Break Dance Lessons

Breakdancing

Breakdancing, also known as breaking or boys -Girling, is a street dancing sport from the African American and Puerto Rican communities of the US. Although different in the diversity of dance variations, breaking dance usually comprises four types of movements. Breakdancing typically includes songs with drums in them; this primarily includes Hip hop, Funk Soul, and breakbeat musical genres but modern music tends to have a much larger variety along certain tempo pattern variations.

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Terminology

The terms "b-boy", "b-girl", and "breaker" were the original names used to describe the dancers who performed this style of dance.

Today, the term "breakdancer" may be used to refer to dancers who perform any or all of the four fundamental types of breakdancing moves.

The term "b-girling" is sometimes used to describe female breakers.

There are four primary types of breakdancing: top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes.

Toprock generally refers to any string of steps performed from a standing position. It is usually the first thing learned in breaking, as most other moves require participants to be in a low position. Downrock refers to moves performed close to the ground, often involving coordination between the upper body and the legs.

Power moves are acrobatic moves that require momentum and power to execute, such as spins, headspins, windmills, backspins, flares, airtracks, and helicopters. These are usually done after mastering basic moves. Freezes are positions in which a breaker halts all movement; they are usually executed towards the end of a routine for dramatic effect.

Common breaking music

Breaking music tends to have a fast tempo with drum and bass patterns. Funk, Hip hop, Soul, Disco, and Breakbeat are some of the most common genres of music used in breaking.

Common moves

There are many different types of moves that can be performed in breakdancing. Some common moves include:

The Baby Freeze: A move where the breaker looks like they are frozen in a baby-like position; usually done as a transition from another move or as part of a routine.

The Headspin: A Breaker lies on their back and spins on their head. The move is achieved by tucking the chin, exhaling sharply, and using the abdominal muscles to curl up into a tuck position while keeping the legs and back straight.

The Windmill: A move where the breaker appears to be spinning like a windmill; achieved by lying on the back with both arms extended out to the side, then tucking the chin and using abdominal muscles to curl up into a tuck position while keeping legs and back straight, and finally spinning around.

The Flare: A move where the breaker looks like they are doing a handstand with one arm extended out to the side; achieved by holding one arm out to the side and bringing the other arm up above the head, then kicking up into a handstand position and extending the other arm out to the side.

The Airtrack: A move where the breaker appears to be running or sliding on air; achieved by lying on the back with both legs extended out in front, then using the momentum to roll over onto the stomach and continue running or sliding on air.

The Helicopter: A move where the breaker appears to be spinning like a helicopter; achieved by lying on the back with both arms extended out to the side, then tucking the chin and using abdominal muscles to curl up into a tuck position while keeping legs and back straight, and finally spinning around.

Historie

Dance is an important part of many cultures around the world. It has been used for centuries to express joy, love, and other emotions.

The first recorded instance of break dancing was in the early 1970s. It is believed to have originated in New York City among African American and Puerto Rican youths.

Break dancing quickly spread to other parts of the United States and then to other countries. It became especially popular in Europe and Asia in the 1980s and 1990s.

Today, break dancing is still widely practiced and continues to evolve. It is often seen as a competitive sport, with dancers battling each other in tournaments known as "battles." Numerous dance crews perform choreographed routines at clubs, music festivals, and other events.

Types of Moves

There are a wide variety of moves that can be used in break dancing. Some of the most popular include:

Toprock: This is the basic starting position for break dancing. The dancer stands upright and performs various footwork patterns.

Downrock: Also known as "footwork," this is when the dancer drops down to the floor and continues doing various moves while staying low to the ground.

Power moves: These are flashy, acrobatic moves that require a lot of strength and coordination. They often include spins, flips, and freezes. Popular power moves include the headspin, windmill, and backflip.

Freezes: A freeze is when the dancer stops moving and holds a specific position for a beat or two. This can be done in various ways, such as sitting on one's knees or lying on one's back.

Transitions: Transitions are used to link different moves together and keep the dance flowing. They can be quite simple, such as moving from top rock to down rock, or more complex, like going from a headspin into a freeze.

Battles

As mentioned earlier, break dancing is often seen as a competitive sport. Battles are competitions where dancers go up against each other in one-on-one or crew matches.

There are usually three rounds in a battle, with each dancer having one minute to show off their best moves. The dancers are judged on a variety of criteria, such as originality, creativity, musicality, and difficulty with moves.

The winner of a battle is usually determined by a panel of judges, though in some cases the audience may also vote.

Break dancing battles can be serious affairs, with large cash prizes at stake. However, they can also be more casual events where the focus is simply on having fun and showing off one's skills.

Styles

There are various styles of break dancing, each with its unique flavor. Some of the most popular styles include:

Uprock: This is an aggressive style of break dancing that often includes headbutts and another physical contact between dancers. It is said to have originated in New York City.

Electric boogaloo: This style is known for its smooth, fluid movements and use of freezes. It originated in California in the 1970s.

Popping: This style focuses on quick and sharp moves, often accompanied by popping or jerking motions. It originated in California in the 1960s.

Locking: Locking is a style that emphasizes freezes and sudden stop-and-start movements. It was created by Don Campbell in Los Angeles in the 1970s.

Break dancing is a popular style of dance that has origins in the early 1970s. It is characterized by acrobatic and powerful moves, as well as freezes and transitions. Break dancing is often seen as a competitive sport, with dancers battling each other in tournaments known as "battles." There are various styles of break dancing, each with its unique flavor.

Female presence in break dancing

Even though break dancing is commonly associated with young men, there has always been a strong female presence in the scene. Many women have been breaking since the early days of the dance, and they continue to be an important part of the community today.

There are many all-female break-dancing crews, such as Sweden's Ladies First Crew and France's Her Supreme Majesties. These crews provide a supportive environment for women to learn and compete in break dancing.

In recent years, more women have been competing in break-dancing battles. While the number of female participants is still relatively small, it is growing steadily. In 2018, the world's first all-female break dancing competition, She Breaks, was held in New York City.

The rise of female break dancers is helping to change the perception of dance and show that it is not just for men. As more women get involved in break dancing, it is sure to become even more popular and mainstream.

Music

Break dancing is often set to hip-hop music, as this is the genre that it developed alongside. However, break dancers will sometimes perform in other genres of music, such as pop, rock, or even classical.

The most important thing about break-dancing music is that it has a strong beat that can be easily followed. The music should also have a good "flow" to it so that the dancer can transition smoothly from one move to the next.

Many songs are popular among break dancers, such as "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and "Planet Rock" by Afrika Bambaataa. Break dancers will often create compilation albums of their favorite tracks, which they can use for practice or competitions.

Conclusion

Break dancing is a popular style of dance that is characterized by its acrobatic and powerful moves. It has origins in the early 1970s and is often seen as a competitive sport. There are various styles of break dancing, each with its flavor. Female presence in break dancing has always been strong, and women are becoming increasingly involved in the scene. Music is an important part of break dancing, with songs typically having a strong beat and good flow.

Dance elements

There are a few key elements that are common in all styles of break dancing. These include:

Toprock: This is the first layer of break dancing, and it is performed standing up. Toprock usually consists of footwork and moves that flow into other elements of the dance.

Downrock: Downrock is performed on the ground and typically includes moves such as kips, hand glides, and headspins.

Freezes: Freezes are an important part of break dancing, and they involve holding a position for a beat or two before transitioning into another move.

Power moves: Power moves are acrobatic tricks that often require a lot of strength and coordination. They include moves such as windmills, backspins, and headstands.

Flare: A flare is a move where the dancer stands on one hand and kicks their legs out to the side. This move requires a lot of balance and control.

There are many other elements of break dancing, but these are some of the most basic and essential ones. Mastering these elements will give you a strong foundation on which to build your break-dancing skills.