Old Dogs Apparently Can Learn New Tricks aka Sarah finds her inner "B-Girl"

Break-dancing, breaking or hip-hop dancing is very new to me. Although it has been a street art-form for nearly forty years, hip-hop only entered the dance studio culture about ten years ago. By that time, I had already finished my formative dance training.

I took a two hour hip-hop intensive during last week's session of Taking Healthy Steps, one of the many programs I help out with at Boston Ballet. Boy was I SORE, but I discovered, that I really like it!

I'd like to share a bit of what I learned during the class.

"Top-rocking" is the most basic footwork that one can start out with. I found this YouTube video for an example:



There are all sorts of variations on this basic footwork that you can use to transition between "power-moves," such as flips and flares, floorwork, and "freezes."

I learned a few freezes, which I was pleasantly surprised that I was strong enough to do.

The simplest freeze is called the "Candlestick"



This is much like doing a shoulder stand in yoga, except you want to create angles with your legs, instead of straight lines. Pointing toes in hip-hop is a no-no!

Secondly, I learned to do the "Frog"



This is HARD!!!

Lastly, I was surprised to discover that I could pull off the "Spider"



I couldn't resist half-pointing my toes, (old habits die hard), but I'll work on flexing them, HAR HAR! One thing at a time right?

If you've made it this far, and enjoyed the post, leave a "B-Girl" name suggestion in the comments! Maybe if they amuse me enough there will be a prize for my favorite... :)