ENGLISH

Don’t Stop the Rock! is the first work entirely dedicated to Rock Dance, an urban dance born in 1970s New York that remains largely unknown. Bridging academic research and on-the-ground passion, Wary The Warrior unveils the complex history and technical foundations of a style that predates Hip-Hop and has profoundly shaped urban culture—especially through its influence on Breaking.

Formed directly at the source, Wary The Warrior, a pioneer of Rock Dance in Europe, offers here a meticulously documented account. Through numerous first-hand testimonies—including those of New York legends—he retraces the genesis, challenges, and modern resurgence of this visually striking style. Enriched by his solid academic background in African American Studies and his own experience as an ardent dancer and traveler, the book achieves a rare depth and authenticity.

Don’t Stop the Rock! is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the true roots of a culture that has reshaped the history of urban dance.

“Don’t Stop the Rock! " is a comprehensive, thoroughly documented, and highly accessible analysis of a widely misunderstood dance form—Rocking—written by one of its foremost contemporary practitioners and advocates. An indispensable read for those interested in Rocking, Hip-Hop dance, and the world that gave rise to both.”
— Joseph G. Schloss, Ph.D., author of Foundation: B-Boys, B-Girls and Hip-Hop Culture in New York

“Step into the rhythmic world of ‘Rocking,’ one of New York’s most dynamic dance styles, through the eyes of Wary—a passionate writer and dancer hailing from Dijon. In this captivating blend of history and personal journey, he traces Rocking’s vibrant evolution, offering both an insider’s perspective and sincere reflections on his own path. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or simply curious, Wary’s enthusiasm is contagious.”
— Niels “Storm” Robitzky, legendary B-boy, author of Think Breaking

“Wary The Warrior is a true practitioner of his craft, but what uniquely sets him apart is his open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity. He strives to learn more about the traditions, mechanisms, and history that shape the dance we know today. This is what makes this book so compelling to read: it’s crafted with care and deep interest.”
— YNOT

About the Author
Born in Dijon, El-Houari “Wary The Warrior” Si Abdelkader discovered Breaking in 1996 and from 2003 onward traveled to New York to train in Rock Dance with iconic figures of the local scene. Armed with a Master’s degree in African American Studies, he combines academic insight with on-the-ground expertise. Regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on the style, he also co-founded the Kossassins crew, has taught nearly 200 workshops across 37 countries, and recently prepared U.S. athletes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. His unique perspective—balancing passion, rigor, and lived experience—makes Don’t Stop the Rock! indispensable for understanding the origins and essence of a culture that has redrawn the boundaries of urban dance.