Mastering the Volkswagen: A Funky Locking Move

Introduction

The Volkswagon is a classic locking move that has been a staple in the dance style since its inception. This move, with its unique and quirky name, is a testament to the creativity and innovation that locking dancers have brought to the dance floor. The Volkswagon is a fun and expressive move that allows dancers to showcase their style and personality while staying true to the fundamentals of locking.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

The Volkswagon move was created in the early days of locking, which emerged from the streets of Los Angeles in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While the exact origin of the move's name is unclear, it is believed to have been inspired by the popular Volkswagon Beetle car, which was a common sight on the streets at the time. The move's distinctive shape and movements may have resembled the iconic car's design, leading to its unique moniker.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Start in a locking stance, with your knees bent and your body weight centered.
2. Lift your right leg and bend it at the knee, bringing your right foot towards your left knee.
3. Simultaneously, bend your left arm at the elbow and bring your left hand towards your right knee.
4. Hold this position for a beat, creating a shape resembling a Volkswagon Beetle.
5. Switch sides by lifting your left leg and bending it towards your right knee, while bringing your right hand towards your left knee.
6. Repeat the movement, alternating sides and creating a rocking motion with your body.

Tips For Learning

• Practice the move slowly at first, focusing on the correct positioning and timing.
• Exaggerate the movements to get a feel for the shape and rhythm of the Volkswagon.
• Incorporate arm movements and body isolations to add style and flair to the move.
• Experiment with different tempos and rhythms to make the move your own.
• Watch videos of experienced locking dancers performing the Volkswagon to learn variations and nuances.

Conclusion

The Volkswagon is a fun and expressive locking move that allows dancers to showcase their creativity and style. By mastering this move, you'll not only add a unique element to your locking repertoire but also pay homage to the rich history and culture of this dynamic dance style.

More Locking Dance Moves

If you liked the Volkswagen, these moves share the same emphasis on holding a defined shape and coordinating opposite limbs:

• Mastering the Sneak: A Classic Locking Move — Like the Volkswagen, the Sneak is built around a precise body hold at a musical moment, and both moves require the same balance control when your weight is shifted off center.
• Master the Stop N Go: A Locking Dance Move with Swagger — The Stop N Go shares the Volkswagen's freeze-then-release structure, and drilling both together sharpens your ability to lock your body on command.
• Mastering the Scoobot: A Locking Dance Move — Both the Volkswagen and the Scoobot are character moves that involve holding exaggerated body shapes — each rewards the same willingness to commit to a visually bold position.
• Mastering the Which A Way: A Classic Locking Move — While the Volkswagen uses opposite-limb shapes and the Which A Way uses hip isolation, both moves ask you to control different body parts independently, building the same body-part separation skill.