Breaking

Breaking, often called breakdance, is one of the first dances of hip-hop culture and was born in the Bronx, New York. Its dancers, b-boys and b-girls, combine standing steps, footwork on the floor, spins and freezes, and test their skills in battles. It was an Olympic event at the Paris 2024 Games; studios teach it in groups for children, teenagers and adults.

What it is for

• Strength, especially in the arms, shoulders and core, and stamina.
• Flexibility, balance and body control.
• Coordination and musicality — breaking is still a dance, danced to the beat.
• Patience and confidence: a new move can take weeks of practice.
• A community of battles, jams and practice sessions.

Equipment

• Sneakers you can move and turn in.
• Comfortable clothes that cover the elbows and knees — long sleeves and trousers help on the floor.
• Knee pads and wrist supports, if the teacher suggests them. Many dancers wear a beanie or a cap for moves on the head.
• Water and a towel.

How a class goes

• Usually 60–90 minutes.
• A warm-up with strength and mobility work for the wrists, shoulders, neck and hips.
• Toprock: steps danced standing up, the way a dancer enters the floor.
• Footwork on the floor, such as the six-step, and freezes — holding a still shape, often balanced on the hands.
• Power moves, such as windmills and head spins, come later, step by step and with the teacher’s help.
• Many classes end with a cypher or a small battle. Groups for children focus on the basics and on falling safely.

Who it suits best

• Children and teenagers with lots of energy.
• Adults who like a physical challenge — you can start later in life, carefully.
• People who enjoy setting a goal and practising a move until it works.
• Anybody drawn to hip-hop culture — see Hip-hop.
• It is less suited to anybody with wrist, shoulder, neck or back problems, as breaking loads them heavily — ask your doctor and tell the teacher. Learn power moves and head moves only with a teacher, not alone from videos.

Find your studio