How to Become a Break Dancer
Break dancing (also breakdancing) is a fast-paced form of dance also known as b-boying. It is a style of dance which began on the streets of New York in the 1970s and came to wider general public attention in the 1980s with the rise in popularity of hip-hop music. Learning to break dance is as much about learning the moves as it is about learning about the culture of the dance. To become a break dancer you need to study the form, find others you can learn from and practice, practice, practice.
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Instructions
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Find other b-boys or b-girls (the terms used to describe break dancers) who can teach you the basic skills. There are a wide range of tutorials on the Web, including videos where dancers show you step-by-step how to break dance. There are also DVDs you can purchase so you can learn and practice in your own home. In your own community, seek out other dancers who get together to practice and to battle one another. The best way to learn is to observe dancers in action and to ask them to help you get started.
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Learn the language. Break dancing has its own specific terms for certain moves and specific styles of dance. Take the time to learn about the art of break dancing, including the language associated with it. This will help you communicate with other break dancers and give you a better understanding of the culture of b-boying.
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Start with the basics. Break dancing, like other forms of dancing, is a series of moves which build on one another. You need to learn and master the basics before you can attempt the more difficult moves. Some basic moves include the toprock and basic footwork steps, such as the 6-step and 3-step. Once you learn and master these moves, you will be able to build on your skills, attempt the more difficult moves and also improve your abilities to improvise in your break dancing and make it your own.
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Stay in shape. Break dancing requires a great deal of physical strength and stamina. Push-ups, sit-ups, handstands and maintaining strong abdominal muscles will help you be a better dancer. Flexibility is also important. Stretch or try yoga to increase your flexibility. Being in shape will also help you to prevent injury.
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Practice and be patient. As with learning any new skill, you will not do it perfectly on your first try. Break dancing is fast and requires coordination. It takes time to learn how to dance and make it look effortless. Do not give up if it feels hard at first. It should be hard. If you are patient, ask for help from other dancers and practice often, you will improve.
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Tips & Warnings
Learn about the history of b-boying. The documentary "The Freshest Kids" and other books and videos about the history of the dance and the influential pioneers of the art form will help you better understand the legacy you are attempting to join.
References
Resources
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