Uprock is a soulful, competitive street dance. It is danced in synchronization to the rhythms of Soul, Rock and Funk music. The dance consists of foot shuffles, spins, turns, freestyle movements, sudden body movements called "jerks", and hand gestures called "burns".

History

Uprock was developed in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn between 1967 and 1968 by two men: Rubberband Man and Apache. Throughout the mid-60's and mid-70's; Brooklyn was home to many street gangs. Rubberband Man and Apache were all too familiar with these violent times, they grew up in the Bushwick area. They often hung around with the Devil Rebels and other local Brooklyn Gangs. Although they socialized within a dangerous circle of friends, getting into trouble was not their ultimate goal. They loved to dance; mainly to Soul and Funk music, and wanted to channel their energy and skill towards something new-so they created a new dance form called "Rocking".

Dance

The battle involves two or more dancers, single or as a team, dancing alternatively or simultaneously, performing what is called a dance battle. Uprock dancers battle throughout the duration of a complete song, unlike in breakdance which uses the "break" of a song. The dance is performed in a line formation called the "Apache Line" so another opponent or team mate is needed in order to battle or do a routine. The Apache Line allows two opposing dancers or crews to face each other and execute their "burn" gestures towards one another.

Although uprockers sometimes emulate fight moves with their "burns", physical contact is never allowed. Physical contact is usually a sign of inexperience. If an uprocker is experienced he or she will not make any physical contact in order to "burn" his or her opponent.

Experienced uprockers are also familiar with the songs that they dance to, and they use the lyrics and sounds of the music to out-do their opponent. Uprock is said to be mastered with discipline, patience, heart, soul, and knowledge.

Uprocking needs opposing individuals or groups formed in a "Apache Line" as to where the B-Boy battle is in a circle. Each member is lined up against his or her opponent and uses the Uprock music in his or her favor. The music is the guideline for when to execute a jerk, burn, or freestyle. Therefore, knowledge of the music is very important in the Battle scene. Each uprocker must keep in his/her line formation until he is either tapped to step out by another rocker or the opponent gives out.

An uprocker must execute a jerk or burn at the "break" and dance freestyle or burn throughout the rest of the music played. He or she uses the music's, lyric or sound in his or her favor in order to create the illusion of a story. This is unlike a breaker who steps in, "Breaks", then steps out for part of the music.

When uprockers are in battle, he or she may be tapped on the shoulder by another in the battle confrontation. Then he or she steps out and the next dancer is in the battle. This is a sign of respect for both dancers.

In an Apache line where there are two groups in confrontation the members must stay in line formation and can switch partners in keeping the Battle line in motion. The initial basic move is the freestyle or routines if any until the break of a record. At the "break" is where the Jerk or Burn is then executed. Both members must alternate there Burns or Jerks with no physical contact. If there is physical contact there is no point or burn given to the one who touched the other.

See also

Breakdance

References

• Dynasty Rockers: What Is Uprock?
• The Spartanic Rockers: Uprocking