Take a moment to explore these remarkable moments in the world of breaking – a dance form that has grown in popularity and influence over the years. From epic battles to electrifying events, these instances have shaped the breaking scene in profound ways.
When we talk about breaking, we’re not just discussing any ordinary dance battles or events. We’re diving into the ones that have etched their names into the annals of history. These events aren’t just famous; they’re unforgettable, leaving an indelible mark on the breaking community.
These legendary battles and events aren’t just about moves and beats; they’re about the energy that reverberated through the air, the atmosphere that crackled with excitement, and the moments that defined an era. They’re the ones that truly put breaking on the map and set the stage for its continued evolution. So, let’s take a closer look at these iconic moments that have become part of breaking’s rich tapestry.
Active breaking battles
Battle of the Year
This is a groundbreaking event that started its journey in Germany back in 1990. This event holds a special place in the hearts of many breakers, as it has become the longest-standing and most influential gathering in the breaking community.
So, who created “Battle of the Year” battle? Battle of the Year emerged at a crucial time when breaking was facing a decline in the 1990s and was created by Thomas Hergenröther and his crew. It served as a beacon of hope, keeping the spirit of breaking alive when it seemed to be fading away.
The release of Battle of the Year VHS tapes and DVDs played a pivotal role in this revival, as they provided the first glimpse of breaking to many aspiring B-Boys and B-Girls around the globe. These recordings ignited a fire of inspiration, prompting countless individuals to embark on their journey to learn and master the dance style.
At the heart of Battle of the Year lies its signature crew battle, where teams from different countries come together to represent their homelands.
- The competition is fierce as crews showcase their unique styles and performances, aiming to impress the judges and secure their spot in breaking history.
- Beyond the crew battles, Battle of the Year also features thrilling solo and B-Girl competitions, highlighting the incredible talent within the breaking community.
Such is the impact and significance of Battle of the Year that it has garnered attention beyond the breaking world. Hollywood took notice, producing a film titled Battle of the Year: The Movie, which captured the essence and excitement of the event on the silver screen. Additionally, a documentary titled Planet B-Boy delved deeper into the cultural significance of Battle of the Year, showcasing its global reach and influence.
UK B-Boy Championships
Let’s dive into the rich history of the UK B-Boy Championships, an esteemed breaking competition that has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1996. Founded by DJ and promoter Hooch, this event holds the distinction of being the longest-running breaking competition in the United Kingdom.
The UK B-Boy Championships has earned widespread acclaim for its electrifying atmosphere and top-tier competitions, featuring both international crew battles and solo battles across various styles including”
- breaking
- popping
- hip-hop
Year after year, breakers from around the world converge to showcase their skills and vie for supremacy on the UK Champs stage.
Some of the most iconic names in breaking have risen to prominence through their victories at the UK B-Boy Championships. Legends like RoxRite, Lilou, Menno, Sunni, Kosto, and Morris have solidified their status on the international breaking scene by emerging victorious in the solo battles. Their dazzling displays of skill and creativity have left an indelible mark on the history of the sport.
In addition to solo battles, the UK B-Boy Championships is renowned for its fiercely contested crew battles, where powerhouse crews from across the globe compete for glory. Legendary crews such as Pokemon, Project Seoul, Jinjo, The Ruggeds, and the Red Bull BC One All Stars have all etched their names in breaking history by claiming victory on the prestigious UK Champs stage.
Freestyle Session
Let’s take a closer look at the legendary Freestyle Session, an iconic breaking event that takes place annually in the United States, orchestrated by the renowned DJ and promoter, Cros One.
For over two decades, Freestyle Session has been a cornerstone of the breaking scene, drawing enthusiasts from far and wide to witness its electrifying battles and vibrant energy. Spearheaded by Cros One, this event has become synonymous with innovation, excitement, and pure raw talent.
One of the hallmarks of Freestyle Session is its highly anticipated crew battles, which never fail to deliver an adrenaline-pumping experience.
- Each year, Cros One shakes things up by adjusting the format, ranging from intense 3on3 showdowns to battles with an unlimited number of members on each side.
- Throughout its storied history, Freestyle Session has seen the rise of numerous legendary crews who have left their mark on the event’s hallowed grounds.
- From the powerhouse moves of MZK to the precision and finesse of Squadron, from the fierce determination of 7 Commandos to the undeniable swagger of Killafornia.
But Freestyle Session isn’t just about crew battles; it’s a celebration of individual talent as well. The event also features thrilling solo battles and B-Girl competitions, showcasing the incredible skill and creativity of breakers from around the world. In addition, Cros One introduces battles in other styles each year, adding even more diversity and excitement to the lineup.
The Notorious IBE
The Notorious IBE, a vibrant hip-hop dance festival that has been captivating audiences since its inception in 1998. Originally based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the festival later found its home in the city of Heerlen, where it continues to thrive to this day.
The Notorious IBE is not your average dance festival – it’s a melting pot of creativity, energy, and passion. Attracting dancers and enthusiasts from around the globe, the festival offers a diverse array of activities to cater to every aspect of hip-hop culture.
From intense battles to enlightening workshops, The Notorious IBE has something for everyone. Participants can immerse themselves in various dance styles, honing their skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals. But the festival goes beyond just dancing – it’s a platform for dialogue and exchange, with panel talks providing insights into the evolution of hip-hop culture.
- One of the highlights of The Notorious IBE is its massive hip-hop market, where attendees can browse through a plethora of merchandise, from clothing to music, and everything in between.
- Additionally, the festival even hosts a pre-event football tournament, bringing together participants in a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition.
- IBE Footwork, Breakdown the House, and IBE 7tosmoke are just some of the famous battles that draw crowds year after year.
- However, it’s the iconic All vs All battle that truly steals the show.
In the All vs All battle, the world’s finest breakers are invited to showcase their skills. These elite dancers are then grouped into crews, each comprised of 10 or more B-Boys and B-Girls. The result is an electrifying display of talent, as crews compete head-to-head in a battle for supremacy.
Defunct breaking battles
Circle Kingz
Let’s journey into the vibrant world of Circle Kingz, a thrilling 2on2 breaking event that captivated audiences from 2005 to 2011. Renowned for its celebration of the pure essence of breaking, Circle Kingz gained worldwide fame as the ultimate gathering for B-Boys and B-Girls who embodied the essence of the dance form – rhythm, style, and personality.
Held in Switzerland and hosted by the esteemed B-Boy Amjad and his crew 7 Dollars, Circle Kingz was more than just a competition; it was a showcase of raw talent and creativity. Here, breakers who knew how to command a cypher, infusing their moves with flair and individuality, took center stage. For those who prided themselves on their dedication to the true spirit of breaking, Circle Kingz was the place to be.
The event attracted a diverse array of legendary crews, each bringing their unique energy and style to the cyphers and battles:
- Ruffneck Attack
- Hustle Kidz
- Funk Fockers
- Ghost crew
Circle Kingz was a melting pot of breaking culture. One of the most memorable aspects of Circle Kingz was the epic battles that unfolded between powerhouse crews. In particular, the clashes between Flow Mo and Skill Methodz in the 2005, 2006, and 2010 final battles left spectators in awe, as these titans of breaking went head-to-head in electrifying showdowns.
Over the six years of its existence, Circle Kingz crowned several dynamic duos as champions, including the legendary pairs of Hatsolo and Focus from Flow Mo, Menno and Xisco representing Def Dogz (with Xisco later becoming a Red Bull BC One All Star), and Venum and Flea Roc from Skill Methodz. These duos etched their names into breaking history, showcasing their unparalleled skill and artistry on the Circle Kingz stage.
Roxy Club battle in Beat Street
In the movie Beat Street (1984), there’s a super cool breaking battle that’s super memorable, even though it’s just a movie and not a real event. It happens right at the start of the film, at the busy Roxy nightclub. Two groups of dancers, called crews, show up ready to throw down and battle each other on the dance floor.
In the movie, the crews are named the Bronx Rockers and Beat Street Breakers. But guess what? They’re actually members of two real-life crews:
- Rock Steady (dressed in all blue)
- New York City Breakers (dressed in all red)
These crews had a real rivalry in the world of breaking. In the battle, you see amazing breakers like Ken Swift, Buck Four, Powerful Pexster, Kid Nice, and Baby Love showing off their awesome moves. This battle became super famous and is now a big part of breaking history.
If you want to know more about the world of cool moves, please check out the this YouTube video below!
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