What Makes Locking Music Unique and Energetic

Locking is a street dance style that originated in America around the late 1960s. It was brought to life by a then-ordinary student, Don Campbell, at a party in Los Angeles.

He blended moves from various styles and added his signature "lock" move. This element was born by accident—Don kept pausing to remember what came next, but because the music was fast and lively, he never slowed down. Thus, quick and energetic locking was born!

Music played a key role in shaping this style, setting its pace, fast rhythm, and constantly shifting, contrasting movements.

Funk became the perfect partner for locking. It emerged around the same time as the dance and is a core genre of African American music and culture. Above all, it's a dance-oriented genre designed to let people let loose on the floor and express themselves fully.

The word "funk" itself means "to dance so you sweat," and musicians often used it to hype the crowd. No wonder such music gave rise to an energetic dance. Locking is even called a "funk style" of dance.

Bright melodies, fast, catchy rhythms, and lively vibes perfectly match the essence of locking. That's why this tandem has remained so strong over the years since its inception.

But don't think locking can only be danced to one specific sound. Locking music is anything fast that captures the atmosphere of that era.

You can lock to hip-hop tracks or anything with an 80s vibe.

It's up to you to choose the accompaniment that feels right. Just don't lose the core moves or your comfort while dancing.

Despite all the musical variety, funk remains the top choice for locking routines. It's also frequently used at dance competitions dedicated solely to locking.

People worldwide see this pair as inseparable! They were born around the same time and evolved side by side, perfectly complementing each other.