What Is Breaking?
Breaking is a form of dance that originated in the United States during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It is also known as breakdancing or b-boying, and it involves intricate footwork, spins, freezes, power moves, and other acrobatic movements. Breaking has become an international phenomenon with its own culture and style. It can be seen at clubs, concerts, competitions around the world.
Breaking consists of four elements: toprock (uprock), downrock (footwork), power moves (acrobatics) and freeze/suicides (stunts). Toprock refers to any upright dancing done on two feet while downrock focuses on steps taken while crouching low to the ground. Power moves are more complex acrobatic maneuvers such as headspins or windmills which require strength and agility from dancers. Freeze/suicides involve stunts like handstands or backflips where dancers hold their bodies still for several seconds before transitioning into another move. Breaking requires skillful execution of all these elements combined together in order to create unique routines that showcase each dancer’s individual style.