How to Teach How to Break Dance
- 1). Instruct the student to wear the right gear. Nylon "parachute pants" work because they are comfortable, loose fitting and the smooth exterior slides well on the ground during spin moves. The Adidas suede sneakers with the fat laces are snug but comfortable, making it easier for the dancer to keep his feet relaxed.
- 2). Watch the legends in movies like "Beat Street," "Breakin'" and some of the more modern performers featured on YouTube. Tell the student to try to relax every bone and muscle in her arms, torso and legs while standing up. She'll get a feeling of being firm but loose at the same time. It helps to try this with your eyes closed, and then visualize performing the moves just as they were performed in the movies.
- 3). Put on some old-school break-dancing music, such as the Fat Boys and Run DMC. Remain loose and relaxed, but note the choppy sounds of the clap machines and records scratching. These beats provide ample cues for moving and stopping, popping (robotic-like movements that can appear to be in slow motion), flailing and spinning.
- 4). Allow the beginning student to dance and interpret the fresh tracks on his own. Allow him to "freestyle." He'll mimic the moves he previously watched, but allow him to feel out his own rhythm and style.
- 5). Have the student try a few moves individually, with some format. Point out when she is too fluid or too rigid.
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