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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.
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3:06
Jookin star G-Nerd and a younger generation of dancers spin and slide across Memphis.

3:06
Turf dancers combine abrupt, angular movements with graceful footwork.

3:34
Oaxacan diaspora keeps its culture alive in San Joaquin Valley.

3:10
Street-style dancer Moonyeka creates safe spaces for women of color and LGBTQ+ communities

2:57
Dance group R.O.O.T.S. the Movement represent their hometown with pride and power.

2:55
The street dance style elevates Chicago's South and West Sides communities.

5:13
The Sampson Brothers perform at the starting place of the American Indian Movement.

2:51
Frankie Lee Peterson III draws inspiration from the Town's African-American history.

3:14
In this East San Jose style, arms move and lock, while feet glide across the pavement

3:18
Moves like the "crazy legs" and the "spongebob" came out of the city's 90s nightclub scene

3:02
Aerialist Jack StockLynn's choreographed "dance in the sky" defies gender roles.

2:52
Imagine a version of 'La La Land' filmed amongst the lesser-known landmarks of LA