Footwork Tutorial: Take Your Pretzels From Good To Great

In the world of breaking, mastering footwork is essential to becoming a well-rounded dancer. Among the various footwork techniques, the pretzel stands out as a dynamic and visually impressive move. While many breakers know the basic technique, truly mastering the style of pretzels can set you apart in battles and performances. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of pretzels, break down the technique, and provide advanced tips to elevate your pretzel game from good to great.

The History of Pretzels

Before diving into the technical aspects, it’s important to understand the origins and evolution of this iconic move:

The basic technique can be traced back to knee sweeps, which were performed in the early days of breaking in New York.
Knee sweeps can be seen in performances as early as 1985, such as the New York City Breakers’ appearance at President Reagan’s inauguration gala.
The modern pretzel concept emerged in the early 1990s in Germany, during what some consider the “dark years” of breaking.

The Birth of the Pretzel

The story of the pretzel’s development involves several key figures in the breaking scene:

Storm, Speedy, Swift Rock, and Noel were practicing together in Germany in the early ’90s.
Swift Rock was working on a set where one foot remained stationary throughout the move.
This concept inspired the group to experiment with various body parts (hands, knees, head) while keeping one point fixed.
Storm particularly loved the sweep element and developed a drill incorporating sweeps in both directions.

Naming the Move

The term “pretzel” for this footwork pattern has an interesting origin:

The name was inspired after a meeting with Quickstep in New York in 1991.
Quickstep shared the story of the “donut,” a name given to the sideglide due to the circular sweat mark it left on the floor.
After extensive practice with their new footwork pattern, the German breakers noticed similar marks on their practice floor.
To continue the tradition of pastry-themed names, they dubbed the move the “pretzel.”

Breaking Down the Pretzel Technique

At its core, the pretzel is a series of fluid movements centered around a fixed point. Here’s a basic breakdown of the technique:

Start with one foot planted firmly on the ground (this foot will remain stationary).
Use your other foot, hands, and knees to create circular movements around the planted foot.
Incorporate sweeping motions with your free leg, transitioning smoothly between positions.
The basic pattern typically takes four counts per side: 1-2-3-4, 5-6-7-8.

Elevating Your Pretzel Game

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore how to take your pretzels from good to great with these advanced tips:

1. Engage Your Upper Body

Many breakers focus solely on their lower body when performing pretzels, but incorporating your upper body can dramatically improve the move:

When your weight is on your knee, lift your upper body higher.
This creates more space for the move and makes it appear more complete.
Engaging your upper body allows for smoother transitions and a more fluid overall appearance.
You don’t need to be extremely flexible to achieve this – even with limited flexibility, proper upper body engagement can create an impressive flow.

2. Master the Slow Pretzel

Perfecting your pretzel at a slower pace is crucial for developing control and precision:

Practice performing the move as slowly as possible while maintaining smooth transitions.
Focus on weight transfers between your hands and feet without scuffing the ground.
Pay attention to the timing of your weight shifts to avoid kicking yourself or dragging your feet.
Being able to execute a slow, controlled pretzel will improve your speed and fluidity when performing faster variations.

3. Return to the Core Concept

To truly innovate and develop your style, it’s essential to understand and explore the fundamental concept behind the pretzel:

Forget about the standard footwork pattern and counts.
Focus on the original idea: creating a solo with one foot “nailed” to the ground.
Experiment with different movements and transitions while keeping one point fixed.
This approach can lead to the discovery of new variations and personal style elements.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you work on improving your pretzels, be aware of these common pitfalls:

Neglecting upper body engagement, resulting in a flat or incomplete-looking move.
Rushing through the movement without proper control, leading to sloppy execution.
Focusing too much on the standard pattern without exploring personal variations.
Failing to maintain a smooth flow between transitions.
Overreliance on flexibility rather than technique and body control.

Incorporating Pretzels into Your Sets

Once you’ve refined your pretzel technique, consider these tips for seamlessly integrating them into your breaking sets:

Use pretzels as transitions between other footwork patterns or power moves.
Experiment with different entry and exit points to create unique combinations.
Vary the speed and intensity of your pretzels to match the music and energy of your performance.
Combine pretzel variations with freezes or other static positions for added impact.

Developing Your Own Pretzel Style

The true mark of a great breaker is the ability to take established moves and make them uniquely their own. Here are some ways to develop your personal pretzel style:

Experiment with different body positions and angles while maintaining the core pretzel concept.
Incorporate elements from other dance styles or movements that inspire you.
Play with rhythm and timing, syncopating your pretzels with unexpected musical accents.
Combine pretzels with other breaking techniques to create signature combinations.

Training Tips for Pretzel Mastery

To truly excel at pretzels, consistent and focused practice is key. Consider these training tips:

Dedicate specific practice sessions solely to pretzel work.
Use a mirror or video recordings to analyze and refine your technique.
Practice on different surfaces (smooth floors, concrete, linoleum) to adapt to various battle conditions.
Work on your overall flexibility and core strength to improve your pretzel execution.
Collaborate with other breakers to share ideas and get feedback on your technique.

The Importance of Musicality in Pretzels

While technique is crucial, the ability to perform pretzels musically can elevate your breaking to new heights:

Practice pretzels to various types of music to develop versatility.
Learn to match your pretzel speed and intensity to different musical elements (beats, melodies, breaks).
Experiment with pausing or holding positions within your pretzel to emphasize specific musical moments.
Use pretzels to visually interpret the music, creating a more engaging performance.

Historical Context of Dynamics in Music — The Importance of Musicality in Pretzels

Conclusion: The Never-Ending Pretzel Journey

Mastering pretzels is an ongoing process that requires dedication, creativity, and a willingness to push beyond your comfort zone. By focusing on upper body engagement, perfecting slow-motion control, and exploring the core concept of fixed-point movement, you can take your pretzels from good to great.

Remember that the journey doesn’t end with mastering the basic technique. The true art lies in developing your unique style and finding innovative ways to incorporate pretzels into your breaking. Challenge yourself to create new variations, experiment with different rhythms, and always stay open to inspiration from fellow breakers and other dance forms.

As you continue to refine your pretzel game, don’t forget to share your progress with the breaking community. Use the hashtag #bboydojo to showcase your creations and connect with other passionate breakers around the world. Who knows? Your unique take on the pretzel might just inspire the next evolution of this iconic breaking move.

Keep practicing, stay creative, and most importantly, enjoy the process of taking your pretzels from good to great. The breaking world is waiting to see what you’ll bring to the cypher!