Definition & Meaning of "locking"

What is "locking"?

Locking is a style of street dance that emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is characterized by its distinctive "locking" movements, where dancers quickly freeze or "lock" their body in place during certain beats of the music. This dance style includes energetic, rhythmic motions and playful, expressive gestures, often performed to funk or hip hop music. Locking emphasizes precise movements and a strong sense of timing and rhythm.