Mastering the 1990: A Classic Power Move in Breaking

Introduction

The 1990, also known as "90s," is an iconic power move in breaking (breakdancing) that showcases a dancer's strength, balance, and control. This dynamic move involves spinning on one hand while the body is inverted in a handstand position. The 1990 is a crowd-pleaser that requires significant upper body strength and practice to execute smoothly. It's a staple in many b-boy and b-girl routines, often used as a transition between other moves or as a show-stopping finale. The 1990 not only demonstrates physical prowess but also adds a visually striking element to breaking performances, making it a highly sought-after skill among dancers in the breaking community.

Video Demonstration

Dance History

The 1990 emerged in the early 1980s as breaking was gaining popularity in urban areas, particularly in New York City. While the exact creator of the move is not definitively known, it quickly became a signature power move in breaking circles. The name "1990" is believed to have originated from the visual similarity of the dancer's body to the number "9" while performing the move, with the "0" representing the circular spinning motion. As breaking evolved, so did the 1990, with dancers developing various entry methods, transitions, and combinations, cementing its status as a fundamental power move in the breaking repertoire.

Step By Step Instruction

Start with a top rock step, moving into a backstep.
Place your dominant hand on the ground, fingers spread for stability.
Kick your legs up into a handstand position, balancing on your dominant hand.
Keep your body straight and tight, with legs together and toes pointed.
Begin to spin by pushing off with your free hand and twisting your hips.
Maintain balance by adjusting the pressure on your fingers and palm.
Keep your eyes focused on a fixed point to maintain orientation.
Continue spinning, using your core and legs to control the rotation.
To exit, lower your legs back to the ground or transition into another move.

Tips For Learning

Build up your upper body and core strength through exercises like push-ups and planks.
Practice handstands against a wall to improve balance and endurance.
Start with slower spins and gradually increase speed as you gain confidence.
Use a smooth, hard surface to practice for better spin control.
Focus on maintaining a tight body position throughout the spin.
Learn proper falling techniques to prevent injuries during practice.
Record yourself to analyze and improve your form.

Conclusion

The 1990 is a fundamental power move in breaking that requires dedication, strength, and practice to master. Its visually impressive nature and the skill required to execute it make it a highly respected move in the breaking community. By understanding its history, following the step-by-step instructions, and applying the learning tips, aspiring b-boys and b-girls can work towards adding this classic move to their repertoire. Remember, consistency and patience are key when learning the 1990, and with persistent practice, you'll be spinning with the best of them.

More Breaking Dance Moves

If you liked the 1990, these moves share the same demand for upper body strength, inverted balance, and rotational power:

Mastering the Headspin: A Gravity-Defying Breaking Move — Like the 1990, the headspin is a one-point inversion that requires balancing your entire body weight while sustaining rotation — the core skill set directly transfers.
Mastering the Windmill: The Iconic B-Boy Power Move — The windmill is often combined with the 1990 in competitive sets because both moves rely on continuous rotation and shoulder-to-core power.
Mastering the Thomas Flare: A Powerful Breaking Move — The flare demands the same full arm extension and hip elevation that the 1990 requires, making the two natural companions in any advanced power move study.
Mastering the Backspin: A Fundamental Breaking Power Move — The backspin is commonly used as an entry or exit to the 1990 since both involve sustained floor-level spinning and building rotational momentum.