Popping

Moonwalk in Madrid

Popping is a street dance and one of the original funk styles that emerged in California in the late 1960s and 1970s. The dance is characterized by sudden tensing and releasing of the muscles ("popping") to the rhythm of beats in music. Popping as a dance style is highly improvisational and can be performed to various types of music, although it is most commonly associated with funk music. This dance style is part of the wider hip hop dance culture, although it predates the emergence of hip hop in the 1970s.

History

Popping was developed by Boogaloo Sam in Fresno, California, in the late 1960s. Sam founded the Electric Boogaloos, a group that played a significant role in popularizing popping worldwide. The dance style was influenced by earlier dance movements such as The Robot and locking, with which it is often confused. However, popping is distinct in its technique and movements. The dance spread quickly across the United States and became a staple of the burgeoning hip hop culture.

Technique

Popping involves the rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles to create a jerking effect (a pop or hit) in the dancer's body. This can be performed with various parts of the body, including the arms, legs, chest, and neck. Dancers often integrate other styles such as waving, gliding, and tutting to create more complex and varied routines. The illusion of floating, sliding, or defying gravity is a common theme in popping performances.

Cultural Impact

Popping has had a significant impact on dance culture and has been featured in numerous dance competitions, films, and music videos. It is a foundational element of street dance culture and continues to influence new generations of dancers. The style has also contributed to the development of other dance forms and has been incorporated into various dance routines and performances around the world.

Notable Dancers and Crews

Some of the most influential figures in the popping scene include Boogaloo Sam, Popin' Pete, and Mr. Wiggles. Crews such as the Electric Boogaloos and the Rock Steady Crew have also played pivotal roles in the dissemination and evolution of the style.

See Also

• Locking (dance)
• Breakdancing
• Hip hop dance