How to do Reverse Power Sweeps

Breaking, also known as b-boying or b-girling, is a dynamic and expressive dance form that has captivated audiences worldwide for decades.

Today we are going to be learning the long-awaited “Reverse Power Sweeps.” These were one of my favorite moves growing up because of the way my friends and I figured it out – by watching footage of ourselves dancing in reverse. This technique takes a little time to get comfortable with, so take your time and have fun with it.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the Reverse Power Sweep, explore its origins, and provide step-by-step instructions to help you master this flow-changing move.

Understanding the Power Sweep Family

Before we dive into the specifics of the Reverse Power Sweep, it’s essential to understand its place within the broader family of power moves in breaking.

The Power Sweep Basics

The Power Sweep is often described as a grounded version of the Coffee Grinder. While both moves involve a circular leg motion, the key difference is that in a Power Sweep, your foot doesn’t leave the ground. This subtle distinction makes the Power Sweep more accessible for beginners while still offering a visually impressive effect.

Forward vs. Reverse Power Sweep

Just as we have forward and reverse Coffee Grinders, we also have forward and reverse Power Sweeps. The Forward Power Sweep involves swinging your leg in a clockwise direction (for right-leg dominant dancers), while the Reverse Power Sweep moves counterclockwise.

The Reverse Power Sweep adds an element of surprise and flow-change to your breaking routines, making it a valuable addition to any b-boy or b-girl’s skill set.

Preparing for the Reverse Power Sweep

Before attempting the Reverse Power Sweep, it’s crucial to prepare both mentally and physically. Here are some key points to consider:

Safety First

Use knee pads: As mentioned in the video, knee pads can significantly reduce the strain on your knees during floor work. Invest in a good pair to protect your joints.
Warm up thoroughly: Before attempting any power moves, ensure you’ve warmed up your entire body, paying special attention to your legs, hips, and core.

Required Skills

To successfully perform the Reverse Power Sweep, you should be comfortable with:

Basic floor work and push-up position
Forward Power Sweep
Six-step (familiarity with this move will help with leg positioning)

Flexibility Considerations

Your level of flexibility will impact how you execute the Reverse Power Sweep. More flexible dancers may be able to perform the move with minimal lifting of the leg, while less flexible individuals might need to lift their leg higher and lean back more to complete the sweep. Both variations are acceptable, so don’t worry if you need to modify the move to suit your body’s capabilities.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Reverse Power Sweep

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s break down the Reverse Power Sweep into manageable steps.

Starting Position

Begin in a push-up position with your right leg extended to the side.
Place your right knee on the ground (remember those knee pads!).

The Basic Motion

Swing your right leg back and forth to get a feel for the movement.
As you swing your leg forward (towards your left side), bend your knee slightly.
When your leg reaches the front, straighten it out to help it pass through the space between your supporting arm and leg.
Once your leg has passed through, drop your knee back to the ground.
Complete the motion by swinging your leg all the way back to the starting position.

Refining the Technique

Practice lifting your knee as you swing your leg forward. This helps create the space needed for your leg to pass through.
Focus on maintaining a fluid motion throughout the sweep.
Shift your weight from right to left as you perform the move. This weight transfer is crucial for maintaining balance and momentum.

Progressing to Multiple Sweeps

Once you’re comfortable with the basic motion, try linking multiple Reverse Power Sweeps together:

Start with your leg out to the side.
Perform three consecutive Reverse Power Sweeps, focusing on maintaining a smooth, continuous motion.
Try to minimize the “scream” or pause between each sweep. A smoother transition between sweeps will make your flow look more polished.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

As with any breaking move, you may encounter some challenges when learning the Reverse Power Sweep. Here are some common issues and tips to address them:

Leg Getting Stuck

If your leg keeps getting caught as you try to sweep it through, try these adjustments:

Lift your knee higher as you swing your leg forward.
Lean back slightly to create more space for your leg to pass through.
Practice the motion slowly, focusing on the path your leg needs to take.

Losing Balance

Maintaining balance during the Reverse Power Sweep can be tricky. To improve your stability:

Focus on your core engagement throughout the move.
Practice weight shifting exercises to become more comfortable transferring your weight from side to side.
Start with slower, more controlled sweeps and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.

Lack of Fluidity

If your Reverse Power Sweeps look choppy or disconnected:

Practice the entire motion without stopping, even if it means sacrificing some form initially.
Focus on the continuous nature of the sweep, imagining your leg drawing a smooth arc on the floor.
Use a metronome or music to help you maintain a steady rhythm.

Incorporating Reverse Power Sweeps into Your Breaking

Once you’ve got the basic Reverse Power Sweep down, it’s time to start incorporating it into your breaking routines. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Combining with Other Moves

The Reverse Power Sweep can be seamlessly integrated with various other breaking moves. Try these combinations:

Six-step to Reverse Power Sweep
Coffee Grinder to Reverse Power Sweep
Reverse Power Sweep to Windmill entry

Changing Directions and Facing

One of the great advantages of the Reverse Power Sweep is its ability to change your flow direction. Experiment with:

Using Reverse Power Sweeps to transition between different facing directions in your routine.
Alternating between Forward and Reverse Power Sweeps to create interesting patterns on the floor.

Adding Personal Style

As you become more comfortable with the basic technique, start to add your own flair:

Experiment with arm variations during the sweep.
Try different leg positions at the beginning or end of the sweep.
Play with the timing and speed of your sweeps to create dynamic contrasts in your routines.

The Creative Power of Reverse Thinking

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Reverse Power Sweep is how it came to be. As mentioned earlier, this move was inspired by watching breaking footage in reverse. This creative approach to move development is a valuable lesson for all breakers:

Reverse Inspiration Technique

Record your breaking sessions or watch breaking videos.
Play the footage in reverse and observe how familiar moves look when performed backwards.
Try to replicate these “reverse” moves in real-time.

This technique can lead to the discovery of new moves or interesting variations on existing ones. It’s a great way to expand your breaking vocabulary and develop a unique style.

Applying Reverse Thinking to Other Aspects of Breaking

The concept of reverse thinking can be applied beyond just power moves:

Toprock: Try reversing the order of your footwork patterns.
Freezes: Experiment with entering freezes from unconventional angles or positions.
Power Moves: Apply the reverse concept to other power moves like windmills or flares.

Conclusion

Mastering the Reverse Power Sweep takes time, patience, and consistent practice. Remember that this technique can be challenging, so don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t come naturally at first. Keep these key points in mind as you practice:

Safety First: Always use knee pads and warm up properly.
Flexibility Matters: Adapt the move to your current flexibility level.
Fluid Motion: Focus on creating a smooth, continuous sweep.
Creative Integration: Experiment with incorporating Reverse Power Sweeps into your existing routines.
Personal Style: Once you’ve got the basics down, add your own flair to make the move uniquely yours.

The Reverse Power Sweep is more than just a cool-looking move; it’s a testament to the creativity and innovation that lies at the heart of breaking. By learning this technique, you’re not just adding a new move to your arsenal – you’re embracing a mindset of reverse thinking that can open up new possibilities in your breaking journey.

So, get out there, start practicing, and don’t be afraid to think in reverse. Who knows? You might just discover the next groundbreaking move in breaking. Remember, in the world of breaking, sometimes going backwards is the best way to move forward. Keep breaking, keep creating, and most importantly, have fun!