Breakdancing Basics

By Author: Maxwell David
Total Articles: 26
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Breakdancing is a popular and highly respected dance style which is normally danced to pop, funk or hip hop music. Breakdancing incorporates a number of types of dance moves including top rock, down rock, floor rock, freezes and power moves.

In this training tip, we're going to give you an introduction to breakdancing with three key areas: top rock, down rock and floor Rock. If you're interested in breakdancing, please read on and learn more. However, if you decide to try some of the moves, please take great care. Breakdancing is an athletic and physically demanding dance form which can be dangerous if done incorrectly. So, proceed with caution.

#1: Top Rock
Top rock dance moves are done standing up and are usually used at the start of a routine or dance set. These moves are extremely rhythmic and are used to show how well the breaker can move to the beat of the music. Top rock moves help you make a connection to the music and done before you do a power set or before you do down to the floor.

#2: Downrock
The most basic form of downrock is the six-step footwork sequence. There are lots ...
... of variations on this sequence but the basic structure always applies. You can take a look at a six-step tutorial on youtube here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPrE4PXaOrw. Another popular downrock move is called helicopter. This is where one leg rotates in circles below the body and just above the floor. You must keep the leg straight. The helicopter move can be incorporated into the six-step sequence.

#3: Floor Rocks
Floor rocks are moves performed when most of your body is on the floor. These moves add style and energy to your set and are often used between downrock and power moves or freezes. Here are a few floor rock moves:
- Body rock or back rock is a move is where you lie flat on your back and use your hips and legs. For example, your right foot will "tap" or "kick" over to your left while your left knee remains bent, then your left foot will "tap" or "kick" over to your right while your right knee remains bent.
- Scissors is a move started while lying straight on your side, then bending your body in to touch your toes (creating a scissor motion). Once you unbend and become straight again, you turn to your opposite side and repeat.
- Belly Swim: While laying on your back, you splay out your arms to turn onto your belly then sweep your arms out in front of you to return to your back all while using a continuous "swimming" motion.
- Body Glide: This move is similar to the belly swim but looks like the "superman" in power-moves because your legs and arms remain splayed as you turn over. Unlike only using your arms to "swim" you over (as done in a Belly Swim), a body glide requires you to swing your legs to "glide" your momentum for turning.
(Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_breakdance_moves)

After carefully trying these moves, you can think about moving onto more advanced breakdancing moves including freezes and power moves and create your dance set. Good luck.

Please note, neither Maxwell David nor mystagedoor.co.uk takes no responsibility for any injury or damage caused by the attempts made to recreate these dance moves. So, proceed with caution.
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