Locking Basics | Beginners Guide

Welcome to the exciting world of locking! If you’re new to this dynamic and expressive dance style, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving deep into the fundamentals of locking with the help of Moon Lee, an exceptional locker from Korea and a member of the renowned 2nd Nature crew. Moon’s dedication to spreading the positivity of hip hop in his community, combined with his outstanding teaching skills, makes him the perfect guide for our journey into locking basics.

Before we break down the moves, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich history and culture behind locking. This dance style originated in the early 1970s in Los Angeles, pioneered by Don Campbell. It’s characterized by quickly locking joints into fixed positions, creating a unique, funky, and often comedic style of movement. As Moon mentioned, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the origins of locking and the pioneers who are still active in the scene today.

Now, let’s dive into the eight-count locking combination that Moon Lee has prepared for us. We’ll break down each move, discuss its execution, and then put it all together in a smooth, funky sequence.

The Eight-Count Locking Combination

1. Up Lock (Muscle Man)

The first move in our combination is the Up Lock, also known as the Muscle Man. This foundational move sets the tone for the entire locking style.

Execution:

Start from an attention stance, feet together.
Extend your right leg, placing your toe on the ground.
As you do this, your hip will naturally shift to the left.
Simultaneously, bring your arms up as if holding a pole.
Create right angles with your elbows, locking them in place.
Hunch your chest slightly.

Key Points:

The “lock” in the movement is crucial – imagine freezing your muscles in place.
Practice this move on both sides to develop symmetry in your dancing.

2. Wrist Twirl

The Wrist Twirl adds a smooth, circular element to contrast with the sharp locks.

Execution:

Bring your arms up to shoulder level.
Make a big circle with your wrists.
When you reach the point where you can’t rotate further, bring your wrists back and down.

Key Points:

The movement should be fluid and continuous.
Try to make the circle as large as possible for maximum visual impact.

3. Uncle Sam Point

This move adds a directional element to your locking, incorporating a classic pointing gesture.

Execution:

Start with your arms at shoulder level.
Point in a specific direction.
Importantly, look in the direction you’re pointing.

Key Points:

The synchronization between your arm movement and gaze is crucial for this move’s effectiveness.
Practice pointing in various directions to increase your spatial awareness.

4. Punch a Cape

This move borrows from boxing, adding a sharp, punctuated element to your locking sequence.

Execution:

Think of it as a jab in boxing.
Extend your arm in a punching motion.
Quickly bring it back to the starting position.

Key Points:

The movement should be quick and precise.
Alternate between left and right punches for variety.

5. Kick

The Kick introduces a lower body element, adding dynamism to your locking routine.

Execution:

Start from the Up Lock position.
Open both legs, shifting your body weight.
Execute a kick.
Return to the starting position.

Key Points:

The kick should be sharp and controlled.
Coordinate the kick with your upper body movement for a cohesive look.

6. Scooby-Doo

This playful move adds a touch of humor and character to your locking sequence.

Execution:

Bring your arm back.
Move your arm forward.
Clap your hands together.

Key Points:

The name “Scooby-Doo” gives a hint at the cartoonish, exaggerated nature of this move.
Don’t be afraid to add personality to this movement.

7. Scooby-Doo Look

This variation on the Scooby-Doo adds a directional element, incorporating your gaze into the movement.

Execution:

Perform the Scooby-Doo move as described above.
As you clap, look to your right and then quickly to the back.

Key Points:

The head movement should be sharp and in sync with the clap.
This move can be used to transition between different directions in your routine.

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve broken down each individual move, let’s put it all together in the eight-count combination:

Counts 1-4:

Up Lock
Wrist Twirl
Uncle Sam Point
Two Punches (left and right)

Counts 5-8: 5. Back to Up Lock 6. Lock 7. Scooby-Doo Look (right to back) 8. Wrist Twirl and Clap

When performed in sequence, these moves create a dynamic and visually engaging locking routine. Let’s dive deeper into how to practice and perfect this combination.

Mastering the Combination

Start Slow: Begin by practicing each move individually at a slow pace. Focus on getting the technique right before increasing your speed.
Use a Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror to observe your form and make necessary adjustments. Pay attention to the sharpness of your locks and the fluidity of your transitions.
Add Music: Once you’re comfortable with the moves, practice with music. Locking is typically performed to funk music, so find a track with a steady, groovy beat to practice with.
Focus on Transitions: The smoothness of your transitions between moves is just as important as the moves themselves. Pay special attention to how you flow from one move to the next.
Incorporate Personal Style: While it’s important to learn the basic moves correctly, don’t be afraid to add your own flair. Locking is all about personality and expression.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key in dance. Try to practice your locking moves daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Advanced Tips for Locking

As you become more comfortable with these basic moves, here are some tips to take your locking to the next level:

Develop Your Groove: Locking is more than just a series of moves – it’s about feeling the music and expressing yourself. Work on your overall groove and how you move between the locked positions.
Study Locking History: As Moon emphasized, it’s crucial to educate yourself about the origins of locking. Learn about pioneers like Don Campbell, The Lockers, and other influential figures in the locking scene.
Watch Locking Battles: Locking battles are a great way to see how experienced dancers combine moves and express themselves. Look for videos of locking battles online and study the techniques used.
Expand Your Move Set: While this tutorial covers several fundamental moves, there are many more to learn. Research and practice moves like the Lock Step, Scoo B Doo, Leo Walk, and Slow Motion.
Work on Musicality: Locking is deeply connected to the music. Practice hitting specific beats and accents in the music with your locks and movements.
Combine with Other Styles: Many dancers combine elements of locking with other street dance styles like popping or hip hop. As you progress, experiment with incorporating moves from other styles into your locking.
Attend Workshops: If possible, attend locking workshops in your area. Learning from experienced lockers in person can provide invaluable insights and corrections that are hard to get from video tutorials alone.

The Importance of Locking Culture

As we wrap up this guide to locking basics, it’s essential to reiterate the importance of understanding and respecting the culture behind the dance. Locking emerged from the African American community in Los Angeles during a time of significant social and cultural change. It’s not just a dance style, but a form of expression that carries with it a rich history and philosophy.

When you practice locking, you’re not just learning moves – you’re participating in a cultural tradition. This is why Moon Lee emphasized the importance of educating yourself about who started these moves and why. Take the time to learn about the social context in which locking developed, the messages it conveyed, and how it has evolved over the years.

Moreover, locking is known for its positive, uplifting energy. Many of the pioneers of locking are still active in the scene, teaching and performing. If you have the opportunity, seek out classes or workshops with these original lockers. Their insights into the spirit and technique of locking are invaluable.

Conclusion

Locking is a vibrant, expressive dance style that offers endless possibilities for creativity and personal expression. The eight-count combination taught by Moon Lee in this tutorial provides an excellent foundation for beginners to start their locking journey. Remember, these moves are just the beginning – there’s a whole world of locking to explore.

As you continue to practice and develop your skills, always keep in mind the roots of locking. Respect the culture, learn from the pioneers, and most importantly, have fun! Locking is about expressing joy and positivity through movement, so let that shine through in your dance.

Thank you to Moon Lee for sharing his expertise and to the entire 2nd Nature crew for their contributions to the dance community. Keep practicing, stay groovy, and we’ll see you on the dance floor!

Remember, if you’re interested in learning more from Moon Lee, you can reach out to him on Facebook. His exceptional teaching skills and deep understanding of locking make him an invaluable resource for any aspiring locker.

Now, it’s your turn to get up and start practicing these locking basics. Put on your favorite funk track, find some space to move, and let’s get locking!