How to Breakdance | Baby Suicide

The baby suicide is a versatile and dynamic move in breaking that serves as a foundation for various transitions and combinations. This tutorial, taught by the legendary Ziggy from the Bronx Boys Crew, who has been dancing since 1977, will guide you through the intricacies of this powerful move. Whether you’re a b-boy, locker, popper, or any other style of dancer, mastering the baby suicide can elevate your breaking game to new heights.

Understanding the Baby Suicide

The baby suicide is a move that allows dancers to transition smoothly from a freeze position to their back. It’s not just a standalone move but a versatile technique that can be incorporated into power moves, footwork, and various other elements of breaking.

Key Characteristics:

Quick and powerful execution
Clean and precise movement
Versatile transition move
Foundation for more advanced techniques

Prerequisites

Before attempting the baby suicide, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation in certain breaking basics:

Comfortable with freeze positions, particularly the cricket freeze
Good core strength and body control
Basic understanding of breaking fundamentals

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Baby Suicide

Let’s break down the baby suicide into its core components:

Step 1: Establish Your Freeze

Start in a solid freeze position, preferably a cricket freeze
Ensure your balance is stable and your core is engaged

Step 2: The Kick

If you’re freezing on your right side, kick your right leg
If you’re freezing on your left side, kick your left leg
The kick should be swift and controlled

Step 3: The Tuck

As you kick, begin to tuck your body
Your legs should be thrown over your body in a controlled manner

Step 4: The Landing

Land on your back, but be mindful of the impact
Let your heel break the fall, not your lower back
The landing should be smooth and controlled

Step 5: The Finish

Once landed, hold your position briefly
This pause emphasizes the move and sets you up for your next transition

Key Points to Remember

Power: Execute the move with strength and conviction
Speed: The baby suicide should be quick and snappy
Cleanliness: Aim for a clean, precise execution
Control: Maintain control throughout the entire movement

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Lack of Power: Put energy into your kick and tuck for a more impressive execution
Sloppy Landing: Focus on landing cleanly on your back, using your heel to break the fall
Incomplete Tuck: Ensure you fully tuck your body as you throw your legs over
Hesitation: Commit to the move fully; hesitation can lead to poor execution

Incorporating the Baby Suicide into Your Breaking

The beauty of the baby suicide lies in its versatility. Here are some ways to incorporate it into your breaking:

Transition Move: Use it to transition between different elements of your set
Power Move Entry: Enter into power moves like flares or halos from the baby suicide
Combo Starter: Begin a floor-based combination with a baby suicide
Flow Element: Incorporate it into your flow to add dynamic movement to your style

Advanced Variations and Combinations

Once you’ve mastered the basic baby suicide, you can explore more advanced variations:

Continuous Baby Suicides: Perform multiple baby suicides in succession
Baby Suicide to Power Move: Transition directly into flares, windmills, or other power moves
Baby Suicide from Standing: Execute the move from a standing position for added difficulty
Freestyle Incorporation: Find unique ways to blend the baby suicide into your freestyle routines

The Philosophy Behind the Move

Ziggy emphasizes the importance of not just learning the move, but making it your own. Here are some key philosophical points to consider:

Experimentation: Don’t be afraid to “press those buttons” in your mind and imagination
Personalization: Put your own personality, heart, and love for the dance into the move
Evolution: Each generation can add something new to even the most basic moves
Continuous Learning: Both young and old dancers can learn from and inspire each other

Practice Tips

Start Slow: Begin by practicing each component of the move separately
Use Soft Surfaces: Practice on softer surfaces like gymnastics mats until you’re comfortable
Video Yourself: Record your practice sessions to analyze and improve your technique
Repetition is Key: Practice the move regularly to build muscle memory and confidence

Safety Considerations

Warm-Up: Always warm up properly before attempting any breaking moves
Proper Technique: Focus on correct form to prevent injuries
Gradual Progression: Don’t rush into advanced variations before mastering the basics
Listen to Your Body: If something doesn’t feel right, stop and reassess

Conclusion

The baby suicide is more than just a move; it’s a gateway to endless possibilities in breaking. As Ziggy wisely notes, “The move is the move, but it becomes yours when you put your own personality, your heart, and your love of the dance into it.” Remember, breaking is about continuous growth and evolution. What might seem basic today could be the foundation for something revolutionary tomorrow.

As you practice and perfect your baby suicide, keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Experiment with different entries, exits, and combinations. Most importantly, have fun with it! Breaking is about self-expression and creativity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your execution of the baby suicide.

Remember Ziggy’s words: “We all learn together, we all grow together, we all improve together.” The breaking community is built on shared knowledge and mutual respect. As you progress in your journey, don’t forget to share your experiences and innovations with others. Who knows? Your unique take on the baby suicide might inspire the next generation of breakers.

Lastly, always look within yourself for answers. Trust your instincts, listen to your body, and let your creativity guide you. The baby suicide is just the beginning. With dedication, practice, and a willingness to explore, you’ll find that this foundational move can open up a world of possibilities in your breaking journey.

So go out there, practice your baby suicides, and most importantly, keep that b-boy/b-girl spirit alive! The dance floor is waiting for you to make your mark.