Locking, a dynamic and expressive street dance style, burst onto the scene in Los Angeles, California, in the late 1960s. Its serendipitous creation is widely attributed to Don "Campbellock" Campbell in 1969. Campbell inadvertently developed the signature "lock" move by pausing or "freezing" between his attempts to perform the "Funky Chicken" dance. These accidental, yet captivating, pauses immediately resonated with audiences who would spontaneously shout, "Do that lock, Campbell, do that lock!"
The style is defined by a captivating interplay of rapid, energetic movements interspersed with sudden, sharp freezes or "locks." A "lock" is a momentary cessation of motion before the dancer resumes movement at the same tempo, creating a visually striking stop-and-go dynamic. Unlike popping, locking is typically more playful and character-driven, emphasizing expression and interaction. Its vibrant vocabulary includes iconic moves such as "points," "skeeter rabbits", "scooby doos," "stop 'n go," "which-away," and "the fancies." Lockers are often recognized by their distinctive fashion, featuring colourful clothing with stripes, reflecting the energetic and playful nature of the dance.
Don Campbell, alongside choreographer Toni Basil, officially formed the seminal dance group "The Lockers" in 1971, initially known as "The Campbell Lockers." The original lineup boasted a constellation of talent: Don Campbell, Toni Basil, Fred "Mr. Penguin" Berry, Leo "Fluky Luke" Williamson, Adolfo "Shabba-Doo" Quiñones, Bill "Slim the Robot" Williams, and Greg "Campbellock Jr." Pope, with Tony "Go-Go" Lewis joining later. "The Lockers" achieved widespread commercial exposure through groundbreaking appearances on popular television programs like Soul Train, Saturday Night Live, The Carol Burnett Show, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Their performances were pivotal, transforming the face of dance and legitimizing street dance as a bona fide American art form.
Locking's Arrival and Early Foundations in Aotearoa (Early 1980s)
The vibrant pulse of locking and other nascent street dance forms reached New Zealand's shores in the early 1980s. During this transformative period, the term "bop" was commonly used across New Zealand as a collective descriptor for all these burgeoning styles, including b-boying (breaking), popping, and locking. The widespread popularity of these dance forms was largely fueled by imported United States media, such as captivating music videos, an intriguing segment on the television show That's Incredible, and hugely influential films like Flashdance and Beat Street.
Crucially, the initial introduction was also significantly facilitated by direct, person-to-person transmission through Samoan kinship connections to the United States. As early as 1981, young Samoans began "bopping" after encountering the dance through family networks extending to the US and American Samoa. This established a direct and vital cultural bridge for these dynamic art forms, underscoring the deep transnational ties within Polynesian communities.
A strong and resonant identification with these dance forms emerged particularly among Māori, Samoan, and Polynesian youth in New Zealand. They connected profoundly with televised images of Black American artists and cultural phenomena, finding powerful reflections of their own experiences and aspirations. For Māori youth, who sometimes faced limited opportunities in traditional academic or sporting fields, street styles offered a powerful new avenue for achieving acknowledgment, asserting identity, and fostering a sense of belonging. In the 1980s, dancers often performed spontaneously on the street or in public spaces like shopping center plazas or town squares, transforming everyday locations into stages. Some marae (Māori meeting grounds) and churches also commendably made space available for practice, indicating early and crucial community support for these emerging art forms.
Early Competitions and Media Exposure (Mid-1980s)
The rapid and widespread popularity of "bop" in New Zealand quickly led to the formalization of competitive platforms, further embedding street dance into the national consciousness:
1984: The "Bop Olympics" was held at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland, marking one of the first significant national street dance competitions in New Zealand's history. This event provided a vital platform for dancers to showcase their skills and for the public to witness the burgeoning scene.
1984: Joe Moana's cameo dance segments appeared in the Pātea Māori Club's number-one hit 'Poi E'. This iconic music video uniquely blended Māori cultural practices, including chanting, poi dancing, and traditional garments, with hip hop elements. This demonstrated a groundbreaking and early cultural integration of street dance within a distinctly New Zealand context, highlighting the adaptability and cultural resonance of these styles.
1985: The televised "Shazam Bop Competition" further amplified public awareness and mainstream visibility of street dance across the country. Its broadcast brought the energy and excitement of these battles directly into New Zealand homes, solidifying street dance's place in popular culture.
Pioneers, Leaders, and Influential Dancers in NZ Locking
New Zealand's vibrant locking scene has been profoundly shaped by a dedicated cohort of individuals who contribute tirelessly through performance, education, mentorship, and community building. Their passion and commitment are the bedrock of the style's growth and sustainability in Aotearoa:
Locking Lizah: Recognised as an OG street dancer in New Zealand and a member of Boogie Hood Connection (BHC). He has been featured in videos demonstrating her locking skills in downtown Auckland and competed against Koko Lock and DJ at Rock The Top 1.0 n 2008.
Vaugh Aiono (aka Cool Vee): Another OG street dancer in New Zealand and a member of Boogie Hood Connection (BHC). He has been featured alongside Locking Lizah in videos.
Kat Walker (aka Katto Lock): An exceptionally active and "legendary" figure in the NZ street dance landscape, she is associated with Street Talk NZ and Projekt Team. Her approach to dance emphasizes spontaneity, authentic expression, and a playful methodology, inspiring many. Walker served as a respected judge at the "Long Live the Queen" competition in November 2020 and the locking category at the "Pop Lock & Break 3v3 battle" in February 2024. She is passionately involved in welcoming and nurturing new dancers into the vibrant Aotearoa locking community.
Mele "Marshmele" Taeiloa: A preeminent figure in NZ's locking community, she is the Head of Learning Area for the Dance department at Manurewa High School, a crucial role that formalizes street dance education within the secondary school system. Taeiloa is deeply dedicated to the locking style, having performed and competed internationally at prestigious events like the World Hip Hop Championships and "Lock Is Not a Joke" (France). Her expertise is highly sought after, as evidenced by her role as the Locking judge for the "Pop, Lock & Break it" 3v3 Street Dance Battle in July 2022 and February 2024. She is prominently associated with Freshmans Dance Crew, Projekt Team, and NZ Lockers. Taeiloa has also generously shared her knowledge by teaching locking workshops at "Projekt Feel Good," fostering new talent.
John Bernardo (aka JB, Prevail): A pivotal leader and mentor for KPA Battle Squad, which trains young street dancers in various styles, including Locking. Bernardo is a dedicated educator, teaching Beginner Campbellocking classes at Kinetic Studio and UOA Hiwa Recreation Centre. He is widely noted for bringing his "Locking, House and Krump skills" to the floor and competed in the highly competitive Red Bull Dance Your Style NZ Final in May 2023. Bernardo, along with Kat Walker, Mele Taeiloa, and HappyFeet, initiated and hosted vital weekly locking workshops at Manurewa High School in March 2020, focusing on foundational techniques and fundamentals. He also actively contributes to the growth and cohesion of the NZ Lockers community. In September 2019, John Bernardo notably represented locking at the "Battle of the Schools" at Te Oro, showcasing the style to a broader audience.
John Vaifale (aka HappyFeet): A multi-talented All Styles and battle expert with an impressive track record of numerous wins across New Zealand, demonstrating proficiency in popping, breaking, krumping, and of course, locking. His multifaceted skills make him a sought-after judge in battles, where he contributes to shaping the next generation of dancers. HappyFeet competed in the Red Bull Dance Your Style NZ Final in May 2023. Beyond battling, he served as the essential DJ for the "Pop Lock & Break 3v3 battle" in February 2024, skillfully providing the crucial funk music that defines locking. He is also an integral part of the influential Projekt Team.
Joshua Mitikulena (aka Kokonut, Koko Lock): Known as Koko Lock when he competes in locking dance events and battles. He is particularly known for his distinctive "Locktång Style" locking.He is the founder of Projekt Team and Hopskotch dance crew. Koko Lock participated in the Boogie Zone Global Showcase 2007 and battled Locking Lizah at Rock The Top 1.0 in 2008.
Zed Nufable (aka Mr. Zee aka BoogiebotZee): A co-owner and director of Enbeat Dance Academy and President of the 603 Boogie Squad. His academy is a key institution in New Zealand, offering foundational locking classes.
- Rina Chae: Co-owner/director of Enbeat Dance Academy, who co-presented Ladies Of Hip Hop Aotearoa in 2024 and 2025.
Organizations, Crews, and Collectives Shaping NZ Locking
A robust and interconnected ecosystem of groups and collectives forms the backbone of the locking community in New Zealand, providing spaces for practice, learning, performance, and community building:
NZ Lockers: An active Facebook group that serves as a crucial community hub for discussions, event announcements, and workshop promotions related to locking across New Zealand. Prominent figures frequently post about jams, classes, and events, making it an essential resource for the locking community. It's important to clarify that while the group is a central point for NZ locking, the provided sources do not contain specific historical information, founders, distinguishing it from the original "The Lockers" formed in the US.
Lockers New Zealand now NZ Campbellockers: @nz_campbellockers on Instagram with a mission of "Uniting, educating and empowering through Campbellocking." This Instagram is managed by John "JB Prevail" Bernardo. Its core mission is "Uniting, educating and empowering through Campbellocking". The account functions as a vital community hub, frequently sharing content related to jams, classes, and events, including "FUNK IN THE HOUSE Vol.2", highlights from "ladiesofhiphop" and "Fusion Concept Judges Showcase", and workshops featuring international collaborators like Ladina D.D.. Their philosophy for jams emphasises equality: "Jam is where we all stand equal, No titles, no ranks, just the rhythm in the people"
Boogie Hood Connection (BHC): An early dance group featuring OG dancers Locking Lizah and Cool Vee, along with Taupuhi Toki (Taupz, Papa Smurf), Diana Hu (Dianamite), Owen (O1), and BBoy George
Projekt Team: A prominent hip hop and street dance collective that plays a significant role in the community. They famously presented and sponsored "Projekt Feel Good," a major free community event, and are closely associated with "Lockers New Zealand." Demonstrating their adaptability and community spirit, they also launched "ProjektLockdown" during the March 2020 lockdown, keeping dancers connected and active.
Kinetic Studio: Located in Auckland CBD, this dedicated dance studio explicitly offers Locking classes, providing a formal and accessible environment for learning the style.
Enbeat Dance Academy: Plays a crucial role in formalizing street dance education in NZ, offering foundational classes including Locking, with a comprehensive curriculum focusing on technique, drills, choreography, and freestyle. Zed E. (Mr. Zee) is a co-owner and director, and alongside Rina Chae, co-presented the "Herstory Ladies of Hip Hop Aotearoa" event in 2024 and 2025, guiding its educational mission and fostering female talent in hip hop culture.
Street Talk: A dynamic YouTube channel and organization that meticulously documents the NZ street dance scene, featuring compelling battle footage and insightful interviews. Kat Walker is notably associated with Street Talk NZ, contributing to its authentic portrayal of the community.
Hopskotch Dance TV: Another valuable YouTube channel that extensively covers NZ's street dance scene, including event highlights, interviews, and battles. It features engaging locking battles from "For The Love Battle" and the UK Bboy Champs Tokyo Qualifier, as well as captivating judge showcases, providing rich archival content.
LH Combine: An Aotearoa/New Zealand-based Creative Collective that is instrumental in organizing and uploading high-quality videos of "Lock It In" Locking Events and Competitions in New Zealand. They also actively offer dance classes in Auckland, further nurturing the locking community.
TST Studio NZ: A prominent hub for creative arts and activities in Auckland, which has offered Locking classes in its May schedule, indicating the growing availability of formal instruction.
KPA Battle Squad: A dedicated programme that rigorously trains young street dancers in various styles, including Breaking, Hip-Hop Freestyle, Popping, Locking, House, and Waacking. It is notably mentored by John Bernardo (JB), ensuring the next generation is well-equipped.
Chronological Play-by-Play of Events, Tournaments, Battles, and Workshops
This timeline highlights key moments and activities that have shaped the locking community in New Zealand, showcasing its consistent growth and engagement:
2007: Koko Lock was featured at Boogie Zone Global Showcase 2007.
2008:
- Rock The Top 1.0 was held at KMC on 15th September. This event featured various locking battles, including: Koko Lock vs Lockin Lizah (Locking), A Wing vs Funky Kat (Locking), DJ vs Lizah.
May 2016
- Battlegrounds NZ - Qualifiers to WSB included dedicated 1v1 Locking and 2v2 Locking categories, emphasizing the style's growing prominence in competitive events.
An Open Jam was held at Flow in Highland Park, providing an informal space for dancers to connect and freestyle.
July 2016:
- AdairBeatz Hip Hop Workshop in Rotorua and a Community Hip Hop Workshop in Kaikohe featured various talented NZ choreographers, including Josh Mitikulena, sharing their expertise.
- UDO (United Dance Organisation) was announced to be coming to NZ for enquiries into syllabus and competitions, signaling a potential for more structured competitive pathways.
- Funk Styles - Popping and Locking classes were offered at Baxter Dance Studio, Kingsland, indicating regular instructional opportunities.
July 2017:
Battlegrounds NZ registrations were due, underscoring the ongoing nature of this significant competition.
Classes included Funk Styles - Popping and Locking at Baxter Dance Studio, Kingsland, demonstrating continued structured learning.
April 2018:
2vs2 Locking Battles were held at Aotea Square, a public space that highlights the accessibility and visibility of street dance. Participants mentioned keen interest from Kristle Tan, Kat Walker Su'a Sagapolutele, and Mele Taeiloa, signaling the involvement of key figures.
October 2018:
A Funkstyles Showcase for NZ Battle Of The Year Pacific qualifier was proposed at Mangere Arts Centre, with lockers showing keen interest, indicating aspirations for higher-level participation.
November 2018:
Sika Crew featured John Khew & John Bernardo sharing choreography to "Little Apple," showcasing collaborative efforts within the community.
March 2019:
HappyFeet judged the MAIN EVENT, a testament to his respected position in the scene.
Discussions within the NZ Lockers community focused on an upcoming HHI battle with a dedicated Locking section, showing a drive for specialized competition.
John Bernardo, Mele Taeiloa, Kat Walker, and HappyFeet announced a significant collaborative effort: they were working together to welcome dancers into the locking community in Aotearoa, starting weekly locking workshops at Manurewa High School to teach fundamentals and techniques specifically for HHI Nationals. This initiative was crucial for nurturing new talent.
September 2019:
John Bernardo notably represented locking at "Battle of the Schools" at Te Oro, bringing the style to an educational and youth-focused platform.
March 2020:
Projekt Team launched "#ProjektLockdown" for the community, a creative and adaptive response during the early stages of the global pandemic to keep dancers engaged and connected.
November 2020:
The "Long Live the Queen" competition was held, featuring 1v1 All Style Battles (FEMALE) and Me Against the Drummer (OPEN) categories. Katto (Kat Walker) was on the throne judging, highlighting female leadership in the scene.
January 2021:
Projekt Feel Good was a highly anticipated and free community event held on January 23, 2021, from 1pm to 10pm at Sir Noel Robinson Conference Centre, Vodafone Events. This comprehensive event included:
Free Workshops (including dedicated locking sessions led by Mele Taeiloa).
Street Dance Expo.
Talanoa + Kai (discussion and food), fostering a holistic community experience.
Dance Party.
Registration was open for this free community event, making it accessible to all.
July 2022:
The "Pop, Lock & Break it" 3v3 Street Dance Battle was held. This event specifically highlighted Bboying/Bgirling, Popping, and Locking, providing a platform for each distinct funk style. Mele Taeiloa served as the dedicated Locking judge, affirming her expertise.
2023:
"Lock It In" Locking Event, meticulously organized by LH Combine, featured dedicated locking battles and showcases, demonstrating a rising focus on pure locking competitions. Videos from this event include:
TOP 8 Battles: Astro Andy vs Kelvin; Rian vs Talayna.
TOP 4 Battles: Happy Feet vs Kelvin; Rian vs Amy.
Also featured a vibrant Soul Train Preselection, fostering social dance.
May 2023:
The prestigious Red Bull Dance Your Style NZ Final was held at Takutai Square, Britomart in Auckland on May 26. This was an all-styles street dance competition where dancers battled one-on-one to randomly selected music, with the audience determining the winner. John Bernardo (JB) and Happy Feet were among the 16 talented local dancers competing, showcasing the high caliber of NZ street dancers.
JB showcased his Locking, House, and Krump skills.
Happy Feet expertly mixed Hip Hop, Locking, Popping, Krump, and House.
February 2024:
The "Pop, Lock & Break it" 3v3 battle was successfully held again, signifying its establishment as a recurring and anticipated event in the street dance calendar.
Judges: Copper Cheung for breaking, Kat Walker Su'a Sagapolutele for locking, and River Vili aka Mase Boog for popping, bringing specialized expertise.
DJ: John Vaifale aka Happyfeet, providing the essential musical backdrop.
Prizes: $888 for 1st prize, $388 for 2nd prize, and $188 for 3rd prize, plus unique art awards by Juse Oner, indicating growing support and recognition.
May 2024:
"Lock It In" Locking Competition, another successful event organized by LH Combine, further cementing its role in promoting locking. Videos from this event showcase various battles and captivating performances:
Battles: Raul vs Rian; Sam vs Gee; Brooklyn vs Yao; Sam vs Rian (Semi-Final); Ken vs Yao (Semi Finals).
Also featured a dynamic Judges Showcase and an engaging Soul Train and Cypher, fostering community and improvisation.
June 2025:
Ladies Of Hip Hop Aotearoa 2025, presented by Rina Chae and En Beat Academy, took place on June 7–8, 2025, in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland). This event is the second iteration, building on the inaugural 2024 event, and is dedicated to celebrating the mana, talent, and leadership of women and girls in Hip Hop culture. The festival prominently featured dance battles across various street styles including Hip Hop, Waacking, Krump, Popping, Locking, House, Breaking, and Vogue OTA, showcasing the full spectrum of street and club culture. Workshops led by international trailblazers and homegrown talent were also a key component.
Cultural Adaptation, Fusion, and Identity in NZ Locking
New Zealand's street dance scene, including locking, demonstrates a remarkable capacity to absorb overseas influences and imbue them with rich local meanings. The "Polyswagg" phenomenon, pioneered by Parris Goebel, exemplifies this unique New Zealand fusion, creating a distinct aesthetic that has achieved global recognition and captivated audiences worldwide.
The integration of Māori and Pacific Island cultural elements has been fundamental to the development of street dance in New Zealand. This was notably facilitated through Samoan kinship connections that enabled the initial introduction of "bop." The term "bop" itself is noted as a Samoan pronunciation of "popping," an early linguistic and cultural adaptation that highlights the organic way these art forms were localized. For marginalized Māori and Pacific Islander youth, street dance has emerged as a powerful identity marker and a dynamic means to "negotiate complex contemporary identities" within a diverse and evolving society. It offers a space for self-expression, cultural pride, and community building.
Evolution of Teaching and Formalisation
Locking education in New Zealand has undergone a significant evolution, transitioning from its informal, grassroots origins to more structured learning environments.
In the 1980s, learning was primarily informal, occurring spontaneously in public spaces, backyards, and schoolyards, with some crucial early support from marae and churches that provided practice spaces.
Over time, this transitioned to more formal pedagogical transmission:
Dedicated dance academies like Enbeat Dance Academy and Kinetic Studio explicitly offer Locking classes with structured curricula focusing on technique, drills, choreography, and freestyle, providing a solid foundation for aspiring lockers.
Academic pathways have also emerged, with the University of Canterbury offering Hip Hop Specialty Courses that include instruction in popping, locking, and breakdancing. This shift towards formal education within established institutions is crucial for the survival and sustained growth of the dance style, ensuring consistent technique, broader accessibility for future generations, and academic recognition of its cultural significance.
Challenges and Opportunities for the Future of Locking in New Zealand
The future of locking in New Zealand is marked by both challenges and significant opportunities for growth and innovation.
Challenges include:
Historical documentation gaps for local NZ locking crews or individual contributions, making it difficult to fully trace the lineage and impact of early pioneers.
Maintaining authenticity versus creative fusion with other styles, as the dance evolves and incorporates new influences.
Commercialization pressures that might inadvertently impact the grassroots, improvisational, and community-driven nature of street dance.
Opportunities for growth are significant, driven by:
Formal education in academies and universities, which provides structured learning environments and legitimizes the dance form.
Active international exchange and participation in global events, allowing NZ lockers to learn from and compete with the best worldwide, fostering skill development and exposure.
Robust community events like dedicated battles and open jam sessions that actively foster improvisation, artistic exchange, and the organic growth of the scene.
The enduring popularity of locking, particularly among Māori and Pacific Island youth, underscores its continued significance as a powerful avenue for cultural identity and self-expression within Aotearoa's diverse social fabric. As the community continues to grow and innovate, the future of locking in New Zealand appears vibrant and promising.