Halos

The Halo Move is one of the most iconic and complex moves in breakdancing, known for its mesmerizing circular motion that mimics the shape of a halo around the dancer’s head. In this move, a breaker rotates their body while balancing on the sides of their head, creating the visual effect of a halo. The head rotates on the ground while the legs swing around, giving the illusion of a continuous circular motion. Executing the Halo requires impeccable control, balance, and upper body strength, making it a challenging yet impressive move to master.

The Halo Move is categorized as an advanced breakdancing technique. Dancers typically begin learning the Halo after mastering foundational moves like the windmill or flare, as these moves help develop the necessary momentum and body control. Once proficient in these power moves, adding the Halo to your repertoire can elevate both your technique and creativity, showcasing a high level of skill and athleticism.

The Halo Move dates back to the 1980s, during the golden era of breakdancing. This period saw the birth of several iconic moves and solidified breakdancing as a cultural phenomenon. The Halo was first introduced by legendary b-boy Icey Ice in 1983, whose innovative approach revolutionized the breakdancing scene. The move quickly gained popularity, and by the mid-1980s, it had become a staple among elite dancers.

The name “Halo” stems from the movement’s resemblance to the glowing ring of light seen around the heads of angels in traditional art. The move’s unique blend of power, balance, and grace captured the imagination of the breakdancing community, and over the years, breakers have developed numerous variations to keep the move fresh and exciting.

As with many breakdancing moves, dancers have developed several variations of the Halo, each requiring different levels of skill and control:

• Double Halo: In this variation, the dancer performs two full rotations before their hands touch the ground. Some advanced breakers can even push this further to perform triple or quadruple halos.
• Drilled Halo: Also known as the “straight-leg halo,” this version involves keeping the legs completely straight during the rotation, adding an extra level of difficulty and precision.
• One-Hand Halo: This variation, popularized by Lil Alex of the New York City Breakers, is performed with only one hand touching the ground throughout the rotation.
• Inside Halo: Often referred to as the “reverse halo,” this variation involves executing the movement in the opposite direction, requiring the dancer to rotate clockwise using their left hand or counterclockwise with the right.

These variations allow breakers to showcase their unique styles and add creative flair to their performances. The Halo is a move that, once mastered, offers endless possibilities for artistic expression.

Read more: How To Do Halos