How to Breakdance | Bronco | Beginning Breaking Tutorial

The Bronco is a classic breaking move that has been a staple in the b-boy community since the 1980s. Often featured in movies and shows depicting breakdancing, this move is not only visually impressive but also serves as an excellent foundation for more advanced techniques. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the Bronco step-by-step, exploring its history, benefits, and how to execute it properly.

The History and Significance of the Bronco

The Bronco emerged during the early days of breaking in the 1980s. It quickly became popular due to its dynamic nature and relative accessibility for beginners. While you might see this move performed by kids at middle school dances or by those new to breaking, it remains a respected element in a b-boy’s arsenal.

Key points about the Bronco:

It’s considered an “old school” move
Often seen in 1980s media featuring breaking
Still respected and used in modern breaking routines

Benefits of Learning the Bronco

Before we dive into the technique, let’s discuss why the Bronco is worth learning:

Strength Building: The Bronco helps develop upper body strength, particularly in the arms and shoulders.
Hand Balance: It improves your comfort and stability when balancing on your hands.
Foundation for Advanced Moves: Mastering the Bronco can help you progress to more complex power moves.
Versatility: It can be incorporated into various combinations and transitions in your breaking routine.

Prerequisites: Handstand Proficiency

Before attempting the Bronco, it’s crucial to have a solid handstand. Here’s why:

The Bronco involves quickly transitioning in and out of a handstand position.
Comfort in a handstand will make learning the Bronco safer and easier.
Handstand practice will build the necessary strength and balance for the Bronco.

If you’re not yet comfortable with handstands, spend time developing this skill before progressing to the Bronco.

Breaking Down the Bronco: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: The Initial Jump

The first phase of the Bronco is transitioning from your feet to your hands. Here’s how to do it:

Start in a standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Bend your knees slightly to prepare for the jump.
Push off the ground, jumping towards a handstand position.
Place your hands on the ground shoulder-width apart, arms straight.
Allow your legs to kick up into a handstand position.

Practice tips:

Start with small jumps and gradually increase height as you gain confidence.
Focus on a controlled ascent rather than explosive power at first.

Step 2: The Handstand Position

Once you’ve jumped into the handstand, you need to maintain control:

Keep your arms straight and locked.
Engage your core to maintain balance.
Point your toes towards the ceiling.
Keep your body in a straight line from hands to toes.

Remember:

The handstand in a Bronco is momentary – you won’t be holding it for long.
Aim for a vertical position, but don’t worry if you’re slightly over-balanced towards your back at first.

Step 3: The Kick and Push

This is where the Bronco gets its distinctive look:

From the handstand position, slightly bend your arms.
Simultaneously arch your back slightly.
Kick your legs forcefully towards the ground.
As your legs come down, push through your arms to propel your body upwards.

Key points:

The bend in your arms should be slight – don’t lower your chest too much.
The back arch and leg kick work together to create the Bronco’s characteristic shape.
The push through your arms is crucial for getting back to your feet.

Step 4: The Landing

The final phase brings you back to your starting position:

As your feet approach the ground, prepare for landing.
Bend your knees slightly to absorb the impact.
Land softly on the balls of your feet, then lower your heels.
Stand up straight, ready for the next repetition.

Tips for a smooth landing:

Keep your core engaged throughout the landing to maintain stability.
Practice landing quietly – this indicates good control and shock absorption.

Putting It All Together

Now that we’ve broken down each component, let’s look at the Bronco as a complete move:

Start in a standing position.
Bend knees, jump to handstand.
In handstand, slightly bend arms and arch back.
Kick legs down while pushing through arms.
Land softly on feet.
Repeat as desired.

Remember, fluidity is key. Each phase should flow smoothly into the next for a polished Bronco.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As with any breaking move, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

Insufficient arm strength: Build up your arm and shoulder strength with push-ups and handstand holds.
Fear of the handstand: Spend time getting comfortable in a handstand position before attempting the Bronco.
Lack of leg drive: Focus on a powerful leg kick to generate the necessary momentum.
Arching too much: A slight arch is good, but too much can throw off your balance and reduce power.
Landing too hard: Practice soft landings to protect your joints and maintain control.

Incorporating the Bronco into Your Breaking Routine

While the Bronco is an impressive move on its own, it’s important to use it tastefully in your breaking:

Don’t overuse it: As mentioned in the tutorial, doing too many Broncos in a row can look repetitive.
Use it as a transition: The Bronco can be an excellent way to move between other elements of your routine.
Combine it with other moves: Try linking the Bronco with freezes or other power moves for a more complex sequence.

Progressing Beyond the Bronco

Once you’ve mastered the Bronco, you’re well-positioned to learn more advanced breaking moves:

Power Swipe: The Bronco serves as an excellent foundation for learning the power swipe.
Other handstand variations: Your improved hand balance will help with moves like the hollow back or handstand freeze.
Air moves: The body control developed through the Bronco can help with aerial techniques.

Safety Considerations

As with any physical activity, safety should be a priority when learning the Bronco:

Warm up thoroughly before practice.
Use a spotter when first learning the move.
Practice on a suitable surface – a dance mat or sprung floor is ideal.
Listen to your body and rest if you feel pain or excessive fatigue.

Conclusion

The Bronco is more than just a flashy move – it’s a fundamental technique that can significantly improve your breaking skills. By developing strength, balance, and body control, the Bronco prepares you for more advanced power moves while being an impressive element in its own right.

Remember, mastering theBronco takes time and consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it right away. Keep working on each component, and soon you’ll be smoothly transitioning from ground to air and back again.

As you continue your breaking journey, keep exploring new moves and combinations. The Bronco is just one piece of the vast and vibrant world of breaking. Stay curious, stay passionate, and most importantly, have fun with your dance!

Keep practicing, stay safe, and happy breaking!