Popping Basics for Beginners: Tips and Techniques

Agree, when you watch professional poppers perform, it seems impossible to reach their level? It feels like popping is made for the chosen few. This scares off even the thought of dancing, let alone trying. Actually, it's not that hard, and the greats were once beginners. The key is to decide and start. Here are some tips and techniques that will guide you into the world of popping.

1. Prepare your hands.
Imagine hitting an imaginary wall with your hands. Start with high amplitude, then gradually decrease it. Eventually, your movements should resemble a spasm in speed. Remember, you don't need to break the wall. All you need is a light, lightning-fast hit. The power should be concentrated in your hands, not your arms. Keep your arms relaxed. This creates a pulsating motion. Suddenly tense your hand, make a small thrust forward, return to starting position. Switch hands. When you feel confident, combine them. Congratulations, one technique is ready. You can add it to your dance.

2. Work on your triceps.
In popping, it's not about sharpness but muscle development. Because these are the muscles you'll tense and relax. That's what creates the robot effect. You need to tense the muscle enough to see it move. You don't need to move your arms for this. All power is concentrated in the triceps. Tense, relax. Imagine something breaking in your arm and mimic it. First work on each part separately. Then combine, and you can add your hands.

3. Focus on your legs.
There are only two directions for your legs: forward or back. When a leg moves in one direction, tense and bend it. Keep your feet on the floor. But imagine you're stamping on something. Relax your leg, fully straighten it. The movement comes from the muscles, not the leg. Energy should pulse from bottom to top, then down again. Combine. Add music. Enjoy. Pulse.

4. Understand the musical concept of popping.
In popping, music is visual. Your body should show what is elusive to the ear. You show what the music looks like. Pulse when needed, feel the rhythm.

5. Practice in front of a mirror.
It's important to see yourself from the outside; this way you're more likely to correct flaws. Early sessions should be in front of a mirror. After you've worked everything out, step away. Because constant mirror practice can be limiting. You need to feel your body. So, over time, forget about mirrors.

6. Study techniques and history. Watch what the first poppers loved. This will help you understand what a popper is. So, seek the origins.

7. Break down your training into stages.
— Don't try to master all techniques at once; do it gradually. Here's a sample training plan:
— Week 1: Learn to pulse with your legs;
— Week 2: Arm waves;
— Week 3: Full body waves;
— It's advisable to consult with someone knowledgeable to help create a proper schedule.

Watch your shoulders
They should remain still. Don't shift the load onto them. That's the muscles' job. So, work your arms well.

Dance with your neck
All poppers need a flexible neck because it's one of the most important elements of the dance. There are circular and linear rotations. Pay special attention to them. Release tension in your neck.

Leg exercises
— Thrust with your left leg;
— Return it to place;
— Thrust with your right leg;
— Return to starting position;
— Repeat the set.

Some arm training methods
— Thrust with your triceps while reaching your arms toward the ceiling. This helps work the muscles;
— Thrust with your biceps while directing your arms backward;
— Well, now you're armed to the teeth and ready to defend. Good luck!