To dance on a longboard, you need to have a good sense of balance and coordination. Start with basic moves like step dancing, pivot turns, and cross-steps, then gradually work your way up to more advanced tricks like handstands and spins.
Longboarding is a fun and exciting sport that has become increasingly popular over the years. It combines the thrill of skateboarding with the smooth ride of a longboard. One aspect of longboarding that has gained popularity is dancing on a longboard. Dancing on a longboard is a unique way to express yourself through movement and balance. However, it takes practice and patience to master. In this article, we will discuss how to dance on a longboard and provide some tips to help you improve your skills.
Credit: lushlongboards.com
Getting Started: Choosing The Right Longboard
Longboarding is much more than just transportation, it’s a fun and exciting way to dance your way around town. Dancing on a longboard can be challenging but also rewarding once you’ve mastered the skill. Before you start busting out your moves, you need to choose the right longboard for dancing.
In this section, we’ll explain the factors you should consider when picking a longboard, recommended longboards for beginners, and the importance of getting familiar with your board.
Factors To Consider When Picking A Longboard For Dancing
Choosing the right longboard for dancing is crucial for your safety and success on the board.
- Deck length: longboards for dancing usually have longer decks, ranging from 42-48 inches. A long deck provides more space for your feet and makes dancing more comfortable.
- Deck flex: a flexible deck helps absorb shock and makes dancing smoother. However, if a board is too flexible, it can be hard to control, especially for beginners.
- Truck width: wide trucks give more stability and control when dancing, which is perfect for beginners. For more advanced dancers, narrower trucks can offer better maneuverability.
- Wheel size: smaller wheels are better for dancing as they give better control and response. However, bigger wheels will give you more speed, and you’ll need to decide what’s best for you based on your skill level.
- Board shape: a board specifically designed for dancing will have a double kicktail which allows for more tricks and better foot control. As you advance, you can explore different shapes and designs.
Recommended Longboards For Beginners
As a beginner, it’s important to choose a longboard that’s easy to handle and provides stability.
- Atom drop through longboard: this board has a comfortable and stable deck for beginners. It’s easy to push and turn, making it an excellent board for learning.
- Quest super cruiser longboard: this board is perfect for cruising and dancing. It’s easy to control and has a sturdy deck that can support more weight.
- Retrospec zed bamboo longboard: this board is ideal for beginners as it has a flexible bamboo deck designed for shock absorption. It’s also strong and durable.
- Magneto bamboo longboard: this board is made of bamboo and has a flexible deck that’s easy to control. It’s perfect for beginners learning to dance on a longboard.
Importance Of Familiarity With Your Board
Getting familiar with your longboard is an essential step in learning how to dance on it. You need to understand the board’s balance, how it turns, how it responds to your movements, and how it feels under your feet. The more comfortable you are with your board, the easier it will be to dance on it and perform tricks.
To dance on a longboard, you need to choose the right board that suits your needs and skill level. Start with a board that’s easy to handle and provides stability, learn to control it and familiarize yourself with it. With time and practice, you can master the art of dancing on a longboard.
Essential Dancing Techniques
Longboarding dancing is a unique and exciting way to express your creativity and style through music and movement. It involves performing various dance steps and tricks while riding a longboard. But before you start longboarding dancing, you need to learn some essential techniques to ensure a safe and successful experience.
In this blog post, we will discuss the three essential techniques for dancing on a longboard: proper stance and balance, basic dance steps, and footwork and positioning.
Proper Stance And Balance
Stance and balance are crucial when it comes to longboarding dancing. The right stance will help distribute your weight evenly, maintain control, and prevent injuries.
- Stand with your feet slightly less than shoulder-width apart, facing forward.
- Keep your knees slightly bent to absorb shocks and maintain balance.
- Keep your core engaged and centered over the board.
- Place your hands on the longboard to help with balance until you’re more comfortable.
Basic Dance Steps
While dancing on a longboard, you can showcase your creativity by adding your own flair to basic dance steps.
- Cross step: cross your leading foot over your back foot, then shift your weight to your leading foot, stepping forward and repeating.
- Peter pan: take your leading foot and step to the side while simultaneously lifting your back foot onto the ball of your foot. Return your back foot to the ground and repeat on the other side.
- Pirouette: with your leading foot on the board, lift your back foot and turn in a circular motion. Land with your back foot on the board and repeat.
Footwork And Positioning
Footwork and positioning are essential to executing dynamic turns, spins, and tricks.
- Use your toes and heels to shift your weight and turn the board.
- Place your feet in different positions on the board to change your center of gravity and create new moves.
- Keep your movements steady and smooth, using your arms for balance.
Tips For Executing Turns And Spins
Finally, here are some tips to help you execute turns and spins on your longboard:
- Keep your movements fluid and smooth to avoid falls and injuries.
- Start by practicing turns and spins slowly before increasing your speed.
- Practice on smooth surfaces with plenty of space to avoid obstacles.
Longboarding dancing is an excellent way to showcase your creativity and individuality. By following these essential techniques, you will be able to execute dynamic dance moves while maintaining balance and control. Practice these techniques regularly, start slow, and build up your skills to dance like a pro on a longboard!
3 Steps to Start Longboard Dancing
Drills And Exercises For Improving Your Dancing Skills
Longboarding is so much more than just cruising down a hill or moving from one place to another; it is an art form that involves combining dance moves with skateboard tricks. Dancing on a longboard requires a lot of balance, agility, and practice to execute the moves correctly.
In this section, we will explore some drills and exercises that will help you improve your dancing skills.
Balance And Agility Drills
Improving your balance and agility is crucial for longboarding.
- The rail walk: practice walking along the board’s edge while your board is stationary. This will help you gain better balance and coordination on your board.
- The tic tac: this involves quick turns and weight shifts to help you maintain balance while moving. You can start by doing this on a small, flat area and gradually increase your speed and turn angles.
- The manual: a manual is a move where you lift the front or back wheels of your board and maintain balance. This drill helps to improve your balance and control when shifting weight and maintaining balance.
Dance Routine Drills
Dancing on a longboard is all about linking various moves and creating a dance routine.
- The cross step: this is the foundation of most longboard dance routines. Cross stepping involves moving your feet across the board while shifting your weight from your heels to toes.
- The shuffle: the shuffle is a move where you alternate your feet positioning on the board to create a smooth and continuous dance routine.
- The pivot: pivoting involves spinning your body and board around your feet while maintaining balance. This will help add fluidity and creativity to your routine.
Tips For Practicing Safely
Engaging in drills and exercises for longboarding needs to be done safely.
- Start with the basics: master the basic moves before attempting any complex tricks or dances.
- Always wear proper safety gear: wear a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads to protect yourself from falls and injuries.
- Choose your practice location wisely: find a flat, smooth surface free of obstacles, traffic, and pedestrians.
Incorporating Music Into Your Practice
The right music can add rhythm, inspiration, and creativity to your dancing.
- Choose music with a beat that aligns with your dancing rhythm.
- Create a playlist that serves as your practice routine and gradually increase the tempo to improve your moves.
- Learn to dance to different genres of music to expand your moves and dance routine.
With these drills and exercises tips and tricks, you will be well on your way to becoming an expert longboard dancer. Keep practicing, stay safe, and enjoy your longboarding dance journey!
Advanced Dancing Techniques
Longboarding is not just about cruising and carving, but also about dancing on a board. Once you’ve mastered the basics of longboard dancing, you can move on to more advanced techniques, incorporating freestyle moves and adding your personal style to your routine.
In this section of the blog post, we will discuss some useful tips on how to take your longboard dancing skills to the next level.
Mastering More Complex Dance Steps
- Practice makes perfect: to master more complex dance steps, you need to spend a lot of time practicing. Start by breaking down the steps into smaller parts and focusing on each part until it feels comfortable and effortless.
- Focus on your feet: footwork is crucial in advanced longboard dancing techniques. Work on your foot placement and practice switching your stance smoothly and quickly.
- Add variety to your routine: to keep your audience engaged, try to incorporate different longboard dancing styles into your routine. Experiment with different dance steps and techniques to make your routine more exciting and diverse.
Incorporating Freestyle Moves
- Get creative: freestyle longboard dancing involves creativity and improvisation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with new moves and combinations. Be spontaneous and let the music guide you.
- Play with speed and flow: freestyle dancing is all about flow and rhythm. Try to incorporate speed changes into your routine and play with the tempo of the music.
- Use your environment: freestyle dancing is not limited to the dance floor. Use your surroundings to your advantage and incorporate obstacles like curbs or benches into your routine.
Tips For Adding Your Personal Style
- Find inspiration: watch other longboard dancers and observe their techniques and styles. Use them as inspiration and incorporate what you like into your routine.
- Add flair: add your personal flair to your routine by incorporating your unique movements and style. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make your routine your own.
- Be confident: confidence is key in longboard dancing. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and let your confidence shine through in your routine.
Longboard dancing is an art that requires practice, creativity, and confidence. By mastering more complex dance steps, incorporating freestyle moves, and adding your personal style, you can take your longboard dancing skills to the next level and create a unique and impressive routine that will leave your audience amazed.
Conclusion
Longboarding is not just about cruising or carving; it’s also an art form that requires skill and creativity. Dancing on a longboard is one such expression of passion and energy that can elevate your riding experience to new heights. By following the techniques discussed in this article, such as practicing balance and rhythm, using toe and heel turns, and incorporating tricks, you can master the art of longboard dancing.
Remember to stay safe by wearing protective gear, starting with basic moves, and gradually progressing to more advanced ones. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, we hope this guide has inspired you to explore the world of longboard dancing and create your own unique style.
Have fun shredding and keep dancing on!
