Dance Style - Popping

Popping: A Funky and Expressive Dance Style

Popping is a street dance style characterized by the sudden tensing and releasing of muscles, creating a jerking effect known as a pop or hit. Originating from the Funk era in the 1970s in California, popping is an umbrella term for a group of closely related styles and techniques that have been integrated into the dance over time.

Origins and Development

Emerging from the West Coast of the United States, particularly in Fresno, California, popping was inspired by the Funk movements and was initially known as "Fresno dance." It later evolved and spread, becoming a key element of the street dance scene.

Key Elements

• Popping: Contracting and relaxing muscles to the rhythm of the music, creating a jerky, explosive movement.
• Animation: Incorporating stop-motion and robotic movements to create an animated effect.
• Boogaloo: A fluid style that involves rolling the hips, knees, and head, giving the illusion of a body in constant motion.
• Waving: Creating the illusion of a wave passing through the body.
• Tutting: Creating geometric shapes and angles with the body, particularly the arms and hands.

Cultural Influence

Popping has significantly influenced various aspects of pop culture, including music videos, movies, and television shows. Its unique style and expressive movements have made it a popular choice for showcasing creativity and individuality.

Global Community

As a part of hip-hop culture, popping has a strong global community, with dancers and enthusiasts from around the world participating in competitions and sharing their love for the dance. Its evolution continues as dancers experiment with new movements and styles.