Longboard Dancing: How To Start Dance On A Longboard
Longboard dance, also known as “freestyle,” longboarding, and “pumping,” is a popular skateboarding style. It is also one of the most accessible forms of skateboarding. Although it may seem intimidating at first, longboard dancing is a great way to get creative on a board while having fun. Plus, if you have ever been interested in trying out skateboarding, dancing is a great place to start.
This article will discuss what is longboard dancing and the gear you need. It will also provide some basic techniques and tips for getting started with your longboard dance routines. With a little practice, you can have fun while mastering the basics of dancing.
What Is Longboard Dancing?
It is a type of skateboarding that involves performing tricks, spins, and slides on a longboard to music. It is often referred to as “freestyle” longboarding because the techniques used to perform tricks are up to the individual skater. Longboard dancers use footwork and weight distribution to move the board in different directions. They do not rely on momentum from kicks and pushes.
Gear You Need for Dancing
For dancing, you will need a good quality longboard designed for freestyle skateboarding. The setup of your board should include soft bushings for easy maneuvering. Wheels and bearings play a key role in dancing. You’ll want wheels with a softer durometer rating, such as 78A or 80A.
Other essential gear for longboard dancing includes safety equipment. It includes a helmet and pads to protect your knees, elbows, and wrists. You may also want to consider investing in slide gloves, giving you more control over your board while sliding.
Longboard Dance Moves
Once you’ve got the gear, it’s time to get started with some basic dance moves. One of the most important skills for dancing is controlling your board using foot pressure. Start by learning how to turn on a dime—this is key for transitioning between tricks in your routines. You can practice turning at slower speeds and increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the board.
Other basic longboard dance moves include:
- Kick-turns, where you use one of your feet to push off the ground while turning.
- Pivots involve popping the board’s tail up and using your body weight to move in different directions.
- Slides, where you place pressure on the trucks to make them slide in different directions.
- Ollies, where you pop the board off of the ground.
Basic Techniques and Tips
You can learn basic longboard dance techniques once you have the right gear. The most important tip to remember is to start slow and practice often. As with any skill, it takes time to master the basics of longboard dancing. Here are a few tips to
Start with the basics
Before you move on to more complex tricks, practice basic moves such as leaning and shifting your weight on the board.
Experiment with different footwork techniques
Incorporate different steps into your longboard dance, like two-footed rockers or slides.
Learn to control speed and direction.
As you gain more experience, you can control your speed and direction more precisely while performing tricks.
Combining different moves
Try combining tricks and footwork techniques to create unique longboard dance routines.
Incorporating music
Music can be a great way to add an extra dimension to your dancing. Find songs with tempos that match the speed of your board movements, and see how you can incorporate rhythm into your dance moves.
By following these tips, you can become more comfortable on your longboard and develop your unique dance style. And who knows -one day, you can participate in competitions or even create a show! Longboard dance is an activity that can bring out the best in anyone, so go ahead and give it a try!
Joining the Dancing Community
Once you’ve gotten the hang of dancing, why not join the growing community of fellow skaters? There are online forums where you can find tips and advice from experienced riders. There are also local meetups and competitions to show off your moves. Whether you decide to take part in organized events or continue practicing on your own, joining the longboarding community is a great way to make friends. It’s also an excellent way to progress your skills.
FAQs
A: You can engage in dancing if you equip yourself and follow safety guidelines. Always wear a helmet, pads, and other protective gear to ensure your safety while skating.
A: There are many different types of longboard tricks that you can learn, such as kick-turns, pivots, slides, and ollies. You can combine these moves with practice into your unique dancing routines.
A: There are many online forums and local groups where you can connect with other longboard dancers. You will also be able to find competitions and other events where you can show off your skills.
A: When selecting a board for dancing, you should look for one with soft bushings and a flexible deck. Wheels with a softer durometer rating are also important to help make turns easier.
A: Absolutely! You can learn to dance without relying on music. But incorporating it into your routines can make them more fun and add a layer of intricacy.
Conclusion
Longboard dancing is an exciting way to explore creativity and express yourself. With the right gear and practice, you can learn various tricks and create unique routines to impress your friends! Don’t forget to join the longboard community for tips and advice and to show off your skills with other riders. So what are you waiting for?
