How to Learn to Break Dance
Many people believe breakdancing began on the streets of New York City and Los Angeles during the early 1980s, but that could not be further from the truth. The roots of breakdancing run much deeper and actually evolved in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Watch an old performance of James Brown to see his influence on the dance. Breakdancing has recently made a comeback, and a new generation of dancers, young and old, have learned to reinvent this popular dance craze.
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Things You'll Need
- Large piece of cardboard
- Compact disc player or radio
- Breakdancing lessons
Instructions
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Find a breakdancing school in your area. There are many dance academies across the United States that offer breakdancing lessons along with more traditional dances such as ballet, tap and jazz. Many times, these classes are taught in conjunction with the hip hop style of dancing. You may have to research for a reputable establishment in your area. Also, if you live in a less populated area you might have to travel to a larger city, such as Chicago, New York or Seattle to locate a school that offers courses in breakin'. The classes can be quite expensive, but most instructors are former street dancers, so their expertise is well worth the money.
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Watch instructional videos. Many websites sell instructional video series on the art of breakdancing. These videos generally begin with the basics of breakin', including rudimentary footwork, and advance until the more difficult signature moves are taught. These include power moves and robotics. The convenience factor is a big plus to this method. You can simply turn on your television and learn how to pop and lock before breakfast or after dinner. This system's biggest downfall is the lack of one-on-one attention from a trained instructor. Many times a professional dancer can offer a larger assortment of tips and tricks that cannot be crammed into 60 minutes of instruction.
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Copy the masters. The Internet is riddled with videos of amazing breakdancers doing what they do best. YouTube is an ideal source for these short films. You can watch them and attempt to mimic what you see. Be warned, however. Breakdancing can be dangerous. There are reports of people seriously injuring themselves because they do not have the skills necessary to perform many of the more difficult steps. If you decide to teach yourself a few moves, stick to the basics. Leave the head spins to the professionals.
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Tips & Warnings
Be patient. Breakdancing can take months and years to master.
Be careful when performing a new breakdancing move. Take it slow and never go beyond your skill level. Seek immediate medical attention if you seriously injure yourself while breakdancing.
