*Disclaimer: This dance history section is based on our own research, interviews, discussions with pioneers and also knowledgeable dancers in the community. Everything written here is aimed primarily towards the non-dancers, or those who aren’t well informed about these dance styles and seek to learn more. Our goal is to try and provide them with a starting point for more insight and also help point them in the right direction for more information. If you’d like to contribute to any of these dance history sections, feel free to contact us. Enjoy!

Locking was created around the late 60s/early 70s by Don Campbell. It stemmed from the different soul dances of that era. The TV show, “Soul Train” featured dancers that did social dances like the Breakdown, Rocksteady, Funky Chicken, etc. The “Lock” was actually created by accident. Don was trying to do the Robot Shuffle and ended locking up his arms a certain way as he was trying doing the move. When he did this, people would keep telling him to “Do that lock, Campbell!”, and thus the Campbell Lock was born. From there incorporated other moves into his dance such as Points, Keeping time (aka pace), Fives (mainly from the simple gesture of pointing at someone, or giving someone) and/or yourself five. Other dancers incorporated footwork based steps such as the Scooby Doo, Skeeter Rabbit, and Stop & Go, among many others. Stunts such as Air Splits, Knee Drops, Dives, also were brought into locking (some inspired by Nicholas Brothers and other tap dancers during the jazz era). Don’s group, The Campbell Lockers (also went by Campbellock Dancers later to be renamed The Lockers) became world famous and appeared on such shows as the Carol Burnett Show, Johnny Carson, Dick Van Dyke. This style is super funky and has a lot of character.

The Lockers were considered the first in the street dance game to put DANCERS on the forefront of big shows on television. Before this time, dancers were never the headliners, until The Lockers changed this. Although The Lockers were the first group to break into mainstream America, they weren’t the only lockers of that time. Don was the creator of the Lock, but there were also many other dancers in that generation that influenced the development of the dance. Another group called The Go-Go Brothers were considered to be the first synchronized locking group and also played a huge part of the dance’s history.

Other dancers from the original era: Greg Campbellock Jr. Pope, Flukey Luke, Fred Berry, Slim the Robot, Shabba Doo, Toni Basil, Tony Go-Go, OG Skeeter Rabbit, Peekaboo, Jimmy Scooby Doo Foster, Damita Jo Freeman, Creative Generation, 33RPM, The Ghetto Dancers, Alphabet Kids, etc. and too many more to name!

*Update 12/13/19: Don Campbell finally releases his website! Lots of great information on him and his creation of his dance! Straight from the source! Go to campbellock.dance

*lockerlegends.net is a great site where you can learn more in detail about Locking history, movement and culture. Great forum where you can communicate with lockers around the globe. Even some of the OGs are on that forum and are very welcoming to answer questions people have. You will find more information about the next generation of lockers as well.

Here are some clips of the Lockers and also the Soul Train TV show compiled on a playlist:

Great interview with OG Locker Jimmy Scoo B Doo Foster.

Locking is a very fun dance, but we should also remember to acknowledge it’s history and it’s pioneers. People brought together through dance and music, post Civil Rights Movement, a lot was going on during that time. Let’s all make an effort to honor their legacy and help preserve the culture.

Acknowledging the history and context behind the moves and steps for any dance style is also just as important. For Locking, you can find a list of the Locking vocabulary along with a detailed background description at the Locker Legends website here: http://www.lockerlegends.net/?page_id=38

The Las Vegas Locking Camp hosts Locking Workshop Intensives every year. Highly recommend going to these. The vibe and the people who host, teach, and attend from all over the world create a great experience for any dancer.
www.lasvegaslockingcamp.org

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