How to Breakdance?

Answer 1

Breakdancing, or b-boying, is a street dance that started in the Bronx in the 1970’s and has had a growing following ever since. You want to give breakdancing a try? Just follow this guide.

There are 4 basic elements or techniques that you have to be able to perform to pull off a smooth throwdown. The first element is the toprock, which are any combination of steps performed while standing up. You use the toprock to setup and display your style.

It doesn’t matter if your toprock is relaxed, excited, or aggressive. You can incorporate other forms of dance into your toprock like pop-and-lock, rock, or house dance.

At some point in your toprock, you will need to incorporate a “drop” that will transition the stand-up part of your dance into the second technique, the downrock. The downrock element of your routine is where you will be doing your ground work. During your downrock, your hands should be supporting your body as much as your feet. The “6-step” is a basic move used in downrock where the arms are used to support the body while the legs walk around in a circle.

Power moves are the most advanced part of breakdancing and require strength, timing, and concentration. During a power move, the dancer is supported by his or her upper body, while their lower body creates circular movement. A notable example of a power move is the windmill where a dancer will roll their upper body in a circular path on the ground, while keeping their legs in the air in a V-shape.

You want to finish your routine with a “freeze”. A freeze is simply a pose used to show the end of your set. The baby freeze and chair freeze are basic freezes you should start out with. When you are ready to give breakdancing a try, a set of knee pads might make the learning process a little easier. Watch other dancers in order to learn the moves, but go with your own style. Other important things to remember is to keep practicing, express yourself, and have fun!