Quick question about Breakdancing...

Just a quick question, though maybe I'm overthinking it xD

What do you all think—is it too late to start getting into Breakdancing at 23?

Or is age actually irrelevant compared to other traits or physical abilities? If so, which ones matter most?

I’m mostly just looking to do my own thing, maybe jam out to some records and hang with a crew. I have zero interest in the competitive scene unless, by some miracle, I actually turn out to be talented. 🙂

It’s never too late to start. You should definitely check out www.gymnasticbodies.com. There is actually a massive amount of overlap between gymnastics and breakdancing, especially when you look at pressing strength. I think you'll find their wrist prehab and rehab drills particularly useful; a lot of Bboys deal with chronic wrist issues simply because they haven't been introduced to these kinds of corrective exercises. There are even a few Bboys featured on the site, so I'm sure you'll find some practical, actionable info there.

Is there anyone out there? 😁

To give you an idea, when I was about 16, I tried out a hip-hop dance class for about a month...

...and honestly? I quit. At that beginner level, the whole class was just a bunch of 11 and 12-year-olds—so, yeah, I couldn't really vibe with following all those rigid rules or spending my time drilling basic steps. Nowadays, I just dance for the pure joy of it—for me, and me only. 🙂

If I can offer some advice: find someone who actually lives and breathes this stuff, and have them walk you through the core concepts of Breakdancing. Once you get the foundation down, you can just take it from there and practice on your own.

Where I used to go, there were plenty of dancers around, and the ones who really made it were the ones who stayed hungry—they’d show up early and put in at least another thirty minutes of practice while everyone else was heading home.

Dance should be about passion... it shouldn't feel like some chore or homework assignment. If you truly want this, being 23 isn't a barrier to anything. Just loooove it! 😁

Keep it on!

Chloe Alvarez7 said:For instance, when I was 16, I tried hip-hop classes for about a month...

and... well, I gave up. At that beginner level, the class was filled with eleven and twelve-year-olds, and honestly, I just couldn't stomach following all their rigid rules or drilling basic steps. Now, I just dance for the pure joy of it—for my own sake, and only that. 🙂

My suggestion? Find someone who actually lives and breathes this stuff, and have them walk you through the core fundamentals of Breakdancing. Once you've got the basics down, you can practice on your own.

Where I used to go, there were plenty of Bboys, and the ones who really made it were the ones driven by a constant desire to improve. They were always the first ones in the studio, putting in an extra thirty minutes of work while everyone else was heading home.

Dancing is about passion... you shouldn't view it as some sort of chore or homework assignment. If your heart is truly in it, nothing is impossible, even at 23 years old. Just loooove it! 😁

Keep it going!

I really admire your enthusiasm for dance. 🙂 I completely agree that you should dance for the sheer pleasure of it; that’s exactly why I want to learn a few moves—so that when I am dancing for fun, it actually looks like something! 🙂

Keep it going, two steps forward, one step back! xD

I don't want to sound like a broken record, but I really suggest you look into some gymnastics or more advanced bodyweight training if you're serious about getting into Breakdancing. You'll learn how to actually control your own weight at some pretty weird angles, and it'll help you develop much better balance and coordination, which is absolutely essential for Breakdance.

Paul Baker29 said:I don't mean to sound like a broken record, but I really suggest looking into gymnastics or some more advanced bodyweight training if you're thinking about getting into Breakdancing. It'll teach you how to control your own weight at some pretty weird angles and help develop a much better sense of balance and coordination, which is absolutely vital for Breakdance.

I actually checked out that link you sent right away, and it looks pretty interesting. I actually took gymnastics back in college, so I know firsthand just how much strength it takes and how much you level up after a certain amount of time. If I ever decide to dive into Breakdance, then I’ll definitely start working on my gymnastics; for now, I'm sticking to the gym—my true first love. xD

If I could be any kind of athlete for just a few days, I’d definitely choose to be a gymnast because I find them absolutely fascinating! 🙂 I'm sure you've heard of Dominic Lacasse... or Damien Walters... if you haven't, go check them out on YouTube! 🙂

Don't worry about it, I've already taken care of that.
You really ought to film this Bboy kid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLygo...layer_embedded

Paul Baker29 said:Don't worry about it, I've already moved past that stage.
Just check out this video of this Bboy kid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLygo...layer_embedded

That's insane... the way he transitions from those planches straight into that scorpion move... man. 😁I honestly feel like signing up for a Breakdance class right this second, though I should probably cool off before I start overthinking things and getting too carried away. xD

Don't overthink it—just go out there and make it happen.

Hey there. I totally get where you're coming from. Watching people crush it with Breakdancing is what hooked me too—there are just some moves that look so cool you can't help but want to try them yourself. But man, let me tell you, it’s a serious grind. It takes a massive amount of physical conditioning and constant training to actually pull stuff off. You basically need nerves of steel to stick with it, especially since most people don't even start seeing real progress until they've been at it for a few years.
I actually have a couple of buddies who used to do it, and one of them is still going strong after twelve years. I might hit him up to see if he has any tips or advice for getting started.

Drew Sanchez82 said:Hey there. I was drawn to Breakdancing for the exact same reason you were—just watching other people perform it. That itch to start learning really hits you once you see those specific, intricate moves. But honestly, it’s an immense physical undertaking. You have to get into incredible shape through intense training, which honestly requires a certain level of mental toughness just to stick with it. Some people don't even find their footing until they've been at it for several years.
I actually have a few friends who used to do this; one of them is still active after twelve years, so I might reach out to him for some pointers or advice.

Of course, I'm not under any illusion that this happens overnight... it takes hard work, constant practice, and more work.🙂 It's just that I struggle with the idea of starting if I'm essentially destined to fail from day one. If it's too late for me, then what? Like you said, Breakdance is incredibly demanding both physically and technically, so I'm genuinely unsure how much time it takes just to master the basics before you can actually put together a decent routine.🙂

Regarding my physical fitness, I think my foundation is solid. I'm in pretty good shape, though I'm not sure if I possess the specific kind of strength that makes learning these moves easier. For context, I can knock out 100 push-ups in a row, 40 pull-ups, 10 muscle-ups, 60 sit-ups in a minute, and 55 dips. I also have a decent sense of rhythm since I played music for eight years, and I'd say my coordination is good, even if my balance isn't exactly something I'd brag about.😁

Richard Cook2 said:Of course, I don't think this happens overnight... it’s all about hard work, pure and simple. 🙂 But honestly, I struggle to even start if I feel like I'm already destined to fail—like, what if I've missed the boat? Because Breakdance is just as physically demanding as you say, not to mention the technical side. I have no clue how long it takes just to nail the basics before you can actually put a set together. 🙂

Regarding my fitness, I think my foundation is pretty solid. I'm in decent shape, but I'm not sure if I have the specific kind of strength that makes learning easier. For example, I can knock out 100 push-ups in one go, 40 pull-ups, 10 muscle-ups, 60 crunches in a minute, and 55 dips. I've got a good sense of rhythm since I played music for eight years, and I'm fairly coordinated, though my balance isn't exactly anything to brag about. 😁

Yeah, work is everything. You just have to stay consistent. It’s true that a lot of Bboys start training super young, usually around 10 to 15 years old, but starting at 20 isn't late at all. In just a few years of solid work, you can gain enough experience to be really happy with yourself.
It's not like you're trying to win an Olympic gold medal right now and the clock is ticking, right? 🙂 Just getting started is enough, even at 20. I'll be 25 in a few months myself, and I don't think it would be too late for me if I decided to jump in now or sometime soon.

And picking up the basics is way easier if you have a connection to it—like knowing a Bboy who can show you the ropes and introduce you to the scene. Everything starts with those fundamental steps before you move on to the big stuff. That link you posted above isn't really a Bboy, it's more like a gymnast. If their moves make you nervous, don't sweat it; those movements aren't quite the same as what you see in Breakdance.

Some of my buddies think you can see major results in just a couple of months of intense training, but the real key is having the willpower. You have to know that you won't just quit the moment things get tough or frustrating. It can't just be some passing hobby where you bail after a few months to find something else. You really have to love Breakdance to make it happen.
As for your fitness, I'd say you're in great shape. When you're training, protein will definitely help you out, but honestly, your best bet is to head down to a local supplement shop and ask the staff what they recommend for building muscle mass.
And whatever your balance is like, just put in a little extra work on it and you'll see improvement. 😉

Drew Sanchez82 said:Yes, hard work is the absolute priority here, and you really need to be as consistent as possible. It’s true that many Bboys start training at a very young age—averaging somewhere between 10 and 15 years old—but starting in your early 20s isn't too late either. In just a few years, you can gain enough experience to feel genuinely satisfied with your progress.
It isn't quite a case of the clock ticking away just because you want to turn professional, right? 🙂 Simply getting started is enough, even if you're 20. I'll be turning 25 in a few months myself, and I don't think it would be too late for me if I decided to start now or in the near future.

Mastering the basics is much easier if you already have a connection to the scene—for instance, if you know a certain Bboy who can show you some fundamentals and introduce you to the world of dance. You always have to start with the basic steps before moving on to more complex moves. That person in the link above isn't actually a Bboy; he's a gymnast. If his movements make you a bit nervous, don't worry; those movements aren't exactly the same as what you'll see in Breakdancing.

Some of my friends believe you can achieve your desired results within just a few months of intense training, but the most vital thing is having the willpower. You have to know deep down that you won't quit the moment things get difficult; you have to stay persistent. This shouldn't just be a passing hobby where you give up after a few months and look for something else to pass the time. You truly have to love Breakdance to succeed in it.
Regarding your physical condition, I'd say you're in pretty good shape. When you're training, protein supplements can really help with your diet, though it's probably best to go talk to some professionals at a local supplement shop to figure out what would suit you best for building muscle mass.
And whatever your current fitness level is, if you put in a little more work, it will definitely improve.😉

I know, that gymnast guy is incredibly strong. 🙂 As for Bboys, I know a few people from my university, so I'll have to reach out to them. 🙂 The real issue is that I'm not sure yet if this is just a phase or if I'm truly going to commit to it; I'll wait a little longer to see if the interest holds, and then I'll sign up for something. 🙂 Also, I graduate from college in two years, and then I'll need to start working, so I'm not sure how much time or energy I'll have for Breakdance back then...

As for nutrition and protein, I've got a handle on that. Generally speaking, I'm quite knowledgeable about exercise since it's actually what I'm studying. 🙂 Comfortable and useful, haha!

Definitely, thanks for the advice! 😁 👍

Drew Sanchez82 said:The guy in that link isn't even a Bboy; he's basically just a gymnast.

Actually, no. That kid is definitely a Bboy. Just because he can pull off a planche doesn't mean he belongs on a gymnastics floor.
Have you ever heard of junior?

Paul Baker29 said:Not quite. The kid is a Bboy. Just because he can pull off a planche doesn't automatically make him a gymnast.
Are you even familiar with the name Junior?

The guy was actually referring to your link... whereas I was talking about those two I mentioned earlier...
What you posted is definitely a Bboy, even if he's doing planches.🙂

Junior is absolute royalty!

Richard Cook2 said:I know he's got that gymnast vibe, the guy is seriously strong. 🙂 As for the Bboys, I know a few people from my college classes, so I'll probably have to reach out to them. 🙂 The thing is, I'm not even sure if this is just a passing phase or if I'll actually go all in. I'll hang on a little longer to see if the spark stays, then maybe sign up for some classes. 🙂 Plus, I've got about two years left until I graduate, and then comes the whole "real world" job situation. Not sure how much time or energy I'll have left for Breakdancing...

As for food and protein, I've got a handle on that. I'm pretty well-versed in training since it's basically what I study. 🙂 It's nice when your hobbies and your major actually line up, haha!

Anyway, thanks for the insight. 😁 👍

Yeah, you can tell he trains hard. He can move his body into some wild positions.
You can always find Bboys on Facebook. You end up becoming friends and just asking them for tips. They usually have a massive circle of friends on there anyway, so sending a friend request isn't a big deal. Most of them are cool enough to explain things if you ask.
Just wait and see if you're still feeling it. If it's not just a temporary craze, then give it a shot. There’s really no point in jumping into something this demanding—something that takes so much sweat and time—if you're just going to lose interest in a month. And honestly, you can always find time for it, regardless of what kind of job you have. 😉

Eating right is huge if you want to build the physique needed for that style of dance. Protein helps a lot with that process. That friend I mentioned before used to take protein supplements for a while, but he doesn't need them anymore because he's hit his goal and is happy with how he looks. So, he has zero issues with his breaking (even though he does hip-hop too).

Just be careful not to overdo it with the protein shakes like I did. Back in the day, I used to try and swap actual meals for shakes, but they're just supplements. Doing that can mess up your stomach for a while, if not longer. I was using them back when I was doing extreme cycling, and you definitely need grit for that, even if your weight doesn't matter as much as muscle strength (and mental toughness).

Paul Baker29 said:Not quite. The guy is a Bboy. Just because he can do a planche doesn't make him a gymnast.
Have you heard of junior?

Okay, maybe he is a Bboy, but those moves in the video looked more like gymnastics than standard breaker moves. There were a couple of Breakdance moves in there, though—I think one is called "turtle" or "crab."

Nah, never heard of him.

Junior is pretty much famous for his planche. But you know, it’s not just a thing for gymnasts; Bboys, acrobats, and capoeira practitioners all get into it too.

I'm not entirely sure what a planche entails, but I've got a feeling it’s no walk in the park.
Yeah, and capoeira is such a cool skill to pick up. It’s got this awesome vibe because it blends dance moves with martial arts, which makes the whole thing look really unique.

Drew Sanchez82 said:I'm not entirely sure what a Planche entails, but I imagine it's quite a feat to pull off.
Indeed, and capoeira is such a fascinating discipline. It’s especially engaging because it blends dance movements with martial arts, which gives it such a unique flair.

A Planche is basically a push-up with your legs suspended in mid-air.🙂