Break Dancing 101
Vol. 2: The Six Step
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The Six Step is among the most fundamental moves in breaking. It is the foundation and core of all footwork. Anyone who knows breaking knows the Six Step. Almost any move can be transitioned into and out of this essential move, an unchanged and timeless aspect of the breaking world. It is rarely seen without variation but it is a crucial learning point in your journey to becoming a bboy or bgirl. The Six Step will improve your overall comfort on the floor and enhance your breaking abilities. Just like the name implies, the Six Step is comprised of six steps!
Important: Like any move in breaking, you should always master both directions. I will teach a clockwise Six Step but make sure you practice both sides. Throughout this lesson, you should be on your toes for better balance, not your heels and not flat footed!
Step 0: This is called ‘zero position.’ This is not the first step in the Six Step but rather a starting position. Stand up straight and place both legs out-about twice the length of your shoulders. Place both hands on the floor so your weight is 50-50 between hands and feet. Your hips should be almost in line with your shoulders and your knees should be slightly bent and soft.
Step 1: For the first step, you are going to take your right leg and straighten it to the left. You will be replacing your left hand so your right foot is about where your left hand just was. Your hips should still be raised, don’t let them sink! Your left foot should not move.
Step 2: The second step is a smaller one. Your left foot steps forward a bit and is tucked directly behind your right leg. Your right foot does not move but the knee bends to create a pocket for your left foot/ankle. Your hips may come down slightly here but make sure your butt never touches the ground. Your right hand is the only hand on the ground and your right leg should be wrapped around your left foot. Your left foot and right hand are carrying all your weight.
Step 3: The third step in the Six Step is called ‘neutral position.’ It is also a potential starting position. It is called neutral position because it is a fantastic place to transition into and out of other footwork or shuffles (shuffles=footwork). In this step, your left foot does not move and your right hand stays connected to the floor. You place your right foot underneath your buttocks so that both legs and feet are in the same position. Your knees should be forward past your feet. Your buttocks should be directly above your ankles so that you could take your right hand off the floor and balance for awhile. After you have correct leg placement, make sure your knees are about shoulder width apart. Take your right hand off the floor and put your left hand down on the left side of your body. Your upper body should be leaning back slightly.
Step 4: Take your left leg and cross it over your right ankle. You should form a pocket, like in Step 2, and confirm that the backside of your left knee is directly connected to your right ankle. Your left hand and your right foot do not move for this step. You’ll notice that this position is the mirror of Step 2.
Step 5: Your right foot takes a small step back and your left leg straightens. Notice where your left foot is placed from Step 4 and make sure that your leg straightens without your foot moving. Your right knee is bent and your hips slightly rise in this position.
Step 6: You’re almost done! With your weight distributed between both feet and your left hand, move your left foot back to ‘zero position.’ This means both hands and both feet are on the floor now with your hips at shoulder height and your knees slightly bent. If your hips are too low for this final step it may cause difficulty. Make sure they are at the correct level and experiment to find what feels best for you.
Good work! You’re much closer to calling yourself a breaker. After you master both sides of the Six Step, experiment with ways to transition into a baby freeze (Volume 1). Try getting into a baby freeze from each step in the Six Step and discover which way feel the easiest for you. Don’t miss the next vital element of breaking in Volume 3: THE TOP ROCK.