How to Do the Monkey Flip in Breakdancing

A monkey flip is one of countless moves in breakdancing, a constantly evolving style of dance. The great thing about moves like the monkey flip is that there's no one accepted way to execute it. Breakdancing is all about adding your personal touch, flair and ability to any move. The following steps give you the basics. Once you master these, be as creative as you want.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Get in a squat position just off the floor and balance your weight on your toes.
2. Place your right or left hand on the ground behind your body, so most of your weight leans back onto that hand.
3. Put your other hand and arm in between your squatted legs. Keep that arm straight and pointed downward but not touching the ground.
4. Swing your arm that's in between your legs in the direction of your stationary hand. You want to swing it over your opposite shoulder.
5. Bring your legs around with the arm you swing over our shoulder. Keep your opposite hand and arm anchored to the ground.
6. Land your legs and opposite hand on the ground to catch your body weight after you swing them to your side and behind you. After your legs are firm on the ground, lift your hands off the ground and stand up.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you are in strong physical shape before attempting such acrobatic moves as the monkey flip to avoid injury.
• Use floor mats while practicing the monkey flip until you're comfortable with your skills.
• As you practice this move and build up strength and endurance, you can execute the monkey flip higher with your legs and add more impressive physical prowess with the move.