Welcome to Breaking
Breaking, also known as breakdancing or b-boying/b-girling, is the original hip hop dance that emerged from the streets of New York City in the 1970s. It combines athleticism, creativity, and cultural expression in a dynamic art form that has evolved from underground battles to Olympic competition.
The Essence of Breaking
Breaking is about more than just movement - it's about personal expression, community, and the relentless pursuit of pushing physical and creative boundaries. B-boys and b-girls develop their own unique style while respecting the foundational elements that define the art form.
- Develops incredible strength, flexibility, and coordination
- Builds confidence and individual expression
- Teaches respect for hip hop culture and history
- Enhances problem-solving and creativity
- Promotes community and healthy competition
- Prepares students for battles and Olympic-level competition
Breaking at Dance House Productions
Our breaking program honors the authentic culture and techniques of this foundational hip hop dance. We focus on proper progression, safety, and cultural education while developing each student's individual style.
From learning basic toprock and footwork to advanced power moves and freezes, we provide comprehensive training that respects breaking's roots while preparing students for modern competition and performance opportunities.
Breaking Makes Olympic History
Breaking debuted as an Olympic sport at Paris 2024, marking a historic moment where street culture meets the world's biggest sporting stage.
Olympic Debut
Breaking became an official Olympic sport at the 2024 Paris Games, featuring 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls competing for gold.
Judging Criteria
Olympic breaking is judged on technique, vocabulary, execution, musicality, and originality—the same elements valued in street battles.
Global Recognition
Olympic inclusion has brought breaking worldwide recognition while maintaining its authentic street culture and community values.
Future Generations
Olympic breaking inspires young dancers worldwide and creates new pathways for b-boys and b-girls to pursue their passion professionally.
History & Evolution
Breaking has the richest history of all hip hop dances, born in the early 1970s in the South Bronx as part of the emerging hip hop culture.
Birth in the Bronx (1973-1975)
DJ Kool Herc's block parties featured "breaks" in songs where dancers would showcase their moves. Early pioneers like Trixie and B-Boy Sasa developed the foundational elements.
Crew Formation (Late 1970s)
Legendary crews like Rock Steady Crew, Dynamic Rockers, and Crazy Legs formed, establishing breaking's competitive culture and crew identity.
Media Explosion (1980s)
Movies like "Wild Style," "Beat Street," and "Breakin'" brought breaking to mainstream audiences worldwide, though often sensationalized as "breakdancing."
Underground Revival (1990s-2000s)
After commercial decline, breaking returned to its underground roots with international battles like Battle of the Year and Red Bull BC One maintaining the culture.
Olympic Recognition (2010s-2024)
Breaking gained international sport recognition, culminating in its inclusion as an Olympic sport at Paris 2024, bringing global legitimacy to the art form.
The Four Elements of Breaking
Breaking consists of four fundamental elements that b-boys and b-girls must master to develop their complete style and ability.
Toprock
Standing dance moves that showcase style, rhythm, and attitude. Toprock is how breakers enter and exit the dance floor.
Footwork
Floor-based movements using hands and feet for support. Includes six-step, three-step, and countless variations.
Power Moves
Dynamic rotational moves that showcase strength and momentum. Includes windmills, headspins, and flares.
Freezes
Stylish poses that demonstrate strength, balance, and creativity. Often used to end combinations or emphasize musical accents.
Balance Across Elements
Complete breakers develop skills in all four elements rather than focusing on just one. The best b-boys and b-girls seamlessly flow between toprock, footwork, power moves, and freezes, creating dynamic routines that showcase their full range of abilities.
Battle Culture & Competition
Battles are the heartbeat of breaking culture, where breakers showcase their skills, creativity, and personality in competitive face-offs.
Cypher Culture
The sacred circle where breakers take turns, showing respect while pushing each other to higher levels of creativity and skill.
Call and Response
Battles involve direct responses to opponents' moves, creating dynamic conversations through dance and showcasing quick thinking.
Respect and Honor
Breaking culture emphasizes respect for opponents, judges, and the art form itself, maintaining positive competition spirit.
Continuous Innovation
Battles drive breaking's evolution as breakers constantly develop new moves and combinations to surprise opponents and judges.
Fundamental Techniques
Breaking technique builds from basic foundations to advanced skills, emphasizing proper form, safety, and creative expression.
Basic Toprock
Indian step, side step, and Brooklyn rock form the foundation of standing movements and entrance into floor work.
Six-Step Footwork
The fundamental floor pattern that teaches basic coordination, rhythm, and transitions in breaking.
Go-Downs
Transitions from toprock to floor work, including drops and threading movements that connect the elements.
Basic Freezes
Chair freeze, baby freeze, and headstand develop strength and control while learning to hold stylish positions.
Entry Power
Beginner power moves like baby windmills and basic spins that introduce rotational movement safely.
Flow & Musicality
Connecting movements smoothly while interpreting music, developing the artistic side of breaking beyond athleticism.
Progressive Skill Building
Breaking requires patience and progressive training. Students build strength, flexibility, and coordination gradually while learning proper technique to prevent injury. Each element supports the others, creating well-rounded breakers who can adapt to any musical or competitive situation.
Essential Breaking Terminology
Breaking has developed its own rich vocabulary over five decades, reflecting both its street origins and technical complexity.
What to Expect in Breaking Class
Breaking classes focus on safe progression through the four elements while building strength, creativity, and respect for the culture.
Warm-Up & Conditioning (15-20 minutes)
Comprehensive preparation including cardio, strength training, and flexibility work essential for safe breaking practice.
Toprock & Standing (10-15 minutes)
Learning rhythm, style, and fundamental standing movements that connect breakers to hip hop's dance heritage.
Footwork & Floor Work (15-20 minutes)
Progressive instruction in floor patterns, transitions, and building the strength needed for advanced elements.
Power & Freezes (10-15 minutes)
Safe introduction to dynamic movements and strength-based positions, adapted to each student's skill level.
Safety First Philosophy
Breaking can be physically demanding, so our classes prioritize proper warm-up, progressive skill building, and injury prevention. Students learn to listen to their bodies and build skills gradually, ensuring a lifetime of healthy breaking practice.
Proper Breaking Attire
Breaking clothing must balance style expression with functional needs for floor work, spins, and athletic movement.
Essential Clothing
- Comfortable, durable clothing that allows full range of motion
- Long sleeves and pants to protect skin during floor work
- Breathable fabrics that wick moisture during intense training
- Layers that can be adjusted as body temperature changes
- Personal style expression within functional requirements
Footwear & Protection
- Breaking shoes with minimal grip for spins
- High-tops for ankle support during footwork
- Knee pads for floor work protection (recommended)
- Wrist guards for students learning power moves
Specific Recommendations
- Tracksuit, joggers, or loose athletic pants
- Long-sleeve shirts, hoodies, or sweatshirts
- Beanie or cap for head protection during headspins
- Athletic tape for finger and wrist support
- Water bottle and towel for hydration and cleanup
Function Meets Style
Breaking fashion serves both practical and expressive purposes. While protection and mobility are essential, breakers also use clothing to express their personality and crew affiliation. The key is finding gear that keeps you safe while letting your individual style shine.
Breaking Skill Progression
Breaking development follows a progressive path that builds physical ability alongside cultural understanding and personal style.
Movement Foundation (Ages 6-8)
Basic coordination, rhythm activities, and introduction to hip hop culture through age-appropriate movement games.
Beginning Breaking (Ages 9-12)
Basic toprock, simple footwork patterns, beginning freezes, and introduction to breaking history and respect.
Intermediate Breaking (Ages 13-16)
Complex footwork, intermediate freezes, beginning power moves, and participation in friendly battles and cyphers.
Advanced Breaking (Ages 17+)
Advanced power moves, signature style development, competitive training, and deeper cultural education and leadership.
Competition Level (Advanced Students)
Battle strategy, judging education, crew participation, and preparation for regional, national, or international competitions.
Benefits of Breaking Training
Breaking offers unique benefits that develop both physical and mental abilities while connecting students to a rich cultural tradition.
Total Body Fitness
Breaking develops strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination through dynamic, full-body athletic training.
Mental Toughness
Learning difficult moves builds perseverance, problem-solving skills, and the mental strength to overcome challenges.
Creative Expression
Breaking encourages individual style development and creative problem-solving within structured movement principles.
Community & Respect
Breaking culture emphasizes mutual respect, community support, and positive competition that builds character.
Competitive Opportunities
From local battles to Olympic competition, breaking offers pathways for students to pursue excellence at any level.
Cultural Awareness
Learning breaking connects students to hip hop history and develops appreciation for urban culture and artistic expression.
Ready to Join the Breaking Revolution?
Breaking offers an incredible journey of physical challenge, creative expression, and cultural connection. Whether you dream of Olympic competition or just want to learn an amazing art form, breaking has something powerful to offer every student.
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