WHERE WE ROCK FROM

Where We Rock From
Date: Aug. 17th, 2025
Starts: at 14:00*
Location: Cypher Five

What is Rockdance?
Rockdance (or Rocking) is one of the earliest street dance styles from New York, created in the 1970s as a non-violent response to gang culture. Instead of fighting, young people battled through dance. There is no physical contact, just rhythm, attitude, and movement. It became an outlet for expression and a way to stay away from crime and violence.

What makes Rockdance unique is that you and your opponent dance at the same time, not in turns like most battles. It’s playful, fast, and expressive, like Capoeira, but with dance. You “hit” each other symbolically using body language, storytelling, and music. Rockdance mixes influences from Salsa, Mambo, Hustle, Disco, and more. It has four main elements:

Freestyle – A free combination of dance styles from the ’60s. During the calm parts of a song you show groove, creativity and footwork.
Jerks – Sharp, explosive moves during music breaks, often with fight-like gestures.
Burns – Expressive movements that tell a story or symbolically “burn” your opponent.
Music – Danced to funk, soul, and rock. Key tracks include The Mexican, Give It Up or Turn It Loose, and Melting Pot.

‘Where We Rock From’ Battle at The Notorious IBE
This 1-on-1 Rockdance battle is judged by Whacko, Wary the Warrior, and Peaky Rock. The goal: show the world where Rocking comes from and how alive the scene still is today. Where We Rock From is a homage to Rockdance and to it’s cultural heritage and strong global community.

Go check out the Where We Rock From battle and join the talk with Wary & Lean Rock.