Can You Dance On A Drop Through Longboard

For dancing on a longboard, it is generally recommended to use a regular drop-through board. However, for a dancer longboard, it is better to choose a top-mounted board with good flex and a slight rocker profile. It is advised to avoid drop-through longboards for this style of riding.

Benefits of Dancing on a Drop Through Longboard

Dancing on a drop through longboard offers several benefits for riders looking to showcase their cross step dance moves and freestyle tricks. The unique design of a drop through longboard provides stability and a low riding position, making it easier and safer to perform various dance moves.

The drop through deck, which is mounted through the board instead of on top of it, enhances stability while dancing. The lower center of gravity achieved by the drop through mount allows for better balance during intricate dance steps and flips. This stability also makes it easier to maintain control while executing smooth and stylish dance moves.

For those seeking even greater stability, the double drop deck is an ideal choice. The double drop deck combines a drop-through mount with a drop platform, resulting in an even lower riding position. This setup delivers superior stability during high-intensity dance sessions and encourages riders to push their freestyle longboarding skills to the next level.

Types of Drop Through Longboards

Drop through longboards come in various types, each catering to different styles of riding and individual preferences. From dedicated dancing boards to versatile cruisers, there is a drop through longboard for every skater.

For those who prioritize freestyle tricks and dance moves, there are specific boards designed with wider decks and softer wheels to enhance stability and provide a smooth ride. Carving boards offer a more traditional skateboarding feel, allowing riders to carve through turns with ease.

1. Traditional Skateboard Style Drop Through

A traditional skateboard style drop-through in a drop through longboard refers to a specific type of board setup that is commonly used for dancing and freestyle tricks. This style differs from other types of drop-through longboards in terms of its purpose and design.

The key features and characteristics of a traditional skateboard style drop-through include a wider deck and wider trucks. These aspects provide stability and control, making it an ideal choice for riders who want a smooth and comfortable ride while performing dance moves and freestyle tricks.

The wider deck allows for cross stepping, which is a fundamental dance move where the rider moves their feet from one end of the deck to the other in a graceful and fluid manner. The wider trucks also contribute to the stability of the board, making it easier to balance and perform flip tricks.

2. Freestyle/Dancing Boards

When it comes to freestyle longboarding or longboard dancing, having the right board can make all the difference in your performance. There are different types of boards specifically designed for this style of riding, each with its own unique features and benefits.

One popular type is the drop-through longboard, also known as a dancing board. These boards typically have a wider deck, ranging from 9 to 10 inches wide, providing ample space for cross stepping and performing dance moves. The wider deck allows riders to move their feet from one end to the other in a smooth and fluid manner, adding a graceful element to their performance.

In terms of trucks, dancing boards often feature wide trucks. These wide trucks contribute to the stability of the board and make it easier to balance, especially while performing tricks. Additionally, the drop-through style of these boards, where the trucks are mounted through the deck rather than on top, offers a lower center of gravity and more control, resulting in a stable ride.

Another important feature of dancing boards is the use of soft wheels. These softer wheels provide better grip and enhance maneuverability when executing dance moves and transitioning between tricks. Additionally, soft wheels offer a smoother ride, allowing riders to effortlessly glide across different surfaces.

Compared to traditional skateboards or cruiser boards, freestyle/dancing boards have a wider and often shorter deck, making them more suitable for dancing and performing tricks. They are specifically designed to provide the stability, control, and maneuverability required for this style of riding.

Riding Styles & Techniques For Dancing On A Drop Through Longboard

One popular riding style is cross-stepping, where the rider gracefully moves their feet from one side of the board to the other while maintaining balance and control. This style of riding allows for fluid dance moves and freestyle tricks to be executed with ease.

Additionally, the type of longboard used for dancing plays a crucial role in enhancing performance. Dancing boards are typically wider, providing more space for footwork, and come equipped with wide trucks and soft wheels for a smooth and stable ride.

The drop-through style of the longboard deck lowers the center of gravity, making it ideal for dancing as it allows for better control and stability. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced longboard dancer, finding the perfect longboard that complements your personal skating style and riding preferences is essential for enjoying a comfortable and enjoyable ride while showcasing your dancing skills.

1. Cross Step

The cross step is a popular footwork trick used in dancing on a drop-through longboard. It adds elements of style and fluidity to your moves, allowing for a more expressive and engaging performance. Here’s how to perform the cross step.

Start with your feet parallel to each other on the wider deck of the drop-through longboard. As you gain confidence and balance, lift your heels slightly to transfer your weight to the balls of your feet. This will make it easier to maneuver and turn the board.

To execute the cross step, begin by crossing your leading foot over the other foot, maintaining balance on your toes. This step will require some practice to get the timing and coordination right. As you cross your feet, turn on your heels to smoothly transition from one stance to another.

The cross step can be performed in both regular and switch stances, allowing for a variety of dance moves and freestyle tricks. Regular stance is when your front foot is naturally positioned forward, while switch stance involves having your back foot forward.

2. Freestyle Tricks

Freestyle tricks are a key component of dancing on a drop-through longboard, allowing riders to add flair and creativity to their routines. Here are some popular freestyle tricks that can be performed on a drop-through longboard.

• Manuals: Manuals involve riding on the rear wheels of the longboard, balancing with the front wheels raised off the ground. This trick requires core strength and balance, adding an element of style to your routine.
• Shuvits: Shuvits are a classic freestyle trick that involve spinning the board 180 degrees beneath your feet while in the air. The drop-through design of the longboard allows for easy execution of this trick, making it a favorite among riders.
• Caspers: Caspers involve flipping the board upside down and resting it on the back wheels. This trick adds complexity and creativity to your routine, showcasing your skills and control on the board.
• No-comply tricks: No-comply tricks involve popping the board off the ground using only your front foot, while the back foot remains planted on the board. This trick can be combined with various rotations and flips, adding variety to your freestyle routine.

The Apex 40 Double Concave board is a perfect choice for performing freestyle tricks. Its top mount design and twin kicktails allow for easy maneuverability and control, making it ideal for executing intricate tricks and flips. The board’s shape provides stability and control, giving riders the confidence to try out new and challenging moves.

3. Smooth Ride

A smooth ride is essential when dancing on a drop-through longboard, as it allows for better control and fluid movement. The design elements of a drop-through longboard contribute to this smooth ride, making it an ideal choice for dancing and performing footwork tricks.

One of the key features that contribute to a smooth ride is the wider deck of a drop-through longboard. With a wider deck, riders have more room to move and position their feet, allowing for greater stability and balance during dance moves. Additionally, the wider trucks on a drop-through longboard provide enhanced stability, reducing the chances of wobbling or feeling unsteady while performing tricks.

In terms of the wheels, drop-through longboards are often equipped with softer wheels. Soft wheels absorb impact and vibrations from rough surfaces, resulting in a smoother ride. This is particularly beneficial for dancers, as it allows them to glide gracefully over various terrain, maintaining their flow and rhythm.

4. Flip Tricks

When it comes to dancing on a drop-through longboard, adding flip tricks to your routine can take your performance to another level. These tricks not only showcase your skill and control but also add flair and style to your dance moves.

Some of the top flip tricks commonly performed while dancing on a drop-through longboard include kickflips, heelflips, varial flips, tre flips, and backside flips. Each trick requires a different technique and level of expertise, offering endless possibilities for creativity and personal style.

Kickflips involve flipping the board with your foot while jumping, resulting in the board spinning horizontally. Heelflips, on the other hand, involve flipping the board with the heel of your foot, creating a similar spinning motion. Varial flips combine a pop shove-it and a kickflip, adding an additional rotation to the board.

Tre flips are a combination of a kickflip and a 360-degree flip, resulting in a stylish and complex trick. Backside flips, as the name suggests, involve flipping the board in a backside direction while in mid-air.

Style of Riding

When it comes to riding a drop-through longboard, there are various styles that riders can explore to enhance their experience on the board. One popular style is dancing, which involves executing smooth and fluid movements while maintaining balance and control. Riders can engage in dance moves such as cross stepping, where they shift their weight from one foot to the other while gracefully moving across the deck.

Freestyle tricks are another exciting aspect of riding a drop-through longboard. Riders can showcase their skills by performing a range of tricks such as kickflips, heelflips, varial flips, tre flips, and backside flips. These tricks require a combination of footwork, timing, and coordination, allowing riders to express their creativity and personal style.

FAQs

Conclusion:

The answer to the question “Can you dance on a drop through longboard?” is a resounding yes! With practice, determination, and a little bit of creativity, you can turn your longboard into a dance floor and showcase your moves like never before.

So grab your board, put on your favorite tunes, and let your feet do the talking. Get ready to dance your way to a whole new level of longboarding!