Recently, we have increasingly heard such a dance as locking. Let's look at the history and see what this dance style is all about.
Dance history
Locking, or, as it is also called, campbellocking, is a currently popular form of dance art. Its creator was the boy Don Campbell, who was born in the early 50s in America. Don in his youth with the help of his friend tried to learn various dance styles. But he could not achieve much success in this.
However, one day at a
student party, Don wanted to show what he had learned. He went to the center of the circle and began to demonstrate all the movements that he could remember. Forgetting one or another gesture, he stopped and remembered what to do next. As a result, his performance won the hearts of the audience, one of which was the then-popular dancer Sam Williams. He called what he saw Campbell-Lock. A "lock", as you know, is translated from English as "castle". After a stunning success, Campbell decided to continue to develop the dance that everyone liked so much with the “castles” - the stops. The founder of his own style, Campbell decided to turn all his shortcomings in choreography into advantages. Therefore, it is believed that locking is a dance based on comic, to some extent even ridiculous movements. And, of course, the “locks” - stops, became its highlight.
Here she comes, glory!
Soon the rumor about an unusual dance spread throughout the district. Campbell began to be invited to all kinds of competitions, where he often won.
So the dance of locking became known far beyond the borders of his hometown. Soon, to popularize this form of dance art, it was proposed to create a group called The Campbellock Dancers, later simply The Lockers.
Locking - lifestyle
Since the founding of this dance team, a peculiar style of locking appeared, which included a certain style of dressing, walking and even talking! It was a new lifestyle that was eagerly absorbed by the then youth.
Admirers of campbellocking wore massive
platform shoes, colorful satin shirts and striped socks. Also, the locking style implied the predominance of large colorful ties, shorts to the knee, white gloves, and, of course, huge hats.
The resurgence of locks
In the mid-70s, the popularity of the dance style of campbellocking gradually faded. Only in the late 90s and early 2000s did this dance revive again, having now won the hearts of Europeans and Asians. France fell ill first, then Sweden, and later Korea. Gradually, the Locking dance reached the CIS, replacing outdated directions.
Campblocking Technique
Let's get to know the technical part of the extraordinary dance style. So, first of all, it should be said that locking is a dance based on sudden movements. Not the last place in it is occupied by specific tricks with throwing out hands, as well as various loops with hands. All lockers are united by performing non-standard jumps, as well as a variety of "chips" with swaying arms or legs. We can safely say that locking is a dance, one of the main components of which is the fixation of parts of the body, reminiscent of breaking, waves throughout the body, glides. Most of campbellocking is basic movement.
Therefore, a dancer who ignores them is immediately defeated. Assessment of the locker skill consists of exactly the quality of execution of these basic "chips". In simple words, locking is a constructor made up of parts such as movements. The dancer's task is to assemble the components of the dance into a single chain. How interesting he will manage to do this, so, therefore, he is a master of his craft. Representatives of this style easily improvise on stage, combining various basic "pieces". This is the perfect locking dance we are considering. Music during the performance most often plays positive, funky. After all, locking, as you know, refers to those dances that are closely related to it. And funky music just includes clear beats so necessary for
dance movements and a rich arrangement.
Locating Training
Surely you have sunk into the soul of this cheerful, energetic, amazing dance. But if you are not a connoisseur of choreography, what to do? Let’s figure out if a beginner can master this dance of life, which is full of life and inspiration. Learning this direction, frankly, is not fast, which you need to immediately take into account, studying the basics of locking, and be patient. The main thing that any novice dancer should understand is that locking is a kind of body impulse. There are no right or wrong movements. This is a dance of mood! Experienced lockers are advised to beginners to begin to feel funk, to listen, for example, to his most popular representative, James Brown. If you like this kind of music, then this is a sure sign of success. Further it is advisable to watch the Soul Train show. Well, were you inspired after what you saw and heard? Then feel free to start exploring the main locker movements.
These include the aforementioned “castle”, as well as the “point”, “Scooby Doo”, Pace and many others. Remember that in locking, as in any direction, the main thing is
the mood of the dancer. It is important to convey to the public what is happening inside you, to share with the audience a piece of your soul, your positivity and energy. Try, try, dare! Perhaps in the near future the whole world will know about you as a talented locker dancer! Do not give up, perseverance and work will help overcome difficulties on the way to mastering a cheerful dance.