Mastering the Locking Move: Giving Yourself Five

Introduction

In the world of Locking, a funk-inspired dance style that emerged from the streets of Los Angeles, one move stands out as a celebration of self-expression and individuality. The "Giving Yourself Five" move, also known as "Asking for Five," is a quintessential part of the Locking repertoire. This gesture not only acknowledges the dancer's own skills and presence but also pays homage to the roots of the dance form and the pioneers who paved the way.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

The origins of "Giving Yourself Five" can be traced back to Don "Campbellock" Campbell, the creator of Locking. In the early days of the dance style, Campbell would often incorporate hand gestures and slaps into his routines as a way to interact with the audience and fellow dancers. One of these gestures involved extending his hand, as if asking for a high-five, and then slapping his own hand in acknowledgment. This move quickly became a signature element of Locking, symbolizing the dancer's confidence and self-appreciation.

Step By Step Instruction

Start in a relaxed stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
Raise your right arm, bending it at the elbow, and extend your hand outward, palm facing down.
Pause for a moment, holding the extended hand position, and make eye contact with your audience or fellow dancers.
Swiftly bring your left hand up and slap your right palm with a sharp, audible clap.
Maintain a confident and expressive facial expression throughout the move.
Optionally, you can repeat the move with the opposite hand or incorporate it into a larger Locking sequence.

Tips For Learning

Exaggerate the hand movements and facial expressions to add more impact and personality to the move.
Practice the timing of the hand slap to ensure it is sharp and precise.
Experiment with different arm positions and body angles to find the variation that suits your style best.
Incorporate the move into your Locking routines, using it as a punctuation mark or a transition between other moves.
Embrace the spirit of self-expression and confidence that the move represents.

Conclusion

The "Giving Yourself Five" move is a testament to the essence of Locking – a dance style that celebrates individuality, funk, and self-love. By mastering this iconic gesture, dancers can pay homage to the pioneers who shaped the art form while adding their own unique flair and personality. Whether performed as a standalone move or integrated into a larger routine, "Giving Yourself Five" remains a timeless and empowering expression of the Locking spirit.

More Locking Dance Moves

If you liked Giving Yourself Five, these moves share the same arm-driven, personality-forward style rooted in Don Campbell's original locking:

Mastering the Locking Point: A Funky and Animated Move — Like Giving Yourself Five, the Locking Point is a gesture-based move that originated with Don Campbell using his arms to communicate with the audience, and the two are frequently combined in a single sequence.
Master the Wrist Twirl: An Essential Locking Dance Move — Giving Yourself Five relies on sharp, precise hand movements — the Wrist Twirl builds exactly that kind of isolated hand control and makes your self-five cleaner and more expressive.
Mastering the Iconic Lock: The Foundation of Locking Dance — Both moves come directly from Don Campbell's original locking vocabulary, and Giving Yourself Five is most effective when punctuated with a sharp Lock immediately before or after the hand slap.
Mastering the Scoobot: A Locking Dance Move — The Scoobot, like Giving Yourself Five, is a character-heavy move that uses exaggerated upper-body gestures and facial expression to entertain — both reward the same performance instincts.