Headspin tutorial

Interested in mastering the art of the headspin? Look no further! The headspin is a signature move in the world of breakdancing, instantly recognizable by dancers of all skill levels. It’s a power move that never fails to capture attention and awe from the audience, whether they’re seasoned veterans or newcomers to the dance scene. What’s truly exciting about the headspin is its versatility. Dancers have the freedom to execute it with varying levels of intensity, making it a seamless addition to their routines or the focal point of their performance.

No matter where you stand on the spectrum of dance expertise, learning the headspin is a game-changer. It opens up a world of possibilities during battles, enhances your presence in cyphers, and adds flair to choreographed routines. So why wait? Take the plunge and discover the thrill of mastering the headspin!

General information about headspin

Definition

What is a headspin? A headspin is exactly what it sounds like: a move where a dancer spins while balancing on their head, often without using their hands or other body parts for support. This impressive maneuver isn’t just limited to breaking; it’s also seen in Capoeira, which is a martial art from Brazil with roots in African culture.

Headspins are an invaluable skill for any dancer venturing into the world of breakdancing. Not only does it have the power to instantly captivate an audience when executed flawlessly, but it also serves as a versatile foundation that can be seamlessly integrated with various other breaking and power moves. So, without delay, let’s dive into the exciting journey of learning the headspin!

History of headspin

Believe it or not, the headspin has a rich history with origins dating back many years. In fact, there’s footage from as far back as 1898 showing a young boy pulling off this move. And if that’s not enough, there’s a 1933 film called “Wild Boys of the Road” where the main character busts out the same move. It just goes to show that the headspin has been captivating audiences for generations!

In more recent times, the headspin owes much of its popularity to Brooklyn B-Boy Kid Freeze.

B-Boy Kid Freeze revolutionized the move by executing continuous spins, setting a new standard in the dance community.
His groundbreaking performance inspired other pioneering B-Boys like Storm and Lazer to put their own twist on the headspin, pushing the boundaries of what dancers could achieve with this dynamic move.
You might also recognize B-Boy Aichi, who made headlines by breaking the Guinness World Record for the most consecutive headspins, an impressive feat of 141 spins!

How to do headspin?

Mastering proper technique is crucial when learning the headspin because it’s an advanced maneuver that carries the risk of serious injury, such as a twisted neck, if performed incorrectly. It’s essential to pay close attention to your body’s signals as you practice this move. Remember, like most power moves, achieving proficiency in the headspin requires patience, dedication, and consistent practice. Don’t be disheartened if you don’t nail it right away; progress takes time and effort. Listen to your body, stay focused, and keep pushing forward towards mastering this exciting skill!

Preparation

Before diving into learning the headspin, it’s important to prepare your body with a proper warm-up. This helps to loosen your muscles and get your blood flowing, reducing the risk of injury.

Additionally, consider using certain kinds of headwear to protect your scalp and minimize the risk of burns or hair loss, which can make the learning process more comfortable and less painful, such as:

Beanie
Soft spin cap
Helmet

Wearing helmet will protect your head and scalp while performing headspin

If you already have experience with headstands and feel confident in your ability to balance upside-down, that’s great! It can make learning the headspin a bit easier.

However, if you’re new to headstands or struggle with balance, don’t worry. We’ll guide you through the process step by step in this headspin tutorial, ensuring that you have all the tools and techniques you need to succeed. So let’s get started on this exciting journey to mastering the headspin!

Step 1: Learning the headspin in a counter-clockwise direction.

First, find a comfy spot to start and get ready to stand on your head.
Put your head on the ground and stretch out your arms in front of you.
Straighten your legs out too.
Now, try to lift your legs up and spread them wide apart above you.
Push off the ground with your feet to help lift your legs up.

While you’re practicing, try keeping your right foot a bit closer to the ground. This way, you can go back into your headstand prep position without rolling onto your back. If doing this on your own feels tricky, no worries! You can try leaning against a wall for some extra support.

The main goal here is to feel comfy balancing on your head and getting used to being upside down. Once you’ve got the hang of the headstand, make sure your back stays straight and your legs are positioned like the hands on a clock – one leg at 10 o’clock and the other at 2 o’clock – when you look at yourself in a mirror. This setup helps you stay steady when you start spinning.

Step 2: Practicing headspin taps once you’ve mastered balancing on your head.

Now that you’ve found your balance, it’s time to start adding movement.

Begin with quarter turns while in your headstand position.
Once you’re feeling confident, progress to half turns.
Focus on using your hips to generate momentum.
While in your headstand position, pay attention to your leading leg (let’s say it’s your right leg).
Slowly turn your hips in the direction you want to spin, and let your upper body follow suit.
If it feels easier, you can lean a bit forward to help you recover quickly if you lose balance or get tired.
Once you feel comfortable, aim to keep your body straight during the spin.

If you start to wobble or lose stability, tap through the motion and use your hands, especially your fingertips, to steady yourself. Avoid relying on your entire palm flat against the floor. Keep practicing these headspin taps until you feel comfortable turning while in the headstand position. It may take some time, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it!

Step 3: Enhancing your headspin stability and power.

As you keep practicing those headspin taps, you’ll notice them getting stronger and more steady. This means you can spin for longer without relying on your hands for support.

Now, when you’re spinning, try letting go of your arms.
Focus on following your leading leg (let’s say it’s your right leg). Imagine you’re giving your hips a little whip, which sends your leading leg out in front of you.
At the same time, push yourself off the floor with your hands and let them go to allow for a continuous spin.

It’s all about finding that rhythm and balance between your body and the floor. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be spinning like a pro!

Final tips for practicing the headspin

After you’ve become confident with the headstand, it’s time to advance to the next level: balancing on your neck without using your arms for support.
If you find headspin taps challenging in Step 2, you can try keeping your leading leg, which is usually your right leg, on the floor to assist you in tapping and moving as you progress. This helps you build up your skills gradually until you can lift both legs off the ground smoothly.
During headspin taps, remember to use your fingertips to tap lightly. This gives you a sense of weightlessness and makes the movement smoother.
As you turn, your hips should lead the way, followed by your upper body. It’s important to remember that when your upper body turns, your head turns too. So, ensure that both your torso and head move together in sync.

Mastering the headspin is no easy feat, but with dedication and practice, you’ll get there. It’s an advanced move that requires patience and perseverance, but the satisfaction of nailing it will make all your hard work worthwhile. Keep at it, and soon you’ll be spinning like a pro!

Summary

Firstly, we’ll cover the basics, starting with the importance of proper warm-up and the significance of protecting your scalp and hair during practice. Then, we’ll dive into the step-by-step process of learning the headspin, from mastering the headstand to perfecting your spinning technique.

Throughout the guide, we’ll provide simple tips and tricks to help you build strength and balance, such as using your fingertips for tapping and understanding the role of your hips in generating momentum. We’ll also address common challenges beginners may face, like maintaining stability and finding the right rhythm.

But mastering the headspin isn’t just about physical technique—it’s also about mindset. We’ll discuss the importance of patience and perseverance, reminding you that progress takes time and dedication. With each practice session, you’ll inch closer to your goal of spinning like a pro.

In conclusion, while the headspin may seem daunting at first, with the right guidance and determination, you can master this advanced breakdancing move. So, lace up your dancing shoes, grab your beanie or spin cap, and get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey to breakdancing mastery. The headspin awaits—let’s spin our way to success!