Introduction
Today, I’m taking you on a journey—a journey through my breakdance progression from 2008 to 2013. It’s a trip down memory lane filled with head spins, flares, windmills, top rock, footwork, and a whole lot of learning and cringing. As the saying goes, you don’t realize how far you’ve come until you reflect on where you started. In this case, I didn’t realize how awkward some of my early moves were until I looked back. So, let’s dive into this nostalgic, humbling, and sometimes embarrassing adventure.
The Early Days: 2008
Starting Point: My breakdance journey began with raw enthusiasm but not much grace. With two hours of practice daily, six days a week, my initial arsenal included windmills and head spins—so many head spins that I actually burnt a bald spot right in the middle of my head! Despite the mishaps, this year laid the foundational stones of persistence and practice.
First Attempts at Flares: My first flares never saw my feet leaving the ground—clearly, they didn’t count as flares back then. However, these attempts were crucial in teaching me about body movement and balance, albeit in their most primitive form.
Progression and Persistence: 2009 – 2011
Technique Refinement: By 2009, I was deep into perfecting my air flares but had my technique completely wrong. It took months to adjust and get the leg swoop right, which was essential for lift. By mid-2009, I finally started to see improvement, getting closer to nailing that second air flare.
Overcoming Challenges: The next couple of years were a rollercoaster. There were months when I became lazy, didn’t train as hard, and my progress stalled. I battled wrist tendonitis and had to take breaks, but the passion never died. By 2011, my flares had significantly improved. Understanding the importance of a powerful kick and holding the body down hard made a huge difference. This year, I also learned to connect better with the moves, making each motion count.
Refinement and Creative Exploration: 2012
Creative Concepts: In 2012, I delved into creative concepts, such as combining air flare with different elements like the “air flare 1.5” and experimenting with new moves like the “360 kip-up.” These explorations were not just about adding to my skill set but also about pushing the boundaries of what I could do physically and artistically.
Setbacks and Comebacks: Every creative attempt didn’t end in success. There were many falls, failures, and frustrations. Yet, each setback was a setup for a comeback, teaching me resilience and the importance of keeping the creative spirit alive.
Culmination and Realization: 2013
Becoming Well-Rounded: By 2013, I had realized the importance of being a well-rounded b-boy. I focused intensely on top rock and footwork, understanding that power moves alone wouldn’t carry me through battles or performances. Participating in top rock battles and pushing my limits showed me the gaps in my skills and the areas needing more attention.
Reflection and Humility: Despite the progress and the expanded skill set, there were still moments of cringe, especially when watching old videos. The realization that I had lost battles not because of poor execution but because of an incomplete understanding of breakdance humbled me. It reminded me that this art form is not just about the big moves but also about how well you connect with the music and your style.
Lessons Learned
Persistence is Key: The journey taught me that breakdance isn’t just about physical skill; it’s about mental toughness and persistence. The countless hours of practice, the repeated failures, and the eventual triumphs shaped not just my dancing but my character.
Embrace Every Part of the Journey: From the grumpy moves to the polished flares, every step was necessary. Each phase of learning brought with it its own set of lessons, whether it was about dancing or about life.
Stay Humble and Connected: The most important takeaway from all these years is to stay humble and connected to the roots of breakdancing. It’s about expressing yourself, telling a story through your moves, and always remembering why you started.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my breakdancing journey from 2008 to 2013 has been a mix of nostalgia, laughter, and invaluable lessons. It shows how far I’ve come and how much further I can go. For anyone embarking on their breakdance journey, remember, it’s not just about the moves; it’s about the passion, the music, and the community. Keep pushing, keep evolving, and most importantly, enjoy every step of the dance.
Thank you for joining me on this trip down memory lane. Let’s keep breaking, learning, and growing together. Peace out, and see you on the dance floor!
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