In October of 2010 I went to my first Breakdancing (also known as b-boying) class. I have been practicing for just over a year, and still pretty much suck, but it doesn’t matter because I am not shy about dancing anymore and that means a lot to me. It is a hobby I want to keep up, because, as Konstantin once told me “Just keep at it. Don’t give up. If you keep doing something, and practicing something over and over again, after some time, something good just has to come out of you.”
A couple of weeks ago, we had a photoshoot with Alex Zarodov, a photographer here in Galway. I wanted to share this post with you to give you a brief introduction to breakdancing, because I realized that most of my readers probably don’t breakdance or don’t know much about breakdancing (if I’m wrong – let me know!).
Toprock
First and foremost, the most important aspect of breaking is the dancing! In bboying language, this is called the Toprock. That means this is where you rock up top! It is hard to take photograph a dance, but I think the photographer, Alex, captured the attitude and movement quite well!
Freezes
These pretty things are called Freezes. Freezes are “performed” throughout your set, usually on an emphasized beat of the music. The official term for this is “killing the beat”. As you can see, most of the more complex freezes require a great deal of strength and balance. I would write more about it, but I am trying not to because Konstantin likes to make fun of me and quote silly things I write in my blog the next time he sees me, which by the way, I DO NOT ENJOY when he does this. As I write this, I can already hear his voice in my head saying “Did you know that Freezes are performed throughout your set, usually on an emphasized beat of the music???” Ugh!
Power Moves
Tomas, in his happy place.
Power moves are usually the “WOW” part of the bboy set, which involve things like headspins, airflares, windmills, handglides, turtles, and other impressive maneuvers that make you think “How do they even make their body move like that?! Where does that momentum come from?”
I don’t have the answer to these questions. Once I can do some of them, I will let you know.
Generally looking cool.
There are also other parts of your set, such as your footwork (all those spinny round things you see breakdancers do on the floor) and of course there is much more to breakdancing than I have described here. But, I’m a noobie, and so are you, so for now, let’s just look at the pictures and thinking “OoOOoOh!”
This is how b-boys meditate!
PHOTO CREDIT: ALEX ZARODOV
BBOYS AND BGIRLS! For more bboyin’ resources (music, djs, movies) check out my boyfriend bboy s10′s website.
While I’ve watched and appreciated break-dancing for years, I had no idea what all those moves were called. Thank you! And remember, you may never get as good as you hope, but it is the process that counts.
,,,,and that what is all matters about,when it comes to guitarplaying,climbing,singing,bicyckling,swimming,baking,painting,writing,reading,skiing,acting,running,talking,laughing,walkin`,,,,,, ,, , =)
Oh man this makes me wanna start breakdancing again. I did when I was 12-15 but then I moved to Umeå and stopped
I love the pictures. You looks so awesome.
This is FABULOUS. I’ve always wanted to take a class on breakdancing, even though I don’t know anything about it, because I know it requires a great deal of flexibility strength and concentration! And screw what this Konstantin fellow says, I want to learn more!!
Take the class! And stick at it!