Content

• To step
• Tips
• Warnings

If you want to impress your friends with the "crip-walk" (or "c-walk"), a dance that originated a few decades ago on the west coast of America, then you've come to the right place! See step 1 below to get started.

To step

1. Understand the history and implications of the "crip-walk". The crip-walk is a controversial dance movement that originated in South Central Los Angeles in the 1970s among members of the Crip gang.
   • Originally, the foot movement used in this dance was intended to spell out the letters "C-R-I-P" and was used at parties and other gatherings to indicate that you had connections within the gang.
   • Later, the dance was used as a landmark for members of the Crip gang after they committed a crime, as the foot movement would leave typical footprints on the ground.
   • As a result of these associations, the crip-walk was banned in many schools in certain L.A. neighborhoods, while MTV refused to show any rap or hip-hop videos (such as those by Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, and Kurupt) that featured the crip-walk.
   • In recent times, the crip-walk has been incorporated into American culture and is generally no longer intended to be a gang trademark.
   • However, it is important to be aware of the history and implications of the crip-walk as performing it can still be offensive in certain situations.
2. Learn the shuffle. The shuffle is the most basic part of the c-walk. To do the shuffle, stand with your right foot firmly on the floor and your left leg extended in front of you, with the ball of your left foot resting on the floor.
   • Now reverse this position by standing firmly on your left foot with your right leg straight in front of you, resting on the ball of your right foot. Jump as you switch feet so that the switch is completed in one smooth motion.
   • Now keep jumping and switching feet - this is the basic shuffle move. You can make it more interesting by moving in a circle as you jump, or by holding the same foot forward in a double jump.
   • Variation: A common variation of the shuffle kick is the shuffle kick. To do the shuffle kick, balance your forefoot on the heel instead of the toe and give it a quick sideways motion.
   • Alternating between the basic shuffle step and the shuffle kick gives more variety to your crip-walk.
3. Learn the V. The V is probably the best known and most recognizable part of the crip walk. To start, stand with your heels together and your toes pointed out, forming a V.
   • Now switch so that your toes are together and your heels are facing out, forming an inverted V.
   • To do the correct V movement, start with your heels together and your toes facing out. Now turn your right heel out so that both feet are parallel to each other and pointing to the left.
   • Now swing the toes of your left foot inward (to the right) towards your right toes, so that your feet form an inverted V shape. Turn your right toes out so that both feet are parallel to each other again, this time pointing to the right. Now bring your left heel in, to the right heel, so that you are back in the starting position. Practice this movement back and forth, starting with each foot until you get the hang of it.
   • Variations: A common variation on the V is the "step back". Instead of bringing both heels together into a V shape, place one foot behind the other so that the heel of your forefoot is clamped against the arch (or sometimes the toe) of your back foot.
   • To do a move known as the V step, you basically have to do the V with one foot and the shuffle with the other foot. In other words, your right foot forms a semi-V shape (first on your heel and then on your toe) as the left foot moves forward and backward in a shuffle motion as you move sideways to the right. Switch feet (left foot does the V, right foot the shuffle) as you change directions.
4. Learn the "heel-toe" (heel-toe). The "heel toe" is perhaps the most difficult part of the crip walk and requires some practice.
   • Type one: Turn so that your body is tilted to the right and then put your left foot forward, balancing on that heel. Rotate on your left heel and the ball of your right foot until your body faces diagonally to the left.
   • Now you need to jump and switch feet so that your right foot is in front of you, balanced on that heel, and your left foot is behind you. Keep practicing this move until you can do it quickly and smoothly.
   • You can alternate the movement by doing a double "heel toe" - do the heel toe as usual, but instead of alternating your feet, try turning twice in the same direction, keeping the same foot in front of you.
   • Type two: The second type of heel is much the same as the first, except for one major difference. Instead of balancing on the ball of your back foot, try balancing on your toe. Then, instead of twisting on your toe, drag it across the ground as you change directions.
   • Type three: The third type of heel involves the same movement as the first, except that you keep repeating the heel with the same foot in front of you, moving in one direction. So, starting with your body tilted to the right and your left heel forward, rotate so that your body is tilted to the left. Now, instead of switching feet, jump back to the starting position (facing right, left heel in front) and repeat the movement.
5. Combine it all. A good "crip walk" will involve a combination of the movements described above, with as many variations as possible and a style that is as personal as possible.
   • Try to make the movements as smooth and fluid as possible - this dance is supposed to look effortless and loose, not tight and precise.
   • Practice this while listening to your favorite hip-hop or rap music and try dancing to the beat.
   • What you do with your arms is up to you - some people let them hang loose at their sides, while others put their hands on their hips.
   • Remember that everyone's c-walk is unique, so just do whatever feels right for you.

Tips

• The "clown walk" is the same as the crip-walk, but faster, has more movements, without the spelling of gang characters.
• If you need more help, search online for tutorials.

Warnings

• Do not use this crip-walk in some parts of L.A or Compton, because then you can end up in (life) dangerous situations.