The windmill is a foundational power move in breakdancing that involves rotating your body in a circular motion on the floor. It utilizes momentum generated by your legs and core to spin.
Understanding the Windmill Breakdance Move
Performing a windmill requires coordination, flexibility, and practice. The core idea is to use a dynamic movement, often involving a leg cross, to create centrifugal force that propels you into a continuous spin across the floor.
Key Elements Based on Reference
According to the provided reference:
- Leg Cross: Combining an action (like a push or entry) with a leg cross is crucial.
- Propulsion: This leg cross action specifically helps propel you into a circular motion.
- Spinning: The result of this propulsion is that you can start spinning.
- Repetition: The reference indicates that you might do the same thing again, suggesting a repeat action (like another leg cross or push) to continue or enhance the spin.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Windmill
While mastering the windmill takes time and practice, here are the fundamental steps:
- Starting Position: Typically, you'll begin by getting low to the ground. This might be from a standing position, dropping down, or transitioning from another move like a freeze. A common entry involves placing one hand on the ground and preparing to push off.
- Initiate the Spin: This is where the reference's information is key. You need to combine a push (from your hands or legs) with a leg cross or whip. For instance, as you push off the ground, swing one leg vigorously across your body or overhead while simultaneously bringing the other leg over or whipping it to help generate momentum. This combined action, particularly the leg cross/whip, will propel you into a circular motion, so you can start spinning.
- Control the Rotation: As you begin spinning, tuck your head and keep your body relatively tight. Your body will rotate, often transitioning from your back, to your shoulder, to your chest, and back again. The goal is to keep your hips elevated to maintain clearance from the floor.
- Maintain Momentum: Use the centrifugal force you generated to continue spinning. Keep your legs moving in a controlled whip or circle to help maintain speed.
- Continuing the Spin: To perform multiple rotations or keep the move going, you often need to do the same thing or a similar action – using your core and legs to drive momentum, potentially re-crossing or whipping your legs forcefully each time you come around to a certain point in the rotation (e.g., on your back or side).
- Ending the Move: You can end a windmill by transitioning into another move, freezing in a specific position (like a handstand or freeze on your back), or simply slowing down and stopping safely.
Tips for Practicing Windmills
- Practice Entries: Get comfortable with different ways to get into the spinning motion.
- Work on Leg Whips/Crosses: The power comes significantly from your legs. Practice swinging them powerfully and controlling their movement.
- Core Strength: A strong core is essential for control and keeping your body tight.
- Practice on a Safe Surface: Use cardboard, a smooth floor, or mats to prevent friction burns and make spinning easier.
- Learn to Fall Safely: You will fall. Learn to roll out of the move to avoid injury.
Windmill Variations
Once you master the basic windmill, you can explore variations such as:
- No-Hand Windmills: Performing the move without using your hands.
- Threading Windmills: Passing one leg through the gap made by the other leg and your arm during the spin.
- Elbow Windmills: Spinning on your elbows instead of your back/shoulders.
The windmill is a dynamic and impressive move that forms a cornerstone of breakdance power moves.
