When I decided I was going to learn how to break dance, I knew it would be no easy feat. Although I had already had experience in Hip-Hop dancing, taekwondo, and gymnastics, I was unsure if I could successfully breakdance. The only skill I knew was the coffee grinder, which was rusty, as I haven’t danced in a while, so I still had plenty to learn. Here’s where my story started:
Thursday, June 04th 12:24 pm: We are assigned in my Journalism class to do a timeline article. And I know exactly what to write about. Learning how to breakdance would be the perfect timeline article. Overjoyed, I try breaking in class with a friend, but it’s much harder than I thought. My coffee grinder is incredibly rusty. My sneakers have zero grip. I fall many times under the gaze of classmates, but I get right back up.
Friday, June 05th 1:24 pm: At my desk the next day, I research breakdancing. I learned its amazing history starting in the 1960’s. However, instead of feeling inspired, I feel intimidated. I think to myself, “HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT?!” I become scared to continue my journey.
Friday, June 05th 4:46 pm: In my room after a long, grueling school day, I become paralyzed with intimidation. I try the moonwalk, thinking it would be easy. It was not. I fail and fall over and over again, slipping on my hardwood floor, smashing into objects until I feel completely defeated.
Saturday, June 06th, 3:25 pm: I decide it’s time to get to business. I clear up my basement and get good shoes and tie them as tight as I can. I retry my coffee grinder again and again and again until it is perfect. Things are starting to look up; I feel confident in my skills.
Sunday, June 07th 5:45 pm: Gravity seems to be my greatest enemy. I try to transition my coffee grinder into other skills, but nothing seems to be working. Slowly, I start to become more fluid, learning one step at a time.
Monday, June 08th, 3:30 pm: I’m back to square one. During my lacrosse practice, agony strikes my feet. Because of my new cleats and the extremely hot turf, my feet hurt terribly, and I feel that I can’t even walk. Then it hits me: How am I going to breakdance?
Tuesday, June 09th, 8:14 am: I walk through the school hallway with my feet throbbing. I’m trapped in my classes, wondering how I’m going to complete my mission.
Wednesday, June 10th, 6:30 am: I have another lacrosse practice, and things are not getting better. I feel stuck, and I’m contemplating giving up. How can I breakdance if I can barely walk?
Thursday, June 11th, 3:01 pm: After school, I ice my feet and try again. I believe in myself. I can do this. I learn simple top-rock moves and start trying to transition my coffee grinder into other moves.
Friday, June 12th, 2:19 pm: After school, I have to pack, I have a lacrosse tournament, and I’ll be away for 2 days. I can’t breakdance. I feel like every forward step I take, I take 3 steps back.
Monday, June 15th, 5:30 pm: After school, I try for my last time to break. However, this time is different, I take my time, and try my best. I feel fluid, although I’m certainly not the best breakdancer. I finally got some of the basics down, even if it took my a week or two, I’m proud of myself.
For anyone reading this, I encourage you to try something new, whether it’s breakdancing or not. Even if it seems hard, it pays off.
