Top 10 breakdance moves you should know

Breakdance is becoming more and more popular, with more people getting interested in it and trying it out. It’s not just something for experts anymore; beginners are getting into it too! But if you want to keep doing breakdance for a long time, you need to start at the beginning and learn the basic moves before moving on to the fancy stuff you see the pros doing.

Breakdance started in the 1970s as a type of hip-hop dance in New York City. But now, it’s spread all over the world, from London to Paris to Tokyo! With so many places to learn and practice, where should you start?

This guide will help you get started with breakdancing by teaching you the fundamental moves. These are the top 10 moves that every beginner should learn to build a strong foundation. Let’s dive in and learn together!

General things about breakdance moves

Definition

What is breakdance? Breakdance, also known as breaking or b-boying/b-girling, is a dynamic and acrobatic style of street dance that originated in the 1970s in the Bronx borough of New York City. It is one of the foundational elements of hip-hop culture. Breakdancing involves intricate footwork, athletic moves, spins, freezes, and contortions performed to the beat of hip-hop music or breakbeats.

Breakdancing emerged as a form of expression for urban youth, particularly African American and Latino communities, and served as a way to channel creativity, energy, and competitive spirit. It became popular in street battles and dance competitions, where dancers showcase their skills and creativity while improvising and responding to the music.

Over the decades, breakdancing has evolved and spread worldwide, influencing various dance styles and cultures. Today, it continues to thrive as both a competitive art form and a social activity, with dedicated practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Basic moves

At its core, breakdance encompasses several basic elements that form the foundation of the dance style. These elements, when combined and executed with skill and style, create the captivating performances and expressive artistry that define breakdancing.

Toprock: involves footwork performed while standing upright and sets the rhythm and style of the dancer’s movement. It serves as an introduction to a routine, allowing dancers to establish their presence, engage with the music, and build anticipation for more complex movements to come.
Footwork: is another essential component of breakdancing, characterized by intricate movements performed with the feet and leg while on the ground. Footwork requires agility, speed, and precision as dancers execute steps, spins, and sweeps to create dynamic patterns and sequences that showcase their technical skill and creativity.
Freezes: are static poses or positions that breakdancers strike during their routines. These freezes serve as dramatic highlights, punctuating movements and demonstrating the dancer’s control, balance, and strength. From the iconic baby freeze to the gravity-defying airflare, freezes add visual flair and intensity to breakdancing performances.
Power moves: are dynamic and acrobatic maneuvers that showcase the dancer’s athleticism and strength. These moves often involve spinning, flipping, and other high-energy motions performed with speed and fluidity. Power moves such as windmills, flares, and airflares require exceptional physical conditioning and technical proficiency.

Top 10 moves you should know

Top Rock

It’s like the first step on your journey to becoming one of the top b-boys or b-girls. Before you can bust out those fancy moves, you’ve gotta nail this basic step-touch movement. It’s like warming up before a big race.

All you’re doing is shifting your weight from one foot to the other, and adding in some arm movements for extra flair. You can mix it up with shuffles, side steps, and kicks to make it your own. But here’s the secret sauce: keep your upper body loose and relaxed for that smooth, effortless vibe.

6-step

Imagine yourself squatting down, ready to take off like a rocket. You start by sliding your right foot forward while kicking your left foot out to the side at the same time. Then, your right foot comes back as your left foot swings behind to the right, making a cool circular motion. It’s like a dance all on its own!

Most teachers will tell you to practice this one at home to really get the hang of it and build up your body control. Oh, and don’t forget to pick the right shoes for breakdancing. You want something that’ll let you move without any hiccups.

Baby Freeze

It’s like a freeze move that’s perfect for beginners, adding another cool move to your collection. But how do you even start with a baby freeze?

First, get down on your hands and knees. Lift one leg up and place your knee against the back of your elbow on the same side. Your other hand helps keep your body balanced.

The key to nailing this move like a pro b-boy or b-girl is all about keeping your body steady and still. It’s like trying to balance a stack of books without letting any fall.

Back Spin

The backspin was invented to create a super cool move that doesn’t need you to be super strong or have crazy techniques like some of the other power moves.

To do it, start by sitting on the floor, then quickly lie back. Pull your knees up to your chest and kick your legs out. At the same time, use your arms to push off and get some spin going. The spin happens around your upper back, and the goal is to control it and see how long you can keep spinning without stopping. It’s like trying to keep a toy top spinning for as long as possible!

Crab Freeze

It’s like adding another cool freeze move to your breakdancing toolkit. So, how do you pull off this rad move?
First, sit on the floor with your legs stretched out in front of you. Place your hands behind you, fingers pointing away from your body. Now, lift your hips off the ground while leaning a bit forward. Balance on your hands and feet, like you’re turning yourself into a human table. It’s all about finding that sweet spot to hold the position steady.

Coffee Grinder

Coffee Grinder move is also known as the helicopter. It’s like a basic breakdancing move that sets the stage for more complex tricks down the line. You gotta master this one before you even think about trying flares, windmills, or handstands.
Start from a squatting position with one hand on the ground to support yourself.

Swing your legs in a smooth circular motion, like you’re stirring a giant coffee grinder. Pay close attention to shifting your weight toward the hand that’s still on the ground. It’s all about finding your rhythm and keeping that momentum going!

This basic freeze move is great for warming up and adding to your practice routine.

To pull off the turtle freeze, start from a squatting position. Place both hands in front of you on the ground, then lean forward and balance on one elbow. Your weight should be resting on your forearm, like a sturdy foundation.

From the back, lift your legs off the ground and tuck them toward your chest. It’s like you’re curling up into a protective shell, just like a turtle!

Headstand

Feeling brave? Then it’s time to tackle something a little more challenging—the Headstand! It’s a classic move in the world of breakdancing, so mastering it is key.

But here’s the thing: safety first! Did you know that 22% of breakdancing injuries happen in the neck? That’s why it’s super important to have a spotter and practice on a soft surface, not hard concrete.

To start, kneel down with your hands on the ground. Slip your head in front of your hands to form a triangle for better balance. Then, lift your legs off the ground and engage your core to hold yourself up. It’s all about finding that balance and building up those muscles to hold the position as long as you can!

Comboing

Let’s dive into Comboing! It’s not just about individual moves; it’s about linking them together in a smooth sequence. Think of it like putting together pieces of a puzzle to create a masterpiece. This is what takes your breakdancing skills to the next level!

So, if you’re ready to dominate those battles and impress the crowd, practice transitioning seamlessly between all the moves we’ve covered so far. Keep your rhythm flowing and your momentum going strong. It’s like connecting dots on a canvas to create a masterpiece of movement!

Windmill

Now, let’s talk about the Windmill! It’s like the crown jewel of breaking moves, something every breaker dreams of mastering. But hey, we get it—it can seem pretty daunting at first.

To start, get into the same position as you would for a backspin. Only advanced breakers should even think about starting from a standing position because it’s a bit risky. Roll onto your shoulders while swinging your legs in a circular motion. Use your arms to keep the momentum going and rotate until you land on your upper back.

The key here is to keep those legs kicking and swinging in a controlled way, like a graceful windmill, without any interruptions. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of power and finesse!

Conclusion

These top 10 breakdance moves are just the beginning of your journey into the world of this awesome hip-hop sub-genre. Remember, it’s not a race, so take your time to master each move. Don’t be afraid to take a step back and really focus on perfecting your form.

By making form your top priority, you’ll not only become a better breaker but also reduce your risk of injury. So, keep practicing, stay dedicated, and before you know it, you’ll be busting out those moves like a pro!