Breakdancing, also known as breaking, is back in the spotlight, gaining popularity and attracting newcomers to its dynamic art form. To truly excel and enjoy a long journey in breaking, it’s crucial to build a solid foundation before attempting complex Break Dancing Moves seen performed by professionals.
Originating in the 1970s as a vibrant expression within hip-hop culture in New York City, breakdancing has since exploded globally, captivating audiences from London to Paris and Tokyo. If you’re eager to start your own breaking adventure, understanding the fundamental moves is your first step.
This guide will introduce you to essential break dancing moves that will help you master your foundation. Here are the top 10 moves every beginner should learn.
Top 10 Essential Break Dancing Moves for Beginners
Watching professional breakers execute incredible spins and flips can be awe-inspiring, but learning how to breakdance can seem daunting at first. It’s important to remember that everyone starts with the basics.
Beginners should focus on mastering the fundamental categories of break dancing moves:
- Top Rock: Upright dancing, setting the rhythm and style.
- Down Rock: Floorwork, encompassing footwork variations and backrocks, forming the core of breakdancing.
- Freezes: Stylized poses, demonstrating balance and control.
- Power Moves: Dynamic spins and tricks, often the most visually impressive aspects of breaking.
Progress in breakdancing is achieved through patience and consistent practice. Draw inspiration from the spectacular performances you might witness at events like the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where breaking will debut, but always prioritize building a strong base to prevent injuries and ensure long-term progress.
So, where do you begin? Let’s explore the top break dancing moves for beginners.
1. Top Rock: Finding Your Rhythm Up Top
Before aspiring to join the ranks of elite b-boys and b-girls, mastering the top rock is essential. Top rock serves as the introductory phase of your breakdancing routine, establishing your rhythm and setting the stage for more intricate moves.
At its core, top rock involves comfortably shifting your weight between your feet while incorporating arm movements. As you gain confidence, you can introduce variations like shuffles, side steps, and kicks. Maintaining a relaxed and fluid upper body is key to executing effective top rock break dancing moves.
2. 6-Step: The Foundational Footwork
The 6-step is a fundamental down rock move that teaches coordination and rhythm on the floor. It’s a cornerstone of break dancing moves footwork.
Begin in a squatting position. Initiate the move by extending your right foot forward while simultaneously moving your left foot to the side. Next, bring your right foot back to its starting position as your left foot moves behind your right foot, creating a circular motion. This sequence forms the basis of the 6-step.
Practicing the 6-step at home is highly recommended for developing body control and becoming comfortable with the flow of breaking. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more proficient.
Choosing the right footwear is also crucial for smooth movement. Selecting proper shoes for breaking will significantly enhance your ability to execute footwork seamlessly.
To master the complete 6-step circle, consider watching video tutorials that provide visual guidance and break down each step.
3. Baby Freeze: Mastering Balance in a Pose
The baby freeze is an accessible freeze for beginners, allowing you to incorporate static poses into your break dancing moves repertoire.
To initiate a baby freeze, start on your hands and knees. Lift one leg and position your knee against the back of your elbow on the same side of your body. Use your opposite hand to provide balance and support. The key to executing a solid baby freeze is maintaining body stability and control. Focus on engaging your core and finding your center of gravity.
4. Back Spin: The Gateway to Spinning Moves
Before tackling advanced spinning moves like the headspin, the back spin is an excellent starting point. It’s among the more accessible break dancing moves that introduce rotational momentum.
The back spin was developed as a dynamic move that doesn’t demand the extreme strength and technique required for more complex power moves.
Begin by sitting on the floor and quickly transitioning to lying on your back. Tuck your knees towards your chest and then extend your legs outward. Simultaneously, push off the floor with your arms to generate the initial momentum for rotation. The spin occurs on your upper back. The goal is not just to spin, but to control the rotation and gradually increase the duration of your spin.
5. Crab Freeze: Adding Another Freeze Variation
Expanding your freeze repertoire with the crab freeze adds another stylistic element to your break dancing moves.
To perform a crab freeze, begin seated on the floor with your legs extended in front of you. Place your hands behind you, ensuring your fingers point away from your body. Next, lift your hips off the ground while slightly leaning forward. Balance your weight on your hands and feet, creating a table-like posture with your body.
6. Coffee Grinder: The Helicopter Footwork
The coffee grinder, also known as the helicopter, is a fundamental breakdancing move that serves as a stepping stone to more complex transitions and power moves. It’s a crucial move to master before attempting windmills or flares.
Initiate the coffee grinder from a squatting position, placing one hand on the ground to support your weight. Swing your legs in a circular motion around your supporting hand. Focus on consistently shifting your weight towards the hand that remains grounded to maintain balance and momentum.
7. Turtle Freeze: A Dynamic Warm-up Freeze
The turtle freeze is another basic freeze that can be incorporated as a warm-up move or integrated into your break dancing moves combinations.
This freeze is executed by placing both hands in front of you from a squatting position. Lean forward, balancing your weight on one elbow or both forearms. Your body weight should primarily rest on your forearms. From a back view, your legs should be lifted off the ground and tucked towards your chest.
8. Headstand: Elevating Your Poses
Feeling more confident? It’s time to explore a slightly more advanced move: the headstand. The headstand is a classic element in break dancing moves, and mastering it is a significant milestone.
However, it’s important to approach headstands with caution. Neck injuries constitute a notable percentage of breakdancing injuries. Therefore, practice headstands with a spotter and on a cushioned surface, avoiding hard surfaces like concrete.
Start in a kneeling position with your hands placed on the ground. Position your head slightly in front of your hands, forming a triangle shape with your head and hands for enhanced balance. Gradually lift your legs off the ground, engaging your core muscles to maintain balance and stability. Hold the headstand for as long as you can comfortably manage.
9. Comboing: Flowing Between Moves
Comboing isn’t a single move but rather the art of seamlessly linking multiple break dancing moves together. This smooth transition between moves is the essence of dance flow and is crucial for advancing your breaking skills.
If you aim to excel in break battles, practicing smooth transitions between all the previously mentioned moves is vital. Focus on maintaining rhythm and momentum as you move from one move to the next. Effective comboing demonstrates creativity and control, key elements in winning battles.
10. Windmill: The Iconic Power Move
The windmill is an iconic and recognizable breakdancing move that is a must-learn for any aspiring breaker. However, learning how to windmill can initially seem complex.
Begin practicing windmills from the back spin position, as starting from a standing position is significantly more challenging and increases the risk of injury, especially for beginners. Roll onto your shoulders while simultaneously swinging your legs in a circular motion overhead. Use your arms to maintain momentum and continue rotating until you return to your upper back. The objective is to continuously kick your legs and swing them in a controlled manner to sustain the rotational movement without stopping.
Conclusion: Building Your Breakdancing Journey
These top 10 break dancing moves provide a solid starting point for your breakdancing journey within this exciting hip-hop art form. Remember to be patient with your progress, don’t hesitate to revisit earlier steps, and always prioritize proper form. Building a strong foundation is paramount to becoming a skilled and confident breaker.
For further guidance and expert instruction, consider exploring resources like the B-Boy & B-Girl Dojo to enhance your training and accelerate your learning.
