Bboying

BBoying, also known as breakdancing, is a street dance form that emerged in the early 1970s in the Bronx, New York City, as part of the broader hip hop movement. It developed within African American and Puerto Rican communities and spread worldwide through crews, battles, and performances. The dance is traditionally organized around four elements: toprock, a rhythmic sequence performed standing; downrock (footwork) performed on the floor with the hands; freezes, static poses that end a sequence; and power moves, acrobatic spins and rotations such as windmills, headspins, and flares.

Terminology and style: Dancers who perform are called b-boys or b-girls; the terms reflect the “break” sections of music and the original phase of the culture. The umbrella term “breakdancing” is widely used, though practitioners often prefer “breaking” or “bboying.”

Culture and competition: Dancers form crews and participate in battles at clubs, jams, and international events. Notable competitions include Battle of the Year (BOTY), Red Bull BC One, and Freestyle Session. In 2024, Breaking was added to the program of the Paris Olympic Games, reflecting its global reach.

Notable figures: Pioneers and early ambassadors include Crazy Legs, Ken Swift, Popin’ Pete, and Mr. Wiggles, who helped popularize b-boying through performances and teaching. The scene continues to evolve with new generations and cross-cultural collaborations.