Breakdancing—properly called breaking or b-boying/b-girling—emerged from New York City's streets in the 1970s and remains one of dance's most physically demanding disciplines. Whether you're stepping onto the floor for the first time or refining your arsenal, mastering these foundational moves across all four categories—toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes—will transform your dancing.
Footwork & Downrock
1. Six-Step
The universal starting point for every b-boy and b-girl. From a squatting position, you trace a circular path across the floor using alternating hand and foot placements—right hand, left foot, right foot, left hand, left foot, right foot, returning to start. The pattern creates continuous, flowing momentum.
Pro tip: Practice both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions until each feels natural. Speed comes from efficiency, not rushing.
2. CC (C-C Step)
Often confused with the "Nike step," this fundamental pattern involves a quick step-and-freeze sequence: cross one foot behind the other, drop into a low stance with your back knee near the floor, then spring back up. The CC builds the rhythmic punctuation essential for battling.
Power Moves
3. Backspin
What the original article mistakenly called "hairspray"—this foundational power move launches countless combinations. Tuck your legs to your chest, roll onto your upper back and shoulders, then use arm pushes to accelerate into rapid rotation. Extend your legs to slow down; pull them tight to speed up.
Common mistake: Flattening onto your lower back kills momentum. Stay on your shoulders.
4. Windmill
Despite the name, your legs don't spin like blades—they sweep in continuous circles driven by shoulder-to-shoulder rotation. Starting from backspin position or standing, you whip your legs overhead, catch momentum on your upper back, and roll across your shoulders in an endless loop.
The windmill demands core control and commitment; hesitation mid-rotation guarantees a crash.
5. Flare
Borrowed from gymnastics pommel horse technique, the flare keeps your body elevated on straight arms while your legs scissor in wide, horizontal circles. Unlike backspins, you never touch the floor below your hands.
Prerequisite: Solid handstand endurance and exceptional shoulder strength. Start with "tucked flares" before attempting full extensions.
6. Airflare (Airtrack)
An evolution of the flare performed airborne. You launch from handstand to handstand, legs cutting through the air in a flat, circular plane. Each hand placement creates a brief moment of flight.
Safety note: Airflares require months of conditioning and experienced coaching. The impact on wrists and shoulders is substantial—build gradually.
7. 1990
Named for the year it dominated breaking, this move combines handstand precision with rotational power. Balancing on one hand, you spin rapidly using subtle weight shifts and momentum from your free arm and legs. The 1990 demands straight-arm strength and immaculate balance.
8. Headspin
Safety note: Never attempt without proper headgear (beanie or helmet) and conditioned neck muscles. Chronic injury risk is high without progressive training.
From a headstand position, you generate rotation through hand pushes and body torque, spinning on your head's crown. Advanced practitioners achieve dozens of rotations, but beginners should master controlled quarter- and half-turns first.
Freezes
9. Baby Freeze
Breaking's most accessible freeze balances you on your head and one forearm—the elbow stabbed firmly into your side for stability. Your opposite arm extends for counterbalance; legs tuck tight or extend for style.
Key detail: The supporting forearm bears significant weight, not just your head. Position carefully to protect your neck.
10. Hollowback
A contortionist's freeze performed from handstand: arch your spine deeply, dropping your feet toward the floor behind you while maintaining arm support. The "hollow" space beneath your arched back creates dramatic visual tension.
Prerequisite: Flexible shoulders and thoracic spine. Wall walks and bridge exercises build necessary mobility safely.
Building Your Foundation
These ten moves represent a progression—from the six-step's rhythmic groundwork through increasingly demanding power and flexibility challenges. Resist the urge to skip ahead: a sloppy windmill built on weak footwork collapses under scrutiny, while a precise baby freeze earns respect in any cypher.
Train consistently, film yourself for feedback, and study how each generation reinterpreted these foundations. Breaking rewards individuality, but individuality requires mastery first.
Now get on the floor.
