Skip to main content
Back to Show
If Cities Could Dance

Boogaloo: The Dance That Defined Oakland's Culture

Season 4 Episode 2

Inspired by James Brown and the Black Panthers, the Black Resurgents are one of the dance crews who pioneered Oakland's boogaloo dance, the foundation of many other funk styles. However, their cultural contributions are little-known outside of the Bay. Meet these veteran dancers passing on their tradition to a new a generation, bridging the gap between boogaloo, pop-locking and turf dancing.

Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.
Support Provided By
Season
Katherine Dunham and the Dances of the African Diaspora
6:57
East St. Louis’ artists foster African American dance legend Katherine Dunham's legacy.
How Hula Dancers Connect Hawaii’s Past and Present
6:42
Hula instructor Snowbird Puananiopaokalani Bento teaches the story behind hula dance.
How Black Roller Skaters Carry Forward LA's Iconic Scene
6:33
LA Black skaters push the culture forward amidst a pandemic and economic downturn.
LGBTQ+ Choreographer Amit Patel is Changing Bollywood Dance
6:55
Dancer Amit Patel is reinventing Bollywood dance for queer expression
J-Setting: From Southern HBCUs to the Clubs of Atlanta
5:12
The Dance Champz of Atlanta want to take this underground LGBTQ+ dance to the next level.
Zydeco in Houston: Black Cowboys, Trail Rides & Creole Roots
5:58
Once known as La-la, Zydeco dance and music thrives in Houston
Albuquerque's Native American Hip-Hop Dance
6:03
Albuquerque’s hip-hop & freestyle dance scene is influenced by various Indigenous tribes
Dancers Across the U.S. Unite in Chain Letter
4:02
Sixteen dancers from across the country, representing a range of dance styles, move as one
Puerto Rico's Bomba, A Dance of The African Diaspora
6:34
Sisters Mar and Maria Cruz are preserving the legacy of this dance of resistance.
San Francisco's Dance Crew Blends Tap and Mexican Footwork
5:59
The women of La Mezcla call on the history of percussive dance to create their own style.
Go-Go Music Inspired This Street Dance in Washington, D.C.
6:56
Beat Ya Feet is the street dance empowering a new generation of Black D.C.
Miami's Alma Dance Theater
2:56
The contemporary dance company shapes feminist messages into sensual moves.
Active loading indicator