Clapping hands, stomping feet, rigorous hand and head movements — that isn’t an irate monkey at the Byculla Zoo, but Krumping, a new form of dance that helps release anger, aggression and frustration in a positive, non-violent way. It’s a release of pent-up emotions from the struggles of life through fast, powerful, exaggerated and dramatic moves.

“Although this form of dance is very popular in the West, it has just made its entry into India. It’s a part of the hip-hop revolution that includes popping, locking, b-boying and noise-making,” says Melvin Louis, Krumping instructor at the Arts in Motion studio located at Sion, which has carried forward its reputation of bringing some of the most distinct but popular dances like belly dancing, Broadway tap dance and Argentinean tango to the city.

Over the last four-five years, we have seen dance becoming a rage in this city and Krumping is just another addition. “Krumping originated from dancers like Tight Eyez, Big Mijo and J-Smoove of Tha J-Squad,” says Louis, who learned this form through online lessons imparted by these stalwarts and is now teaching people of various ages.

Krumping is common in south-central Los Angeles, where violent gangster activities formed a core. “It is a street dance which was developed in resistance to such street violence and is explosive and highly energetic,” says Aanchal Gupta, founder-director of the studio, who found this dance form to be one of the most innovative ways of getting fit and toned as well. “Krumping patterns bring a thrill with rhythmic bobbling and chest-pop moves. High variation, individuality and movement are the foundations of the Krump or bobble-bounce.” What’s more, it is reasonably priced at Rs 3,000 for two months of extensive training.

It was Gupta’s penchant for dancing that made her set up the studio and she was convinced that Krumping would be a hit. “We have got very good response for this dance form so far. There are students flocking every session and very soon, I will have to turn down a few,” says Gupta. Krumping fused with hip-hop will be performed at the ‘Dance with Joy’ event at St Andrews Auditorium on July 19, on the occasion of the studio’s fourth anniversary. “Whoever wishes to witness and support this new form of dance is more than welcome,” smiles Gupta.