What is the Pop and Lock?

"Pop and lock" is a commonly used umbrella term for two distinct but related styles of street dance: popping and locking. While often spoken of as a single "pop and lock dance," they are separate disciplines with different origins and techniques. The phrase generally describes a style of funk or hip-hop dance characterized by robotic movements, sharp muscle contractions known as "pops" or "hits," and sudden freezes called "locks." People often search for "pop lock" when referring to these styles.

What "Pop and Lock" Actually Means

To a professional dancer, "pop and lock" is a bit like saying "tap and ballet." They are two different things that happen to exist in the same universe. Popping and locking are foundational styles of funk and street dance that emerged in California in the 1970s. Because they developed around the same time and were often performed by the same dancers at clubs, battles, and on shows like Soul Train, the general public began to conflate them into a single phrase. For dancers and enthusiasts, however, the distinction is crucial. Using the term "pop and lock" is often a sign that someone is an outsider to the culture, though it's widely understood as a general descriptor for this type of movement.

The Origins of Popping

Popping was created in Fresno, California, in the mid-1970s by Sam Solomon, known as Boogaloo Sam. He founded the influential dance crew The Electric Boogaloos. The core of popping is the "pop" or "hit," which is a technique of quickly contracting and relaxing your muscles to create a jerking effect in your body. This is done continuously to the rhythm of a song, often in combination with other movements and poses. Popping is a broad style that includes many sub-styles and techniques, such as waving, where movement appears to flow through the body like a wave; tutting, which uses the arms and hands to create geometric shapes; and the robot, which imitates the stiff movements of a machine.

The Origins of Locking

Locking predates popping by a few years. It was created by Don "Campbellock" Campbell in Los Angeles around 1970. The story goes that Campbell was trying to perform a popular dance called the Robot Shuffle but kept freezing at certain points. Instead of being seen as a mistake, his friends enjoyed these accidental pauses and encouraged him to incorporate them. This "locking" motion became the foundation of the new style. Locking is more character-driven and often has a comedic, playful quality. Campbell formed the dance crew The Lockers, which included influential figures like Toni Basil and Fred "Rerun" Berry, and they helped popularize the style on television.

Popping vs. Locking: Key Differences

While both styles fall under the funk and street dance umbrella, their execution and aesthetic are quite different. Popping is built on the constant tension and release of muscles, creating a robotic or superhuman effect. Locking, on the other hand, is built around the "lock" pose and is generally looser and more animated in between those freezes. An easy way to tell them apart is to look at the overall vibe and the core moves being performed.

• Popping: Based on the muscle "pop." Movements are often fluid, then interrupted by a sharp hit. It includes sub-styles like waving, strobing, and tutting. The overall feel is often robotic, tense, and focused on illusion.
• Locking: Based on the "lock" or freeze. Movements are typically faster, larger, and more rhythmic, with freezes held for a moment. It includes moves like the "lock," points, wrist-rolls, and character dances. The feel is funky, energetic, and playful.

The "Pop and Lock" in Pop Culture

The phrase "pop and lock" entered the mainstream in the 1980s, largely thanks to movies like Breakin' (1984) and its sequel, which showcased both styles. Michael Jackson famously incorporated popping techniques, particularly the robot and the moonwalk, into his performances, exposing a global audience to the style. More recently, dance competition shows like So You Think You Can Dance and groups like the Jabbawockeez have kept popping and locking in the public eye. On TikTok, tutorials and performance videos using hashtags like #popping and #locking demonstrate the continued evolution and popularity of these foundational street dances, even if the general public still groups them under one name.