History of Breakdancing

Bboy.org · **History of Breakdancing -** 04-22-2004, 05:57 PM

Breakdancing seems so different from all other kinds of dancing that the first question people ask when they see it is: "Where did these kids learn to dance like that?" To many people, this dance seems to have come out of nowhere. But like everything else, Breakdance did come from somewhere, something and someone. In the case of Breakdancing, that someone is the great superstar, James Brown, and the something is the dance, the Good Foot. In 1969, when James Brown was getting down with his big hit "Get on the Good Foot" the Hustle was the big dance style of the day. If you've ever seen James Brown live in concert or on TV, then you know he can really get down. And when he preformed his hit, he did the kind of dance you'd expect James Brown to do. High Energy. This almost acrobatic dance was appropriately enough known as the lot of kids around New York City.

By the time the Good Foot became the new dance style, the tradition of dance battle was well established. Dancers would gather at places like Harlem World on 116th Street in Harlem and Battle-dancewise. Battles are covered in more detail in the section on battles, challanges, and contests, but the important thing as fas as the history of Breakdancing is concerned is that Breakdancing was particularly well-suited for competition. And not only was the Good Foot well- suited for dance battles, it appealed to certain young men who were very athletic.

The Good Foot, which was soon to be called B-Boy and shortly after that Breakdancing, or Breaking, was very different from the Breaking we see today. In some ways it was simpler. There were no Headspind. No Windmill. No Handglides or Backspins. It was what is now called old-style Breaking. Old-Style Breaking consisted only of floor work, or Floor Rock, and in a way it was more complex than modern Breaking. There may be some small variations on the Headspin and a Backspin, but basically, a Headspin is a head spin and a Backspin is a back spin. But Floor Rock can involve some extremely complicated leg moves, and it is done very fast. And it did not take long before where were a lot of Breakdancing battles happening.

Among those for whom old-style Breaking was especially popular were many of the youths and street gangs that roamed the South Bronx. And it was in those streets that Breakdancing really started. Often, the best Breakers in opposing gangs would battle dance wise instead of fighting. They would battle over turf. Or because someone stepped on someone else's shoes. They might battle prove that their gang was better than the other gang. Sometimes they would make a contract that the loser would not go around to the winner's neighborhood anymore. Sometimes they battled just to gain each other's respect. Unfortunately, these Breaking battles did not always stop fight. In fact, they often would cause a fight, since dancers would sometimes get physical when they couldn't win dance wise. No one likes to lose. But today Breaking battles have, to a large extent, replaced fighting in the Bronx.

In this way Breakdancing crews-groups of dancers who practice and perform together-were formed. And soon formal crews organized, who not only practiced and preformed together, but who also developed their own dance routines. Some of these crews became very dedicated to their dancing, and since they had nothing better to do, would spend hours a day practicing, developing more and more complex moves, improving their form, and increasing their speed. And then Afrika Bambaataa came along. Bambaataa is the legendary grand master D.J. who is the individual most responsible for the successful growth of Breakdancing. He is a record producer and member of the Soul Sonic Force, who’s "Looking For The Perfect Beat" was chosen as the No.4 best single in the 1983 Jazz and pop Critics' Poll. Afrika Bambaataa is also the leader of the Zulu Nation in the Bronx.

In 1969, Afrika Bambaataa saw Breakdancing as more than just dancing. He saw it as a way to achieve something. He saw the potential of Breakdancing, and encouraged the dancers to keep at it. To work hard, and to believe that if they stuck with it, something good would come of it. Bambaataa then started one of the first Breakdance crews, the Zulu Kings. The Zulu Kings won a lot of battles and talent shows and preformed in various clubs in New York. At the same time they won a lot of adherents for the Zulu Nation.

Old-style Breaking remained popular until about 1977, when the Freak took over, based on the hit record "Freak Out" by the Shieks. Then around 1979 and early 1980 a new Breakdance crew was organized-Rock Steady Crew. Even though Rock Steady Crew was especially talented, a lot of people put them down being old-fashioned. But Bambataa encouraged them. He told them that if they stuck with it, something good would happen. He took them on, and soon they were performing at the Mudd Club, the Ritz, and other Punk rock clubs around New York. When Rock Steady performed for Malcom McLaren and Bow Wow Wow at the Ritz people started taking them seriously. Breakdancing Was In Again.

But the new-style Breaking was different from the old. Rock Steady added a lot of acrobatic moves. Breaking now included not only Floor Rock but Headspins, Backspins, Handglides, and Windmills. In 1981, Charles Ahearn made his Hip-Hop movie, Wild Style, a raw vision of rap singing, graffiti, scratching, and Breakdancing in the Bronx. Ahearn called on Rock Steady to do the Breaking and Rock Steady became the preeminent Breakdance crew and new-style Breaking became even more popular. When the spring of 1982 rolled around the Roxy was a well-established New York roller-skating rink. But the popularity of roller skating quickly began to fade, and in June of '82, Pat Fuji turned the Roxy into a dance club on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. The Roxy quickly became the Hip Hop center. It was here that rappers, D.J.'s, and Breakdancers would perform and hang out.

If you wanted to discover a Breakdancer for your show or video, you would come to the Roxy. Or if you just wanted to watch or learn some new moves, you would come to the Roxy. And the Roxy started to sponsor Breakdance contests, which would help the winners get more recognition. In June, 1983, Pat Fuji hired professional Jazz dancer Rosanne Hoare to run the Street Arts Consortium, whish was a house Breakdancing, rapping, and graffiti art. Rosy was going to officially establish a home for Hip Hop Culture. While the Street Art Consorium never really happened as envisioned, Rosy did provide a home for Breakdancers. She not only provided a place where they could feel at home, but she worked with them as a choreographer, helping to extend their dance possibilities. She also helped many dancer find commercial and performing dance work. Most importantly, Rosy was-and is-always there as a friend whom they can count on. She herself has taken up Breakdancing.

_______________________________________________

This Article is from"Breakdancing with Mr.Fresh & The Supreme Rockers"

Bboy_Hypnotizer · **thanks for the article -** 04-23-2004, 01:25 PM

i juz read it and its always good to gain knowledge of history to share with my crew

BboyFurocious · 08-23-2004, 10:12 PM

It's always good to freshen up on some history.
I really enjoyed this article.

Peace

rap_attack · **Fo sure! -** 08-24-2004, 01:13 PM

I enjoy reading things bout the history of Hip Hop. I just read "Vibe-a history of Hip Hop".
Rap Attack

B-boy Hats · 08-27-2004, 05:01 PM

thanks, i enjoyed that.

BboyMenace · 08-28-2004, 01:45 AM

I usually like to hear facts about the history of breakin too, but only if they are truly facts. I stopped reading the article after it was stated that James Brown basically invented breakdancing. This could be considered a highly controversial, much-debated topic. I rather choose to believe that breakin came from Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, of course. There are many similarities between these two arts. Capoeira even has a form of one-on-one combat where the two dancing combatants both go down to the floor on the same musical beat (because music is ALWAYS played when playing capoeira), but they hit each of their sticks together instead of throwing a punch or something like bboyz. This is VERY similar to battle rock. Many of the moves are the same too. They have moves called by Brazilian names, that I can barely spell because I only took Capoeira for a year. The moves are IDENTICAL to the: 1990, L-Kick, Hollowback, Planche, One-hand glides, Headspins, Flare, Ball-and-Chain, Butterfly Twists, and many more! They do flips and handstands and splits too. The similarities are very abundant. Oh, and don't forget that a circle is made for Capoeira, as well as breakdancing. James Brown might have observed this art and incorporated it into his great dancing, or maybe he re-invented SOME of the similar movements himself, but I doubt he should be credited with inventing it as the article strongly suggests. This shouldn't be spread around if it isn't true. Don't hate me if I've bursted your bubbles, I'm just stating my opinion, with facts. Please respond if there is more debate to be had. Thanks for listenining.
Dennis The Menace

Ivylaiz · 09-06-2004, 10:52 PM

What about Dj Herc i thought he had alot to do with the history of Bboying? You havent mentioned him at all.

PhillyBBoy88 · 10-09-2004, 09:36 AM

DJ Herc, GrandWizard Theodore are all figureheads of Hip Hop itself. Mentioning every contributer to Hip Hop, would be like trying to count the stars.

Of course they had an impact a huge one at that, DJ Herc mixed music creating "breaks" for dancers to excel in. Grandwizard Theodore created the needledrop increasing the flexibility of DJing and BreakBeats. Theres hundreds of other contributers as well, mentioning every single one would be hard without having some assortment of books or something.

Props for Article Tane

Ivylaiz · **True that... -** 10-10-2004, 06:27 PM

Thanx i understand fully. Hey i never even knew about Grandwizard Theodore!! do you have any other names? dont count all the stars but could you name any more apart from the obvious ones??

BboyMcFishy · 12-10-2004, 05:02 AM

what!?!?!! no kool herc?!?!? you cant leave out herc he pretty much invented hip hop and he also came up with the name bboy

rap_attack · **Tru nuff Fishy! -** 12-10-2004, 08:00 AM

There is mo info on my site and pics in the Gallery of me and Herc when he was in Oz recently. Did u go and see him Fishy? He is coming back and I may be doing a collab with him!

Rap Attack

BboyMcFishy · 12-13-2004, 06:28 PM

nah i couldnt go im only 14 and they are all over 18 events but if he coming back ill try and get there

BboyMcFishy · 12-13-2004, 06:39 PM

rapattack just checked out ur new site nice pics is dat u in da first one u changed a fair bit since in ur pic

AlphaTrion · 07-26-2005, 04:10 AM

[quote]Originally posted by BboyMenace
I usually like to hear facts about the history of breakin too, but only if they are truly facts. I stopped reading the article after it was stated that James Brown basically invented breakdancing. This could be considered a highly controversial, much-debated topic. [/qoute]

I'll agree with you there. B-boying's roots lie in numerous dances from the '60s and '70s aside from the Good Foot.

I rather choose to believe that breakin came from Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, of course. There are many similarities between these two arts.

It did not.

Capoeira did not reach the United States (more specifically New York) until around 1975 when Jelon Viera began teaching. By that time B-boying and rocking had already been around for several years. Many of the originators of b-boying have stated numerous times that at the time, Capoeira was completely unknown to them. When the Nigga Twins (inventors of downrock) were asked "why don't you give credit to capoeira" they said "I don't recognize the name but maybe if you intruduce him to us, we might know him."

Capoeira even has a form of one-on-one combat where the two dancing combatants both go down to the floor on the same musical beat (because music is ALWAYS played when playing capoeira),

Rocking was around in the early to mid-60s which pre-dating Capoeira's arrival to the states even more so than b-boying itself.

but they hit each of their sticks together instead of throwing a punch or something like bboyz.

That is not actually Capoeira, it is Maculele...a seperate Brazilian artform which is sometimes associated with Capoeira.

This is VERY similar to battle rock.

No. Not really.

Many of the moves are the same too. They have moves called by Brazilian names, that I can barely spell because I only took Capoeira for a year. The moves are IDENTICAL to the: 1990, L-Kick, Hollowback, Planche, One-hand glides, Headspins, Flare, Ball-and-Chain, Butterfly Twists, and many more! They do flips and handstands and splits too. The similarities are very abundant.

This is purely coincidental (with the exception for flares which do not exist in capoeira) The same moves also exist in dozens of other martial arts and artforms...there are butterfly twists in Tae Kwon Do and there are Planches in gymnastics. But that does not mean that either of these were influenced by Capoeira.

Oh, and don't forget that a circle is made for Capoeira, as well as breakdancing.

The circle is a natural formation which occurs anytime a group of people gather to share something. Whether it be a dance, music, stories, etc. What else would they do? Make a square or a rhombus?

James Brown might have observed this art and incorporated it into his great dancing, or maybe he re-invented SOME of the similar movements himself, but I doubt he should be credited with inventing it as the article strongly suggests. This shouldn't be spread around if it isn't true. Don't hate me if I've bursted your bubbles, I'm just stating my opinion, with facts. Please respond if there is more debate to be had. Thanks for listenining.
Dennis The Menace

I have to agree with you on the last part at least. I feel that the article vastly oversimplifies b-boying and having the "Good Foot" as the only origin is highly suspect considering the existence of Rocking several years earlier.

I have studied capoeira for many years and have been a b-boy for 5 years. Sorry to reply to an old topic but it needs to be put out there that b-boying did NOT come from capoeira.

Swiper · 07-26-2005, 04:29 AM

^ I totally agree.

I hate it when people say that.

Thanks for educating someone.

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Bboy.org President Elect Respect: 101 Posts: 1,000,642 Join Date: Apr 1984	History of Breakdancing - 04-22-2004, 05:57 PM Breakdancing seems so different from all other kinds of dancing that the first question people ask when they see it is: "Where did these kids learn to dance like that?" To many people, this dance seems to have come out of nowhere. But like everything else, Breakdance did come from somewhere, something and someone. In the case of Breakdancing, that someone is the great superstar, James Brown, and the something is the dance, the Good Foot. In 1969, when James Brown was getting down with his big hit "Get on the Good Foot" the Hustle was the big dance style of the day. If you've ever seen James Brown live in concert or on TV, then you know he can really get down. And when he preformed his hit, he did the kind of dance you'd expect James Brown to do. High Energy. This almost acrobatic dance was appropriately enough known as the lot of kids around New York City. By the time the Good Foot became the new dance style, the tradition of dance battle was well established. Dancers would gather at places like Harlem World on 116th Street in Harlem and Battle-dancewise. Battles are covered in more detail in the section on battles, challanges, and contests, but the important thing as fas as the history of Breakdancing is concerned is that Breakdancing was particularly well-suited for competition. And not only was the Good Foot well- suited for dance battles, it appealed to certain young men who were very athletic. The Good Foot, which was soon to be called B-Boy and shortly after that Breakdancing, or Breaking, was very different from the Breaking we see today. In some ways it was simpler. There were no Headspind. No Windmill. No Handglides or Backspins. It was what is now called old-style Breaking. Old-Style Breaking consisted only of floor work, or Floor Rock, and in a way it was more complex than modern Breaking. There may be some small variations on the Headspin and a Backspin, but basically, a Headspin is a head spin and a Backspin is a back spin. But Floor Rock can involve some extremely complicated leg moves, and it is done very fast. And it did not take long before where were a lot of Breakdancing battles happening. Among those for whom old-style Breaking was especially popular were many of the youths and street gangs that roamed the South Bronx. And it was in those streets that Breakdancing really started. Often, the best Breakers in opposing gangs would battle dance wise instead of fighting. They would battle over turf. Or because someone stepped on someone else's shoes. They might battle prove that their gang was better than the other gang. Sometimes they would make a contract that the loser would not go around to the winner's neighborhood anymore. Sometimes they battled just to gain each other's respect. Unfortunately, these Breaking battles did not always stop fight. In fact, they often would cause a fight, since dancers would sometimes get physical when they couldn't win dance wise. No one likes to lose. But today Breaking battles have, to a large extent, replaced fighting in the Bronx. In this way Breakdancing crews-groups of dancers who practice and perform together-were formed. And soon formal crews organized, who not only practiced and preformed together, but who also developed their own dance routines. Some of these crews became very dedicated to their dancing, and since they had nothing better to do, would spend hours a day practicing, developing more and more complex moves, improving their form, and increasing their speed. And then Afrika Bambaataa came along. Bambaataa is the legendary grand master D.J. who is the individual most responsible for the successful growth of Breakdancing. He is a record producer and member of the Soul Sonic Force, who’s "Looking For The Perfect Beat" was chosen as the No.4 best single in the 1983 Jazz and pop Critics' Poll. Afrika Bambaataa is also the leader of the Zulu Nation in the Bronx. In 1969, Afrika Bambaataa saw Breakdancing as more than just dancing. He saw it as a way to achieve something. He saw the potential of Breakdancing, and encouraged the dancers to keep at it. To work hard, and to believe that if they stuck with it, something good would come of it. Bambaataa then started one of the first Breakdance crews, the Zulu Kings. The Zulu Kings won a lot of battles and talent shows and preformed in various clubs in New York. At the same time they won a lot of adherents for the Zulu Nation. Old-style Breaking remained popular until about 1977, when the Freak took over, based on the hit record "Freak Out" by the Shieks. Then around 1979 and early 1980 a new Breakdance crew was organized-Rock Steady Crew. Even though Rock Steady Crew was especially talented, a lot of people put them down being old-fashioned. But Bambataa encouraged them. He told them that if they stuck with it, something good would happen. He took them on, and soon they were performing at the Mudd Club, the Ritz, and other Punk rock clubs around New York. When Rock Steady performed for Malcom McLaren and Bow Wow Wow at the Ritz people started taking them seriously. Breakdancing Was In Again. But the new-style Breaking was different from the old. Rock Steady added a lot of acrobatic moves. Breaking now included not only Floor Rock but Headspins, Backspins, Handglides, and Windmills. In 1981, Charles Ahearn made his Hip-Hop movie, Wild Style, a raw vision of rap singing, graffiti, scratching, and Breakdancing in the Bronx. Ahearn called on Rock Steady to do the Breaking and Rock Steady became the preeminent Breakdance crew and new-style Breaking became even more popular. When the spring of 1982 rolled around the Roxy was a well-established New York roller-skating rink. But the popularity of roller skating quickly began to fade, and in June of '82, Pat Fuji turned the Roxy into a dance club on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night. The Roxy quickly became the Hip Hop center. It was here that rappers, D.J.'s, and Breakdancers would perform and hang out. If you wanted to discover a Breakdancer for your show or video, you would come to the Roxy. Or if you just wanted to watch or learn some new moves, you would come to the Roxy. And the Roxy started to sponsor Breakdance contests, which would help the winners get more recognition. In June, 1983, Pat Fuji hired professional Jazz dancer Rosanne Hoare to run the Street Arts Consortium, whish was a house Breakdancing, rapping, and graffiti art. Rosy was going to officially establish a home for Hip Hop Culture. While the Street Art Consorium never really happened as envisioned, Rosy did provide a home for Breakdancers. She not only provided a place where they could feel at home, but she worked with them as a choreographer, helping to extend their dance possibilities. She also helped many dancer find commercial and performing dance work. Most importantly, Rosy was-and is-always there as a friend whom they can count on. She herself has taken up Breakdancing. _______________________________________________ This Article is from"Breakdancing with Mr.Fresh & The Supreme Rockers"


Bboy_Hypnotizer Senior Member Respect: 1 Posts: 166 Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: 206	thanks for the article - 04-23-2004, 01:25 PM i juz read it and its always good to gain knowledge of history to share with my crew


BboyFurocious Full Member Respect: 1 Posts: 194 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Louisville	08-23-2004, 10:12 PM It's always good to freshen up on some history. I really enjoyed this article. Peace


rap_attack Rap Attack Oz Ol Skool Respect: 1 Posts: 1,010 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney	Fo sure! - 08-24-2004, 01:13 PM I enjoy reading things bout the history of Hip Hop. I just read "Vibe-a history of Hip Hop". Rap Attack


B-boy Hats uk bboy Respect: 1 Posts: 52 Join Date: May 2004 Location: SHEFFIELD	08-27-2004, 05:01 PM thanks, i enjoyed that.
	my bboy name has changed but like everbody else i cudnt nt b assed to register agen. my real bboy name is 'bboy hairy'. y'all better reconize!!


BboyMenace Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 2 Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sarasota	08-28-2004, 01:45 AM I usually like to hear facts about the history of breakin too, but only if they are truly facts. I stopped reading the article after it was stated that James Brown basically invented breakdancing. This could be considered a highly controversial, much-debated topic. I rather choose to believe that breakin came from Capoeira, the Brazilian martial art, of course. There are many similarities between these two arts. Capoeira even has a form of one-on-one combat where the two dancing combatants both go down to the floor on the same musical beat (because music is ALWAYS played when playing capoeira), but they hit each of their sticks together instead of throwing a punch or something like bboyz. This is VERY similar to battle rock. Many of the moves are the same too. They have moves called by Brazilian names, that I can barely spell because I only took Capoeira for a year. The moves are IDENTICAL to the: 1990, L-Kick, Hollowback, Planche, One-hand glides, Headspins, Flare, Ball-and-Chain, Butterfly Twists, and many more! They do flips and handstands and splits too. The similarities are very abundant. Oh, and don't forget that a circle is made for Capoeira, as well as breakdancing. James Brown might have observed this art and incorporated it into his great dancing, or maybe he re-invented SOME of the similar movements himself, but I doubt he should be credited with inventing it as the article strongly suggests. This shouldn't be spread around if it isn't true. Don't hate me if I've bursted your bubbles, I'm just stating my opinion, with facts. Please respond if there is more debate to be had. Thanks for listenining. Dennis The Menace


Ivylaiz Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 30 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: H-Town	09-06-2004, 10:52 PM What about Dj Herc i thought he had alot to do with the history of Bboying? You havent mentioned him at all.
	Aotearoa Represent!!!


PhillyBBoy88 Wolverine like Healing Respect: 1 Posts: 314 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Philly	10-09-2004, 09:36 AM DJ Herc, GrandWizard Theodore are all figureheads of Hip Hop itself. Mentioning every contributer to Hip Hop, would be like trying to count the stars. Of course they had an impact a huge one at that, DJ Herc mixed music creating "breaks" for dancers to excel in. Grandwizard Theodore created the needledrop increasing the flexibility of DJing and BreakBeats. Theres hundreds of other contributers as well, mentioning every single one would be hard without having some assortment of books or something. Props for Article Tane
	"Tane Gave us a DJ Forum Thanks To These Ppl" "Please Click here to get the new Bboy.org Instructional Video!


Ivylaiz Registered User Respect: 1 Posts: 30 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: H-Town	True that... - 10-10-2004, 06:27 PM Thanx i understand fully. Hey i never even knew about Grandwizard Theodore!! do you have any other names? dont count all the stars but could you name any more apart from the obvious ones??
	Aotearoa Represent!!!


BboyMcFishy Just Elwood Respect: 1 Posts: 38 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cronulla	12-10-2004, 05:02 AM what!?!?!! no kool herc?!?!? you cant leave out herc he pretty much invented hip hop and he also came up with the name bboy
	Obsolete


rap_attack Rap Attack Oz Ol Skool Respect: 1 Posts: 1,010 Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Sydney	Tru nuff Fishy! - 12-10-2004, 08:00 AM There is mo info on my site and pics in the Gallery of me and Herc when he was in Oz recently. Did u go and see him Fishy? He is coming back and I may be doing a collab with him! Rap Attack
	My new site is up! rapattack.shorturl.com


BboyMcFishy Just Elwood Respect: 1 Posts: 38 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cronulla	12-13-2004, 06:28 PM nah i couldnt go im only 14 and they are all over 18 events but if he coming back ill try and get there
	Obsolete


BboyMcFishy Just Elwood Respect: 1 Posts: 38 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Cronulla	12-13-2004, 06:39 PM rapattack just checked out ur new site nice pics is dat u in da first one u changed a fair bit since in ur pic
	Obsolete


Swiper supa dupa member Respect: 2 Posts: 1,587 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Uralla	07-26-2005, 04:29 AM ^ I totally agree. I hate it when people say that. Thanks for educating someone.
	No advertising in Sig.