The Basic Moves
When breakdancing,there are certain important moves that one must learn and constantly practice in order to advance and develop his or her own unique style-and these are the Foundations or basic moves.The Foundations are very quick and easy,but very hard to put together.Once one masters all these fundamentals,he may move on to other,harder moves,learn how to connect the moves and develop a flow,and eventually make his own unique style.These are the moves that one must start with.
FREEZES:Freezes are the moves wherein the B-boy suspends himself in an awkward position-usually requiring much arm and upper body strength and A TON of balance.These are usually used to start and end freestyle sets and are very flashy.
Some useful to learn freezes:
1.Baby Freeze:The Baby Freeze is probably one of the first freezes a B-boy will ever learn.This freeze is very easy as it provides a wide base on the floor therefore giving someone more support.One can probably learn this freeze in a day or so.
Tutorials: 1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KwW0Li6bik
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/freezes/76924-dragon29125-k-bboy-dragons-birthday-baby-freeze-tutorial.html
2.Shoulder Freeze:Another really easy freeze,the Shoulder Freeze is a very simple and basic freeze-the only part of your body which will have even the slightest amount of pressure on it should be the shoulder.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Z3PSLTjas
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/freezes/109380-andrew-ks-shoulder-freeze-guide.html
3.Turtle Freeze:A slightly harder freeze compared to the Baby and Shoulder,the Turtle Freeze is a move that requires a bit of strength on both arms,but nevertheless is still very simple.This move is also a requirement to learn the Hand Glide Freeze,which will be taught here later on.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mny0ErAmXPY
2.Written Tutorial: None
4.Hand Glide Freeze:A more advanced but still easy freeze to learn,and a variation of the turtle freeze,the Hand Glide freeze is a very versatile freeze-being able to transition smoothly into other freezes and footwork.It does require a lot of strength especially if you are trying it without a supporting hand.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TSzaSmbR-g
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/spins/72138-handglide-guide-newbs-incl-vids-.html
5.Head Stand:An intermediate level move,the Head Stand is probably one of the first moves that you will spend a lot of time learning (other,much harder moves usually take months to learn).One of the common problems in execution of the Head Stand is that the B-boy will probably slip on his head and lose balance.This is caused mostly by fear.The Head Stand is a must for people looking to learn Handstands,Chairs,and other harder moves.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i9bO3DLdhU
2.Written Tutorial:None
FOOTWORK/DOWNROCK:Footwork is what most people usually do in between their freestyles,to transition to other moves,or to simply add more flavor to a set.Footwork is very important as most freestyles usually contain a lot of it.
Basic Footwork tutorial:
1.Helicopter/Coffee Grinder:A very simple footwork motion-taking your leg and sweeping it over your other leg.It is probably one of the first moves you will ever learn as a B-boy and it is easy to master.Also,it is very useful for transition.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emSmkYdGw0A
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/footwork/55195-helicopter-coffee-grinder-guide.html
2.CC/Cici:Probably the easiest footwork motion-or the easiest move in all of B-boy.It involves a simple twist of the hips whilst kicking out the free leg.Useful for adding flavor to footwork.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShkR0avedsk
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/footwork/144078-san-33s-ccs-pompos-switches-guide.html
3.6-Step:A bit more advanced than the other 2 moves mentioned,the 6-Step is the backbone of breakdancing and almost all kinds of footwork branch out from the 6-Step.It is a must-have in your arsenal of moves and a very popular move with a lot of variations.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZVLCYhQBg
Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/footwork/64592--6-step-tutorial-.html
4.Other 6-Step Variations:As mentioned above,the 6-Step has an infinite amount of variations out there.Some of the simplest ones may be the:
3-Step:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8cjtX4SMF0
2-Step/Baby Swipes:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd5Q8W0q1w0
12-Step:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giTFjadEKt0
TOPROCK:Toprock-the aspect of B-boy usually referred to as the "Standing Dance" or the part where the dancer is really dancing.It adds flavor to a set and gives a taste of what people should expect before a B-boy takes to the floor or air.It is ALWAYS performed before a B-boy executes a freestyle.
1.Indian Step:Simplest move in B-boy,maybe even simpler than CCs.It is an easy two step motion which gives room for variations.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72BmqSpS_u4
2.Written Tutorial:None.
2.Side StepLA notch more complicated than Indian Step,the Side Step is also a very simple and easy B-boy move used only to give flavor to toprock.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFDYXy-AjdM&feature=relmfu
2.Written Tutorial:None.
3.Hip Twist:Side Step with a twist.The Hip Twist is a bit more complicated as it employs the twist of the hips,but nevertheless is still a very simple and easy move.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytw77dMQAN8&feature=relmfu
2.Written Tutorial:None.
4.One-Legged Flow:Once a B-boy has mastered a good amount of Toprock,he/she can move on to One-Legged Flow.This move requires a lot of creativity as the B-boy will be making his own specialized toprock with only one leg,but it gives a good amount of flavor to a rocking set.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlM55B_uFQI&list=UUh_S_EgAc6bAdu8C9aaqz1w&index=9&feature=plcp
2.Written Tutorial:None.
POWER MOVES:Power Moves are what give a set it's "wow factor".These moves are often very dynamic and flashy,and require a lot of strength in various parts of the body.Power Moves should not be learned unless one has mastered all the other fundamental Footwork,Toprock,and Freeze.
Some basic Power Moves to get you started:
1.Swipes:The most basic power move.You would think that,for a BASIC power move,Swipes are pretty hard.Well,that's why they're called POWER moves,aren't they?Move on to Air Swipes after learning.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14WfVM98qGA
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/swipes/74998-swipes-guide.html
2.Air Swipes:One-Legged Swipes done from a standing position.
3.Hand Glide:A spinning Hand Glide Freeze.See Hand Glide Freeze tutorial.
4.Back Spin:A slightly advanced Power Move but a must-have as it leads to other,better moves.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izg50nID8as&feature=relmfu
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/spins/70732-bboy-typhoons-complete-backspin-guide.html
Well then,these are all the moves that you'll have to master before achieving greater heights in your B-boy journey.It may seem like a pain to practice all these moves and spend so much time on them,but,as DJ Afrikaa Bambaataa said,if you stick to it,something good may come of it!Good luck!Word up!
*BONUS TUTORIAL:AIRCHAIR FREEZE.
A personal favorite of mine,the Air Chair is a very advanced freeze-one of the hardest,in fact.It involves the B-boy suspending himself in the air,supported by one arm stabbed on the spine and lifting his legs up to crunch on his chest.It requires a lot of strength and flexibility but once you have it,you won't be able to stop doing it!The freeze feels so good,and it is one of the best-looking freezes out there!P.S:Ladies love this.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGJInXZOuCo
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/freezes/65644-cliches-airchair-guide.html
Some useful to learn freezes:
1.Baby Freeze:The Baby Freeze is probably one of the first freezes a B-boy will ever learn.This freeze is very easy as it provides a wide base on the floor therefore giving someone more support.One can probably learn this freeze in a day or so.
Tutorials: 1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7KwW0Li6bik
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/freezes/76924-dragon29125-k-bboy-dragons-birthday-baby-freeze-tutorial.html
2.Shoulder Freeze:Another really easy freeze,the Shoulder Freeze is a very simple and basic freeze-the only part of your body which will have even the slightest amount of pressure on it should be the shoulder.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Z3PSLTjas
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/freezes/109380-andrew-ks-shoulder-freeze-guide.html
3.Turtle Freeze:A slightly harder freeze compared to the Baby and Shoulder,the Turtle Freeze is a move that requires a bit of strength on both arms,but nevertheless is still very simple.This move is also a requirement to learn the Hand Glide Freeze,which will be taught here later on.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mny0ErAmXPY
2.Written Tutorial: None
4.Hand Glide Freeze:A more advanced but still easy freeze to learn,and a variation of the turtle freeze,the Hand Glide freeze is a very versatile freeze-being able to transition smoothly into other freezes and footwork.It does require a lot of strength especially if you are trying it without a supporting hand.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TSzaSmbR-g
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/spins/72138-handglide-guide-newbs-incl-vids-.html
5.Head Stand:An intermediate level move,the Head Stand is probably one of the first moves that you will spend a lot of time learning (other,much harder moves usually take months to learn).One of the common problems in execution of the Head Stand is that the B-boy will probably slip on his head and lose balance.This is caused mostly by fear.The Head Stand is a must for people looking to learn Handstands,Chairs,and other harder moves.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i9bO3DLdhU
2.Written Tutorial:None
FOOTWORK/DOWNROCK:Footwork is what most people usually do in between their freestyles,to transition to other moves,or to simply add more flavor to a set.Footwork is very important as most freestyles usually contain a lot of it.
Basic Footwork tutorial:
1.Helicopter/Coffee Grinder:A very simple footwork motion-taking your leg and sweeping it over your other leg.It is probably one of the first moves you will ever learn as a B-boy and it is easy to master.Also,it is very useful for transition.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emSmkYdGw0A
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/footwork/55195-helicopter-coffee-grinder-guide.html
2.CC/Cici:Probably the easiest footwork motion-or the easiest move in all of B-boy.It involves a simple twist of the hips whilst kicking out the free leg.Useful for adding flavor to footwork.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShkR0avedsk
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/footwork/144078-san-33s-ccs-pompos-switches-guide.html
3.6-Step:A bit more advanced than the other 2 moves mentioned,the 6-Step is the backbone of breakdancing and almost all kinds of footwork branch out from the 6-Step.It is a must-have in your arsenal of moves and a very popular move with a lot of variations.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VZVLCYhQBg
Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/footwork/64592--6-step-tutorial-.html
4.Other 6-Step Variations:As mentioned above,the 6-Step has an infinite amount of variations out there.Some of the simplest ones may be the:
3-Step:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8cjtX4SMF0
2-Step/Baby Swipes:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd5Q8W0q1w0
12-Step:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giTFjadEKt0
TOPROCK:Toprock-the aspect of B-boy usually referred to as the "Standing Dance" or the part where the dancer is really dancing.It adds flavor to a set and gives a taste of what people should expect before a B-boy takes to the floor or air.It is ALWAYS performed before a B-boy executes a freestyle.
1.Indian Step:Simplest move in B-boy,maybe even simpler than CCs.It is an easy two step motion which gives room for variations.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72BmqSpS_u4
2.Written Tutorial:None.
2.Side StepLA notch more complicated than Indian Step,the Side Step is also a very simple and easy B-boy move used only to give flavor to toprock.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFDYXy-AjdM&feature=relmfu
2.Written Tutorial:None.
3.Hip Twist:Side Step with a twist.The Hip Twist is a bit more complicated as it employs the twist of the hips,but nevertheless is still a very simple and easy move.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytw77dMQAN8&feature=relmfu
2.Written Tutorial:None.
4.One-Legged Flow:Once a B-boy has mastered a good amount of Toprock,he/she can move on to One-Legged Flow.This move requires a lot of creativity as the B-boy will be making his own specialized toprock with only one leg,but it gives a good amount of flavor to a rocking set.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlM55B_uFQI&list=UUh_S_EgAc6bAdu8C9aaqz1w&index=9&feature=plcp
2.Written Tutorial:None.
POWER MOVES:Power Moves are what give a set it's "wow factor".These moves are often very dynamic and flashy,and require a lot of strength in various parts of the body.Power Moves should not be learned unless one has mastered all the other fundamental Footwork,Toprock,and Freeze.
Some basic Power Moves to get you started:
1.Swipes:The most basic power move.You would think that,for a BASIC power move,Swipes are pretty hard.Well,that's why they're called POWER moves,aren't they?Move on to Air Swipes after learning.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14WfVM98qGA
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/swipes/74998-swipes-guide.html
2.Air Swipes:One-Legged Swipes done from a standing position.
3.Hand Glide:A spinning Hand Glide Freeze.See Hand Glide Freeze tutorial.
4.Back Spin:A slightly advanced Power Move but a must-have as it leads to other,better moves.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izg50nID8as&feature=relmfu
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/spins/70732-bboy-typhoons-complete-backspin-guide.html
Well then,these are all the moves that you'll have to master before achieving greater heights in your B-boy journey.It may seem like a pain to practice all these moves and spend so much time on them,but,as DJ Afrikaa Bambaataa said,if you stick to it,something good may come of it!Good luck!Word up!
*BONUS TUTORIAL:AIRCHAIR FREEZE.
A personal favorite of mine,the Air Chair is a very advanced freeze-one of the hardest,in fact.It involves the B-boy suspending himself in the air,supported by one arm stabbed on the spine and lifting his legs up to crunch on his chest.It requires a lot of strength and flexibility but once you have it,you won't be able to stop doing it!The freeze feels so good,and it is one of the best-looking freezes out there!P.S:Ladies love this.
Tutorials:1.Video Tutorial:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGJInXZOuCo
2.Written Tutorial:http://www.bboy.org/forums/freezes/65644-cliches-airchair-guide.html
