Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a high-energy street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York in the 1970s. It’s a form of hip hop dance that involves a variety of athletic and acrobatic movements such as spins, jumps, flips, freezes, and footwork. The dance style has constantly evolved over the years, and has become more mainstream since it was introduced in the Olympics as part of the Paris 2024 program.
Breaking is not just about showcasing your physical abilities, it’s also about expressing yourself through movement. It’s a dance form that has grown in popularity due in part to the competitive element that comes with it. Breakdancers often participate in battles, where two dancers take turns showing off their skills in front of a crowd. Judges determine the winner based on factors such as creativity, execution, and style. Despite its competitive nature, breaking also has a strong sense of community and is often used as a means of providing a positive outlet for young people in inner city areas.
The Origins of Breaking
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a dance style that originated in the Bronx, New York City during the early 1970s. It is considered to be one of the four core elements of hip hop culture, along with DJing, MCing, and graffiti art.
The history of breaking can be traced back to the African American and Puerto Rican communities in the Bronx, where young people would hold dance battles in the streets. These battles were often accompanied by breakbeats, which are rhythmic sections of songs that emphasize the drums and percussion. The dancers would use these beats as a foundation for their movements, incorporating acrobatic and athletic elements into their routines.
- Breaking was heavily influenced by several other dance styles, including capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance and acrobatics; salsa, a popular Latin dance style; and funk styles such as popping and locking.
- Breaking also drew inspiration from the martial arts movie genre, particularly the films of Bruce Lee.
- As hip hop culture began to spread across the United States and around the world, breaking gained popularity as a dance style, and eventually became recognized as a competitive sport.
Today, breaking is recognized as a highly skilled and athletic dance style that requires a combination of strength, flexibility, and creativity. It continues to be an important part of hip hop culture and is practiced by dancers all over the world.
Elements of Breaking
The sport of breaking, also commonly known as breakdancing, consists of several elements that make up the art form. These elements are crucial in creating a dynamic and entertaining performance.
- Toprock – This refers to the footwork performed while standing up and is often the first element dancers display in their routine.
- Footwork – This involves intricate and agile movements of the feet on the ground, showcasing the dancer’s control and speed.
- Freezes – These are moments of suspension where the dancer holds a position that generates momentum or energy for the next move. Freezes can be performed using any body part, including the arms and legs.
- Power moves – These are impressive moves that require a great deal of strength and technique. Examples include windmills, flares, and headspins, and often serve as the climax of a routine.
Breaking Styles
Breaking is a multifaceted sport with different styles and variations that make it unique. Each style has its own distinctive moves and rhythms, making it essential for breakers to master more than one style.
Some prominent styles include:
- Toprock/Tribal – Incorporates traditional dance styles like African and Latin-American dancing into Toprock footwork.
- Flava – This emphasizes style, flow, and rhythm over acrobatics and power moves. It incorporates a wide range of music and dance styles that matches the dancer’s personality.
- B-boy/B-girl – This style focuses on the traditional roots of breaking and includes elements like cyphers and battles.
Breaking Music
Music is integral to breaking, as it provides the beat and energy that dancers need to perform their moves. Breakers typically perform to hip-hop music, with some favoring more traditional funk and soul tracks.
| Breaking Music Genres | Notable Artists |
|---|---|
| Old-school Hip-hop | Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC |
| Funk | James Brown, Parliament-Funkadelic, Sly & The Family Stone |
| Soul | Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye |
Breakers use music to create a dynamic performance, syncing their movements and beats to the tempo of the music and engaging the audience in their art form.
Breaking vs. Breakdancing
Breaking, also known as b-boying and breakdancing, is a style of street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s. Some people use the terms breaking and breakdancing interchangeably, but there is a distinction between the two.
- Breaking refers to the individual dance style that includes toprock, footwork, freezes, and power moves. It’s usually done to breakbeats and hip-hop music, and dancers often battle each other in competitions called cyphers.
- Breakdancing, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses other styles of dance, such as popping and locking, and can involve choreography, music videos, and other performances beyond the cypher.
While both breaking and breakdancing share some elements, such as acrobatic movements and hip-hop culture influences, the distinction between the two is important for understanding the evolution and impact of each dance style.
Breaking has played a significant role in hip-hop culture and has been recognized as a competitive and artistic dance form. In 2024, it will make its debut as an Olympic sport at the Paris Games, a major milestone for breaking and the recognition of its cultural and athletic significance.
| Breaking | Breakdancing |
|---|---|
| Individual dance style | Broader term that encompasses other styles of dance |
| Includes toprock, footwork, freezes, and power moves | Can involve choreography and other performance elements |
| Usually performed to breakbeats and hip-hop music | Can be performed to various genres of music |
Overall, whether you call it breaking or breakdancing, the dance style remains an expressive and creative outlet for many dancers around the world. Its influence can be seen beyond the dance floor in fashion, music, and popular culture.
Competitive Breaking: Battles and Judging
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a dynamic and complex form of street dance that originated in the Bronx, New York in the 1970s. Today, it has evolved into a global phenomenon with an international competitive circuit. Breaking competitions or battles are often the highlight of events and the most exciting part of the sport.
In a breaking battle, two or more dancers take turns performing one or more sets of movements, known as rounds, in front of a panel of judges and an audience. Each round usually lasts for 60 seconds and dancers are judged based on criteria such as creativity, execution, musicality, and difficulty of moves.
- The judges award points to each dancer based on their performance.
- Usually, there are three judges who score each round on a scale of 1 to 10.
- The highest and lowest scores are dropped, leaving only the middle score.
- The scores from each round are totaled at the end to determine the winner.
Breaking battles can take many different forms. In a one-on-one battle, two dancers compete against each other. In a crew battle, teams of dancers compete against each other. In a cypher, a group of dancers take turns improvising and showcasing their skills.
Breaking judges are highly trained and experienced individuals who have a deep understanding of the culture, history, and technicalities of the sport. They are responsible for selecting the winner of each battle and ensuring that the competition is fair and equitable. Breaking judges must also be able to communicate their feedback and critiques constructively to the dancers, as well as provide guidance and instruction for improvement.
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity | Originality and innovation of moves, combinations, and presentation |
| Execution | Accuracy, precision, and control of movements, timing and rhythm |
| Musicality | Ability to interpret and synchronize with the music, phrasing and dynamics |
| Difficulty | Complexity, technicality, and risk involved in the moves and transitions |
Breaking battles and judging are integral parts of the sport of breaking. They provide an opportunity for dancers to showcase their skills and creativity, as well as connect with other dancers and the audience. They also promote the positive values of the sport such as respect, diversity, and community.
Breaking in Pop Culture
Breaking, also known as breakdancing or B-boying, has been a prominent part of pop culture since its emergence in the Bronx in the 1970s. It has influenced music, fashion, and dance styles around the world. Here are some examples:
- Music Videos: Many famous music videos have featured breaking, such as Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” and Run-DMC’s “It’s Like That.”
- Movies: Movies such as “Breakin'” and its sequel, “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo,” brought breaking to a mainstream audience in the 1980s. More recently, films like “Step Up” and “Stomp the Yard” have incorporated breaking into their dance routines.
- Fashion: The style of clothing worn by breakdancers, such as track suits and sneakers, has become popular in streetwear fashion.
- Television Shows: Reality shows like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “America’s Best Dance Crew” have included breaking as one of their featured styles.
- Video Games: Video games like “Dance Dance Revolution” and “Just Dance” have featured breaking as a dance style option.
Breaking has also had a significant impact on hip-hop culture. It is one of the four original elements of hip-hop, alongside DJing, MCing, and graffiti art. Many hip-hop artists incorporate breaking into their music videos and live performances.
| Pop Culture References to Breaking | Source |
|---|---|
| “Electric Kingdom” by Twilight 22 features breaking in its music video. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hETmQer2fDU |
| In “You Got Served,” a group of friends compete in a dance competition that includes breaking. | https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365957/ |
| “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa and the Soul Sonic Force includes a breakdown where the dancers break. | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gp5JCrSXkJY |
Overall, breaking has left an indelible mark on pop culture and will continue to be a major influence on music, dance, and fashion for years to come.
Health Benefits of Breaking
The sport of breaking is not just a form of entertainment or a means of self-expression, it also offers a number of health benefits. Here are some of the ways that breaking can improve your physical and mental well-being:
- Cardiovascular fitness: Breaking is a high-intensity workout that gets your heart rate up and improves cardiovascular health. The constant movement, jumping, and spinning improve your endurance and help you build stronger lungs and heart muscles.
- Strength and muscle tone: Breaking requires a lot of physical strength and agility, particularly in the arms, shoulders, core, and legs. Regular practice can help you build muscle tone, improve your balance, and increase your overall strength and flexibility.
- Weight loss: Breaking is a great way to burn calories and shed excess weight. A typical breaking session can burn up to 400-500 calories per hour, making it an effective way to achieve your fitness goals.
Aside from the physical health benefits, breaking can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being:
- Stress relief: Breaking is a form of expressive movement that can help you release stress and negative emotions. It’s a great way to let go of tension and clear your mind.
- Confidence and self-esteem: Learning and mastering new breaking moves can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It’s a way to challenge yourself and push past your limits, leading to a sense of accomplishment and pride.
- Social connection: Breaking is often practiced in groups or at events, making it a great way to meet new people and form connections. The supportive community can provide a sense of belonging and foster a positive outlook on life.
Incorporating breaking into your regular exercise routine can provide a fun and dynamic way to improve your overall health and well-being.
How to Get Involved in Breaking
The sport of breaking, also known as breakdancing, is an exciting activity that has been gaining popularity all over the world. Here are some ways to get involved with breaking:
- Join a local breaking community – Find a local group of breakers in your area and join them. It’s a great opportunity to learn new moves, meet new people, and get involved in the local scene.
- Take a class – Look for local dance studios or gyms that offer breaking classes. This is a great way to learn the basics of breaking and improve your skills.
- Attend events and competitions – Attend local and regional breaking events to watch other breakers perform and compete. This is a great way to learn new moves and get inspired.
If you want to take your breaking to the next level, here are some additional steps to consider:
1. Find a mentor – Look for an experienced breaker to mentor you and help you improve your skills. They can provide valuable feedback and help you develop your own style.
2. Practice regularly – Breaking requires a lot of practice and dedication. Set aside time each week to practice and work on improving your skills.
3. Participate in competitions – Competitions are a great way to showcase your skills and get exposure in the breaking community. Look for local competitions and start competing!
Here is a table of some popular competitions:
| Competition Name | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Red Bull BC One | Various Locations Worldwide | Yearly |
| UK B-Boy Championships | United Kingdom | Yearly |
| Freestyle Session | Various Locations Worldwide | Yearly |
Getting involved in breaking can be a fun and rewarding experience. Use these tips to start your journey in the world of breaking!
FAQs: What is The Sport of Breaking?
1. What is the sport of breaking?
The sport of breaking is derived from hip-hop and street dance culture. It is also known as breakin’ or b-boying/b-girling. In this sport, competitors perform acrobatic and improvised dance movements to a mix of funk, soul, and hip-hop music.
2. How is the sport of breaking judged?
Breaking competitions are judged on a point system that takes into account elements such as originality, execution, difficulty, and musicality. Judges look for unique moves and transitions, precision, rhythm, and style.
3. What are some common moves in the sport of breaking?
Some of the most popular moves in breaking include the top rock (dancing in a standing position), footwork (floor spins and movement), power moves (acrobat-style moves), and freezes (sudden stop in a pose). Each competitor will have their own style and combination of moves.
4. What types of events are there for the sport of breaking?
Breaking events can range from small, local jam sessions to large international competitions. Some of the most well-known events include the Red Bull BC One, Battle of the Year, and UK B-Boy Championships.
5. What is the history behind the sport of breaking?
Breaking originated in the South Bronx of New York City in the 1970s as part of hip-hop culture. It was a way for young people to express themselves through dance and music. Breaking later spread globally and became a competitive sport.
6. Is the sport of breaking only for men?
Not at all! Breaking is inclusive to all genders and ages. In fact, there are many talented female breakers who compete and perform at high levels. Breaking offers a welcoming community for people of all types to express themselves and share their love for dance.
Closing
Thank you for taking the time to learn about the exciting sport of breaking. Whether you are a seasoned fan or a first-time learner, there is always something new to discover in the world of breaking. We hope you keep exploring and join us again soon for more insights into the world of sports and entertainment.