Campbellocking · Locking · Los Angeles
Explore Locking dance and Campbellocking: from Don Campbell and African American funk culture in Los Angeles to The Lockers and today’s scenes.
Culture / Context / Credit
Locking grew from music, community, personal expression, pride and creativity. Here, the people, contexts and movement are given space together.
Culture in motion
To understand Locking, we need to hear the music and see the culture from which the dance grew. Groove, clothing, character and social exchange are not decoration around the steps – they help carry the form.
Soul / Funk / Musicality
Soul and funk gave the dance floor groove, pulse and attitude. Bass lines, drums, breaks and sharp accents create places to stop, explode, play and answer back. Locking does not sit on top of the music; the dancer is in conversation with it.
Style / Character / Identity
Large hats, striped socks, pegged or cropped trousers, colorful shirts, bow ties and gloves became part of Locking’s visual language. On stage they could emphasize lines, hat tricks and character. The style is a cultural expression and a form of self-presentation – not a uniform required in order to dance.
Questions / Corrections / Stories
Do you have knowledge, a correction or a story that belongs here? Get in touch. You can also follow the work and gatherings around the dance through Funkcamp.
