The word "krumping" is a variant of the dance style known as "clowning," which originated in Los Angeles in the late 1990s. The spelling of the word reflects its pronunciation, with the use of the letter "k" instead of "c" representing a harder and more percussive sound. The phonetic transcription of "krumping" is /ˈkrəmpɪŋ/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "mp" sound indicating the abrupt and staccato movements of the dance style.
Krumping is a style of street dance that originated in the early 2000s in the South Central Los Angeles, particularly amongst African-American communities. It is characterized by energetic, exaggerated, and often aggressive movements. The term "krumping" is derived from the word "Crumph," which is a combination of the words "Crazy" and "Jump."
Krumping is typically performed in battles or cyphers, where dancers engage in intense, improvised routines to showcase their skills and express their emotions. It is known for its raw, frenetic, and highly energetic movements that involve rapid arm swings, chest pops, stomps, and intricate footwork. Dancers often wear loose clothing to allow for unrestricted movement and expressiveness.
One of the key elements of krumping is the emotional release it provides to its participants. It is considered a form of therapy and a means of channeling frustration, anger, and other strong emotions in a positive and creative way. Krumpers use their movements and facial expressions to convey their inner struggles, hopes, and dreams.
The style gained popularity through various documentaries and music videos, including the film "Rize" by David LaChapelle. Today, krumping has become a global phenomenon and is practiced by individuals of diverse backgrounds and ages. It has also evolved and incorporated elements from other dance styles, such as breakdancing and hip hop, leading to the creation of various sub-genres within the krumping community.
The word "krumping" is believed to have originated in the early 21st century in South Central Los Angeles, United States. It emerged from the dynamic and expressive dance culture of the African-American and Latinx communities in the area. Krumping is a form of street dance characterized by highly energetic movements and exaggerated gestures.
Etymologically, the exact origins of the term "krumping" are somewhat unclear. However, it is often attributed to the sound that dancers make when their bodies forcefully collide or their hands clap together. This sound is said to resemble "krump", which is an onomatopoeic term coined to describe the percussive and explosive nature of the dance style.
Some sources also suggest that "krumping" might be derived from "clown" or "clowning", as it was originally developed as a response to the violence and frustration in the community.