I. What is Popping?
Popping is a street dance style that originated in the 1970s in California. It is characterized by quick, jerky movements that create the illusion of popping or locking joints in the body. Popping is often performed to funk music and is closely related to the dance style known as locking. Poppers, as those who practice popping are called, often incorporate robotic movements, waving, and isolations into their routines. Popping is a highly energetic and visually captivating dance style that has gained popularity around the world.
II. History of Popping
Popping originated in the African American communities of California in the 1970s. The dance style was influenced by a variety of sources, including funk music, soul music, and the robot dance. Poppers would often gather in clubs and street corners to showcase their skills and battle against one another. Popping gained mainstream popularity in the 1980s, thanks in part to the success of pop music and movies like “Breakin'” and “Beat Street.”
Over the years, popping has evolved and branched out into different styles, including waving, tutting, and animation. Today, popping is a popular dance style that is practiced by dancers of all ages and backgrounds around the world. Popping competitions and events are held regularly, where dancers can showcase their skills and compete against one another.
III. Techniques and Movements in Popping
Popping is characterized by a variety of techniques and movements that create the illusion of popping or locking joints in the body. Some of the key movements in popping include:
– Pops: Quick, jerky movements that create the illusion of popping or locking joints in the body.
– Hits: Sharp movements that emphasize the beat of the music.
– Waves: Fluid movements that create the illusion of waves traveling through the body.
– Isolations: The ability to move one part of the body independently of the rest.
Poppers often incorporate these movements into their routines, combining them with footwork, spins, and freezes to create visually captivating performances. Popping is a highly technical dance style that requires precision, control, and a deep understanding of rhythm and musicality.
IV. Popping Music
Popping is often performed to funk music, which is characterized by its upbeat tempo, syncopated rhythms, and soulful melodies. Funk music has a strong emphasis on the rhythm section, with prominent basslines, drum patterns, and horn sections. Poppers often use the rhythm and groove of funk music as inspiration for their movements, syncing their pops, hits, and waves to the beat of the music.
In addition to funk music, poppers may also dance to hip-hop, electronic, and pop music. The key is to find music with a strong beat and groove that allows the dancer to showcase their skills and creativity. Popping music is often energetic and dynamic, with changes in tempo and rhythm that challenge the dancer to adapt and improvise.
V. Famous Poppers
There have been many famous poppers throughout the history of the dance style. Some of the most well-known poppers include:
– Boogaloo Sam: A pioneer of popping and one of the creators of the dance style known as popping.
– Mr. Wiggles: A legendary popper and member of the Rock Steady Crew, a renowned hip-hop dance crew.
– Popin’ Pete: A member of the Electric Boogaloos, a legendary popping crew that helped popularize the dance style.
These poppers have made significant contributions to the development and evolution of popping, inspiring generations of dancers with their creativity, skill, and passion for the dance style.
VI. Popping in Popular Culture
Popping has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing music videos, movies, and television shows. Popping has been featured in music videos by artists such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Justin Timberlake, who have incorporated popping into their choreography. Popping has also been featured in movies like “You Got Served” and “Step Up,” which have helped to bring the dance style to a wider audience.
In addition to music videos and movies, popping has also been featured in television shows like “America’s Best Dance Crew” and “So You Think You Can Dance,” where poppers have showcased their skills and competed against other dancers. Popping has become a popular dance style in the world of entertainment, with dancers incorporating popping into a wide range of performances and routines.
In conclusion, popping is a dynamic and visually captivating dance style that has a rich history and a strong presence in popular culture. Poppers use quick, jerky movements to create the illusion of popping or locking joints in the body, syncing their movements to the rhythm and groove of funk music. Famous poppers like Boogaloo Sam, Mr. Wiggles, and Popin’ Pete have made significant contributions to the development and evolution of popping, inspiring generations of dancers with their creativity and skill. Popping has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing music videos, movies, and television shows, and continues to be a popular dance style practiced by dancers around the world.