How to Do Air Swipes Like Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson has given us quite a few memorable dance moves over the years. One of them is called "air swipes" which many break dancers love to work into dance routines. Here are some tips on how to perform air swipes like Michael Jackson.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Assume a crab position on the floor. Kneel down on the ground, then place your arms behind you, while simultaneously using that leverage to move off your knees and onto your feet. The correct positioning will have your palms and feet on the ground with your head facing the ceiling and belly exposed.
2. Reach over your body with your arm. In order to initiate the move, your body must gain momentum. Reach over your body quickly with your arm so that you are starting to flip your body over to a face down position.
3. Hold the hand stand position for a moment. While there are all sorts of variations, true air swipes, or baby swipes as the dance move is sometimes referred to, holds the handstand position for just a split second before the legs come following through.
4. Follow through with your legs. Push off the ground with your legs, propelling them in the air. Your legs will make a grander move than your arms, since you will have fully extended them.
5. Land on all fours completing the dance move. This position will be the total opposite of where you started, meaning that you will be face down in an extended push-up position.
6. Repeat the move as many times as possible. To impress Michael Jackson, try to pull off four or five air swipes in a row.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't quite propel yourself in the air, leave one foot on the ground as you roll over. Then work up to propelling your legs.