Popping is a dance style that incorporates movements similar to those of stop-motion animation. It is a high energy style that is great for both boys and girls.
The origins of popping can be traced back to Fresno, California, and Oakland, California in the ’60s when working class youth of color were forced to make the most of their limited resources. The fame that these dancers achieved made them feel like they could have a career in the performing arts and helped prove to them that they had something to be proud of, even though their communities were among the most deindustrialized in the nation.
Originally named “Boogaloo”, popping quickly evolved into its own style and a group of dancers called Electric Boogaloos paved the way. They became icons in their own right and locked down spots in cult films Beat Street, Breakin’ and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.
This movement style involves the flexing of the arms as well as a variety of other movements which are timed with the music. The flexing can be performed at regular intervals or irregular intervals as the dancer deems necessary.
Another common popping technique is the chest bop, which involves moving out of one position and returning to it while flexing the chest muscles. This can be done at regular intervals or double-time intervals to add a unique effect to the movement.
As the popularity of K-pop grew, more and more fans found it exciting to learn how to dance to their favorite songs. Social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Tumblr and Vine provided a platform for global K-pop fans to showcase their love of the music.