Week 5 : Post 2

Disclaimer: Audio to video is not work appropriate: I suggest you mute your audio if neccasary.

Commonly known as break dancing, alternately known as breaking or b-boying was introduced in New York City amongst the inner city youth. This dance style has been portrayed in television commercials, print media and even the heart of recent dance focused movies. Its popularity has grown so widely, you can learn breaking at your local hip hop dance studio and from home with the many DVD tutorials sold.

The b-boys and b-boys push their body to the limits and throw their heart into their dance. I have always wanted to learn to break; I remember watching in amazement as a young child. However, I lack the physical strength, endurance and confidence that b-boys and b-boys exude.

The foundation of breaking consists of four not-so-basic moves. Steps preformed in a standing position are referred to as a toprock. A toprock is usually the first move in a set and used as a transition between movements. Downrock is footwork performed on the floor, such as in the 6-step. The moves that require energy and bodily power to perform are named power moves. A freeze or suicide is the pause or ending of a b-boy set. A stylish pose, the freeze requires upper body strength and showcases the poise and control of a b-boy or b-girl. Contrary, a suicide is done to signal the end of a set and is usually done in a move that emphasizes a theatrical “giving up” or “loss of control” of the breaker.

Regardless of the dance genre, what class of people pioneered it or what cultures it ventures off into, dance has always and will always be a primary form of expression. From the Waltz to Breaking, dance will never fail to express and deliver emotion.