Windmill Breakdance: How to Do the B-Boy Power Move (Step by Step)

Introduction

The windmill, also known as the continuous back spin, is one of the most iconic and fundamental power moves in breaking (breakdancing). This dynamic move involves the dancer rolling their torso continuously in a circular motion on the floor while twirling their legs in a V-shape through the air. The windmill is not only visually impressive but also serves as a foundation for many other advanced power moves. Its fluid, circular motion and the strength required to execute it make it a staple in b-boy battles, cyphers, and showcases. While it may look intimidating at first, with proper technique and practice, even beginners can learn to master this essential breaking move.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

The windmill was accidentally created by Ken Swift of the Rock Steady Crew from the Bronx, New York. The move originated when Swift overshot his chair freeze, resulting in a continuous back spin. Inspired by kung fu films, particularly those featuring Bruce Lee, the windmill drew inspiration from a ground-based kung fu kick. Since its inception, the windmill has become a widely popular move in the breaking community, evolving into various styles and variations over the years.

Step By Step Instruction

1. Start in a back spin position with your legs in a V-shape.
2. As you spin, transfer your weight from your upper back to one shoulder.
3. Continue the rotation to your other shoulder, keeping your hips and legs elevated.
4. Move to your upper back, maintaining the circular motion.
5. Use your head as a pivot point to continue the rotation.
6. Kick your legs in a circular motion to generate momentum.
7. Keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the move.
8. Use your arms to help control and guide your rotation.
9. Repeat the motion, flowing from shoulder to shoulder and back.

Tips For Learning

• Master the turtle freeze and backspin before attempting the windmill.
• Practice balancing on your shoulders and moving between shoulder freezes.
• Focus on keeping your feet off the ground to maintain a clean rotation.
• Generate momentum with your legs by kicking them in a circular motion.
• Build flexibility in your legs, shoulders, and back to improve your form.
• Start with slower rotations and gradually increase speed as you improve.

Conclusion

The windmill is a cornerstone move in breaking that showcases a dancer's strength, control, and fluidity. While it may take time and dedication to master, the windmill opens up a world of possibilities for combining with other moves and developing your unique style. As you progress, you can explore variations like power windmills, no-handed windmills, and combinations with other power moves. Remember, consistent practice and proper technique are key to perfecting this iconic b-boy move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Windmill in breakdancing?

The Windmill (also called the continuous backspin) is an iconic b-boy power move where the dancer rolls their torso continuously in a circular motion on the floor while their legs twirl through the air in a V-shape. It's one of the most recognizable power moves in breaking and serves as the foundation for many advanced variations.

Who created the Windmill breakdance move?

The Windmill was accidentally created by Ken Swift of the Rock Steady Crew from the Bronx, New York. The move was born when Swift overshot a chair freeze and the momentum carried him into a continuous back spin. He drew additional inspiration from kung fu films , particularly Bruce Lee , which featured ground-based kicks that resembled the windmill's leg motion.

How long does it take to learn a Windmill?

Most dancers need 2-6 months of dedicated practice to perform a rough Windmill. A clean, sustained Windmill with good leg extension takes 6-12 months. Prerequisites like the backspin and turtle freeze should be solid first , jumping straight to the Windmill without those foundations dramatically slows progress and increases injury risk.

Is the Windmill dangerous to learn?

There's real risk if you skip the progressions. Landing hard on shoulders, neck, or lower back without proper technique can cause bruising or more serious injury. Learn the backspin and turtle freeze first, practice on padded surfaces, use a cypher mat or a thick rug, and consider wearing a beanie to protect your head. Ramp up slowly.

What's the most common Windmill mistake?

Not keeping the feet off the ground. The Windmill only LOOKS like a windmill when the legs stay fully elevated in the V-shape throughout the rotation. Beginners drag their feet on the floor, which both kills the visual and ruins the momentum. Kick harder from the hips and keep the feet UP , that single adjustment fixes half the problems beginners have.

More Breaking Dance Moves

If you liked the Windmill, these moves share the same continuous floor rotation mechanics or are the direct prerequisites the windmill is built on:

• Mastering the Backspin: A Fundamental Breaking Power Move , The backspin is the direct prerequisite to the windmill , Ken Swift discovered the windmill by overshooting a backspin, and the mechanics of spinning on your upper back are the same foundation both moves use.
• Mastering the Thomas Flare: A Powerful Breaking Move , The flare and windmill are the two most commonly combined power moves in breaking because both rely on continuous circular leg motion and are designed to transition into each other.
• Mastering the Swipe: A Fundamental Breaking Power Move , Swipes and windmills share the same rotational momentum and are frequently chained in sets, with the Swipe acting as a natural entry or transition between windmill repetitions.
• Mastering the Headspin: A Gravity-Defying Breaking Move , The headspin is the classic finish after a windmill run in competition, and building both moves in parallel gives you one of the most recognized power move combinations in breaking.