Types of Beginning Break Dance for Girls
Break dancing is an important aspect of the hip-hop culture, which also includes graffiti, writing, MCing and DJing. Generally, men dominate hip-hop culture and break dancing. However, the many women that are now breaking into the break dance culture are known B-Girls and their numbers are rapidly increasing. Girls and boys alike practice this form of dance together although it can still be slightly intimidating for a girl to start break dancing when surrounded by males. Any beginner girl can try out these types of beginner break dance moves to increase her confidence before joining into a mixed-gender dance group.
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Toprock
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Toprock is a very basic type of break dancing that refers to any string of steps performed in a standing position. It includes a variety of steps that can each be individualized according to the dancer's expression and personality. Because of the flexibility of toprock, girls generally excel in this category because their can add their own flair and femininity to the various moves. Also, because of the standing stance, the strength required is not as high as it is in other types of break dance. It is easier for many beginner girls to start with toprock as it requires less upper-body strength than other types of break dance.
Downrock
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Downrock, also known as footwork and floor-work, is a type of break-dancing that involves many floor movements where the hands support the dancer as much as the feet. Downrock basic movements include the foundational 6-step, its variants -- such as the 3-step -- and other small steps to add style. Since this style of break-dancing can require some upper-body strength, beginner girls may have a little bit more difficulty learning some of the hands-to-foot downrock moves while the feet-driven movements will come more easily. Basic downrock is done entirely on feet and hands while complex variations can involve the knees and elbows.
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Freezes and Suicides
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Freezes and suicide moves are areas where girls tend to excel because of their link to style and musicality. They are stylish poses that are used to emphasize a peaking moment in the music and often signal the end of a B-Girl set. However, a B-Girl may have to adapt certain freezes and suicide moves because their center of gravity is located in the center in their abdomen. This means that the techniques taught for freezes and suicide moves done on the shoulders may need slight adjustments.
Power Moves
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Power moves are the most acrobatic and athletic movement in break dancing. They require high levels of momentum, speed, endurance, strength and control. This type of break dancing is generally more difficult for beginner girls because of the required upper-body support for most of the movements. A girls' center of gravity and level of strength is very different from her male counterparts and so power moves need to be adapted in consequence. A beginner break dancer should not start with power moves. However, the ability to do power moves is certainly a goal to keep in mind since girls, just like male dancers, are all physically capable of power moves.
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References
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