Clowning

The movements of this dance are free formed, highly energetic, and resemble a spasm or seizure. The originator of Clowning is Thomas Johnson aka Tommy the Clown. Tommy the Clown was originally a hip-hop dancer from Los Angeles, California. In 1992 Johnson began fusing together different local dance styles and elements to created a unique new dance style. After being in trouble with the law himself, Johnson believed one could avoid gang involvement and gang violence by channeling anger through the clowning dance. According to Wikipedia.com, “In developing Clowning, he fused local elements of Black Dance such as ‘G dance’ or ‘Gangsta(er) boogie’ and stripper dancing (alluding to the sexual and highly active performance style of black strippers). Clowning also employs certain elements of Jamaican Dancehall moves such as the "butterfly" or the "rodeo", as well as elements from popping and locking, two older and more established forms of black dance usually associated with breakdancing.” The followers of this subculture dance style became known as the Hip Hop Clowns. The clowning dance style quickly spread and has entered the mainstream hip hop culture through music videos by artists such as Missy Elliot. The difference between Krumping and Clowning is the erotic and sexualized body movements performed by Clowners, whereas Krumping is a more aggressive and violent looking style of dance. Insiders of the Clowning subculture will paint there faces with black and white designs meant to mimic a circus clown.
Missy Elliot, "I'm Really Really Hot."