REGARDLESS,M.FRENKE

GEMINI “Definaly , I always make reference to the roots and the Locking pionners in my teaching and in all  my concepts .To me a good “New School” concept has to be connected to the Original form and spirit , then everybody is free to devello it  as they feel it ,  unity is a big part of the Locking movement , we need to respect everybody s interpretation , like Don campbell, says “freedom of expression” .

GEMINI: Exactly , I have embraced the Locking art form, from 1989 , and at that time Locking had lost some of its popularity and was not a “big” dance style, at that time …As a dancer I practice many dance styles , but Locking always been a special style, to me. And my love for it is my driven force , I have always believed in that dance. And I have always supported it no matter what ,  It has become so much in my life that the name “locking4life, came naturaly … 

GEMINI :”It can make better Lockers ,But that depends on what you are you looking for. I am an artist , and a  dancer , because I am expressing myself with the art of dance.also with my own creativity , But I am also  a Locker , This is because I want to represent that entire art form and what it stands for the best I can , and not just represent myself and my personal interpretation”  .

GEMINI; “To me  , a dancer can do locking routines that are taught to them ,They can also sometimes do locking solos , they can do what is taught and asked of them to create a show , but to me a true locker is someone who has a deeper understanding of the dance , and I am not talking about just the moves , I m talking about a total understanding of the dance style and it s culture ,with a deep knowledge and a desire to keep learning, with  a strong dedication …  As an exemple , I can pop but i am not a popper .I can top rock but I m not a bboy . I can do those styles. but they are not who I am or what I represent as a dancer. and that is said with a great respect to other dancers who are deep into popping or bboying ….. Dance is dance  , there are “multi-styles” dancers and specialist of each artform who are into their chosen styles , you got to respect that deeply ? …

GEMINI ; “In everything it is always better to know and understand where we are coming from, or else how do we know where we are going , learn your history and not only the roots or only whats going on today …learn the entire history …

GEMINI: Lockerlegends gave me a lot of info about the Roots of locking and especially about the subculture of Locking , It gave me meaning to what I am doing , and it is also “THE” place to go on the web for everybody interested in trying to understand the Locking art form,and what made and still makes the dance so powerful and important ..

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GEMINI: My first strong inspiration during the 90’s  was  the L.A City Rockers and SHABBADOO . Then I had the privilege to learn directly from, and dance  with many of the original pionners , Mr PENGUIN , DON , GREG ,  FLUKY LUKE , SHABBADOO, TONY GO GO  and OG SKEETER RABBIT ,I have had many discussions , went clubbing ,  practiced locking,  judged many battles with these pioneers. ,I was also fortunate to do a few shows with some of them . I have learned, I still learn a lot from them  today …I also spent a lot of times with Lockers from different generations , like RICHIE RICH and  LOOSE CABOOSE , both of them are also  a big inspiration to me …Everybody I mention above have taught me different things and showed me different ways … As an artist it s very important to open Your mind  ..

GEMINI: “I trying to teach all of those 3 elements , and I let people decide , how they feel , and where they want to go with the dance , i do not teach limitations, the door is open , I am trying to teach a full view of the major interpretations of the Locking dance style , the importance of the original style and its development all the way up until now …

GEMINI: Of course if a promotor can hire more than one Locking teachers at the same time ,Many of the real dedicated pioneers are not even worried about being hired all of the time, they just show up to help each other out because they know how important it is for todays lockers to see the dynamics of the brotherhood interactions.  , I had that experience, recently in Philladelphie with OG SKEET and LOOSE CABOOSE ,  All  3 of us were hired as Locking teachers , and it was great ,we all showed up to support each others class. I was teaching after OG SKEET  , who emphasis the philosophy of Locking and its fundametals and roots, to his clas, and it was great , Then I was able to emphasis choreography and the use of different music gender in todays locking to my class !. The two classes complimented each other well. The students needed to see how both fit together.  I love sharing with other teachers , and to me the best is to join different generations of dancers …

GEMINI: “That would be great , I hope to see it soon , every Locker  needs to take the time to know each others , and share different point of views , and especialy to understand each others ,an organization that we all could be a part of is really needed. so that we as lockers can have a voice in todays dance world.  Unity is definaly the key to the success of the Locking art form. And LockerLegends is a great start for that to happen, in my opinion …

GEMINI: To me there is a difference betwen Campbellocking and Locking, And there is a difference betwen  party dance and cuttin’ up !!!   ,  Not understanding the difference causes a big confusion in the Locking world , Everything gets mixed up,  without a good understanding of what dancing situation you are in at the time you cannot adjust. !  Your Locking style needs to adapt depending on were you are dancing ! If you are in a show ? it is different than if you are in a battle ? The same with a club ?  or if you are dancing dancing with a girl ? , Each situation is different and the way you lock and the amount of freedom you have should be diffrent in each. This is were I think the Locking world has really gotten confused, I respect every “Funky” Locking style , and Funky to me means Real ! it does not mean old school , or groovy , or funny , it means REAL ! be real and proud of yourself  that s the Funky way to me …

Peace GEMINI 
www.locking4life.com

Many of these groups and dancers were lost in the history, as we only recognized those we had seen on television or movies, but these are real street pioneers , some of which were actually before the Group the Lockers ever formed and was actually the inspirations for the performances of Locking that you were able to see on stage, some were dancers who were influenced by the social movement and passed on that inspiration, others were inspired by other pioneer dancers once the commercial performance stage had developed. But they all deserve recognition for there contributions…

The Group “Creative Generation”

No Picture available

In the 1960’s The Watts Writers Workshop was formed to develop entertainment talent in the inner cities of Watts, Compton and Los Angeles. In 1972 they recognized the beginning stages of the artform of locking. The Watts Writers Workshop invited several known Locking dancers to study, teach and perform for their workshop. This was to be the first unisex locking dance group and the creation of many synchronized routines Members : Tony Lewis, Edwin Lombard ( The GoGo Bros), James Higgins( Skeeter Rabbit), Greg Pope (Campbellock Jr,), Jimmy Foster (Scooby Doo), Arnetta Johnson, (NettaBug) Fredie Maxie, Lorna Dune & Shelly Cepeda ( These Female Lockers were known as the Toota Woota Sisters).

The Ghetto Dancers

(Picture of Ghetto Dancers insert here )

Formed in 1973. These locking dancers were pioneers who came from the true source. They performed (as a group) on the TV show American Bandstand and were well respected in the inner city nightclubs and on the locking dance circuit. They were often seen at Maverick’s Flat, The Summit on the Hill and Blueberry Hill Nightclubs. This group performed with Kool and the Gang and at the tribute to Quincy Jones celerbration.and “The Tonight Show” Hosted by Steve Allen Members: Greg Dandridge ” Captain Crunch”, Eugene Henderson “F&M”, Steve Crane “Sinbad” Morris Bailey “Cisco Kid”, Kenny Henderson “FleaLock”

The Group “33rpm”

(Two Pictures of 33rpm inserted here)

The Group 33 RPM organized in 1974 toured with Sid and Marty Kroft and performed on the wide world of sports Globe Trotters anniversary show. This group performed high level quick moving synchronized routines. right picture: ( Pictured left to right) “The Lionel (”Big D” ) Douglas, James Higgins (Skeeter Rabbit) “John Wilson (”Okie Doke”) Michael Frenke (”Peek a boo” ), ,(single picture)Haywood (”Tito”) Collins . (Not Pictured), Tony “Go Go” Lewis, Also not pictured is manager and alternate dancer Cameron “Cam” Walker

The Alphabet Kids

(Picture of alphabet kids inserted here)

This group was formed by Haywood “Tito” Collins Pictured (on the far right) in 1974 this group was significant in the early locking market showing how locking had affected the younger generation and had become a movement , this group was the first Locking group to compete and WIN the Television Gong Show in 1975 , shown here with dancer John St Cier ( far left) the group would often incorporate various soul train dancers such as “Tick” and Mr. X into their act. They were managed by AIMEE ENTERTAINMEN

Wild And Peaceful

(insert Picture)

Below is a list of other dancers and from the early Locking stages. They are either connected by there involvement with Soul Train or the initial Night Clubs of that era. Some are only known by nickname but we want to recognize their involvement in the evolution of the art.

Leo Walker “Shaboo” second generation Yo-Yo brother , Singer and choreographer (see Pat Davis - Original Member of the Soul Train Gang

Sneaky T - Early original pioneer

Jeffery “Cat Man”Macintire - Early 70s pioneer

Roy “LieLock” Early Pioneer

SamboLock “one of the first Pioneers

Bishop Hall & Reggie Co-Co “

Bang Bang” very early locking pioneer “

Sweet T” early soul Train and locking dancer

Anyone with information on any of these dancers or any forgotten “True Pioneers”

FEEDBACK FROM OUR READERS

Letters are from old school and new school dancers who has been a part of the locking movement through out its history

(picture of Jeffery here)

Hello ,hello out there … Yes , this is Jeffrey Daniel Soul Train Dancer ,Shalamar member and fellow locker for life!! I’m pleased to find this site which was recomended to me from a fellow London based Locker Richard who is also my student here in London . reading Fluky Lukes page almost brought tears to my eyes as i remember seeing the Lockers dance every weekend in Maverick’s Flat night club in L.A. in the early ’70’s . I used to sneek in there just to watch them dance and hear Don Cambell scream ! Even after i’ve toured the world and did many professional jobs , my best memories are of the Lockers dancing in Maverick’s in their own enviornment without thinking about routines or how long they can solo (like in TV apperances) just plain ‘ol dancing and funkin’ all night and changing clothes when the bands played and dancing til 4:00 a.m. I got butt whoopings from sneeking out til that late to watch them ,but i’d go back to Dorsey High school and was the best Locker in the Schools .

If anyone want s to contact me , here i am . I just moved back to London after 6 years in Osaka Japan and i had the pleasure of spending Don Cambell’s 50 birthday in Tokyo,Japan a few years back and watch him recieve love from the many Japanese locking groups . Tony Go Go was there too . I was again with Don here in London Sept. 2005 and presented him the Life Time Achievement Award at the Carnival Choreographers Ball for his invention of Locking and i humbly kneeled at his feet before about 3,000 U.K. dance fans .

Don Cambell and the Lockers changed my life in a very positive way and i’m forever grateful to them all . And God bless Fred Berry’s soul .

Thanks to whoever created this site and i’m glad it’s here for the dancers all over the world to see who love Locking and Soul Train . That’s about all the time i’ll take for now .

God Bless you all , Jeffrey Daniel

www.jeffreydaniel.com

Clip of Jeffrey on Soul Train

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmVme50pg24

HEY BRO,SKEET JUST CHECKING OUT THE SITE, ITS REALLY COOL , WITH LOTS OF INFORMATIVE FACTS. PEOPLE INTO DANCING MUST KNOW WHERE IT ALL STARTED AND YOU WAS ONE OF THE FIRST TO KICK IT OFF. DUDE, YOU WAS ONE OF THE BEST DANCERS IN THOSE DAYS WITHOUT DOUBT. YOU CREATED YOUR OWN DANCE THE (SKEETER-RABBIT) A DANCE THAT ENHANCED THE OVERALL LOCKING WORLD. WHEN IT COMES TO THE FACTS , KNOWLEGE, AND RESPECT OF THE HISTORY OF LOCKING YOU ARE ONE OF THE TOPS. TAKE CARE ALWAYS . —— Peter G

Note Peter-G danced with the Old school “which-a way dancers” in 1975

My Goodness!!! What’s interesting is to have been there at various times as I was and still not know many of these facts and figures.
So I can only imagine how helpful this must be for those who watched or heard from a distance.
When I danced I seldom knew any names of any dances and it didn’t matter over 30 years ago.
Nowadays I get to learn more about the styles and give credit where credit is due.
We do have to write and tell our own stories in our Soulful voices.
Love, Peace, and Soul OG Skeeter Rabbit.

(O)riginal (G)oddess Kadeeh

Note: Kadeeh was a Soul Train Dancer

“Many of the dancers on this site I’ve danced with or next to for years. Its a shame we never got to tell the real story about what we went through back in the day. I’m just glad that now it can be told through this website” You guys keep it up”

Greg “Captain Crunch” Dandridge

The Ghetto Dancers (True Pioneers of the 70’s)

Greg is currently one of the leading stunt men in Hollywood, Calif.

“LockerLegends has my highest respect and I wish it the proper place in history it deserves. The seed of all Streetdances“.

(Insert sundance picture here)

Sundance, Las Vegas, Nevada

Picture taken on stage of the

Las Vegas show Production “SPLASH

GEMINI… Locking4Life

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LockerLegends is a dream come true. It puts aside all ego’s, conflicts, and only wants to factually report the history as well as bring all of the many dancer’s who made contributions to this great art of Locking to the forefront with proper recognition. This site also wants to bring people like myself into the fold as a brother and student to continue to teach us the art we have spent a lifetime to learn. Locking has influenced my life in a large positive way and has brought me many blessings as it has also done to many other dancers that I have had the honor to call my friends

THE DANCEOPOLY GAME

(picture of Steve Here)

and The Locking Chart

Question: Hey steve its great to have you with us , This Chart you have constructed is remarkable what inspired you to create it

Steve: Well being taught from the old school I felt it was my obligation to give back, you know I tell the story about, how I wanted to learn the real back in the mid 1970s that I would come into the city along with my partner Tony “Crackerjack” Pierce we would Knock on Og SkeeterRabbits door and ask him to come out and teach us , and we were Kids from the supburbs, and Tony Had this flaming red hair and frekles so he sood out as we travled through the Hoods of LA.. but Dancers Like Skeet, “Peekaboo” Frenke and Greg Campmbellock Jr really took care of us both on the streets and in the clubs. we learned the real culture and back ground right along with learning the steps. so I put this chart together to show what I learned about the influences that made locking great.

(Place first chart here)

(Caption under picture)

This is the top section of the large chart and it shows the cultural influences that influenced the very moves and attitude of Locking, it shows the struggles, and leaders that fought for the very movement which was inspired and carried on by artist, athletes and other great people , but it was also carried on through Locking and streetdance and we must give back to that which gave to us.

Question: we see the second part is a time line how did you come up with this time frame concept;

Steve: well you know it was very disapointing to see and read so many things that was so in accurate, a lot of people out there want credit fo a artform they think they know , but have no idea of how it went, and waht I saw and learned back then I just wanted to pass on. we all know Don Campbell started this whole thing by putting the gestures he was inspired by into his unique style. but the street movement contributed by so many people and dancers seemed to be over looked, and the way the dance migrated from the hoods and the city of Los Angeles to Orange County and the to Las Vegas , where I now live is a story that needed to be told through illustrations so thats what I did. In those days there was tremendous racial tension. but not with Locking it just kept growing and inspirng people of all colors.. the movement of struggle became a movement of rythem..

(second Chart picture here)

caption under the chart

Notice the many dancers that existed before the group the Lockers were formed , the chart starts wit Don Campbell and flows down through Watts and Soul Train to The GoGo brothers, Creative Generation and the ghetto Dancers from the streets to the stage with the Lockers ,and 33rpm,the dance continued to grow spreading from the city to the supburbs with groups like The funky bunch all the way to Las vegas where groups like the Footlockers garced the stage with locking for years and Today the chart flows from the original streets to a new generation of GoGo brothers in Japan

Question : we see that you included a list of Ogs that you believe influenced the Artform of Locking the most, why these Dancers

Steve: well there is one that I left out and thats the first to pioneer robot as a party dance, Charles “Robot” Washington and he was great. but all of the people here were around from near the beginning, they wern’t just performers they were street party dancers, who’s funk and creativity, contibuted to the dance. they lived the streets and clubs. They didn’t take lessons they were the lessons. sure there were others who came along who did great things, and many of them who are true to the game will tell you they learned from watching or being around these dancers.

Place third Chart Picture here

caption under picture

There are many famous dancers not on this chart, but these were the ones that had a profound influence with there contributions

Questions: well Steve thanks for the explination on the chart but lets now get to your career, So what are your memorable expieriences,

Steve: well outside of the first time I saw the inside of Mavricks Flats,Dancing with my friends in the group Funky Bunch professionally getting into the finals of The TV show Star Search with the group footlockers and also the 20yrs I spent dancing here in Vegas in the show Splash those were some great times.

(Picture of The Group Funky Bunch)

Question: But steve you didn’t mention one of your most memorable performaces as a dancer and a Actor

Steve: well yep Locking opened many doors for me, I guess many out there know me as Strobe in the movie “Breaking ” Electric Boogaloo and that was great. but the movie confused a lot of people about what I had learned about life and dancing in the hood, and the terms definatly was confusing. today I still meet people who say hey you and Ozone are some of the best Breakers and as you real Dancers know we don’t break .. it confused the world ..

(Picture of Steve in the movie here)

Question: Hey Steve you have another venture going wanna tell us about it

Steve: yep My wife and I thought that since there was so much that the world didn’t know about the dance world we would create a Board game called DANCEOPOLY its great fun and you can learn alot by playing , anyone who wants to learn more cane find it at the link below

Well steve we at Lockerlegends want to thank you for sharing, and we think DANCEOPOLY is great

Steve: I wanna thank Lockerlegends not just for this inteview but more than that for spreading the Real..