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Power move
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Power moves are dance moves which are loosely defined as moves relying on speed, momentum, and acrobatic elements for performance. They are prominent in B-boying, often the centerpieces of routines featuring the other elements (toprock, downrock, and freezes) that make up breaking.[1] Power moves are closer to gymnastics than dancing. B-boys who focus heavily on power moves and execute them as a main part of their routines are often called "power heads".[2]
Types
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Chang, Jeff (2008-07-31). Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip-Hop. Basic Books. pp. 21–22. ISBN 978-0-7867-2208-2.
- ^ Okumura, Kozo. "B-boying". Dancers Delight. Retrieved 10 December 2013.
See also
[edit]Power move
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A power move is a dynamic and acrobatic maneuver in breakdancing, characterized by continuous rotation, speed, and momentum that propels the dancer's body in gravity-defying ways, often using the hands, elbows, head, back, or shoulders as pivot points.[1] These movements demand exceptional strength, balance, flexibility, and stamina, distinguishing them from other breakdancing elements like toprock or footwork.[1] Power moves form a core component of the downrock phase in breaking routines, serving as high-impact displays of skill during battles or performances.[2]
Originating in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, as part of the emerging hip-hop culture, power moves evolved from earlier street dance influences and DJ Kool Herc's breakbeat techniques, initially manifesting as spectacular "go-downs" or freezes that transitioned into spins.[2] By the late 1970s and early 1980s, crews like the Rock Steady Crew and Dynamic Rockers popularized foundational power moves, incorporating gymnastics and martial arts elements to create more complex rotations.[3] The term "power moves" gained prominence in the 1980s as breaking spread globally, with innovations in Europe during the 1990s—such as those by Battle Squad—pushing boundaries in speed and combinations.[3] This evolution continued into the 2000s, with international competitions like Red Bull BC One fostering advanced variations that blend originality and athleticism.[2]
Common examples of power moves include the headspin, where the dancer rotates on their head while supporting the body with crossed legs or arms; the windmill, a leg-driven circular sweep around the torso while balanced on one arm; the backspin, involving a full-body roll on the back with momentum from a turtle freeze; and the airflare, an advanced upside-down rotation alternating between arms in a V-shape.[3] Other notable types are the flare, a scissor-like leg swing around the body on alternating arms, and the halo, a shoulder-supported spin resembling a halo around the head.[1] These moves are often combined into sequences to build intensity in battles, where they score points for vocabulary, technique, execution, originality, and musicality under judging criteria established by organizations like the World DanceSport Federation.[4]
In contemporary breaking, power moves symbolize the art form's athletic depth and cultural roots, gaining renewed attention with breaking's debut as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Games but not included in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.[1][5] They not only highlight individual prowess but also embody the competitive spirit of hip-hop battles, influencing global dance communities and inspiring crossovers with gymnastics and contemporary dance.[2] Despite their demanding nature, which can lead to injuries if not trained properly, power moves remain a hallmark of innovation in breaking's ongoing evolution.[6]