How to Ninety nine (power move) element in breakdancing?

Breakdancing, or breaking, is a highly dynamic and athletic dance style that evolved out of hip-hop culture in the 1970s. Among its core elements—toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes—power moves stand out for their explosive, acrobatic nature. One of the most physically demanding and visually impressive power moves in the breaking repertoire is the Ninety-Nine.

This move requires extraordinary strength, balance, and control, and it serves as a testament to a breaker’s athleticism. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the Ninety-Nine: its mechanics, training techniques, history, and its place in modern breaking.

What is the Ninety-Nine?

The Ninety-Nine is a power move that combines elements of balance, strength, and rotation. It involves spinning on one hand, with the rest of the body extended upward and legs pointing straight into the air, resembling a handstand. Unlike traditional handstands, which are stationary, the Ninety-Nine incorporates rapid spinning or rotation while maintaining that inverted position.

The name “Ninety-Nine” likely comes from the near 90-degree angle of the body when performing this move, although the exact origin of the name remains unclear. It could also be seen as a variation or evolution of the original 1990 move, which is an upright one-handed spin initiated from a standing position. The Ninety-Nine, however, is more intense, faster, and more technical, setting it apart from similar moves.

Mechanics of the Ninety-Nine

To execute the Ninety-Nine properly, a breaker must understand the biomechanics of the move. Here are the key elements:

1. Hand Placement and Grip: The hand that supports the body during the spin is crucial. Breakers typically use their stronger hand to create a solid base on the floor, either flat on the palm or balancing on the fingertips to maintain grip and stability.
2. Entry: Most breakers enter the Ninety-Nine from a freeze, typically a turtle freeze or a handstand freeze. The smoother the transition into the move, the better control the breaker will have over their body once rotation starts.
3. Body Alignment: The body needs to remain aligned and stiff. The legs are kept straight and close together, forming a vertical line that minimizes air resistance during the spin. Any deviation from this straight form can destabilize the move.
4. Rotation: The rotation is generated by an explosive push from the legs during the handstand entry and continued with small body adjustments, primarily through shoulder and core strength. Breakers often use the momentum of the initial kick to drive the spin and use their hand to control the speed and direction.
5. Balance and Control: Maintaining balance on one hand while spinning is the most difficult part. It requires incredible wrist, forearm, shoulder, and core strength. Throughout the move, the breaker must constantly adjust their body’s position and center of mass to keep spinning without falling out of control.
6. Speed and Precision: Speed is a critical factor in the Ninety-Nine. Faster spins can generate more impressive visuals, but they also require greater precision in body control. Skilled breakers know how to adjust their speed mid-spin to extend the move’s duration while maintaining stability.

Training for the Ninety-Nine

The Ninety-Nine is not a move for beginners. Breakers often need years of training to master the combination of balance, strength, and coordination required for this power move. Here’s a breakdown of the key training components:

1. Handstand Strength: Since the Ninety-Nine is an advanced variation of a one-handed handstand, training for basic handstand control is essential. Breakers often practice both two-handed and one-handed handstands for extended periods to build the necessary shoulder, arm, and core strength.
2. Core Stability: The core plays a significant role in maintaining balance during the spin. Exercises such as planks, leg raises, and hollow body holds help in developing the required stability. Core strength ensures that the breaker’s body stays aligned while rotating.
3. Wrist and Forearm Conditioning: The wrists bear the brunt of the body’s weight during the Ninety-Nine, making wrist strength and flexibility critical. Conditioning exercises such as wrist rotations, push-ups on the fingertips, and forearm stretches help in preventing injuries while enhancing strength.
4. Flexibility and Body Control: Flexibility, especially in the shoulders and hips, enables smoother movement into and out of the Ninety-Nine. Training with static and dynamic stretches for these areas ensures a fluid performance while minimizing strain on the joints.
5. Spinning Techniques: Breakers often practice spins like the 1990 and windmills before progressing to the Ninety-Nine. These moves help build an understanding of rotational mechanics and momentum management, which are essential for advanced power moves.
6. Progressive Training: As the Ninety-Nine is extremely demanding, most breakers progress slowly, beginning with two-handed spins or two-handed holds, and gradually reducing the number of limbs used as they build strength. Breakers may also practice the move with support from a spotter or using tools like wrist braces.

Evolution and Cultural Significance

The Ninety-Nine is often considered an evolution of the 1990. The 1990 involves a single handstand spin, but the Ninety-Nine pushes the boundaries by increasing the intensity and difficulty. While the Ninety-Nine wasn’t as prominent in early breaking history, it has become a staple in modern competitive breaking, especially in battles and showcases where breakers are judged on technicality, creativity, and the wow-factor of their moves.

In international competitions like the Red Bull BC One or the World B-Boy Series, breakdancers often use the Ninety-Nine as a high-level move to demonstrate superior athleticism. The move is also popular in the Olympic Breakdancing format, which made its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Performing the Ninety-Nine well in a battle often earns a breaker significant respect from peers, as it represents the pinnacle of physical power and control. Its execution is not only a display of physical prowess but also a representation of the breaker’s dedication to mastering the most difficult aspects of breaking.

Conclusion

The Ninety-Nine is one of the most iconic and challenging power moves in breakdancing, combining elements of strength, balance, flexibility, and control. It symbolizes the evolution of breaking, pushing the limits of what is physically possible within the art form. For any breaker, mastering the Ninety-Nine requires years of disciplined training, but it serves as a powerful showcase of skill and an undeniable display of artistry in the world of breaking.