What Is Uprock?
Uprock is a soulful, competitive street dance. It was developed in the Bushwick area of Brooklyn between 1967 and 1968 by two men; Rubberband Man and Apache. Uprock is danced in synchronization to the rhythms of Soul and Funk music; and certain Rock songs. The dance consists of foot shuffles, spins, turns, freestyle movements, sudden body movements called "jerks", and hand gestures called "burns". The "Uprock" dance involves two or more dancers, single or as a team, dancing alternatively or simultaneously, performing what is called a dance battle (-Breakeasy).Uprockers battle throughout the duration of a complete song (from the beginning to the end) in a line formation called the "Apache Line". The Apache Line allows two opposing dancers or crews to face each other and execute their "burn" gestures towards one another. Although Uprockers sometimes emulate fight moves with their "burns", physical contact is never allowed. Physical contact is usually a sign of inexperience. If an Uprocker is experienced he or she will not make any physical contact in order to "Burn" his or her opponent. Experienced Uprockers are also familiar with the songs that they dance to, and they use the lyrics and sounds of the music to out-do their opponent. Uprock is mastered with discipline, patience, heart, soul, and knowledge. In order to grasp the essence of the dance and become a good Uprocker, one must become familiar with the HISTORY of Uprock.
The Uprock Battle (Apache Line) by Break Easy
The Uprocking Battle is similar to the Breakin Battle. It needs another opponent or teamate in order to battle or do a routine. Uprocking is a "dance" which uses the entire song that is played. Uprock uses the music in its entirety, unlike breakin which is a temporary body in motion for the "Break" of a song.

Uprocking needs opposing individuals or groups formed in a "Apache Line" as to where the B-Boy battle is in a circle. Each member is lined up against his or her opponent and uses the Uprock music in his or her favor. The music is the guideline for when to execute a jerk, burn, or freestyle. Therefore, knowledge of the music is very important in the Battle scene. Each Rocker must keep in his/her line formation until he is either tapped to step out by another rocker or the opponent gives out.

A Rocker must execute a jerk or burn at the "break" and dance freestyle or burn throughout the rest of the music played. He or she uses the music's, lyric or sound in his or her favor in order to create the illusion of a story. This is unlike a breaker who steps in, "Breaks", then steps out for part of the music.

When Rockers are in battle, he or she may be tapped on the shoulder by another, to let the next Rocker member in the battle confrontation. Then he or she steps out and the next rocker is in the battle. This is a sign of respect for both Rockers.

In an Apache line where there are two groups in confrontation the members must stay in line formation and can switch partners in keeping the Battle line in motion. The initial basic move is the freestyle or routines if any until the break of a record. At the "break" is where the Jerk or Burn is then executed. Both members must alternate there Burns or Jerks with no physical contact. If there is physical contact there is no point or burn given to the one who touched the other.

The Rocking Battle does not necesarilly use burn after burn there must be a constant rotation of burns and jerks in order to give each opponent the space to burn the other with style. There really is no losing in the Battle it is the knowledge of the music and the styling of dance that wins in favor of the Rocker.