History of Breakdance

From street to dance

Breaking was born when street corner DJ's (in legend it is DJ Kool Herc who was first) would take the breakdown sections (or "breaks") of dance records and string them together without any elements of the song per se. This provided a raw rhythmic base for improvising and further mixing, and it allowed dancers to display their skills during the break.

Popular speculations of the early 1980s suggest that breakdancing, in its organized fashion seen today, began as a method for rival gangs of the ghetto to mediate and settle territorial disputes.^[1] In a turn-based showcase of dance routines, the winning side was determined by the dancer(s) who could outperform the other by displaying a set of more complicated and innovative moves.^[2]

It later was through the highly energetic performances of the late funk legend James Brown and the rapid growth of dance teams, like the Rock Steady Crew of New York City, that the competitive ritual of gang warfare evolved into a pop-culture phenomenon receiving massive media attention. Parties, disco clubs, talent shows, and other public events became typical locations for breakdancers, including gang members for whom dancing served as a positive diversion from the threats of city life.

Though its intense popularity eventually faded in the 1980s, it has today grown into a well-known and accepted dance style, portrayed in commercials, movies, and the media, and often available at common dance studios. Some large annual breakdance competitions can be seen today, such as Battle of the Year or the heavily sponsored Red Bull BC One

How to Breakdance: Windmill

So you want to learn how to breakdance? The windmill is probably one fo the most popular breakdance moves out there. It is a basic breakdance move, but is much more difficult than it looks.

1. Begin by learning to collapse. Get in a pushup position. Spread your right leg out to the right as far as you can. Your right arm should be straight, and your right elbow should be ready to "stab" or press against the right side of your abs.

2. Stab your right elbow into the right side of your abs. At the same time, lift up your left leg. Your right leg should swing under your left leg. All of this should happen relatively at the same time.

3. If you transitioned smoothly, you should be on your upper back without having experienced any pain.

4. Swing your left leg down, back, and away from your body. This is probably the trickiest part of the windmill. If you swung hard and fast enough, you should have obtained the height to reposition your right elbow into the right side of your abs. You should now be in the original starting position of the windmill with your legs off the floor.

5. Repeat steps 1-4 for continuous windmills. Remember, windmills have to be smooth. Make sure you perfect every step before moving on to the next.

How to Breakdance: Turtle

Whenever I get on the dance floor, everyone asks me how to breakdance. The turtle is arguably one of the most impressive basic breakdancing moves. Turtles involve the breakdancer supporting his body weight on his arms/elbows and rotating around.

1) Learn to hold the turtle freeze. Take both your elbows and place them near your abs. Your hands should be facing opposite of each other. Try to hold your body parallel to the floor for 10-30 seconds.

2) Now that you have the turtle freeze, it's time to learn how to rotate! Begin by getting back into the turtle freeze. Lift up your right arm and move it about 90 degrees. Shift your body weight over to your right elbow.

3) Lift your left elbow and repeat what you did with your right elbow. If you performed everything correctly, you should be in the turtle freeze again except facing a different direction. You should still be balanced at this point with both hands facing opposite of eachother.

4) Repeat steps 2-3 until you go around in a full circle. Keep repeating to get continuous turtles.

If you are having trouble with turtles, try strengthening your wrists and forearms in particular. If you experience wrist pain, rest and do not try to rush this move. It can be potentially dangerous in the long run if you endure too much pain. If you are uncertain about your physical conditions, consider consulting a doctor rather than continuously breakdancing.