Don’t Stop the Rock! is the first book entirely dedicated to Rock Dance, an urban dance that emerged on the streets of New York in the early 1970s. Often misunderstood and rarely documented, this form of expression predates the rise of Hip-Hop and has deeply influenced disciplines like Breaking.
Wary The Warrior, the first French dancer to study this discipline directly at its source, is now recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in Rock Dance. Through rigorous research, rare testimonies, and years of fieldwork, he traces the history of Rock Dance, its diverse influences, and its evolution in response to the social and cultural transformations of New York and beyond.
Both historical and personal, this book explores the technical foundations of Rocking as well as its lasting impact on generations of dancers around the world.
Don’t Stop the Rock! is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the authentic roots of a culture that shaped the history of urban dance.
"Don’t Stop the Rock! " is a comprehensive, thoroughly researched, and highly readable analysis of a widely misunderstood dance form —Rocking— written by one of its foremost modern practitioners and advocates. Essential reading for anyone interested in Rocking, Hip-Hop dance, and the world that produced both."
– Joseph G. Schloss, Ph.D., author of Foundation: B-Boys, B-Girls, and Hip-Hop Culture in New York.
"Don’t Stop the Rock! is an outstanding work of memoir, cultural history, and anthropology of Rock Dance from its earliest days in the 1960s to the dawn of the Rock Dance revival in mid-2000s, and beyond. Although at times enduring the wrath of self-proclaimed guardians of tradition more interested in stoking the flames of contention than feeding the creative spirit of dance, Si Abdelkader takes readers on his journey to apply the principles of, when conducting over 150 workshops in cities throughout the world.
A moving personal account of a life dedicated to Rock Dance intertwined with a cultural history, Don’t Stop the Rock! is a must-read for those who love Hip Hop."
– Dr. Ousmane Power-Greene, E. Franklin Frazier Chair of Africana Studies and Professor of History Clark University
“Step into the rhythmic world of “Rocking,” one of New York’s dynamic dance styles, through the eyes of Wary – a passionate writer and dancer from Dijon, France. In this compelling blend of history and personal journey, Wary traces Rocking’s vibrant evolution, offering readers both an insider’s view and heartfelt reflections on his own path within the movement. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or curious reader, Wary’s enthusiasm is contagious and might make you want to move.”
–Niels “Storm” Robitzky, legendary B-boy, author of Think Breaking.
“Wary The Warrior is a true practitioner of his craft but what gives him a unique edge is that he is open-minded and intellectually curious. He strives to know more about traditions, mechanics, and the history behind the dance that make it what it is today. That’s what makes this book a great read, it’s created with care and deep interest.”
– YNOT
About the authorEl-Houari “Wary The Warrior” Si Abdelkader, a pioneer of Rock Dance in Europe, is recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts in the discipline. Originally from Dijon, he started Breaking in 1996. Then in 2003, he began training in Rock Dance with legendary figures in New York. Holding a Master’s degree in African American Studies, he combines both academic and practical expertise. Co-founder of the Kossassins crew, he has taught nearly 200 workshops in 37 countries and recently trained U.S. Olympians for the Paris 2024 Games.
