Tutorial for a swipe - one of power moves

Welcome to this tutorial where you’ll delve into the art of the swipe, a fundamental power move in the world of breaking.

What is a swipe in breakdancing? The swipe is one of the most recognizable power moves in b-boying. It’s like a superstar move in b-boying, and you can spot it from a mile away! Here’s how it goes: the b-boy or b-girl leans back, swings their arms to one side, touches the ground, and then, like magic, their legs spin around, making a full 360-degree turn before landing back on the ground.

This time, B-Girl Jo, will walk you through the steps to master the simple swipe power move and its impressive variation, the master swipe, which is executed gracefully on a single foot.

B-Girl Jo’s journey into breaking began with the foundational swipe, a move she adopted early in her breaking endeavors. As she progressed, she not only perfected the basic swipe performed on both feet but also swiftly embraced the challenge of its advanced counterpart, the master swipe, executed with finesse on just one foot.

Jo attributes much of her breaking prowess to the practice of swipes, emphasizing their significance as a core power move in her repertoire. The master swipe, in particular, holds a special place in her breaking arsenal. “I dedicated a considerable amount of time to refining my swipes, and the master swipe became one of the first power moves I truly mastered. Through improvisation, I eventually molded it into my signature move,” Jo shares.

It’s not just about the individual moves themselves; Jo highlights the broader benefits of mastering the swipe’s fluid motion. According to her, this proficiency extends to facilitating the learning process of more intricate power moves like the windmill and the flare. So, join us as we embark on this tutorial journey, unlocking the secrets behind the master swipe and its transformative impact on your breaking skills.

Getting the basics right

With an impressive track record as a two-time Red Bull BC One Cypher India B-Girl Champion, Jo has become a beacon of inspiration for numerous aspiring breakers. Her achievements in the breaking scene have earned her the admiration of the community, positioning her as a role model for young and emerging talents.

Jo’s influence extends beyond her competition victories. Recently, she played a pivotal role in the Red Bull BC One Local Hero Tour, where she conducted workshops in various cities across India. These workshops provided a unique opportunity for participants to gain insights directly from Jo, tapping into her wealth of experience and expertise in breaking.

During these interactive sessions, Jo not only showcased her prowess as a breaker but also took the time to demystify the intricacies of the swipe and its advanced variant, the master swipe. Here she explains what it takes to perfect the swipe and the master swipe.

According to Jo, taking the leap into the world of the master swipe requires first mastering the basics. She emphasizes the significance of getting comfortable with the standard swipe before venturing into its more advanced version. So, let’s break it down step by step.

Now, the basic swipe is all about spinning around both sides of your body at once. Imagine your body having two axes, and the goal is to rotate smoothly around both of them simultaneously. It might sound a bit tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll get the hang of it.
Once you’ve got the basic swipe down pat, Jo introduces the master swipe. Here’s the twist – it’s essentially a one-legged version of the swipe. So, the foundation of the standard swipe becomes super important before you embark on mastering its cooler cousin.
Jo, being the expert that she is, suggests a couple of key pointers to pave your way to breaking glory. She recommends starting with arm switches and leg switches – the ABCs of breaking.

So, before you conquer the master swipe, let’s make sure you’ve got the basics covered. Jo’s advice is crystal clear: get that standard swipe under your belt, and don’t forget to nail those arm and leg switches. It’s like learning the alphabet before diving into a good book – these fundamentals will set you on the right track for breaking success!

How to swipe?

Before the swipe

Plank is one of the core strengthening exercises

Before you kick off your practice session, Jo suggests incorporating some strengthening exercises and warm-ups into your routine. It’s like giving your body a gentle wake-up call before diving into the more dynamic moves. Here’s a breakdown of what Jo recommends:

Focus on core strengthening exercises: These include planks, side planks, the bridge, and the boat hold. Imagine these as superhero poses for your core muscles. Jo recommends spending a few weeks on these exercises before jumping into swipe practice. Strengthening your core is like building a sturdy foundation for the movement – it provides the stability and power needed to nail those swipes.
Incorporating full body holds and L-sits into your regimen: Jo adds another layer to your workout routine. These exercises engage various muscle groups, ensuring that your entire body is in sync and ready for action. It’s like gearing up your body with a full suit of armor, making you more resilient and prepared for the challenges of breaking.

So, before you take on the swipes, spend some quality time prepping your body with these strengthening exercises. Think of it as laying the groundwork for a successful breaking session – your strengthened core and full-body engagement will set the stage for smoother and more controlled movements. Get ready to power up!

Step 1

Start in the bridge position, balancing your bodyweight on your hands and feet, facing your stomach towards the ceiling or sky.
Make sure to arch your back comfortably.
Hold this position for a few minutes, even if it feels a bit tricky at first. The key is to get used to balancing your body in this bridge pose

Step 2

Now, let’s add a bit of flair!

Practice balancing on one hand while keeping the other hand in the air.
Switch the weight from your right hand to your left, and as you do, throw your whole body to the left.
Picture your right arm shooting straight up in the air.

Step 3

Once you’ve got the hang of the hand-switching fun, it’s time to take it up a notch.

Throw your bodyweight over to the left side, making sure your right hand touches the floor beside your left hand.
And here’s the cool part – twist at your hips while doing this. It’s like creating a twisty motion while switching hands.

Step 4

Now that your hips are all twisted up, let’s keep the momentum rolling!

Follow the twisty power from your hips and swing your legs around from under you.
Pop them up in the air, and here’s the cool part – complete a quarter turn with your body before landing your feet again. This fantastic move is called a single swipe, and it’s like doing a stylish spin in the air!

Step 5

Practice the move repeatedly to do multiple swipes.
Use the momentum from your body to keep the swiping action going. It’s like creating a dance of spins and twists as you keep the energy flowing.

Step 6

Now, here’s the grand finale – the master swipe! It’s like the superhero version of the swipe.

Picture doing it with just one leg in the air throughout the whole move.
If you’re swiping towards your right side, keep that right leg in the air at all times.
The magic happens when you only make contact with the floor using your left foot and hands. It’s a bit like a balancing act, but with the flair of a one-legged twist.

So, go ahead and add this twisty, turning, and spinning fun to your breaking repertoire. Practice, enjoy the process, and soon you’ll be the master of swipes and the superhero of the master swipe! Keep that breaking spirit alive!

Helpful tips for a perfect swipe

Now that you’ve got the master swipe down pat, Jo spills the beans on how to spice things up with some awesome variations. It’s like adding your own special flavor to the move!

Here’s a gem of advice from Jo herself – pay attention to your breathing while you unleash those swipes.

“Exhale each time you swipe,” she suggests. It’s like syncing your breath with the movement, creating sharper twists.
Picture it as your breath becoming the rhythm of your breaking routine, adding that extra finesse to each swipe.

Jo, being the breaking maestro that she is, introduces a cool variation called the “two drop.”

It’s like adding a little surprise to your master swipe routine. The two drop is a simple move, but Jo recommends incorporating it within different power moves.
Imagine doing two swipes in a row, and just when you think you’ve got it figured out, unexpectedly drop to the floor on your belly. If you nail the momentum, you might even manage a spin on your belly. It’s like turning your breaking routine into a dynamic dance of twists and drops!

So, go ahead and experiment with these variations, make them your own, and let your breaking style shine. It’s all about adding your personal touch to the master swipe and keeping things fresh and exciting. With Jo’s tips in your toolkit, you’re well on your way to becoming a true breaking virtuoso! Keep breaking, and remember – the sky’s the limit!

If you’ve enjoyed this tutorial and want to have a more detailed guidance or example, please check out YOUTUBE link below!