What is breaking?
Breaking, also known as breakdance, is a vibrant and dynamic dance style that has grown from its roots in the 1970s into a global phenomenon. It combines different movements, athletic skill, and self-expression into a dance. Examples of such movements are the top rock, footwork, freezes and power moves. But breaking is more than just a dance - it's a cultural movement that continues to influence modern art, music, and even sports. In this article, we will explore what breaking is, dive into its key elements, discuss its significance in today’s culture, and answer some frequently asked questions about this amazing art form.
What is breaking?
Breaking is a high-energy dance style rooted in hip-hop culture that combines intricate footwork, power moves, freezes, and acrobatics to express creativity and rhythm. Breaking is also known as breakdance. The history of breaking dates back to the 1970s, where it was created in New York's South Bronx by mostly black and Latino youth.
Breaking is one of the four original elements of hip hop. The other three elements are MC'ing, DJ'ing and graffiti.
Breaking vs breakdance
Breakers first showcased their skills at street parties in the late 1970s and early 1980s, dancing to the "breaks" of a song. Breaks are sections of old funk and soul tracks where bass and percussion dominate, creating high-energy moments perfect for dancing. Breakers would get down during these breaks, giving rise to the term breaking.
The Rock Steady Crew became the first breaking group to perform internationally, introducing the art form to many Europeans during the Roxxy European Hip-Hop Tour. Their manager, an English woman nicknamed Kool Lady Blue, referred to their act as breakdance during promotional efforts. Breakers themselves were surprised by this term, which they had never used. Despite their amusement, the media and commercial industries quickly adopted the term breakdance, leading most of the world to recognize breaking by this name.
However, within the underground culture, it has always been called breaking. Male breakers are known as b-boys, while female breakers are called b-girls. In a nod to its roots, the 2024 Olympics officially reintroduced the term breaking, honoring the original generation of b-boys and b-girls, while showcasing the art form on a global stage.
The elements of breaking
Breaking consists of a number of elements that make it instantly recognizable: top rock, go downs, footwork, freezes and power moves. Below we give a brief explanation of these elements.
Toprock
Toprock is the standup part of breaking, where breakers showcase their style and set the tone for their performance. When the breakers are showing their skills, they will often start with toprock. Toprocks serve to introduce the breaker and allow the breaker to display their individuality and rhythm before transitioning into other moves.
While all breakers use the same foundational concepts of toprock, each dancer interprets and performs it in a different way. This makes toprock a highly personal and expressive aspect of breaking. It is also the reason why no two breakers' toprock ever look exactly the same - it’s a true reflection of their style and personality.
Go-downs / get-downs
A go-down, also known as a get-down, is the transition a breaker uses to move from a stand-up position to the ground, in order to perform other moves, such as footwork or power moves. Rather than simply dropping to their knees, breakers incorporate a variety of creative and dynamic techniques, including twisting, sliding, or catching themselves with their hands. One famous example of a go-down is the kneedrop.
Footwork
Backrocks
Freezes
Power moves
Breaking in modern culture
Breaking as a competitive sport
In the 1970s and 80s, dance battles between breakers spontaneously arose at parties and at neighborhood playgrounds. These battles served different purposes - sometimes as a way to resolve personal disputes without violence and sometimes it was a mutual test of skill and respect. Over time, these informal challenges evolved into organized battles held in community centers, clubs, cafes, and other venues. As breaking's popularity grew, breakers began traveling across America to compete in various battles, and by the late 1980s and early 1990s, these competitions had expanded globally. Breakers started traveling across continents to test their skills against the best in the world.
In the early 2000s, competitive breaking was also picked up by larger organizations and sponsors. Prestigious events such as Battle of the Year, The Notorious IBE, Undisputed, and Red Bull BC One have been pivotal in bringing together the world’s top b-boys and b-girls to compete for the number one spot. Breaking's demand for physical strength, agility, and endurance has led to its recognition as a top-level sport. This recognition reached a milestone in 2024, with breaking officially added as a competitive sport at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This reintroduced breaking to a broader audience.
Frequently asked questions about breaking
Is breaking difficult to learn?
Is breaking only for young people?
How long does it take to become proficient in breaking?
Do you need special equipment to start breaking?
Who are some famous breakers in history?
What are some basic breaking moves for beginners?
What physical skills are required for breaking?
Getting started in breaking
Would you like to start breaking? MyGrooveGuide is the perfect place to begin! We offer easy-to-follow breaking classes that guide you step by step toward becoming a skilled breaker. Check out our class overview and get started today!
