technique was originally coined
“Campbellocking.” Popularized by Michael Jackson, the
move involves suddenly freezing mid-motion and locking
your joints.

3. Hip-Hop Dance Styles: Popping, Locking, and Krumping
Popping, often associated with locking, is a jarring, choppy
motion that uses unique angles. The famous robot dance is
considered part of the popping style. The movement began
in Fresno, California in the 1970s and has remained a style
with a lot of freedom of improvisation.
Krumping is an aggressive and passionate style of hip-hop
dance that was brought to life in South Central Los
Angeles, California. Krumping shares similar techniques as
breaking, popping, and locking, but is set apart by its raw
emotional charge. In modern choreography, this style is
often used to play out a narrative.

4. Hip-Hop Dance Styles: Popping, Locking, and Krumping
As hip-hop dance has grown in popularity throughout
North America, so to has the opportunity to learn.
Many dance studios offer hip-hop dance classes.
About the Author: Sherif El Refai enjoys hip-hop
dancing. He currently lives in Jersey City, New Jersey.