How to Backdrop (Power move) element in breakdancing?

Breakdancing, also known as breaking, is a dynamic street dance that combines athleticism, creativity, and rhythm. Originating from the Bronx in the 1970s, breaking evolved as a central component of hip-hop culture, blending elements of acrobatics, power moves, and intricate footwork. Among its diverse array of moves, the “backdrop” stands out as an essential power move, requiring strength, coordination, and control. This article delves into the technique, history, and impact of the backdrop in breakdancing.

What is the Backdrop?

The backdrop is a fundamental move in breakdancing that involves flipping or dropping backwards onto the ground, typically landing on the back or shoulders. Often considered a transitional move, it is used by breakers to shift between various freezes, footwork, and other power moves. The backdrop can be executed in various ways, ranging from a simple fall backward to an explosive backflip, depending on the skill and creativity of the dancer.

At its core, the backdrop is about control—ensuring a smooth, clean landing while maintaining the flow of the dance. The backdrop also serves as a gateway to more complex moves like windmills, flares, or other rotational power moves that begin with a backward motion.

Technique of the Backdrop

Mastering the backdrop requires body awareness, agility, and confidence. While it may look simple, safely executing the move demands practice and attention to detail. Here is a breakdown of the steps:

1. Preparation: Begin in an upright position. The dancer should have a strong core and stable stance. As the backdrop involves a backward fall, the body must be prepared to absorb the impact.
2. Backward Drop: As the dancer leans backward, they bend their knees slightly to cushion the fall. The goal is not to simply fall but to control the descent. The body remains rigid to avoid injury, with arms either extended out or ready to assist in the landing.
3. Landing: The key to a smooth backdrop is distributing the impact across the upper back and shoulders, rather than slamming the lower back against the floor. The dancer uses their arms to soften the landing and prepare for the next move. Proper tucking of the chin helps protect the head and neck from hitting the ground.
4. Transition: From the landed position, breakers typically transition into other moves, such as power moves like windmills, or immediately return to their feet with an upward flip or hand-assisted roll.

Variations of the Backdrop

As with many breakdancing moves, the backdrop has numerous variations that range in difficulty and flair:

• Simple Backdrop: A basic drop backward onto the shoulders or back. This is the foundational form of the move and is often used as a transition in battle routines.
• Backflip Drop: This advanced variation involves a backflip into a landing on the back or shoulders. It requires greater athleticism and control and is usually performed by more experienced dancers.
• Backdrop to Windmill: A popular combination where a dancer transitions from a backdrop directly into a windmill. The momentum from the drop can seamlessly flow into the rotational power of the windmill.
• Backdrop to Freeze: Some breakers use the backdrop to transition into intricate freezes, where they stop the momentum in a specific pose. This requires strength and balance, as the transition must be precise to avoid losing control.

History of the Backdrop in Breaking

The backdrop has roots in the early days of breakdancing and is closely tied to the power move style that emerged in the late 1970s and early 1980s. As breaking evolved, dancers began to incorporate more acrobatic elements into their routines, pushing the boundaries of what was possible on the dance floor.

The backdrop, with its dynamic movement and potential for high-impact transitions, quickly became a staple. Legendary crews such as the Rock Steady Crew and the New York City Breakers were among the early pioneers to incorporate backdrops into their routines, using them as both a transitional and showcase move during battles.

As breaking became more global, the backdrop spread through international competitions and b-boy/b-girl events. It became a go-to move for dancers looking to integrate power and flow into their performances.

Importance of the Backdrop in Modern Breakdancing

Today, the backdrop remains a vital element of breakdancing. While more intricate and extreme moves have emerged, the backdrop still serves as a foundational technique that new breakers learn and incorporate into their dance vocabulary. It’s used both as a basic skill for beginners and as a tool for more advanced dancers to transition between complex moves.

In modern breakdancing competitions, where judges evaluate creativity, technique, and control, a well-executed backdrop can enhance the flow of a performance. It’s also a move that can demonstrate a breaker’s athleticism and precision, two key components in competitive breaking.

With the inclusion of breakdancing in global competitions like the Olympics, moves like the backdrop are evolving. Dancers are finding new ways to innovate and reinvent these foundational moves, creating fresh variations and combinations that push the art form forward.

Training and Safety Tips

Given the nature of the move, safety is a critical aspect when learning and performing the backdrop. Proper training, strength, and conditioning are essential to avoid injuries, especially in the lower back, shoulders, and neck. Here are a few tips for mastering the move safely:

• Warm-Up: Always warm up before attempting a backdrop. Focus on stretching the back, shoulders, and legs to ensure flexibility and prevent strains.
• Progress Gradually: Start with simple backward falls onto padded surfaces. Gradually increase the height and intensity of the fall as confidence builds.
• Conditioning: Strengthen the core and back muscles, as these play a critical role in stabilizing the body during the move.
• Use of a Spotter: When first attempting more advanced variations, such as backdrop to windmill or backflips, having a spotter can reduce the risk of injury.

Conclusion

The backdrop in breakdancing is an essential move that connects style, athleticism, and creativity. From its origins in the Bronx to its prominence on the global stage, this move embodies the innovative spirit of breaking. Whether used as a simple transition or an explosive power move, the backdrop continues to play a vital role in the evolution of breakdancing, inspiring dancers to push the limits of their physical abilities while staying true to the roots of hip-hop culture.