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How to Get Off Your Back From a Windmill While Breakdancing

The windmill is a classic breakdancing move that is frequently performed during dance routines and b-boy battles. During the move, dancers spin from their backs to their hands while flaring their legs out in a “v” shape, similar to the blades of a windmill. An important aspect of performing the windmill correctly is transitioning from your back to your palms and then back again without interruption.

Instructions

    • 1

      Begin the windmill in the handspin position with a wide leg stance. Walk yourself around a few times, picking up speed as you go. The key to smoothly getting off your back during the move is working up plenty of momentum before you start the windmill.

    • 2

      Flip over to your back, keeping your hands facing up. After you’ve gone around a couple of times during your introductory spin, roll over onto your back for a quarter turn. When you’re on your back, bring your arms to your body with your palms up. Make sure to hold your legs out and up in a "v" shape as you flip onto your back.

    • 3

      Rotate your upper body back over to your starting position, landing on your palms. On the next quarter turn, use your momentum to flip back over onto your hands. If you keep your hands directly in front of your chest, you’ll be able to get off of your back in one fluid motion.

    • 4

      Continue performing the windmill in a circle, flipping from your back to your palms on each quarter turn. If you’re right-handed, use your right arm to lead the motion and control your spins when you’re in handspin position. If you’re left-handed, use your left arm instead.

Break Dancing

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