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Streetdance basics4 minutes

Dancing the Criss Cross: step-by-step guide for beginners

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In a nutshell
  • The Criss Cross is a fundamental street dance step, performed by rhythmically crossing and opening the legs while jumping.
  • For correct execution, jump lightly, cross your feet in the air, and land with a spring in your step with one foot in front of the other.
  • The key to a relaxed look lies in the continuous Hip-Hop bounce, which cushions the movement and keeps it in time.
  • Beginners should practice the step slowly without music first, to precisely internalize the coordination of the legs.

The Criss Cross instantly brings dynamics to your dance style. With the right technique, you combine footwork and rhythm into a casual groove that impresses on any dance floor.

What you need for training

  • Flat sneakers with a flexible sole
  • Some space for jumping sideways
  • A basic sense of rhythm for Hip-Hop music
  • Slightly warmed-up ankles

Why the Criss Cross is the perfect beginner step

The Criss Cross is one of the absolute classics in street dance and is the perfect entry point for training dynamics and coordination. Originally born from energetic club and party scenes, this move stands out for its playful alternation of jumping, crossing, and landing. The secret lies not in acrobatic feats, as you might know from breaking, but in the continuous rhythm. Once you have internalized the basic bounce in hip-hop, you will find the Criss Cross particularly easy, as the groove carries and cushions the entire movement.

To execute steps cleanly as a beginner in street dance, you should focus entirely on your feet and timing at the start. The Criss Cross can be wonderfully varied by letting your arms swing loosely or by slightly changing your line of sight. When practicing, make sure to land on the balls of your feet to protect your joints and stay agile. As soon as you have mastered the sequence, you can increase the tempo and seamlessly incorporate the step into your own freestyles or choreographies.

5 steps to the perfect Criss Cross

  1. Taking the starting position

    Stand up straight, with your feet a little wider than shoulder-width apart. Distribute your weight evenly on the balls of both feet and bend your knees slightly to optimally cushion the upcoming jump.

  2. Crossing your legs in the jump

    Push off the floor slightly and cross your legs in the air. Land softly by placing your right foot in front of your left foot, keeping both feet close together.

  3. Jump back into a wide stance

    Jump slightly upwards again from the crossed position. Open your legs in the air and land back in the wide starting position to absorb the movement.

  4. Switching sides

    Repeat the jump, but this time cross your left foot in front of your right foot. Land in a springy and stable way again, before you get ready for the next switch.

  5. Building a fluid groove

    Connect the individual jumps into a fluid movement: Up, cross, up, cross. Use your knees as shock absorbers to create a continuous, smooth rhythm.

The most important do's and don'ts for the Criss Cross

How it works

  • Land on the balls of your feet
  • Keep your knees slightly bent at all times
  • Let your upper body bounce along in a relaxed way

Common mistakes

  • Landing hard on a flat heel
  • Locking your legs completely
  • Keeping your upper body stiff and straight

Your checklist for Criss-Cross success

Before training

Preparation

Getting started

Warm-up

While dancing

Execution

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. The Criss Cross is a dynamic street dance step where the legs are opened and crossed alternately. It is based on a light, bouncy jump and is one of the absolute foundations in Hip-Hop.

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