The Hoodockers perform: lock, paper, scissors

The Hoodlockers, local innovators of the Locking legacy, bring camaraderie and competition to Hip Hop's funkiest style. ​

April 6 , 2019
6 & 8 pm
$15 General
​$5 under 12 (cash preferred)
2100 Chestnut St. 2nd Floor (entrance on 21st)

Lock, Paper, Scissors: 6 pm

Lock, Paper, Scissors: 8 pm

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PHILADELPHIA - If you thought “rock, paper, scissors” was boring or easy, you’ve never thrown down with Philly based dance crew The Hoodlockers. These internationally acclaimed dancers have invented their own version of the classic game rock/paper/scissors; their version celebrates the classic Locking move "Uncle Sam Points". Points in Locking often come with a heavy dose of mean mugging and shoulder articulation. Think about Michael Jackson's iconic points: he turns his gaze sharply with his shoulders moving independently, delayed from his head. Jackson worked on his choreography with one of the pioneers of Locking, Suga Pop. The Hoodlockers investment in their genre has taken them to train with Sugar Pop, as well as Don “Campbellock” Campbell--- inventor of the “lock” movement itself-- as well as Greg” Campbellock” Campbell Jr, Skeeter Rabbit, and Fluky Luke. Members of the Hoodlockers have taken home trophies from international dance battles and competitions across the globe. Their quartet regularly tours with Rennie Harris Pure Movement. Additionally, they train a junior crew of up and coming all styles dancers, called Hoodnation whose performance last year at Jacob’s Pillow’s Inside/Out stage received a standing ovation.

Like their adaption of rock-paper-scissors, the Hoodlockers are both goofy and serious, competitive and inviting. They are stretching the fabric of traditions. Speaking to his beginner adult students at Urban Movement Arts, Andrew “Riot” Ramsey explains “You’re never gunna look like me, ‘cause you’re not me.” He’s alluding to not just his years of training and performing, but to his whole life. Riot’s lock looks like he’s riding a motorcycle, his whole body snarling at you. He’s lean and athletic, like Shabadoo, one of the original lockers, Rick "Glitch" Evan’s lock is more square, boxy, a victorious video game hero. Josh "J Peazy" Polk is also known as Uncle Peazy for good reason, his happy-go-lucky physical character is the closest to Don "Campbellock" Campell's original old school style. Marcus "Epic Phlave" Tucker is in some ways an amalgam of them all, while uniquely his own, his razor sharp stare and incredibly crispy lines come out of nowhere.

“Lock, Paper, Scissors” goes beyond your traditional choreography, where there is little to no interaction between dancers. Locking is a social dance, a soulful dance. The show absorbs you into the Hoodlockers’ funky world. Their different styles inform their different performance personas. In “Lock, Paper, Scissors” you will see these four different characters as individuals and also as a deeply connected unit. The Hoodlockers have known each other a long time, have had their share of brotherly disputes, struggles, and triumphs. Glytch describes how audiences “see how we’re connected on a different level, and can’t help but be entertained." Seeing the The Hoodlockers perform together in UMA's familial studio space is a rare opportunity not to be missed.

Presenting organization Urban Movement Arts (UMA) welcomes adults of all ages and experience levels to explore Hip Hop, American folk dance, and African Diaspora movement genres. UMA, located in downtown Philly, guides movers and dancers to develop connection to community and style. UMA’s events and classes bring out the joy of discovering new ways of being and moving in the world.

Media Contact: Lily Kind | urbamovementarts@gmail.com