Flexing

What is Flexing?

Flexing, also known as FlexN, is a street dance form that originated in Brooklyn, New York. It is defined by rhythmic animation set to Brukup or Dancehall music. The style incorporates various showmanship elements, including bonebreaking and hat tricks. Unlike many other American street dances, it does not stem from hip-hop culture or funk music. Instead, it draws directly from Jamaican dance traditions. Dancers often blend multiple movement techniques into a single routine.

Where does Flexing come from?

The dance traces its roots to the early 1990s. In 1992, Rocky and Sandra Cummings hosted a talent show and local cable program called 'Flex N Brooklyn' in New York City. The style developed from Jamaican bruk-up, which Stefan Clemente described as a reggae style of animation. Musical influences include reggae, dancehall, and the instrumental track known as the 'Volume' riddim. Producers of this sound refer to it as FDM, or Flex Dance Music.

How is Flexing danced?

Performers mix eight distinct movement styles during their routines. Bone-breaking involves rhythmic contortionist movements. Bruk Up mimics the motion of broken limbs. Connecting resembles tutting but has different origins. Get Lo integrates floor work with vertical levels. Grooving provides the foundation through subtle or aggressive rhythmic steps. Gliding creates an illusion of floating using precise hand and foot placement. Pausing stops movement like a paused film. Hat Tricks uses headwear for visual illusions.

The music of Flexing

The dance is performed to FDM, or Flex Dance Music. This genre includes reggae and dancehall beats. A key musical influence is the chopped-up instrumental known as the 'Volume' riddim. The rhythm drives the animation and showmanship elements of the performance. The music supports the varied tempo of the movements, allowing for both fast and slow transitions.

Costume and what is carried

Dancers may incorporate hats into their performances. Hat Tricks is a specific style that uses headwear to create illusions and animations. The costume is generally casual street wear suitable for movement. No specific traditional garments are required for the dance.

When and where Flexing is danced

Flexing is primarily performed as a street dance and for stage presentations. It has appeared on television shows like America's Best Dance Crew and The LXD. Performances have taken place at venues such as the Guggenheim Museum and the Tribeca Film Festival. The dance is passed on through crews and competitions like BattleFest.

Styles of Flexing

The style includes eight recognized movement variations. Dancers often combine these techniques rather than sticking to one. Bone-breaking focuses on contortion. Bruk Up emphasizes broken limb aesthetics. Connecting uses angular hand positions. Get Lo mixes floor and standing levels. Grooving sets the rhythmic flow. Gliding simulates air walking. Pausing creates stop-motion effects. Hat Tricks utilizes props for visual tricks.

What Flexing means

Flexing has gained exposure through media appearances and documentaries. The 2013 film 'Flex Is Kings' followed dancers leading up to a competition. Articles about flexers have appeared in publications like The New Yorker and the Huffington Post. The dance maintains a connection to its Jamaican roots while establishing a distinct identity in New York City.

Questions people ask about Flexing

Good reading and sources

• Flexing: theThe Guardian, Article

• Flexing (dance) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Flexing on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by EveryGhunghroo