Breakdance

Breakdance is one of the three original hip-hop dance styles. The three original hip-hop dance styles are Popping, Locking, and Breakdance. It is also one of the four elements of hip-hop: Rap, Graffiti, DJing, and Breakdance.

Breakdance, or actually B-Boying or Breaking originated during the late 1970s in the black neighborhoods in New York, mainly in The Bronx. At that time, Block parties were regularly organized. These were a kind of neighborhood parties for the block where DJs came to play and people could enjoy themselves with fun and good music. DJs such as Afrika Bambaata, DJ Kool Herc, and Grandmaster Flash started using turntables and mixers on which they played the break part of a song one after the other.

The break part was often the part in the music where the beat came to the fore and the energy level rose. Dancers of that era picked up these cool beats and started dancing to them in a rhythmic and acrobatic way. This is how ‘Breaking’ was born.

Breakdance has its roots in different aspects from different cultures. African dance, rhythm and Jazz, Kungfu from Asia, and the mambo and salsa from South America. This makes the dance style very diverse and contains a lot of variation in moves and style. Due to the variety of cultures, Breakdance also has a rich musical background.

As a B-boy or B-girl you can dance to Funk, Rock, Salsa/Latin beats, Electro, or of course Breathbeats.

Within Breakdance the Battle element is also an important factor. During the block parties there was regular fighting.

Battles are inspired by influences such as the Lindy Hop that was popular at the time. Challenging each other in a playful way was an important part of Lindy Hop. In addition, battles were also created for different purposes. Two competing dance groups from different neighborhoods were often able to fight an argument without actual violence being involved. They did this by dancing against each other. The group with the coolest runs and tricks won. Respect and honor were very important in this respect. This is something we can still see in today’s Breakdance scene.

Within Talentfabriek 053, this rich history and vision are passed on to our students. The actual dancing of the Breakdance style consists of four elements:

Top Rock: this is standing dancing within B-Boying. The rhythmic interpretation of the music by using your feet and body.

Footwork: This is done from the squatting position. Here you make cool movements with your feet where you can set on your arms or hands.

Freezes: These are poses you do between your Footwork on Top Rocks. These can be poses on your hands, feet, or combined. Often freezes are made on the accents in a beat.

Power moves: These moves are often impressive moves that can be performed on the hands, arms, back, and other parts of the body. As the name suggests, this comes with some extra power.