How to do a windmill?

Breaking, the dynamic and captivating dance form, boasts an array of awe-inspiring power moves, and among them, the windmill stands out as both fascinating and foundational. Ever wondered how to pull off a cool windmill in your breakdancing routine? Well, you’re in luck! The windmill is like a secret weapon in the world of breakdancing, and it’s not just for show – you’ll spot it in battles, cyphers, and showcases all over the place. It’s a fundamental move that every breakdancer, no matter their skill level, should get the hang of early on.

Why, you ask? The windmill isn’t just a flashy trick; it’s a powerhouse move that opens the door to a world of possibilities. Picture this: you can link it up with tons of other moves, creating combos that will make you stand out in the dance circle. What’s even more exciting is that the windmill provides a blank canvas for you to add your own unique style and flair.

So, why is learning the windmill such a big deal for breakdancers? It’s like laying the groundwork for a building – a strong foundation is key. By mastering the windmill, you’re setting yourself up with a solid base to build upon. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro; this move is like a key that unlocks the potential for you to keep growing and evolving in your breakdancing journey.

This blog will generously shares a detailed, easy-to-follow guide for beginners aiming to master the windmill—a foundational power move in the world of breaking that’s a must-perfect skill for both B-Boys and B-Girls. You’ll receive clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure you grasp the essence of the windmill and gradually build your proficiency.

What is a windmill?

The windmill, or the mill, is a popular breaking power move where a dancer rolls their body in a constant circular motion on the floor, relying on the support from their arms, shoulders, chest, and back. How do they do it? Well, the secret lies in relying on the strength and support from their arms, shoulders, chest, and back, creating a mesmerizing display of movement that captivates audiences in battles and showcases.

Now, don’t be fooled by its initial complexity. The windmill might seem like a challenging feat, but fear not! It’s actually a basic power move that, with a bit of time and dedication, can become a fantastic addition to your breakdancing repertoire. This particular move holds a special place in the hearts of breakers, and there’s a compelling reason for it to be one of the early skills to master in one’s breaking journey.

As you roll through the motions of the windmill, each repetition brings you closer to unlocking the secrets of this power move. It’s a journey that requires a bit of patience, dedication, and a sprinkle of enthusiasm. Imagine the satisfaction of smoothly executing the windmill after a few attempts—pure dance magic!

How to do a windmill

Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into the windmill, a power move in breakdancing that requires strength in various parts of your body—your arms, core, legs, and hips. While it may take a bit of time to master, especially for beginners, the good news is that the windmill is considered one of the more accessible power moves in the world of breaking, making it an excellent starting point on your breakdancing journey.

But before you jump into practicing, a crucial step is warming up your entire body, including your wrists and hands, to prevent any unwanted injuries. The seated straddle stretch is a fantastic way to enhance your flexibility, making those windmill rotations a bit more effortless.

Here’s a little tip for you:

Wearing clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. This not only adds a touch of style to your moves but also makes it easier for you to spin.
Practicing on a smooth surface can be a real game-changer, allowing you to glide through those windmill rotations with finesse.

Step 1

To begin, position yourself in the turtle freeze. Here’s how:

Bring your left arm in, snug against your belly button, keeping it close to your armpit, and gently place it on the floor.
Simultaneously, position your right arm on the floor around your shoulder area.
Now, engage your core muscles, extending your legs behind you slightly beyond shoulder-width apart.

Here’s the trick – keep those legs off the floor! Aim to align your body almost parallel to the floor. If getting your legs up seems challenging at first, no worries! Practice by keeping your tip-toes lightly touching the floor until you feel more comfortable lifting them. This sets the stage for the windmill journey.

Step 2

Once you find yourself in the turtle freeze position, the next step involves maneuvering your left leg beneath your right leg.

Subsequently, focus on flexing your left arm to ensure it stays snug and tight.
Simultaneously, employ a slight push with your right arm, initiating a smooth roll across your body, shifting from your left shoulder to your right shoulder. It’s essential to maintain this movement on your shoulders if possible.
Given the counterclockwise spin direction, your left arm should be pulled in, while your right arm pushes away. This coordinated effort facilitates the graceful roll across your shoulders.
As you continue spinning in the counterclockwise direction, the left arm remains pulled in, and the right arm continues to push away.
Gradually escalate the speed during this phase until you feel at ease, and consider attempting it with your toes lifted off the ground for added refinement.

Now, let’s delve into the leg momentum aspect.

To generate momentum, execute a swing with your left leg, simultaneously lifting your right leg as your body transitions onto your shoulder.
The speed at which you kick determines the amount of momentum you generate.
If this step proves challenging initially, it’s perfectly fine to practice it slowly, gradually acclimating yourself to the leg swinging motion.

A crucial reminder throughout this process is to maintain elevated hips and a straight back as you gracefully roll across your shoulder. By adhering to these principles, not only do you enhance the fluidity of your movement, but you also contribute to the polished execution of the windmill.

Step 3

Now, let’s see what happens after you smoothly roll across your shoulder – a pivotal moment that enables you to seamlessly transition into performing multiple rounds of windmills.

As you roll onto your right shoulder, observe the positioning of your arms.
Your left arm maintains the turtle freeze position, while your right arm adopts a tucked-in posture. This strategic arrangement of your arms facilitates the subsequent roll back, allowing you to effortlessly ease yourself back into the turtle freeze position, with the support of your left arm.
The key lies in granting your legs the freedom to move ahead of your upper body. This intentional leg movement generates the momentum necessary for you to sustain and continue the rhythmic flow of your windmills.

It’s essential to bear in mind that the turtle freeze is not meant to be held rigidly. Instead, consider it as a dynamic “bridge” that seamlessly guides you into the next round of windmills.

Another perspective to adopt is envisioning the continuous roll from one side of your shoulder to the other, underscoring the fluidity and interconnectedness of each movement.

Tips to help you learn the windmill

Mastering the turtle freeze is a foundation to do a good windmill

To build your strength and confidence for the windmill, it’s a great idea to focus on mastering the turtle freeze and backspin initially. These foundational moves lay the groundwork for a more robust breakdancing skill set.
Begin by delving into the intricacies of the turtle freeze. Practice moving within this freeze position and honing your ability to balance on your shoulders. This foundational skill not only strengthens your upper body but also provides a stable base for the windmill.
As you progress, aim for a tighter and less sloppy appearance when you roll across your shoulders. This refined movement not only enhances the aesthetics of your performance but also contributes to the overall fluidity of your breakdancing routine.
If keeping your feet off the ground proves challenging initially, it’s perfectly fine to let them rest on the ground. This practice not only aids in mastering the circular motion but also serves as a stepping stone for more advanced maneuvers.
Focus on getting comfortable with the leg motion required for the windmill. The ability to generate momentum with your legs is crucial for sustaining the continuous flow of this dynamic move.

By gradually integrating these preparatory steps into your breakdancing routine, you’ll not only fortify your strength but also develop the essential skills needed for executing the windmill with finesse. Remember, it’s a journey of growth and progression, so take your time, practice diligently, and relish the process of refining your breakdancing prowess!

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