HOW TO BREAKDANCE: AIR CHAIR (FREEZE)

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a dynamic and expressive form of street dance that has captivated audiences worldwide. One of the most impressive and popular moves in breaking is the air chair, a challenging freeze that showcases strength, balance, and control. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the air chair technique, provide step-by-step instructions, and offer valuable tips to help you master this iconic breakdancing move.

What is an Air Chair?

An air chair is a static pose or “freeze” in breaking where the dancer balances their entire body weight on one arm. The legs are typically lifted off the ground and held in various positions, creating a striking visual effect. Air chairs are not only impressive to look at but also serve as a foundation for many other breaking moves and combinations.

Types of Air Chairs

Before we dive into the learning process, it’s important to understand that there are different variations of the air chair. In this guide, we’ll focus on two main types:

Side Chair: This is the standard air chair position where your body is parallel to the ground, and your legs are extended to the side.
Pike Chair: A more advanced variation where your chest faces upwards, and your legs are folded up towards the ceiling.

Prerequisites

Before attempting to learn the air chair, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in some basic breaking skills:

Turtle Freeze: Master the turtle freeze, especially the one-handed variation. This will help you get comfortable with supporting your body weight on one arm.
Upper Body Strength: Work on building strength in your triceps, biceps, and overall upper body.
Flexibility: Improve your flexibility, particularly in your wrists, shoulders, and back.
Balance: Develop a good sense of balance and body control.

Preparation

Stretching

Before you start practicing the air chair, it’s essential to warm up and stretch properly. Focus on the following areas:

Wrists
Shoulders
Neck
Back
Hips

Proper stretching will help prevent injuries and improve your range of motion.

Determine Your Dominant Hand

Figure out which hand you’ll be using to support your body weight. Most people find it easier to use their dominant hand, but experiment with both to see what feels more comfortable for you.

Learning the Air Chair: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: The Chicken Wing Position

Start by practicing the “chicken wing” position.
If you’re right-handed, place your right elbow against your right rib cage.
Your elbow should be positioned exactly where your rib cage is, not in front of your belly button.
Practice bouncing your elbow off your rib cage to get a feel for the correct placement.

Step 2: The Supported Air Chair

Find a chair or stable object at knee height.
Place your hand on the ground with your fingers pointing backward (not sideways or forward).
Support yourself by holding onto the chair with your other hand.
Practice rocking your body weight onto your grounded hand while lifting your hips and legs slightly off the ground.
Focus on bending your elbow to about a 90-degree angle.
Rock back and forth, lifting your hips and legs each time, then returning to the starting position.

Step 3: The Head Drop

From the supported position, practice dropping your head to the side as you lift your hips and legs.
This head drop is crucial for finding your balance in the air chair.
Remember: Your head and legs should lift simultaneously, meeting at your center of gravity.

Step 4: Increasing Height and Hold Time

As you become more comfortable with the rocking motion and head drop, start lifting your legs higher.
Gradually increase the time you hold the position in the air.
Aim to hold the position for a few seconds before returning to the starting position.

Step 5: Removing Support

Once you feel confident with the supported air chair, try removing your hand from the chair.
Start with brief holds and gradually increase the duration.
Focus on maintaining the 90-degree bend in your elbow and the correct head position.

Step 6: Refining Your Form

As you practice, pay attention to these key points:

Keep your supporting arm at a 90-degree angle.
Ensure your head and legs lift simultaneously.
Find your center of balance where your body feels “stacked” over your supporting arm.
Open your hand and grip the ground with your fingertips for better stability.

Progressing to Different Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic side chair, you can start exploring different leg positions and variations:

Tucked Knees: Bring both knees towards your chest.
Single Knee Grab: Reach for one knee with your free hand as you balance.
Same Arm-Same Leg Grab: Attempt to grab your leg with the hand of your supporting arm.
Pike Chair: Progress to the more advanced pike position, where your chest faces upwards and both legs extend towards the ceiling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Straight Arm: Keeping your supporting arm completely straight makes it harder to balance and increases the risk of injury.
Over-bending: Bending your elbow too much can cause you to collapse or fall on your head.
Imbalanced Lifting: Lifting only your legs or only your head will make it difficult to find your balance point.
Incorrect Hand Placement: Ensure your fingers are pointing backward, not to the side or forward.
Neglecting the Head Drop: The head drop is crucial for finding your balance point. Don’t forget to incorporate it into your practice.

Building Strength and Endurance

To improve your air chair, incorporate these training tips:

Hold Practice: Use a chair or stable object for support and practice holding the air chair position for 30 seconds at a time.
Set Goals: Aim for 5 sets of 30-second holds with breaks in between.
Consistency: Practice daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
Strength Training: Focus on exercises that target your triceps, biceps, and core.
Wrist Conditioning: Incorporate wrist stretches and strengthening exercises into your routine.

Safety Considerations

Always practice on a soft surface like a yoga mat or smooth flooring to protect your wrists and prevent injuries from falls.
Listen to your body and avoid overtraining, especially when you’re just starting out.
If you experience persistent pain in your wrists, shoulders, or any other part of your body, take a break and consult a medical professional if necessary.

Incorporating the Air Chair into Your Breaking

Once you’ve mastered the basic air chair, you can start incorporating it into your breaking routines:

Use it as a powerful freeze at the end of a set.
Transition into and out of the air chair from other moves like windmills or flares.
Combine different air chair variations to create unique combos.
Use it as a starting point for other power moves or freezes.

The Importance of Proper Progression

It’s crucial to emphasize the importance of proper progression when learning the air chair. Many beginners make the mistake of trying to learn the full move right away, which can lead to frustration and potential injuries. By following the step-by-step approach outlined in this guide, you’ll build a solid foundation and develop the necessary strength and balance to execute the air chair safely and effectively.

Remember that learning the turtle freeze, especially the one-handed variation, is an essential prerequisite. This foundational move will help you get comfortable with supporting your body weight on one arm and develop the necessary strength and balance for the air chair.

The Role of Consistency and Patience

Mastering the air chair takes time, dedication, and consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Breaking is a journey, and every small improvement is a step towards your goal. Set realistic expectations and celebrate your progress, no matter how small it may seem.

Make it a habit to practice regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Consistent, focused practice is far more effective than sporadic, lengthy sessions. Remember the advice from the tutorial: if you practice holding the air chair for a total of 2 minutes a day, you’ll likely see significant improvement within a month.

Conclusion

The air chair is a challenging but rewarding move that can take your breaking to the next level. By following this comprehensive guide, practicing consistently, and paying attention to proper form and technique, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this impressive freeze.

Remember to always prioritize safety, listen to your body, and enjoy the learning process. Breaking is not just about mastering individual moves; it’s about expressing yourself through movement and being part of a vibrant, supportive community.

As you continue to work on your air chair, don’t hesitate to seek feedback from more experienced breakers or join practice sessions with others. Learning alongside peers can be both motivating and fun, and you’ll often pick up valuable tips and insights from others in the breaking community.

Keep pushing your limits, stay passionate about your craft, and most importantly, have fun as you explore the world of breaking. With dedication and practice, you’ll be hitting solid air chairs and impressing crowds in no time!