How to Do a Helicopter in Dance: A Step-by-Step Guide
The helicopter is a fundamental dance move that is a staple in many styles of dance, including hip hop, contemporary, and jazz. It’s a great move to add to your arsenal, as it’s versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of choreographies. But if you’re new to dancing or have trouble with this move, don’t worry – we’re here to break it down for you in this step-by-step guide.
What is a Helicopter?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s take a moment to understand what a helicopter is in dance. A helicopter is a move where the dancer holds their arms straight out to the sides, palms down, and then rotates their torso and legs to create a whirring motion, as if the helicopter blades are spinning. The move is typically performed while standing or in a dynamic position, and it’s a great way to add power and energy to a routine.
Preparation
Before you start trying to do a helicopter, there are a few things you should do to prepare yourself:
- Warm up: Make sure to warm up your body before trying to do a helicopter. This will help prevent injuries and get your blood flowing.
- Get your posture right: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your shoulders down and relaxed. This will help you maintain balance and stability as you perform the move.
- Relax your arms: Hold your arms straight out to the sides, with your palms down. Try to relax your shoulders and keep your arms loose.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’re prepared, let’s break down the helicopter move into individual steps:
- Step 1: Initiate the Move
- Start with your core engaged: Engage your core muscles to help stabilize your body and generate power.
- Hips and legs: Shift your weight onto one leg, keeping the other leg straight. This will help create the whirring motion.
- Arm movement: Hold your arm straight out to the side, with your palm down. As you start to rotate your body, rotate your arm in a circular motion, keeping it parallel to the ground.
- Step 2: Rotate Your Body
- Rotate your torso: Rotate your torso, keeping your arms and legs in sync. Imagine a circle around your core – this is the axis around which you’ll be rotating.
- Rotate your legs: As you rotate your torso, also rotate your legs. Keep your legs loose and relaxed, allowing them to swing freely as you rotate.
- Maintain your arm movement: Continue to rotate your arm in a circular motion, keeping it parallel to the ground.
- Step 3: Continue and Repeat
- Repeat the motion: Continue rotating your body and legs, keeping your arm in motion. Try to keep the movement smooth and controlled.
- Practice both sides: Repeat the move on both sides to ensure you’re using your core and legs evenly.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you master the helicopter:
- Practice, practice, practice: Like any dance move, practice is key to mastering the helicopter. Start slow and gradually increase your speed and power as you become more comfortable.
- Focus on your core: Your core muscles are the key to stability and power in this move. Make sure to engage your core and maintain a strong, stable center.
- Experiment with dynamics: Try adding dynamic movement to your helicopter by jumping or shifting your weight. This can add an extra level of challenge and interest to the move.
- Play with speed: Vary the speed at which you perform the helicopter to add interest and complexity. Try slowing down and speeding up to create a more dynamic effect.
Troubleshooting
If you’re having trouble with the helicopter, here are a few common issues and tips to help you troubleshoot:
- Problem: You’re having trouble with the arm movement, feeling like your arm is too stiff or uncoordinated.
- Tip: Try relaxing your arm and focusing on rotating it in a circular motion. You can also practice this movement on its own before incorporating it into the helicopter.
- Problem: You’re having trouble with the leg movement, feeling like your legs are not swinging freely or are feeling stiff.
- Tip: Try practicing leg swings on their own to loosen up your legs. You can also focus on engaging your core to help stabilize your body and legs.
Conclusion
With these step-by-step instructions, tips, and troubleshooting suggestions, you should be well on your way to mastering the helicopter dance move. Remember to practice regularly, focus on your core, and experiment with different dynamics and speeds to add interest and complexity to your choreography. Happy dancing!
Helicopter Troubleshooting Table
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Arm movement too stiff | Relax your arm and focus on rotating it in a circular motion. Practice arm swings on their own before incorporating into the helicopter. |
| Arm movement too uncoordinated | Focus on engaging your core and maintaining a stable center. Practice rotating your arm in a circular motion before incorporating into the helicopter. |
| Legs not swinging freely | Practice leg swings on their own to loosen up your legs. Engage your core to help stabilize your body and legs. |
| Core engagement issues | Practice core engagement exercises, such as planks and bridges. Engage your core throughout the helicopter movement. |
Helicopter Practice Exercise
Try this exercise to practice the helicopter movement:
- Warm up: Do 5-10 minutes of light cardio and stretching.
- Helicopter exercise: Perform the helicopter move for 30 seconds on one side, then rest for 15 seconds. Repeat on the other side. Repeat for 5-10 minutes, or until you feel comfortable and confident with the movement.
Remember to focus on engaging your core, maintaining good posture, and practicing regularity to master the helicopter dance move.
