Breakdancing, also known as breaking or b-boying, is a dynamic and athletic dance style that’s part of hip-hop culture. Among the impressive repertoire of Dance Moves Breakdance offers, the windmill stands out as a foundational power move. This move, characterized by spinning on the upper back and chest, has spawned numerous variations, each adding its own unique flair and level of difficulty. Let’s delve into some exciting windmill variations that showcase the creativity and athleticism within breakdancing.
Barrel Windmill
The barrel windmill is a fascinating variation where dancers execute the windmill without relying on their hands for the initial push from the floor. Instead, the arms are held in a rounded “barrel” shape in front of the body. The dancer rolls over their arms and forearms, using this rounded form to transition smoothly over the head and back to the starting position. This variation demands core strength and precise body control to maintain momentum and rotation.
Baby Windmill / Babymill
The baby windmill, or babymill, is another intriguing variation that modifies the leg positioning. In this move, the legs are bent at the knees and crossed, creating a more compact form compared to the standard windmill. Similar to the barrel windmill, the arms are held in the barrel shape. The babymill often appears as a stepping stone to more complex windmills, teaching dancers to control their spin with a different leg configuration.
Nutcracker Windmill
Adding a playful yet challenging twist, the nutcracker windmill requires the dancer to maintain both hands covering their groin area throughout the move. The difficulty lies in preventing the hands from losing contact while still generating enough momentum to execute the windmill. Dancers must rely heavily on their shoulders and legs to swing their body around, demanding significant coordination and core engagement.
Handcuffed Windmill
For an added layer of difficulty and visual interest, the handcuffed windmill is performed with the hands held together behind the back, mimicking the position of being handcuffed. This variation eliminates the use of arms for balance and momentum generation, forcing dancers to rely entirely on their core, legs, and shoulder movements to complete the spin. It’s a testament to body control and strength.
Tap Windmill / Tap Mill
The tap windmill, or tap mill, introduces a rhythmic element to the traditional windmill. Each time the dancer rotates onto their back, they tap the floor with their toes before initiating the next rotation. This tapping motion is not just for show; it provides a slight push and helps maintain momentum for continuous windmills. The tap windmill requires precise timing and coordination to synchronize the taps with the spinning motion.
Tombstone Windmill
Considered one of the most challenging windmill variations, the tombstone windmill demands exceptional core strength and control. In this variation, both legs are kept straight and together throughout the entire move. This straight leg position eliminates the leg swing momentum typically used in windmills, making it significantly harder to generate and maintain rotation. It’s a true display of power and body mastery.
Australian Windmill
Finally, the Australian windmill presents another high-difficulty variation that modifies leg positioning. One leg is kept straight and extended, while the other leg is crossed over the straight leg, forming a figure-four shape. Like the tombstone windmill, the Australian windmill restricts leg momentum, requiring considerable upper body and core strength to execute. It’s often ranked alongside the tombstone windmill in terms of difficulty due to the balance and control needed with the asymmetrical leg position.
These diverse dance moves breakdance offers within just the windmill category highlight the depth and creativity of breaking. From beginner-friendly variations to incredibly challenging ones, each windmill style allows dancers to express their individuality and push the boundaries of physical movement.
