The history of breakdancing, between music, philosophy, and sport.

Breakdancing is a style of dance coming from Hip-Hop dance. It has a musical background but Hip-Hop dance also brings together five disciplines: Rap, DJing, Graffiti, Beatboxing, and Breakdancing. This dance was born at the beginning of the 1970s in the poor suburbs of New York, particularly in the South Bronx. Young inactive people could not find a place to show their creativity, in their surroundings there was misery, drugs, and gangs. They could confront other people with their dancing skills and not with violence. For those people, mostly of Afro-American or Porto Rican origins, this new physical activity was a great source of inspiration and a way to exist.

Breakdancing is constantly changing. Moves evolve with the music. Even if existing steps represent the basics, Bgirls and Bboys are always trying to find new steps or moves according to the different evolutions of music. They find inspiration through classical dance moves or martial arts like Capoeira (from Brasil), their imagination has no limit. Breakdancers are very curious about what is happening around the world. Breakdancing has universal values, Afrika Bambaataa and Zulu Nation advocate them: “Peace, love, unity and having fun”. James Brown has sung this message in one of his songs.

Breakdancing is a place of diversity and respect, with its own language and clothing codes. A style of life that spreads quickly on all continents. It is becoming more popular with movies and video clips. The biggest international stars dance with breakdance steps and moves in their choreographies. There are more and more major competitions organized around the world. Breakdancing becoming part of the Olympic Games is an acknowledgment. It is not only a sport joining the Olympic universe it is a whole culture or more... cultures.

Breakdancing is one of the numerous dances born within Hip-Hop dance. It is the most challenging dance performed in a short period of time, physically. You dance standing up and on the floor. All muscles of the body are solicited: the neck, the shoulders, thighs, the arms... Reinforcing muscles is the basic training of dancers. It requires flexibility and force. It is considered an extreme sport. On top of physical strength, it requires creativity. A real challenge. Dancers have to be strong, energetic, and creative. Within 45 seconds maximum.