Freeze (b-boy move)

A B-Boy performing a one-handed freeze.

San Diego B-Boys demonstrate an airchair (left) and pike (right).

A freeze is a breakdance technique that involves halting all body motion, often in an interesting or balance-intensive position. It is implied that the position is hit and held from motion as if freezing in motion, or into ice. Freezes often incorporate various twists and distortions of the body into stylish and often difficult positions.

Spins are often combined with freezes, and the spins are usually done in the form of kicks. Various handstands ("inverts", "Nikes", and "pikes") can be frozen, and skilled breakers sometimes incorporate the technique of threading into handstands by forming a loop with one arm and leg, then "threading" the other leg in and out of the loop.

Variants

There are many different variations of freezes. A common naming convention categorizes freezes based on what part of the body is in contact with the ground. Thus a "headstand freeze" is done with only the breaker's head touching the ground, and so forth for handstand, forearm, elbow, and shoulder freezes. Also, "one-handed" or "two-handed" can be added to make any name more descriptive. Less intuitively named freezes include:

• Planche - A freeze with your body straddled parallel over the ground, while arms are straight, you use your strength to hold your body weight. A gymnast move made popular by the B-boy Junior.
• Baby Freeze - The hands are used for balance, with the nearest side of your waist on one elbow and a knee on the other, sometimes swapping leg placement.
  • Airbaby - A freeze with the knee resting on the elbow of the supporting arm.
• Chair - A freeze while you're laying down arched to the floor with the arm stabbed to support the body.
  • Airchair - A chair freeze without the head or feet on the floor, usually facing the ceiling, with leeway for many leg variations.
• Handglide Freeze - Similar to the Turtle freeze, except only one elbow is stabbed into the abs, the other is out to the side of the body and is either placed on the ground or held above it.
• Hollowback - A more difficult freeze. It is basically a bridge with feet not touching the floor. There are many variations performed from a handstand, headstand, or on the elbows.
• Pike - A freeze with one hand planted on the ground while the entire body is perpendicular to the floor with both feet held high to the air.
• Turtle Freeze - Both arms are bent in front of the chest with the elbows stabbing into either the abs or surrounding area. All the weight is placed onto the hands and the rest of the body is suspended above the ground. See float.

External links

• Dope Moves Central - photos of various freezes.
• BloodyDove's Tutorials - Tutorial on Turtle and 2 Armed Elbow Lever.