Breakin Basics

Brief History –

B-Boying or Break-Dancing is one of the five major elements of Hip-Hop Culture (Emceeing, Graffiti Art, Djing and Beat Boxing are the others) and was created by youth in the South Bronx in the early 1970’s as a positive outlet to the sometimes violent and negative atmosphere in which they lived. Although this dance is completely unique in and of itself some of its influences include African, Latin American, and early 20th century dances.

Vocabulary of the Dance -

1. Top Rock – this is the initial movement of the dance. Done standing up: it is used to find the rhythm of the beat, introduce your style, and create moves while dancing on beat (to the break and snare drum of a record) and feeling the rhythm of a particular song.

Three Basic Movements to be taught – Front Cross, Back Cross, Side-to-Side.

2. Drops (Go-Downs) – these are the moves that transition the dancer from the Top-Rock (Standing Up) to the floor moves. There are many different ways and styles to get to the floor.

Three Basic Movements to be taught – Direct , Knee Drop, Drop.

3. – these are a combination of structured and sporadic floor moves that are done on beat in response to the speed and rhythm of the break of the record (the part where all the background music drops out and you can only hear the drum beats).

Three Basic Movements to be taught – Shuffle, C-C’s, Six-Step.

4. Freezes – these are quick poses that are a complete in movement while on the floor doing footwork. They are exhibited most commonly when ending a set of moves, but can be performed at anytime.

Three Basic Movements to be taught – Baby Freeze, Plank, Chair Freeze.

Thank you very much for your interest! If you would like my dance crew to perform at your school or if you have any questions please e- mail me at [email protected].