the first steps- how and where to learn

The first step in BBoying/Breakdancing- where/how to learn

I often get asked this. Questions pop up about how long I’ve been learning and who taught me etc. I don’t think the key to becoming a dope Bboy or Bgirl is through one set mold. Unfortunately, we all learn in different ways so its hard to advise on one thing- however I’ll try!

I started way back, I was young and felt bad entering the only group class in my area. Looking back I think this was a bad choice. Group classes don’t offer much time for the essence of Bboying, creativity, however they are ideal for picking up the basics, meeting people your own standard (and those above your standard) and for general inspiration. My drawback to when I started was nothing physical (although I did have tendon and muscle damage in my right arm- but forget about that)- the things that stood in my way where all in my mind.

So, in general, the newbie should attend classes. If they prefer one to one, or smaller groups then that is also an option. Try to block out thoughts that you aren’t a ‘real’ Bboy or Bgirl or that you aren’t as good as the next man. It doesn’t matter. Bboying is all out the art form, there is an element of competition in Bboying, but harness the good because if you always think negative about yourself, the state of your breaking and whether you are or aren’t a ‘real’ breaker then you won’t go far.

So, coupled with the approach of attending classes, you should adopt a ‘Bboy’ attitude. What I mean by this is not saying, wearing or doing anything different. Just going out to do the best you can, training hard, listening to the music and learning as much as possible. Join a class, have fun and start killing it on the local scene! Peace..