Funk Dance Classes

Funk is a dance style that originated in California as a street dance in the 1970's. It is similar to today's hip hop and to breaking which was developed in New York. It was given its own name to differentiate it from other dance styles that came from other places. There are three dances in this style: locking, popping, and electric boogaloo. These dances are still alive and well but have been absorbed into the hip hop culture. They are still danced to the same music. Street dance is an exciting form of dance that is performed in an impromptu way on the streets of a large city.

Locking funk dance is akin to freezing in break dance. It is holding a position from a faster movement. The position is held for a short time then the dance continues. It is accomplished by distinct and quick hand and arm movements and relies on upper body strength. The hips and legs are relaxed in locking. The poses are big and overly emphasized. They are usually synced up with the music to create a dramatic performance. It also is audience interactive. A dancer or locker in this case, gives smiles, high fives, and other acknowledgement to the audience.

Popping funk dancing is characterized by jerking movements. This is caused by the quick and successive contracting and relaxing of muscles in the body to create a rippling look. These can be called pop, tick, or hit. They are done to the rhythm of the song with other movements or poses. It is more a technique than a dance. Popping is also the description of dance movements that create an illusion. It is very similar to some break dancing moves and techniques but quite different at the same time.

Electric Boogaloo is another of the funk dance forms that is unique. Once again it is very similar to several other dance styles, but has a terminology and technique all its own. Boogaloo has several standardized moves that make up this style. One is Crazy Legs. This is a foot walk translated from a popping move. Another is Fresno. This is a movement between body arm and foot. Neck-o-flex is a neck twix between body and the neck. Old Man is a move that was inspired by observation of an old man crossing the street. Twist-o-flex is similar to mannequin dance styles where the body moves with unnatural joint movement.