Breakdance and Breakdancing are not the correct terms used to describe the original dance element of Hip Hop. Those who were the first to dance it called this pioneering style of dance BREAKING or B-BOYING.
The crazy kids that dance this funky style throughout the world are referred to as BREAKERS or B-BOYS and B-GIRLS (BREAKs-boys and BREAKs-girls) because they dance on the BREAK of the music. Breaking is a dance form that is continually evolving rapidly incorporating new moves and styles as they are showcased by the breakers.
Breakdance and breakdancing were names were thought-up by outsiders wishing to commercialise the 80’s overnight dance sensation that all the kids, on every street corner in every city, were doing.
Like many other mismanaged affairs, too much coverage and exposure caused public interest to wax and wane and breakdance’s widespread popularity was short lived.
Breakdance and breakdancing are wedded to negative connotations of a hollow, commercialised and exploited former glory. These bogus terms misrepresent what breaking/b-boying means to those who are passionate about it and have dedicated their lives to cultivating it. They undermine what it WAS, IS, and HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME.
B-boys and b-girls are not a fashion trend born overnight. Breakers eat, sleep and breathe B-boying. To be good takes time, effort, skill and dedication. Breaking is more than a dance; for us, it is a way of life.
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