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Toprock Checklist -
04-07-2004, 12:07 AM
I was watching some beginner videos and reading some posts asking about their toprock and how it could be improved. Here is a simple, four-item checklist guide that I made for the general problems that I noticed, all of these tips helped me immensely.
So, to toprock newbies, here are a few things to check as you progress at this moment:
1. You are doing something with your arms. You need to do this. Having them hang limp or tight and unmoving makes it seem like you are thinking hard about your moves.. and you dont want that. I know saying "do something with your arms" is a bit vague, but look at the Top rock video, stickied at the top or electron's kick ass vids (also sticked) and see what i mean, for example. Remember, your legs only make up less than half of your body. Facial expressions are also important. You are having fun/ready to kick ass/owning the dance floor/already whippin serious shit out of the opposition, so make it look that way, too.
2. You are doing other steps. Not just that simple toprock that we explain to you in the videos. Those are NOTHING. If you do the same step for more than 4 beats nonstop in a battle, you will be OWNED in the most VIOLENT WAY POSSIBLE. jp. instead of crossing your legs one over another, what about crossing BEHIND? Add a little step in between? How about not crossing at all (like, your right leg shoots forward and right, instead of going over your left leg). It's all in the same counts, but just different steps. Try it.
3. You are listening to the music. in some vids I noticed that steps are not quite completely matched up to the music. I know there are about six counts to the toprock involved (don't believe me? the toprock is essentially a standing six-step! If i had a digicam I could show you what I mean), and music only has four. Here is what I mean: So the 1st step is you cross legs (right over left), 2nd step you lift your (right) foot (here, I kick and do a little hop), 3rd step you are back in starting position, 4th step you cross left over right, and so on, 'til the 6th step when you are in starting position. The music will go 1,2,3,4... but you should be counting (beats) 1 and 2, 3 and 4. Or (stepping) 1-2-3, 4-5-6. This should match to the music beat nicely.
4. YOU HAVE VARIATION! Add variation dammit! This will take the most time to get your own individual style, but just for starters, try stalling in the middle of your t-rock, switch feet, or even do something completely different. Enough time with good music in front of a mirror (and in private, if possible.. so you could try crazy stupid looking things) should get you places. Keep in mind that not all toprock is "right foot over left, center, left foot over right, center... swing arms..." blow kisses to the crowd, wipe your ass sometimes, pretend to fight your imaginary bboy friend... anything that works, works.
I hope this was helpful. (My army for a goddamn digicam)
Any comments? or editing suggestions? Either post a comment or AIM me at blackmanfu2k3
Thanx to Bread and electron for the instruction vids.
>>Goose
Check my spelling to see if I any leters out...
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