Breakdancing-Anjali Patel

BREAKDANCING

James Brown

The Hustle à The Good Foot

James Brown is responsible for the origin of Breakdancing. His hit “Get on the Good Foot” along with the famous move known as the Good Foot, was the up and coming dance in 1969.  This dance deviated from the famous “the hustle” of the time period with more high energy and acrobatic movement. 

Development of Breakdance

Good Foot à B-boying à Breakdancing

The beginning style of breakdancing was much simpler than what is seen today. Early breakdancing was comprised mainly of floor work, also known as “Floor Rock”. It consisted of complex and fast footwork and body freezes. So, who was involved in this? How did it spread? Mainly, it was the youth of the streets in the North. With the skill and complexity required for this type of dance, it quickly became a way for different gangs or groups to battle each other without violence.

Rock Steady

Floor Rock à Headspins

Around the 1980’s, the Rock Steady Crew was created. Unfortunately, many of their peers did not support their seemingly old style of dance. However, they did have one supporter, and this one man made all of the difference. Afrika Bambataa, a renowned DJ who is now credited for the progression and growth of breakdancing, pushed them to continue their work. With them came the birth of the headspins, windmills, and backspins that are so well known today.  

Cited Sources:

BREAKDANCING:

"History of Breakdancing." N.p., 22 Apr. 2004. Web. 19 Apr. 2013.