Arts >> Dance >> Break Dancing

Dance Steps to Pop Lock

Pop Lock dancing is a form of hip hop where the dancer moves in a robotic manner, performing steps and then freezing, or locking, very briefly. One method of pop locking is the Moondance, made popular by Michael Jackson in the 1970s. Some pop and lockers are more skilled than others, of course, but anyone can learn to do this style of dance. It's fun for kids and teens. But adults can enjoy it, too, and it's a great form of exercise.
  1. Pop, Lock and Drop

    • Here's a basic, simple move to get you started. You "pop" each knee in toward your center, "lock" your legs in the forward position, and then "drop" into a squat.

      Stand with your legs about shoulder width apart. (Note: move slowly until you've learned the steps.) Keep your left foot facing forward and twist your right foot with your heel raised slightly off the floor while bending your right knee. Then swing, or pop, your right knee toward the front of your body. Repeat this same move with a left-foot twist and left-knee pop. Once you get this move down into one smooth motion, speed up the sequence. Ultimately, it should be a quick foot twist, knee pop, left then right. During this move, you can keep your arms in any position that feels natural---bent at the elbows as you would when running, relaxed at your sides, raised in front of you.

      After the left and right moves, face forward with your feet flat on the ground. This is the lock. At this time, your arms should be at your sides.

      The last move is the drop. Simply squat as low as you can and raise your arms over your head.

      Put these steps together, moving fast as you gain more confidence. Add some arm action, maybe swinging over your head, or punching the air in front of you.

    Other Moves

    • Turn your body to the right and freeze. Bend your knees and your arms at the elbows and freeze. Turn your head face-forward and freeze. You get the idea---after each movement, freeze, or lock, briefly before performing the next move. Swing your body forward, keeping your arms bent and held out in front of you. Roll one forearm and hand in a circle. Do the same with the other. Flatten your hands and turn them so the palms are facing the floor.

      Roll your shoulders up into your neck and then roll them forward. In one smooth move, rise up on the ball of your right leg, roll back to a flat-footed position, and quickly roll one foot from heel to toe and then the other.

      Master these two sets of moves, and you'll be on your way to learning even more complicated pop and lock steps.

Break Dancing

Related Categories