Basic Breakdancing Moves: A Beginner's Guide

Although there are countless moves in the breaking vocabulary, there are 5 fundamentals that lay the groundwork for breaking. If you're new to breakdancing and looking to get started, this guide will introduce you to some of the basic moves that every beginner should learn.

1) Toprock:

Toprock is a fundamental of breakdancing that bboys or bgirls uses while standing upright. While moving to the rhythm of the music, Toprocks can be a sequence of steps, turns, and hops that dancers use to transition into other moves. Toprock is an essential element of breakdancing, as it sets the tone for your set and helps you establish your rhythm and flow. Some jams and events even have Toprock specific battles, where bboys and bgirls throw down entire rounds only utilizing their Toprocks.

Some common Toprock moves that beginners should learn include the Indian Step, Cross Step, and Salsa Step. These moves will teach you coordination, balance, and timing and help you create your own unique style.

2) Footwork:

Footwork is another essential element of breakdancing and involves a series of intricate leg movements. Footwork, requires a great deal of agility, balance, and coordination, and it's often used as a way to showcase a dancer's style and creativity. Footwork is what makes breaking unique and can be performed in a variety of ways, including spinning, twisting, threading, and sliding. 

Some basic Footwork moves that beginners should learn include the Weight Change, Sweeps, and Six-Step. These moves will teach you about the importance of hand placement, weight distribution, and ground posture. 

3) Get Downs:

Get downs are used to connect and transition your movement from standing to the floor. When used correctly, your get downs will make your movement seamless and unbroken as you move from one move to the next. Get downs can be intricate and complex or simple and effective.

Some basic Get Down moves that beginners should learn include Knee Drops, The W, and Corkscrews. These moves will teach you about balance and control as you transition from move to move.

4) Freezes:

The Freeze is a way to make a statement and create a "wow" moment for your round. It involves holding a static position for a few seconds preferably on beat. Freezes can be performed in a variety of ways, including balancing on one hand, freezing in a handstand, or simply holding a position or pose on beat. Freezes are often used as a way to end a round and leave a lasting impression on the audience.

Some basic Freezes that beginners should learn include Pilot/Stab, Headstand, and Handstand. These moves will help develop your strength and understanding of how to balance your own bodyweight.

5) Power Moves:

Power moves are the acrobatic and athletic elements of breakdancing and involve complex spins, and twists that require a great deal of strength, coordination, and control. Power moves are often the most challenging elements of breakdancing, and they require a significant amount of practice and dedication to master.

Some basic Power moves that beginners can learn include the the Backspin, Swipes, and Windmills. These moves will teach you about using momentum and leverage which are essential to learning power.

Bonus Fundamental - Musicality:

Musicality is the ability to interpret and dance to the beat of the music. Breakdancing is often performed to hip hop music, and having a strong sense of rhythm and musicality is essential to creating a dynamic and engaging routine.

To develop your musicality, it's important to practice dancing to different types of music and to pay attention to the rhythm and tempo of the music. You can also practice incorporating musicality into your dance by emphasizing certain beats or using pauses and breaks to accentuate different elements of your set.

Tips For Success

Here are some additional tips to help you succeed as you learn how to breakdance:

• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear that allows you to move freely and won't restrict your movements. Athletic clothing, such as track pants or shorts, and sneakers with good grip are recommended.
• Practice on a safe and flat surface, such as a dance floor or gym mat, to reduce the risk of injury.
• Watch videos of experienced breakdancers and study their techniques and movements to learn from their style and form.
• Be patient with yourself and don't get discouraged if you don't master a move right away. Breakdancing is a challenging dance form that takes time and dedication to learn.
• Practice with a friend or partner to help motivate and encourage each other. You can also practice together and give each other feedback on your form and technique.
• Lastly, have fun! Breakdancing is a creative and expressive dance form that allows you to showcase your own unique style and personality. Embrace your individuality and enjoy the process of learning and mastering new moves.

In conclusion, the 5 basic moves of breakdancing - Toprock, Footwork, Get Downs, Freezes, and Power - serve as the foundation for this dynamic dance. While these moves may seem simple on their own, they require a great deal of skill, practice, and creativity to master. By learning and perfecting these four basic moves, dancers can develop their own unique style and take their breaking skills to the next level. Remember, breakdancing is about having fun, expressing yourself, and pushing your limits, so don't be afraid to experiment, take risks, and enjoy the journey!