Do One Airflare in Only 5 Minutes

Breakdancing, with its dynamic moves and energetic flair, captures the attention of audiences worldwide. One of the most visually spectacular moves in breakdancing is the Airflare, known for its gravity-defying rotations and powerful execution. While mastering the Airflare can take time, this blog post will guide you through the basics to perform a basic Airflare in just five minutes, focusing on fundamental techniques that can set the foundation for more advanced practice.

Introduction

The Airflare is not just a move but a statement in the breakdancing community. It involves a complex combination of strength, timing, and coordination. Before attempting the Airflare, it’s important to have a basic level of physical fitness and to have mastered simpler breakdancing moves such as handstands and windmills. This quick guide is designed to help you get started with the basic Airflare motion, emphasizing technique over perfection.

An Airflare, also known as an air twist, is a visually impressive and physically demanding power move in breakdancing. Here’s a breakdown of what it entails:
Movement:
Imagine a windmill motion, but with your body elevated on your hands and traveling in a circular path close to the ground.
The core element is a continuous rotation of your torso around a vertical axis while simultaneously creating a circular path with your body, keeping your legs and hips high off the ground.

0:50 Hand Hop on Both Arms

To initiate the Airflare, begin with hand hops. This exercise helps build the necessary shoulder strength and balance needed for more complex maneuvers.

Technique:

Start in a handstand position.
Push off gently from one hand, allowing your body to hop slightly while switching your weight to the other hand.
Try to maintain your form straight and controlled.
Repeat this hop, alternating hands each time.

Tips:

Keep your core tight and engaged to maintain balance.
Use a mirror to check your form, ensuring your hips don’t drop as you hop from hand to hand.

1:36 Pivot on the Opposite Foot

Once you are comfortable with hand hops, begin to incorporate leg movements by pivoting on your opposite foot. This movement helps in building momentum that is crucial for executing an Airflare.

Technique:

From a standing position, lift your dominant leg slightly off the ground.
Pivot on the ball of your non-dominant foot, twisting your body towards the raised leg.
Use this pivot to generate rotational momentum.

Tips:

Focus on smooth and controlled pivots.
Ensure your back is straight and your gaze is forward to maintain balance.

3:13 Work on Throwing Your Arm

Arm throws are critical in gaining the necessary leverage and height for the Airflare.

Technique:

Begin in a crouched position with your hands in front of you as if you are about to perform a cartwheel.
Swiftly throw one arm towards the direction you intend to rotate.
As you throw your arm, allow your body to follow the momentum, elevating your hips and legs off the ground.

Tips:

Practice the arm throw without the jump to get used to the motion.
Focus on a strong, decisive arm movement to maximize momentum.

4:44 Switch Legs for 30 Seconds

Switching legs rapidly is a crucial element in maintaining the rotational movement of the Airflare.

Technique:

Start by jumping slightly off the ground and switching your legs in mid-air.
Practice this leg switch for 30 seconds, focusing on speed and fluidity.
Incorporate this leg switch into the rotation begun by your arm throw.

Tips:

Keep the movements light and quick.
Work on timing the switch precisely at the peak of your jump to maximize height and rotation.

Conclusion

While mastering the Airflare in five minutes is an ambitious goal, understanding and practicing these fundamental components will significantly advance your ability to perform this impressive move. Remember, consistency is key. Frequent practice, combined with strength and flexibility training, will improve your skill level much faster than intermittent sessions. Always prioritize form and safety to prevent injuries and to build the correct muscle memory for more advanced breakdancing moves.

With these steps, you’re well on your way to incorporating the Airflare into your repertoire. Keep practicing, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of learning one of breakdancing’s most exhilarating moves!