ULTIMATE AIRFLARE TUTORIAL (2024)

Welcome to the most comprehensive airflare tutorial you’ll find in 2024! Whether you’re a beginner dreaming of your first airflare or an experienced b-boy looking to refine your technique, this guide will take your breaking skills to the next level. As Coach Sambo, I’m here to share my expertise and proven methods that have helped countless breakers, including myself, master this impressive power move.

Breaking, also known as breakdancing or b-boying/b-girling, is a street dance style that originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the early 1970s. It is one of the four main elements of hip-hop culture, alongside MCing (rapping), DJing, and graffiti art. Breaking is characterized by its athletic and acrobatic movements, often performed on the ground.
Key aspects of breaking include:
Toprock: Rhythmic steps performed while standing, often used as an entrance to other moves.
Downrock: Floor-based movements, including footwork patterns.
Power moves: Dynamic, circular movements that require momentum and strength, such as windmills, flares, and airflares.
Freezes: Stylized poses held for a brief moment, often requiring balance and strength.
Transitions: Smooth movements connecting different elements of the dance.
Breaking evolved from various influences, including funk, soul, martial arts, gymnastics, and other dance styles. It gained widespread popularity in the 1980s through media exposure and has since become a global phenomenon, with competitions (called “battles”) held worldwide.
Breakers, also referred to as b-boys and b-girls, often develop their own unique style and combinations of moves. The dance form emphasizes creativity, individuality, and the ability to respond to music spontaneously.
In recent years, breaking has gained recognition as a competitive sport and will make its debut as an official Olympic sport at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

The Airflare: More Than Just a Power Move

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of learning the airflare, let’s address a common misconception:

Being able to do airflares doesn’t automatically solve your life problems or guarantee battle victories
It’s crucial to invest in other elements of breaking, such as style and footwork
The airflare is just one piece of the breaking puzzle, albeit an impressive one

A Brief History of the Airflare

The airflare has become a standard power move in modern breaking, but it’s essential to acknowledge its evolution:

Dedicated to the pioneers who shaped the move
Recognizes recent innovations and variations
Emphasizes that the airflare holds no inherently higher value than other moves

Meet Our Special Guests

To demonstrate the accessibility of learning the airflare, I’ve invited three special guests with diverse backgrounds:

Diego (12 years old, breaking for 5 years)
- Learned airflares quickly
- Now performing complex combos and working on one-handed airflares
Beagle Camin (24 years old, breaking for 8 years)
- Initially doubted his ability to perform airflares
- Now successfully executing the move
Yorkie Turkey (40 years old)
- Recently learned airflares after years of attempts
- Proves that age is not a barrier to mastering this move

These guests exemplify that with the right technique and mindset, anyone can learn the airflare.

Foundational Skills for Airflare Success

Before attempting the airflare, it’s crucial to develop a strong foundation in these areas:

Basic windmill
Flare
Decent handstand (including spinning handstand)
Power kick
One-hand hops on both sides

While it’s possible to learn the airflare without these basics, mastering them will significantly accelerate your progress. Check out my tutorials on these foundational moves for detailed guidance.

The Importance of Flexibility

Don’t underestimate the role of flexibility in executing smooth airflares:

Focus on hip and shoulder flexibility
Incorporate regular stretching into your routine, especially after practice sessions

Traditional vs. Walk Over Method

There are two primary approaches to learning the airflare:

Traditional Method

Involves throwing yourself into the move
Can work for those with natural ability
Often takes 4-5 years to achieve consistent airflares

Walk Over Method

Developed after understanding the airflare mechanics
Allows for better adaptation to the landing, often the most challenging part
Typically results in faster learning and more versatile airflares

The Walk Over Airflare Technique

Here’s a breakdown of the walk over method:

Start with pikes on both sides
- Excellent warm-up for airflares
- Focuses on the core essence of the move: hopping from one pike to another
Practice cartwheels from pike to pike
- Familiarizes you with airflare angles and mechanics
- Emphasize proper form: stretched legs, open hips, and chest up
Progress to tucked head cartwheels
- Creates more of an airflare angle
- Focus on relaxed execution for better form
Incorporate the power kick
- Start with the invert 90 hand on the floor
- Transition to the 90 hand, then implement the pike cartwheel
Add the hop
- Only when comfortable with the walk over position
- Maintain the same angle and form as the walk over airflare
- Focus on a clean landing on the catch hand

Common Challenges and Solutions

As you progress, you may encounter:

Twisted hands
Airflares in a straight line
Crippled legs
Unaesthetic airflares

Don’t worry – these are normal stages of development. Consistent practice and patience will help you overcome these challenges.

Advanced Techniques and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the basic airflare, you can explore:

Combining airflares with windmills
Vertical combos
One-handed airflares
Elbow airflares
Munch airflares

Tips for Effective Practice

To maximize your airflare training:

Film yourself to analyze your technique
Focus on maintaining a high angle for multiple airflares
Practice the “three is one” concept: every airflare should match the angle of the first
Be patient – progress takes time, often several months

Conclusion: Your Airflare Journey Begins Now

Remember, if Diego, Beagle, and Yorkie can learn the airflare, so can you! The key is persistence, proper technique, and a positive mindset. Don’t get discouraged by initial struggles – every great b-boy started somewhere.

As you embark on your airflare journey, keep these final thoughts in mind:

Consistency is key – practice regularly but smartly
Listen to your body and avoid overtraining
Celebrate small victories along the way
Don’t neglect other aspects of your breaking

Whether you’re aiming to win battles, push your personal limits, or simply enjoy the artistry of breaking, mastering the airflare will undoubtedly elevate your skills and confidence on the dance floor.

So, are you ready to take your breaking to new heights? Start with the basics, follow this guide, and before you know it, you’ll be defying gravity with your very own airflares. Remember, it’s not just about the destination – enjoy every step of the journey.

Now, it’s time to hit the practice floor. Stay motivated, stay focused, and keep pushing your limits. The sky’s the limit when it comes to your breaking potential. Let’s get to work and make those airflares a reality!