You've mastered the six-step, your toprock is smooth, and freezes no longer make you freeze up. Now what? Welcome to the intermediate stage of breakdancing—where foundation meets flair, and power moves start to enter the picture. This guide bridges the gap between basics and advanced techniques while helping you develop your unique style.
Leveling Up Your Foundation
Footwork with Flavor
Intermediate dancers often plateau by repeating the same footwork patterns. Try these upgrades:
- 3D transitions: Add level changes to your six-step (e.g., drop to elbow during the sweep)
- Tempo play: Practice footwork at 50% speed, then 200% speed to improve control
- Direction shifts: Do your combo forward, then immediately backward without resetting
Pre-Power Move Conditioning
Before attempting windmills or flares, build these essential capabilities:
Momentum Control
Practice continuous backspins from standing position. Goal: 3+ rotations without touching the ground with your hands.
Shoulder Strength
Hold a handstand against a wall for 60 seconds daily. Progress to shoulder taps (lifting one hand at a time).
"Power moves are 30% technique and 70% body awareness. Learn to feel the rotation before forcing it." — B-Boy Kareem, Red Bull BC One 2024
Your First Power Moves
These three moves create the foundation for more advanced techniques:
1. Swipes
Key Insight: Your legs are the engine, not your arms. Practice the leg swing motion while holding onto a rail before attempting full rotations.
2. Windmill Prep (Baby Mills)
Drill: From backspin position, kick right leg over left shoulder while pushing with left hand. Focus on the collapse-and-roll motion rather than height.
3. Chair Freeze to Hand Hop
Progression: Master static chair freeze → small hops → 90° turns → full 180° hops. This builds wrist strength for future air moves.
Intermediate Training Routine
| Day | Focus | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Footwork creativity + stamina drills | 90 min |
| Wednesday | Power move conditioning + freezes | 75 min |
| Friday | Freestyle sessions + battle simulations | 120 min |
Remember: Intermediate ≠ Boring
This phase is where your personal style truly emerges. Film yourself weekly, analyze top dancers' micro-movements, and most importantly—play. The b-boys and b-girls who progress fastest are those who treat training like joyful experimentation rather than rigid practice. Now get out there and make the floor your canvas.
