How to Do Breakdancing Freezes

Break dancing merged with the Hip Hop culture over 20 years ago, and remains a vital part of the culture to this day. Often considered the visual embodiment of Hip Hop, break dancing is a dance form that requires coordination, rhythm and concentrated muscle recognition. A break dancer performs a “freeze” when he or she brings their body to a complete stop with only their hands planted firmly on the ground for support. A “baby freeze” is simply a style of freeze that doesn't require the dancer to perform a full handstand.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 10 square feet
• An exercise mat

Learn the Baby Freeze

1. Warm up. Always stretch before you perform any break dancing move. Almost all moves require a great deal of flexibility and a better-than-average range of motion. Stretch for five to 10 minutes before you attempt a baby freeze. Not only will the maneuver seem easier, but you will also prevent the occurrence of bodily injury.

2. Start with your knees on the ground. As a beginner, you will want to keep your knees on the ground the first time you attempt any break dancing move. Keep a minimum spread of six inches between your knees.

3. Plant your right hand on the ground with your fingers spread. Your right hand will provide much of the support for your body in the freeze position.

4. Tuck your right elbow into your hip bone. This may seem painful at first, but you will come to notice that your hip actually provides a near-perfect point of stability for your right arm. Think of this position as a balance point for your body.

5. Place your left hand on the ground, almost a foot in front of your right hand. Your legs should begin to elevate and your head should be faced to the left. Use your left hand as a point of stability for your right arm. You will also notice that the left hand plant takes some pressure off of the right arm.

6. Rest your forehead on the ground. Now that you have rested your head, the remainder of your body should be elevated.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercise regularly. The baby freeze will be easier to complete if you have a strong upper body to support the maneuver. Focus on your shoulders and chest because they will bear most of the brunt.
• Locate a break dance instructor in your neighborhood. The easiest way to learn any dance move is to observe a professional in action.