The Nike Field Reporter

I have always had a secret wish to learn how to breakdance. Just watching a breakdancer move with their fluidity and rawness just blows my mind. Whether the performers are dancing live or in a movie, they amaze me each time.

Unlike ballet or tap, there are not really any classes where you can learn this form of dance. However, my desire finally got the best of me, and so I researched if there were classes offered a little farther away from my home base. I found one being offered at a gym called AcroSports. Even though I was excited, I was also a little nervous because I have never taken any type of dance class before. Choreographed moves just aren’t my thing. In fact, every time I’ve taken a step aerobics class, or any other group class that has required some sort of counting in time, I’ve expended more effort trying to figure out the count than getting a workout.

We begun the class with an extended amount of stretching. For about a half hour, we stretched our arms, legs, necks, back, etc. I never considered how essential stretching is to breakdancing, but after the class, I am so glad we took the time to do so. Next, our instructor Johnie (as pictured above) taught us some of the basic moves such as “top rock” and “dead leg.” Then we learned a routine, which he broke down step by step. All I can say is breakdancing is a lot harder than it looks, and I was not expecting to break a sweat. By the end of the class, I was practically dripping. Overall, I loved it, and cannot wait to go back. I even learned something I was never able to do ... a headstand! If you live in the San Francisco Bay Area, I would definitely recommend you busting out of your comfort and giving breakdancing a try. For more information, check out AcroSports website.

-Ashley Ceaser