The History of Break Dancing

Break dancing exploded onto the scene in the Bronx. It shaped the culture, and it also provided a visual for the emerging hip-hop culture.

Pre-History

Most sources place the birth of break dancing some time in the late 1970's to the early 1980's. However, it is argued that James Brown's 1969 hit "Get on the Good Foot" and its accompanying dance planted the seed, particularly in New York City's Bronx.

Battles

According to original B-boys like Louis Angel Matteo, a.k.a Track 2, break dancing became a non-violent way for rival gangs to challenge each other, though occasionally these challenges only served to fuel the fire of gang violence.

Keith and Kevin Smith

Keith and Kevin Smith are twin dancers; they are credited with inventing some of the most well-known moves of breaking, taking their moves down to the floor.

Afrika Bambaataa

Bambaataa was the leader of the Zulu Nation in the Bronx and the founder of one of the first and most prominent breaking crews, the Zulu Kings. Bambaataa remained in the scene for decades, always with an encouraging word for newcomers.

Wild Style

In 1981, break dancing went mainstream with Charles Ahearn's film, "Wild Style." It focused primarily on the crew "Rock Steady" who became superstars overnight.

The Roxy

In 1982, break dancing exploded onto the roller rink at the Roxy, a venue that went on to hold high-profile breaking contests.

References

• History of Breaking
• NPR Article on Breaking