How to Breakdance | Bicycle Head Spins

Breakdancing, or breaking, is an electrifying dance form that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Among its many impressive moves, the head spin stands out as a crowd-pleaser. Today, we’re diving into an advanced variation of this move: the bicycle head spin. Our guide for this tutorial is none other than the legendary Lil Cesar from the Air Force Crew in Los Angeles, an innovator who has helped shape and preserve hip-hop culture on the West Coast.

Understanding the Bicycle Head Spin

The bicycle head spin is a more complex version of the traditional head spin. It involves not only spinning on your head but also positioning your body in a way that resembles riding a bicycle. This move requires strength, control, and precise positioning of your arms and legs.

What Sets Lil Cesar Apart

Lil Cesar is renowned for his exceptional speed during head spins. He’s considered one of the fastest head spinners in the world, thanks to his unique technique of positioning his legs and arms in a specific way that allows for incredible rotation speed.

Key Elements of the Bicycle Head Spin

Positioning

The foundation of a successful bicycle head spin lies in proper positioning. Lil Cesar emphasizes the importance of:

Arm placement: Your arms should be positioned in front of you, helping to control and maintain speed.
Leg positioning: Your legs play a crucial role in generating and maintaining speed.

The Spinning Technique

To execute the bicycle head spin:

Start in an upside-down position
Turn into what’s called the “bicycle position”
Bring your arms towards your body
Move your legs forward

As you perform these movements, gravity assists in pulling you into a rapid spin.

Generating and Maintaining Speed

Speed is a critical component of an impressive bicycle head spin. Here are Lil Cesar’s tips for generating and maintaining speed:

Keep your legs open: This helps you spin continuously
Maintain a powerful leg whip: Your legs should stay straight up with a strong, whip-like motion
Use your hands: Push with your hands to maintain and gain speed
Synchronize your movements: Bring both legs in at the same time, along with your arms, for better control

Common Problems and Solutions

Loss of Control

Many breakers struggle with maintaining control during high-speed spins. Lil Cesar identifies the main cause:

Uneven leg pull: One leg pulling more than the other can lead to loss of control

Solution:

Bring both legs in simultaneously
Coordinate this movement with your arms

This technique helps maintain balance and prevents unwanted traveling across the floor.

The Dragging Front Leg

In the bicycle position, breakers often find that their front leg drags downward. Lil Cesar explains why this happens and how to fix it:

Problem:

The back leg isn’t pulled back far enough

Solution:

Pull the back leg all the way back and bend it
This action will naturally raise the front leg to a level position

Wobbling Legs

Unstable legs can disrupt your spin and potentially cause you to fall. To address this:

Strengthen your legs: Your legs need to be strong to maintain a steady position
Practice holding the position: Work on keeping your legs steady and strong in the bicycle position

Step-by-Step Guide to the Bicycle Head Spin

Starting Position • Begin in an upside-down position with your head on the ground
Transition to Bicycle Position • Turn your body while maintaining the head spin • Move into the bicycle position
Arm and Leg Coordination • Bring your arms towards your body • Simultaneously move your legs forward
Generating Speed • Use the gravity pull to increase your spinning speed • Maintain open legs to continue the spin
Controlling the Spin • Keep your hands in front of you • Use your hands to push and maintain speed
Maintaining the Bicycle Position • Pull your back leg all the way back and bend it • Keep your front leg raised and level • Maintain strong, steady legs to prevent wobbling

Practice Drills

Lil Cesar recommends the following practice routine to improve your bicycle head spins:

Start with short durations: Practice holding the position for 5 seconds
Gradually increase duration: Move up to 10 seconds, then 20 seconds
Add spinning: Once comfortable with the position, start incorporating the spinning motion
Be prepared to shake: It’s normal to experience some shaking, especially when starting out

Remember, consistency is key. Regular practice will help you build the strength and control necessary for smooth bicycle head spins.

Safety Considerations

While practicing the bicycle head spin, keep these safety tips in mind:

Use proper protective gear: A helmet and padding can prevent injuries
Practice on appropriate surfaces: Use a smooth, clean surface or proper breaking mats
Know how to fall safely: Learn to roll out of falls to minimize the risk of injury
Listen to your body: Don’t push yourself too hard, especially when you’re just starting

Overcoming Physical Limitations

Lil Cesar emphasizes that anyone can learn the bicycle head spin, regardless of body type. Whether you’re overweight, skinny, or anywhere in between, the key is dedication and practice. Here’s what you need to know:

Expect some shaking: This is normal and part of the learning process
Be prepared for falls: Learning how to fall safely is crucial
Stay persistent: Continuous practice is the path to improvement

Conclusion

Mastering the bicycle head spin is a challenging but rewarding journey. With Lil Cesar’s expert guidance, you now have the knowledge to start practicing this impressive move. Remember, the key to success lies in proper positioning, coordinated movements, and consistent practice.

As you continue your breaking journey, don’t forget to explore other resources. Websites like hipopschoolawards.org offer a wealth of information and tutorials to help you improve your skills.

Keep pushing your limits, stay dedicated to your craft, and most importantly, have fun! The world of breaking is full of creativity and self-expression. Embrace the challenge, and soon enough, you’ll be spinning with the best of them.

Final Words from Lil Cesar

As Lil Cesar says, “This is Little Cesar from the Air Force crew. We’re over here having fun, we’ve been seeing TV representing, and there’ll be more coming your way. So stay tuned, visit the website ’cause man, it’s just nothing but abundance. I was on the website the other day checking it out, and I was like, ‘Wow!’ You know, I was learning something. So make sure you do the same thing.”

Take Lil Cesar’s advice to heart. Continue learning, keep practicing, and never stop pushing the boundaries of what you think is possible in breaking. Who knows? With enough dedication and practice, you might just become the next breaking legend.