Hip Hop culture, which emerged in the Bronx during the 1970s, revolutionized music, art, and dance. One of its key elements, B-Boying (also known as breaking or breakdancing), became the foundation of Hip Hop dance. However, B-Boying did not develop in isolation; it was influenced by several earlier dance styles, including locking, popping, electric boogaloo, down rocking, and up rocking. Each of these styles has its own distinct history and cultural roots.
Locking (Late 1960s – Los Angeles, California)
Locking was created by Don "Campbellock" Campbell in the late 1960s in Los Angeles. It originated from a failed attempt to perform the popular "Funky Chicken" dance. Instead of fluid movements, Campbell’s dance style incorporated quick, exaggerated pauses or "locks" in between moves. This unique approach became known as "Campbellocking" and later simply "locking." It was popularized by the dance group The Lockers, which included figures like Fred "Rerun" Berry and Toni Basil. Locking was characterized by upbeat, high-energy movements, wrist rolls, and expressive gestures that matched the funk music of the era.
Popping (Early 1970s – Fresno, California)
Popping, pioneered by Boogaloo Sam (Sam Solomon) in the early 1970s in Fresno, California, is based on rapid muscle contractions that create a jerking effect known as "hits" or "pops." Dancers use these contractions rhythmically to match the beat of the music. Unlike locking, which is more expressive, popping emphasizes isolations, robotic movements, and a smooth flow of motion. It became widely known through the Electric Boogaloos, a dance crew led by Boogaloo Sam, who helped bring popping to mainstream audiences.
Electric Boogaloo (Mid-1970s – Fresno, California)
Closely related to popping, the Electric Boogaloo is a dance style also founded by Boogaloo Sam. It emphasizes rolling body movements, fluid transitions, and illusions such as gliding and waving. Inspired by funk music, this dance style combines elements of earlier African American social dances and mimics the fluidity of electric currents moving through the body. The Electric Boogaloo movement gained national attention through television shows like Soul Train and performances by the Electric Boogaloos.
Down Rocking (Early 1970s – Bronx, New York)
Down rocking is a fundamental component of B-Boying and involves intricate footwork performed close to the ground. Early B-Boys in the Bronx, such as the legendary Rock Steady Crew, developed these steps by incorporating elements of salsa, tap dance, and African dance. Down rocking became a crucial part of the breakdance battles, as dancers used their speed, agility, and style to outshine their opponents.
Up Rocking (Late 1960s – Brooklyn, New York)
Up rocking, or uprocking, emerged in the late 1960s in Brooklyn and was influenced by Latin dance styles, particularly mambo and salsa. Created by two dancers, Rubberband and Apache, up rocking is a battle-oriented dance where dancers face off using quick foot shuffles, spins, and "burns"—mock aggressive gestures meant to symbolically defeat their opponent. Unlike breaking, which includes floorwork, up rocking is performed while standing. It remained a competitive dance style and had an influence on early Hip Hop battles.
The Fusion into B-Boying
By the mid-1970s, these dance styles merged and evolved into what is now known as B-Boying. DJs like Kool Herc played extended breakbeats at block parties in the Bronx, providing the perfect soundtrack for dancers to showcase their skills. B-Boy crews began competing, incorporating elements of popping, locking, and down rocking into their routines. This fusion helped define the explosive, acrobatic, and rhythmic nature of breakdancing, which became a global phenomenon by the 1980s.
Conclusion
B-Boying is more than just a dance; it is a cultural expression that embodies the creativity and resilience of urban youth. Its foundation is built upon a rich history of dance styles that existed before Hip Hop, each contributing to its dynamic evolution. Locking, popping, electric boogaloo, down rocking, and up rocking all played a vital role in shaping the art form that continues to thrive in dance communities worldwide. Understanding these roots not only deepens our appreciation of B-Boying but also honors the pioneers who paved the way for its legacy.
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