Lil Buck

Lil Buck, born Charles Riley, is globally recognized for popularizing Memphis jookin, a street dance style characterized by fluid footwork and intricate gliding. He has brought this distinctively Memphis-born style to international stages and high-fashion runways.

Lil Buck went viral after a video of him performing a jookin interpretation of "The Dying Swan" alongside cellist Yo-Yo Ma circulated online. The impromptu performance showcased his unique ability to blend street dance with classical music and ballet.

Yes, Lil Buck has frequently crossed over into the classical and contemporary arts world, performing at prestigious venues like the Lincoln Center. His collaborations extend far beyond Yo-Yo Ma to include projects with renowned choreographers and major ballet companies like the Paris Opera Ballet.

Memphis jookin, the style popularized by Lil Buck, specifically originated in Memphis, Tennessee, and focuses heavily on intricate footwork, bucking, and continuous fluid isolations. Traditional hip-hop dance encompasses broader styles like breaking or locking, whereas jookin is defined by its smooth, often balletic, continuous motion.