A fascinating exploration of the Memphis' jookin community - how these dancers reconcile the past, thrive in the present and look towards the future. Dance moves and unique stories abound.

Pharaohs of Memphis delves deeper into the fascinating origins of jookin and its current standing in the dance world. Romeo, widely considered a key founder of the jookin dance movement, describes its origins as "gangsta walking" during an era of Memphis crime and city unrest. Current emulators of this Memphis style recall its evolution from gangsta walking into present-day jookin. Several dancers - Lil' Buck, Ryan Haskett, Daniel Price, Carmen Savage - share their personal connection with dance, be it an outlet for creative energy or a way to avoid trouble. The film employs the use of contemporary dance competitions as well as archival footage to depict the complex world of jookin, a style both inspiring and unrelenting. The film is soundtracked primarily by current Memphis hip-hop groups; Iron Mic Coalition, Preauxx, and The Sidewayz all contribute to the importance of local artists connected to the dance form.