Master the Skeeter Rabbit: A Locking Dance Move Masterclass

Introduction

The Skeeter Rabbit is a classic and iconic locking dance move that has been a staple in the hip-hop dance community since its inception in the 1970s. Originating from the funk styles of the West Coast, this intricate footwork pattern is a testament to the creativity and innovation of the locking pioneers. With its distinctive kicks, hops, and shuffles, the Skeeter Rabbit is a true showcase of the locking style's unique groove and syncopated rhythms.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

The Skeeter Rabbit was created by James "Skeeter Rabbit" Higgins, one of the original lockers from the legendary Lockers crew in Los Angeles. Higgins developed this signature move in the early 1970s, and it quickly became a staple in the locking repertoire. The move's name is derived from Higgins' nickname, "Skeeter Rabbit," which he earned for his ability to execute the move with lightning-fast precision and agility.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent.
2. Kick your right leg out to the side, and step out with the same leg.
3. Bring your left leg behind you, bending the knee slightly as you kick it back.
4. Hop on your right leg, bringing your left leg back to meet your right.
5. Repeat the sequence, starting with the left leg kicking out to the side.
6. Incorporate arm movements by swinging your arms up and down in a running motion, switching sides with each kick.

Tips For Learning

• Practice the footwork slowly at first, focusing on the coordination of the kicks and hops.
• Keep your knees bent and your body low to the ground for better control and balance.
• Exaggerate the arm movements to capture the funky essence of the move.
• Listen to the music and try to match the rhythm of the Skeeter Rabbit with the beat.
• Watch videos of locking legends performing the move to understand the style and groove.

Conclusion

The Skeeter Rabbit is a true testament to the creativity and innovation of the locking dance style. Its intricate footwork and funky groove have made it a beloved move among dancers and a staple in the locking repertoire. By mastering this move, dancers can pay homage to the pioneers who shaped the culture and continue to keep the legacy of locking alive on the dance floor.

More Locking Dance Moves

If you liked the Skeeter Rabbit, these moves share the same footwork-driven, traveling character:

• Master the Scooby Doo: A Locking Dance Move with Personality — Created by the same 1970s locking generation, the Scooby Doo shares the Skeeter Rabbit's forward-traveling kick pattern and requires the same alternating arm-leg coordination.
• Mastering the Leo Walk: An Iconic Locking Dance Move — The Leo Walk is another footwork-centered locking move that uses knee lifts and hip pushes to travel across the floor, building on the same lower-body rhythmic awareness the Skeeter Rabbit develops.
• Mastering the Pacing Move in Locking Dance — Pacing teaches you how to swing your arms in rhythm with your steps, directly reinforcing the arm-running motion that drives the Skeeter Rabbit.
• Mastering the Sneak: A Classic Locking Move — Both the Skeeter Rabbit and the Sneak require smooth weight shifts and sliding footwork, making them complementary techniques for building clean footwork control.