The Basics of Break Dancing
The art of break dancing began around the late 1960s and early '70s within gangs of inner-city youths. Influenced early on by the high energy songs and performances of James Brown, the dance form became a way of expression and gaining respect. Some of the moves seem gravity defying and impossible, but the basic starter moves are relatively easy.
Other People Are Reading
-
Up Rock and Top Rock
-
The top rock move is the starting point for just about any routine and allows the dancer to get the music's rhythm. It is done from a standing position; the dancer first turns to the left, planting the right foot, while swaying the arms and left leg backwards. The dancer then turns to the right, planting the left foot, while the right leg and arms sway back. This is repeated alternately to the beat until the dancer is ready to begin the routine. The up rock is the same move but done in unison with another dancer.
Six Step
-
The six step is a simple circular move. Start with hands and feet on the floor in a straight-limb stance. Bring the left leg forward to the right side of the body while the left hand supports the weight. Bring the right leg in behind the left with both knees bent and switch the weight support to the right hand. Then push the left leg, which is at the front, straight towards the left and bring the right around to be in front of the left. From this point, place the left leg back behind the body, followed by the right. This places the dancer back in his original stance.
-
Arm Wave
-
The arm wave is a move that takes practice to perform smoothly, but it is not overly complicated. In a standing position, stretch arms out to the sides. Starting from the right or left depending on preference, hold hands with palms facing down but point fingers upwards. Next, at the same time, point the fingers down and flex the wrists upwards. Raise the elbow and drop the wrist, and continue the movement along in the same way, up to the shoulders and back down the other arm. Each time, move the first arm joint down as the next raises up. When the wave reaches the other side, the movement then reverses back the other way.
The Worm
-
The worm also takes practice but is relatively simple once the dancer gets the rhythm of the required body movements. Starting face down on the floor, bend the legs at the knees and point the flats of the feet toward the ceiling. Sharply kick the legs into a straight position to produce the initial lift off. Bending at the stomach adds to the lift; raise the hips from the ground, arch the chest downward to the ground and straighten the hips. Finally, raise the arms and shoulders and bring the hips back down to the ground, followed by the chest and then the hands. Repeat the movement in a continuous wave going back to the start of the move.
-
References
- Photo Credit Polka Dot Images/Polka Dot/Getty Images
