How to Breakdance: Mastering Reverse CCs

In the dynamic world of breakdancing, where every move and step can make a profound impact, mastering complex footwork like Reverse CCs (Counter Clocks) can significantly elevate your performance. Reverse CCs are a variation of the traditional CC, designed to add an element of surprise and complexity to your routines. This tutorial will guide you through the steps of executing Reverse CCs, helping you to understand the mechanics, practice effectively, and ultimately, integrate this move into your dance repertoire.

Understanding Reverse CCs

Reverse CCs are essentially a mirrored version of the regular CCs but with a twist in the execution that requires you to lean and extend in the opposite direction. This reversal not only challenges your balance and coordination but also makes your footwork appear more intricate and deceptive.

Breaking Down the Reverse CC

Starting Position: Begin by sitting on the floor in a comfortable position with your hands placed behind you for support.
Lean and Extend: Unlike the regular CC where you might lean to your right and extend your left leg, for the Reverse CC, you’ll lean to your left while extending your right leg behind you. This counterintuitive movement is what sets the Reverse CC apart.
Execution: Push off the ground slightly with your hands to give yourself the needed lift to swing your legs. As you lean to the left, extend your right leg back and around in a sweeping motion.
Switch: After completing the sweep with the right leg, place it down and quickly switch to the left leg, performing the same sweeping motion in the opposite direction.
Tap Variation: Once comfortable with the basic movement, add a tap with your foot at the end of each sweep before switching legs. This tap adds a rhythmic element to the move, enhancing its musicality.

Visual Keys

Lean Oppositely: Ensure that your body leans distinctly in the opposite direction of the leg being extended. This not only helps in performing the move correctly but also adds to the visual appeal.
Smooth Transitions: Your switches between legs should be smooth and swift, maintaining a continuous flow that keeps the movement dynamic and engaging.

Practice Techniques for Reverse CCs

Repetition and Muscle Memory

Like any complex movement, the key to mastering Reverse CCs lies in repetition. Practice this move slowly at first to understand the mechanics and body positioning, then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Video Feedback

Recording your practice sessions can be incredibly beneficial. It allows you to observe your form and timing and make necessary adjustments. Watching yourself can also boost your confidence as you see your progress.

Integration with Other Moves

Once you’ve got a handle on Reverse CCs, start integrating them into your broader footwork patterns and routines. Try transitioning into and out of Reverse CCs from other common moves like the 6-step or sweeps, enhancing your flow and the overall cohesiveness of your dance.

Creative Variations and Freestyling

Mixing It Up

Don’t just stick to the textbook version of Reverse CCs. Experiment with different speeds, rhythms, and even directional changes. Each variation adds a layer of originality and personality to your dance.

Freestyle Application

Incorporate Reverse CCs into your freestyle sessions. Freestyling with new moves not only helps in solidifying them in your muscle memory but also boosts your ability to use them spontaneously and creatively during battles.

Conclusion: Expanding Your Dance Vocabulary

Reverse CCs are not just about physical execution; they are about expressing creativity and adding a level of sophistication to your breaking. As you practice, keep pushing the boundaries of what you can do with this move. Experiment with its timing, integration, and presentation. The more you play with it, the more natural it will feel, and the more impressive it will look when you unveil it on the dance floor. Remember, the essence of breakdancing lies in your ability to surprise and engage your audience—Reverse CCs are just one of the many tools you can use to do just that. So take these steps, make them your own, and elevate your performance to new heights.