10 Reasons why you should start breaking (Part 2)

Are you ready to embark on the next chapter of “Reasons why you should start breaking”? If you’ve ever felt the stirring rhythm of life pulsating within you, or the magnetic pull of the dance floor calling out to your soul, then brace yourself for an adventure unlike any other.

In this part 2, we’re not just going to scratch the surface—we’re going to delve into the next reasons why you should start breaking, uncovering interesting facts that convince why immersing yourself in this art form could ignite a fire within you that burns brighter than ever before.

So, as you journey with us through these ten reasons, prepare to be moved, inspired, and transformed. Because breaking isn’t just about what happens on the dance floor—it’s about the journey it takes you on, the connections you forge along the way, and the person you become in the process.

Some general things about breaking

History

The Bronx in the 1970s was marked by poverty, crime, and urban decay. In this environment, young people sought alternative forms of expression and connection, leading to the emergence of street culture elements like

Graffiti art
DJing
MCing (rapping)
Breaking

Back in the day, there was this DJ named Kool Herc who threw some pretty epic parties in the neighborhood. And at these parties, he noticed something pretty cool: whenever the break of the songs he played came on, the young folks on the dance floor would go absolutely wild! Now, the ‘break’ part of a song is where all the vocals and other instruments take a break, leaving only the percussion section jamming.

Who is DJ Kool Herc? DJ Kool Herc is a famous DJ, whose real name is Clive Campbell, born on April 16, 1955. He’s from Jamaica but grew up in America. In 1973, he played a big role in starting hip-hop music in the Bronx, New York City. People call him the Father of Hip-Hop! He used to play funky music, like James Brown’s, that really got people dancing.

So, Kool Herc had this genius idea. He started playing two copies of the same record and mixed between them on two turntables using a technique called the ‘Merry-Go-Round‘.

Why? Well, he wanted to extend the break so that the dancers could show off their moves for even longer. And that’s how the dance of ‘breaking’ came to be! You see, the b-boys and b-girls would bust their moves specifically to the break of the track. Cool, right? Kool Herc really kicked off something special with his DJ skills and love for the beats.

Breaking gained wider attention and popularity through mainstream media, including films like “Wild Style” (1983) and “Beat Street” (1984), as well as through appearances in music videos and on television shows.

By the 1980s, breaking had spread beyond New York City and had become a global phenomenon, influencing youth culture and inspiring dancers around the world. Despite initial skepticism and attempts to commercialize the art form, breaking has retained its authenticity and grassroots appeal.

Famous competitions

Breaking grew out of informal gatherings and block parties where dancers would showcase their skills. These gatherings evolved into organized battles, or “b-boy/b-girl battles,” where dancers competed against each other, showcasing their moves, style, and creativity.

Dancers began experimenting with new movements, drawing inspiration from martial arts, gymnastics, and other dance styles. This led to the development of foundational moves like the toprock (standing dance moves performed while standing up), downrock (footwork performed on the floor), power moves (acrobatic moves), and freezes (poses held mid-movement).

Let’s take a trip back to 1990, when the international Battle of the Year (BOTY) burst onto the scene, marking the dawn of large-scale judged breaking competitions
The Red Bull BC One World Final is an annual international breaking competition that brings together the world’s top breakers to compete for the prestigious title of Red Bull BC One Champion, siince its inception in 2004.
In 2013, the World DanceSport Federation launched its own world championships, further solidifying breaking’s status as a global phenomenon.

Yet, breaking isn’t just about competing for titles and trophies. It has blossomed into something much bigger—a cultural art form that knows no boundaries.

The athleticism and creativity displayed in breaking caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), leading to its recognition by the World DanceSport Federation in 1997.
This recognition paved the way for breaking’s inclusion in the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018, marking a historic moment for the dance form.
And the journey didn’t stop there. In a groundbreaking decision in 2020, the IOC voted to include breaking in the program for the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024.

This monumental decision catapulted breaking onto the world stage, cementing its place in the annals of Olympic history and shining a spotlight on its cultural significance.

Reasons why you should start breaking

Nurture your artistic spirit

Reason 7: Breaking brings you into a global community

Breaking isn’t just about dancing; it’s about joining a vast, global family of kindred spirits. From local hangouts and spontaneous jam sessions to prestigious events like the Red Bull BC One World Final, breaking brings together people from all walks of life who share a deep love for the art.

As you delve deeper into the dance, you’ll discover a sense of kinship among fellow dancers that goes beyond just sharing moves.

What makes this community so special is its rich tapestry of diversity. By participating, you open yourself up to a world of cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. Collaborative dance sessions, battles, and events foster among participants

teamwork
communication
mutual respect

In the realm of breakdancing, you’re never alone; you’re part of a vibrant, global network pulsating with connection, collaboration, and a shared passion for the craft. Whether you’re seeking new friendships, guidance from mentors, or simply a place to call home, the breaking community welcomes you with open arms and eager feet ready to dance.

So, step into the circle, and let the rhythm unite you with a community that celebrates diversity and embraces everyone who shares a love for breaking.

Reason 8: Breaking brings you into an evolving art form

Think of breakdancing as a flowing river—it’s always in motion, always shifting. While the basic moves stay the same, the way they’re done and combined keeps evolving. This means there’s always something fresh to learn, master, and invent. Dancers from all corners of the globe bring their own cultural flavors, mixing and matching moves to create new styles that keep breakdancing vibrant and thrilling.

Being part of such a dynamic art form means you’re constantly challenged, never stuck in one place. It pushes you to think creatively, try out new things, and keep up with the changes in the dance world. This ongoing evolution doesn’t just make you a better dancer; it also teaches you to embrace change and stay open-minded.

In the world of breakdancing, you’re not just along for the ride; you’re actively shaping its future with every twist, turn, and spin you bring to the dance floor. So, dive in, and let the rhythm carry you as you become part of the ever-changing flow of breakdancing.

Reason 9: Breaking has the dopest music

Breaking and music go hand in hand like peanut butter and jelly. With every thump of the beat, drop of the bass, and sway of the rhythm, breakers find their groove, matching their moves to the flow of the sound. But here’s the thing: every song is like a different puzzle, and breaking requires a sharp ear to unravel its complex rhythms and appreciate its subtle twists and turns.

As you dive deeper into breaking, you’ll start to see music in a whole new light. Take genres like hip-hop, funk, and soul—the very heartbeat of breakdance battles and jam sessions. They’re not just background noise anymore; they become stories waiting to be told, each song painting a vivid picture that dancers bring to life with their movements.

This heightened awareness of music’s storytelling power opens up a whole new world of appreciation for whom craft these sonic masterpieces such as:

Artists
Producers
DJs

Through breaking, music becomes more than just something you listen to—it becomes a full-body experience. You don’t just hear the music; you see it, feel it, and dance to its every beat. It’s like diving into a vibrant tapestry of sound, where every thread tells a story, and every step is a dance in harmony with the music’s soulful rhythm. So, the next time you hit the dance floor, remember—you’re not just moving to the music; you’re becoming part of its living, breathing melody.

Reason 10: Breaking connects you to dance culture

Breaking connects you to the dance culture — Breaking connects you to dance culture

Breaking isn’t just about dancing; it’s a journey through history, tracing its roots back to the streets of New York in the 1970s. As you glide, spin, and freeze, you’re not just moving to the beat—you’re weaving yourself into a colorful tapestry of cultural expression.

Breaking emerged as a powerful voice during times of social unrest, uniting communities and expressing creativity in the face of adversity. Each step you take carries the weight of pioneers who used dance to tell stories of struggle, hope, and resilience.

Summary

Combining with the “10 Reasons why you should start breaking (Part 1)” blog, all the above covered the full list of reasons why you should start breaking, hope you enjoy reading both of them.

If you want to be more inspired than those reasons why you should start breaking, maybe you should visit this YOUTUBE video and see how a B-Boy guide your first steps into the world of breaking.