Breakdancing in 2026: Ten Moves You Must Master

As we step into 2026, breakdancing continues to evolve as a dynamic and expressive form of street dance. With its inclusion in global competitions and the Olympics, mastering the essential moves is more critical than ever for aspiring b-boys and b-girls. This article highlights ten fundamental moves that every breakdancer must master to remain competitive and showcase their skills on the dance floor.

The Windmill

The windmill is a classic breakdancing move that showcases strength, speed, and control. To execute this move, begin in a lying position, kick your legs over your head, and use your arms to propel your body in a circular motion. The windmill is not only visually impressive but also serves as a foundation for many other moves.

The Headspin

Another iconic move, the headspin, requires balance and precision. Start by placing the crown of your head on the ground, and use your legs to push off, spinning your body in a horizontal position. Mastering the headspin takes practice, but once you can spin continuously, it will elevate your performance significantly.

The Baby Freeze

The baby freeze is a foundational position that allows dancers to transition into various other moves. This position involves balancing on your hands while resting your knee against your arm. It is essential to develop core strength and stability to maintain this position, making it a must-know move for any serious breakdancer.

The Flare

The flare is a visually striking move that demonstrates agility and upper body strength. To perform a flare, swing your legs outwards while rotating your body on your hands. The flare is often combined with other moves, creating fluid transitions that are essential for captivating performances.

The Turtle

The turtle is a foundational move that teaches dancers how to control their body weight while maintaining balance. To execute a turtle, squat down and place your arms on the ground, then lift your legs off the floor and hold the position. This move is not only practical for transitions but also adds a unique flair to your routine.

The Swipe

The swipe is a powerful move that combines acrobatics and style. To perform a swipe, you will need to kick your legs up while spinning your body, using your hands to maintain momentum. This move is a crowd-pleaser and is often used in battles to showcase creativity and athleticism.

The 1990

The 1990 is a challenging move that requires both strength and balance. To perform this move, start from a position similar to the baby freeze, then lift one leg and spin your body while keeping the other leg extended. Mastering the 1990 will significantly enhance your skill set and impress judges and audiences alike.

The Six Step

The six step is a fundamental footwork pattern in breakdancing. It involves moving in a circular motion while maintaining a low stance. This move is essential for transitioning between other moves and is often used as a warm-up exercise. The six step allows dancers to showcase their footwork and adds a layer of complexity to their performances.

The Airflare

The airflare is an advanced move that takes significant practice to master. It involves a series of rotations while balancing on your hands and swinging your legs in a circular motion. This move is often seen in high-level competitions and requires a good deal of upper body strength and technique to execute successfully.

The Backspin

The backspin is a classic closing move that every breakdancer should know. It involves spinning on your back while keeping your legs lifted. This move is not only fun to perform but also adds an exciting finish to your routine, making it a staple in breakdancing performances.