Flow Concept /w Steez (The Floorriorz)

Breaking, also known as b-boying or breakdancing, is a dynamic and expressive form of street dance that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into Steez’s flow concept, exploring the techniques and principles that make his style so smooth and captivating.

Introduction to Steez and The Floorriorz

Before we delve into the specifics of Steez’s flow concept, it’s important to understand who Steez is and the crew he represents. Steez is a renowned b-boy from Japan and a member of The Floorriorz, one of the most respected breaking crews in the world. Known for their innovative style and impeccable flow, The Floorriorz have made a significant impact on the global breaking scene.

The Importance of Flow in Breaking

Flow is a crucial element in breaking that often separates good dancers from great ones. It refers to the seamless connection between movements, creating a smooth and effortless appearance. A strong flow can make even the most complex sequences look easy and natural. Steez’s flow concept is a perfect example of how to achieve this coveted quality in breaking.

Steez’s Flow Concept: Breaking It Down

Steez’s flow concept focuses on smooth transitions and staying low to the ground. Let’s break down the key components of his technique:

1. The Back-to-CC Transition

The first element Steez introduces is the transition from a back position to a CC (short for “coffee grinder” or “helicopter”). Here’s how to execute it:

Start in a back position on the floor.
Use your back muscles to initiate the movement.
Stay low as you transition into the CC position.

The key here is to use your back strength and maintain a low profile throughout the movement. This creates a smooth, almost gliding appearance.

2. Adding the Slide

Once you’ve mastered the back-to-CC transition, Steez adds another layer of complexity with a slide:

From the CC position, slide across the floor.
Keep your hips elevated during the slide.
Use your hands to control the movement and maintain balance.

Steez emphasizes the importance of hip positioning during the slide. By keeping your hips higher, you create a more dynamic and controlled movement.

3. Floor Work and Transitions

The next step in Steez’s flow concept involves integrating more floor work:

From the slide, transition back down to the floor.
Use the momentum to flow into another movement.
Stay close to the ground throughout the sequence.

This continuous flow from one move to another is what gives Steez’s style its signature smoothness.

4. The Chair Freeze Variation

Steez also introduces a variation using the chair freeze position:

Start in a chair freeze position.
Transition down to the floor, keeping your head close to the ground.
Use this as another entry point into your flow sequence.

The key here is to maintain that smooth, controlled descent to the floor, always keeping your head low for a seamless transition.

Principles of Steez’s Flow Concept

Throughout his demonstration, Steez emphasizes several key principles that are crucial to mastering his flow concept:

Stay Low

One of the most repeated pieces of advice from Steez is to “stay low.” This principle serves several purposes:

It helps maintain balance and control.
It makes transitions between moves smoother.
It creates a visually appealing, ground-oriented style.

By keeping your center of gravity close to the floor, you can move more fluidly and with greater control.

Use Your Back

Steez frequently mentions the importance of using your back muscles. This is crucial for:

Initiating movements
Maintaining control during transitions
Creating power for dynamic moves

Developing strong back muscles and learning to engage them effectively is key to mastering this flow concept.

Be Smooth

Perhaps the most critical principle in Steez’s flow concept is smoothness. He advises against going “crazy” with movements, instead focusing on fluid, controlled transitions. This smoothness is what gives his style its mesmerizing quality.

Keep Your Head on the Floor

Another recurring theme in Steez’s instruction is keeping your head close to or on the floor during transitions. This technique:

Helps maintain a low profile
Aids in smooth transitions
Creates a unique visual effect

By keeping your head low, you can slide and glide across the floor with greater ease and style.

Applying Steez’s Flow Concept to Your Breaking

Now that we’ve broken down the key components and principles of Steez’s flow concept, let’s discuss how you can incorporate these ideas into your own breaking:

1. Practice Basic Transitions

Start by mastering the basic transitions Steez demonstrates, such as the back-to-CC movement and the slide. Focus on making these as smooth as possible before adding complexity.

2. Develop Core and Back Strength

Many of the movements in this flow concept rely heavily on core and back strength. Incorporate exercises that target these areas into your training regimen.

3. Experiment with Different Entry Points

Steez shows how you can enter the flow from different positions, such as the chair freeze. Experiment with various entry points to find what works best for you and adds variety to your sets.

4. Focus on Smoothness Over Speed

While it can be tempting to try to execute these moves quickly, focus first on making them as smooth as possible. Speed will come naturally with practice.

5. Stay Close to the Ground

Practice your floor work and get comfortable moving close to the ground. This will help you maintain the low profile that’s crucial to this style.

6. Connect Your Moves

Work on linking different movements together seamlessly. The goal is to create a continuous flow where one move naturally leads into the next.

The Importance of Individual Style

While Steez’s flow concept provides an excellent framework for developing smooth, ground-oriented breaking, it’s important to remember that breaking is also about individual expression. Use these techniques as a foundation, but don’t be afraid to add your own flair and creativity.

Conclusion

Steez’s flow concept offers a valuable approach to developing a smooth, controlled breaking style. By focusing on staying low, using your back strength, and prioritizing smoothness in your transitions, you can create a flow that’s both technically impressive and visually captivating.

Remember, mastering these techniques takes time and consistent practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t nail it right away. Keep working at it, and you’ll gradually see improvements in your flow and overall breaking style.

Steez and The Floorriorz have made a significant impact on the breaking world with their innovative style and impeccable technique. By studying and incorporating elements of their approach, you can take your breaking to the next level and develop a flow that’s uniquely your own.

So get out there, stay low, keep it smooth, and most importantly, have fun as you explore the endless possibilities of breaking. As Steez would say, “Peace!”