There is some debate about the term "pop and lock."

For the past twenty years most people have thought that the term refers to dance movements like the Robot, the wave, and the "Moon Walk."

But many that were in the street dance movement as far back as the 70s say that the term is incorrect.

The term "Lock" can certainly be traced back to "The Lockers," a group started by Don Campbell in the 70s. Don invented the "Locking" style while trying to learn how to dance. He would pause at certain spots, and they started calling those pauses "locks."

The Lockers were very successful and well known. They appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, The Carol Burnett Show, Saturday Night Live, and many others.

In the late 70s Boogaloo Sam started a dance group called "The Electric Boogaloos." Sam called his style "Popping." Sam's "Pops" were similiar to the abrupt freezes in the robot dances. The Electric Boogaloos were very successful. They appeared on Soul Train and other shows.
 
Many say that the terms "Pop and Lock" or "Pop Lock" are invalid and merely the result of an uneducated media. They say that the styles are completely different and separate. Others say that the term is legitimate and was used in the 70s in certain parts of the country.

I have been severly scolded by the former group because of the name of this site.

 
Think about the following:
 
1. Slim the Robot was an original Locker. His robotic moves featured the muscle flexes used in popping.
2. The Electric Boogaloos were originally called "The Electronic Boogaloo Lockers."
3. An original Locker, Shabadoo, combined Popping and Locking in the 1984 movie "Breakin."
4. An original Boogaloo, Poppin Pete, combined Popping and Locking in "Breakin."

So Popping and Locking have been combined by some great dancers.
 
This is a very sensitive topic for many in the movement. I'm just doing the best I can with the knowledge I have, so I hope that no one is offended by my understanding of this subject.