The Evolution of Breaking: From Scarcity to Mainstream, and the Power of Social Connection

Breaking, or breakdancing, has come a long way since its inception in the early days of hip-hop culture. Once an underground movement, nurtured in the streets and shared through word of mouth, breaking has transformed into an internationally recognized art form with a growing professional scene, competitive arenas, and institutional recognition, including its inclusion in the 2024 Olympics. This blog explores the phases of breaking, from childhood curiosity to professional pursuits, and how the evolution of the dance reflects a larger shift in how culture, community, and access to information shape individual experiences.

Breaking in its rawest form: thriving on urban streets, driven by creativity, grit, and the spirit of community.

FROM MY EXPERIENCE
Breaking in the 1990s: A Niche Culture with Limited Access


In the 1990s, breaking existed as a niche within hip-hop culture, with access to information and knowledge being limited. Unlike today, where the internet provides a wealth of resources for anyone interested in learning how to breakdance, the 90s were a time of scarcity. To learn about breaking, one had to seek out local communities or rely on media outlets like The Source magazine thesource.com, which occasionally featured articles on breaking / hip-hop culture, or seen in a music video  and occasionally on
Soul Train www.bet.com/soul-train-awards . In my neighborhood, growing up in the ’90s, the way to get the scoop on breaking was to hang out with the rollerbladers / inline skaters.


Personal Experience: Discovering Breaking
I first learned about breaking while visiting my friend Chris, also known as Zone, who was a barber. While sitting in his chair, I noticed a cut-out from The Source magazine of someone doing a freeze. When I asked about the image, Chris explained it was breaking and that someone had won a competition by doing flares and catching a hat. I had heard of breaking as a child from my relatives, but I hadn’t seen it in action. Chris shared stories about practicing with B-boys in NYC, and eventually, he showed me a move called a Valdez, one hand back flip, monkey flip or macaco flip which really sparked my interest. From there, I was hooked, constantly seeking out more knowledge and people who could help me learn.

The Challenges of Learning Breaking in a Pre-Internet Era

During this time, physical communities were essential. Learning how to break was often passed down through direct mentorship and observation. For those interested in Breaking recognized as B-boying or B-girling by some , the journey involved finding and connecting with others who practiced the art, often through word-of-mouth recommendations. The dance was more like a speakeasy—hidden, exclusive, and only accessible to those who were truly passionate about the culture.


Personal Experience: Overcoming the Challenges

Since not everyone knew how to do the dance, I had to wait around to track down the few individuals who were knowledgeable. I realized that many people who skated also had connections to breaking, so I started visiting local skate parks and asking skaters about it. This process eventually led me to long-term friendships with people who helped me piece together the movements and the culture. It was a slow journey, but the relationships I built during that time were invaluable.

The Rise of Breaking: From Niche to Mainstream

Fast forward to today, and breaking is no longer confined to underground spaces. The internet has made breaking, along with B-boy and B-girl culture, more accessible than ever. Platforms like YouTube www.youtube.com , Instagram www.instagram.com, and TikTok www.tiktok.com/explore  have allowed dancers to share their moves, tutorials, and battles with a global audience. What was once a niche culture has now grown into a mainstream movement, with breaking competitions and professional opportunities expanding across the world.

This shift reflects a broader trend in how niches grow. Increased media exposure, cultural shifts in favor of hip-hop, commercial investments from brands, and global accessibility through the internet have all played a role in transforming breaking from a niche art form into an internationally recognized sport. With competitions like 
Red Bull BC One www.redbull.com/us-en/event-series/bc-one and breaking’s inclusion in the 
​Olympics https://olympics.com/en/paris-2024/sports/breaking, the dance has gained institutional recognition, further solidifying its place in the mainstream.


Personal Experience: Building a Community

Picture Captured by Proud Parent Of Our Bboy Bgirl Lifestyle Program

As I connected with more dancers, I quickly picked up on the idea that each person had a strong focus on different elements of breaking. Some were extremely skilled at top rock, others were great at footwork, and a few mastered raw power moves like spins and flips. I realized that to be a well-rounded breaker, I had to work on all of these elements. One memorable moment was witnessing a B-boy named Jesus practicing head spins with a helmet at a local gym ( Memorial High school, West New York, New Jersey)—something I had never seen before. That day, I also met Manny, who was exceptional at top rock. These encounters shaped my understanding of breaking and inspired me to push my limits.


The Phases of Interest in Breaking: A Lifelong Journey


As breaking evolves, so do the phases of interest for those who participate in it. Many B-boys and B-girls start their journey at a young age, where their initial interest is sparked by the music, the rhythm, or the spectacle of the moves. As they grow into their adolescent years, breaking becomes a form of self-expression, competition, and social belonging. The teenage years are often when dancers start to take breaking seriously, honing their craft, seeking out communities, and participating in battles.


For those who continue into their young adult years, breaking may become a professional pursuit. Increasingly over the last two decades, many are introduced to breaking in college through campus clubs and organizations, providing a springboard for dancers to develop their style. Whether through teaching, competing, or performing, many dancers explore how they can integrate breaking into their careers. Others may choose to keep breaking as a passionate hobby or side activity while pursuing other life goals.


Personal Experience: Turning Passion into a Profession

There were three pivotal moments that shifted breaking from being a hobby to something more. The first was after I suffered a BMX injury. I realized I would rather develop strength through breaking, where I controlled the risks, instead of relying on equipment that could cause harm. The second moment was when our crew, NBK, was asked to perform for Coca-Cola, making me realize that people took our skills seriously and were willing to compensate us. The third was when a mentor recognized my dedication and communication skills, offering me a formal opportunity to teach breaking at a studio in lower Manhattan. These moments cemented breaking as a significant part of my life.

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The Constant of Social Connection in Breaking and Hip-Hop

Throughout all these phases, one thing remains constant—the social connection that breaking fosters. Breaking isn’t just about dance; it’s about community, culture, and shared experiences. Even in the age of social media, where breaking is more accessible, the sense of belonging within the breaking and hip-hop community continues to be a driving force for many dancers.

Personal Experience: The Social and Cultural Influence
Breaking has reinforced my self-awareness, which my parents instilled in me from a young age. The theme of “No Te Rindes” (don’t give up) is something I carry with me, not just in dance but in life. Breaking has taught me to constantly strive to be the best version of myself, while also accepting who I am. This mindset of resilience is something that continues to shape how I approach challenges, both in breaking and in life.

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*The Beats Behind Breaking:
​Music That Moves the Culture

Listen to this breaking mix featuring tracks that inspire B-Boys, B-Girls, and breaking culture worldwide.

Dj LEG1ONER · Dj Leg1oner - Favela Mix

Breaking has always been fueled by music—without the beats, the moves wouldn’t have rhythm. Here’s a curated SoundCloud mix inspired by the sounds that have shaped breaking, connecting the roots to today’s cyphers.

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The Future of Breaking: Cultivation Without Expectation


Looking forward, breaking continues to leave a lasting legacy, not only in hip-hop culture but also in the lives of those who practice it. The social element of breaking is perhaps one of the most powerful and enduring aspects of the dance, creating lifelong friendships and a shared sense of purpose within the community.


Personal Experience: Contributing to Breaking’s Evolution
When I think about the future of breaking, I approach it with an open mind, grounded in the present. I focus on actively contributing to the culture—whether through teaching, sharing knowledge, or embodying the art in my daily life. By exploring new ideas and putting them into action, I aim to support breaking's continued growth. Breaking has given me so much, and I choose to stay connected to its journey, letting its evolution unfold naturally while I play my part.


Conclusion: From Scarcity to Mainstream, Breaking’s Journey Continues


Breaking has come a long way since I first discovered its underground roots in the 1990s. What was once a niche art form has grown into a global movement, thanks to increased accessibility, cultural shifts, and the power of the internet. However, despite breaking’s growth, the core values of community, self-expression, and social connection remain at the heart of the dance. Whether you’re just starting out or have been breaking for decades, the journey with breaking is one that evolves, but the sense of connection and purpose remains constant.
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