Clowning dance, Tommy the Clown & differences Vs Krumping
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What is clowning dance?
Clowning dance (also known as clown dancing) is a unique and entertaining form of dance expression in the early 1990’s. It was developed by Thomas Johnson, otherwise known as Tommy the Clown. He combined hip-hop dance elements with clown performances to create a new genre known as “hip-hop clowns.”
In this article we’ll explore its characteristics, how clowning dance came about, cultural influence, particularly on the development of krump. Then we look at clowning dance vs krumping to distinguish what really sets each apart. Lets get on with it.
How Clowning Dance came about
The history of clowning dance starts back to the early 1990s, when Thomas Johnson, also known as Tommy the Clown, created this to add his own spin on kids birthday party clown acts. This gave birth to the new style of “hip-hop clowns.”
In bringing together the unlikely bed-fellows of hip hop and clown acts, Tommy created a new dance form. This eventually grew to surprise him, in what a huge movement it became.
In those early years of clowning dance, as the years passed, it matured as a style and as a result, others began to adopt it.
The growth of clown dance laid the foundation for a related dance style known as krump or krumping, heavily influenced by “Tight Eyez” “Big Mijo”. The two dance styles may share their roots but there are important differences, which we will explore later in this article.
As they took off clowning and krumping began getting media coverage. In 2005, a documentary named ‘Rize’ directed by David LaChapelle, captured the growth of this dance. Tommy the Clown’s impact was central to this.
For years, Clowning dance continued to spread throughout Los Angeles. Clowning dance served as an alternative for people trying to avoid gang involvement, giving them a creative way to express raw emotions in a non-violent, but powerful way. Bringing people together and fostering a sense of community. There is are even organized ‘battles’ and clowning dance schools, including classes by Tommy dedicated to the style.
Clowning dance may not have been around long compared to many dance styles, but this has not stopped it having a real impact on both American pop culture and the world of dance. Our perspective is that its good to see dance is continually evolving and adapting to resonate with the needs of different communities and cultures.
Characteristics of Clowning Dance
Theatrical:
What sets this dance apart from most other street dances is:
· Humour: Thanks to its roots, clown dancing is all about humor and getting a laugh
· Props: Clowning performers often use various props and comedy skits
· Mime-like: face painting and often colorful costumes takecentre stage. In this video Minnie Mouse is even brought out at the end for a child’s party, who seemed to love it.
Energy & Movement:
Clowning dance, as a street dance, emphasizes freedom and energy in dance. Characteristic movements in clowning dance include:
· arm swings
· chest pops
· stomps
· exaggerated gestures.
Together these movements create a dynamic experience for both dancers and the audience. It most of the videos, there’s a crowd of community, they’re part of the experience and often joining in with elements.
Expression
Clowning dance is a real performance, with dancers expressing themselves through their body movements and exaggerated actions.
Krumping vs clown dancing
As clowning dance gained popularity, it also inspired the development of a more intense and emotionally charged alternative called krumping. While krumping shares some stylistic similarities with clowning but has more high-energy, aggressive movements, and it’s often used as an outlet for self-expression and social commentary, as we’ll describe below. Clowning is however more theatrical, lighthearted dance style that incorporates humor and entertainment. It involves exaggerated movements and often includes elements of mime and comedy.
Similarities between krump and clown dance
Clowning dance and krumping both became popular due to their strong roots in faith and community. Miss Prissy notes in a study by Brenda Dixon Gottschild “individuals who are inspired by and enthralled in the Holy Spirit simply get up and dance as the spirit moves them”.
Beginning as a means of expression in underprivileged communities and a positive outlet for emotion and creativity. As ‘Dragon’, one of the original Krump dancers puts it “this is our ghetto ballet” where other choices may also have not been available.
“In the Beginning was Body Language” by Sarah S. Ohmer CUNY, Lehman College, is an in depth social study, where she argues there are many more layers to this historically and culturally. In communities which have been traditionally discriminated against and marginalised, dance provides a much needed form of expression.
“Krump and Clowning have helped individuals work through and witness personal and communal trauma, enact community building and spiritual resistance. Krump and Clowning exemplify hip hop dance that works against discrimination and selective amnesia bound to questions of race, socio-economic marginalization, and gender”
Differences between krump and clown dance
Unlike krumping, clowning dance is known for its sexual innuendo, while also blending with other dance styles such as C-walking. It is designed to be a free-spirited expression of one’s body, allowing dancers to enjoy themselves and share that joy with their audience.
Krumping is however characterized by intense, aggressive movements and emotional expression, Clowning is known for its theatrical, lighthearted approach, incorporating humor and entertainment.
More literally, a transition from one to the other can even be seen in the face paint used by the dancers, which shifts from the traditional fun circus clown image to indigenous and tribal war or dance paint.
This video shows Tommy explain some of the differences in his class:
Final words
Clowning dance is a vibrant and engaging style that captures the fun-loving spirit of its roots in the LA community. With its distinctive face painting, humorous moves, and engaging performance, it continues to entertain and inspire audiences worldwide – of all ages.
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Professional Dancer, Dance coach. Favorite dance style – Pole Dance. Favorite Move – Sword Simakhina. A graduate of Saint Marys. Former Chief Editor and Owner of DanceBibles.com
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