Pop dancing techniques involve overall fluid body motions combined with arm and body waves. Waves can start at the fingertips and effect the entire body. Rhythmic robotic moves with stiff limbs are combined with Michael Jackson-type stylings. The style is based on a technique of alternately contracting and relaxing the body's muscles, for a jerky effect.
Locking is a funk dance style based on the technique of locking, or stopping, the body in the middle of a dance move. The body is frozen in position to capture a move, hold it for a few seconds, and then continue the dance at normal speeds. Locking has to be properly timed, and performed in sync with the hip-hop or funk music.
Good pop locking technique involves a smooth transition between the choreographed popping moves and the abrupt locking. Exaggerated mime-like movements are used with lots of expressive hand and arm gestures. The locking movements are balanced, and contrasted with the often-comical popping techniques. The style includes acrobatic high kicks, and knee drops with semi and full splits.