As far as dance styles go, break dancing is a relatively new form of dance that is growing in popularity even among serious and competitive dancers. Once a street art type of dancing, these dancers are beginning to make a name for themselves and breaking into competitions around the world.
The beginnings of break dancing can be traced to clubs in the Bronx where dancers filled in breaks in the music with improvised dance moves. James Brown is believed to be the Godfather not only of soul but also of Break Dancing with “Get on the Good Foot” in 1969. Though Afrika Bambaataa is widely credited as the person who should take the lion’s share of credit for the phenomenal growth and popularity of break dancing because of his role as the legendary grand master DJ of Bambataa’s Universal Zulu Nation.
One reason that break dancing is beginning to garner more than a slight share of critical acclaim is because of the talent that is required in order to pull it off. This isn’t something that people just decide to do and those that are very good at break dancing have, more often than not, dedicated no small amount of time towards perfecting their craft.
With break dancing there are a few essential elements. First of all the beat is essential. You must have a sense of rhythm in order to perform these types of dance moves. You also need style, and this is something that cannot be manufactured. A good deal of break dancing is essentially rooted in showmanship. You must be able to put on a show and it cannot be the same show that the guy before or after you has performed. Another key ingredient is flexibility. It takes an incredible amount of flexibility in order to perform these movements.
Most people find that break dancing is a complete improvisation. This means that the moves are not exactly choreographed. When it comes to competitive shows that are popular on television lately these dancers have a distinct disadvantage because they do not historically choreograph their moves so this is new to them and goes against their dancing instincts to a large degree.
Another thing that places them at a disadvantage is that break dancing is largely a solo sport. When they are suddenly thrust into competition as part of a couple they often starting over and not only learning new moves but also a new way of dancing that is completely foreign to them. Despite the disadvantages however we are seeing more and more break dancers making it into the final elements of these competitions and dazzling audiences along the way.
Check out the videos and see for yourself the incredible strength, discipline, and overall style that is required for those that engage in the sport of break dancing whether for fun or competition. If this is a style of dancing that is appealing to you, the videos are an excellent place to begin your journey. You can watch the moves of others and begin to create moves of your very own.
More importantly, you can learn the basics by watching others and then decide for yourself whether or not you want to take the next step and begin learning how to do the moves for yourself. This is style of dance that requires an incredible amount of discipline in order to pursue but can be rewarding in many ways. Parents often find themselves encouraging an interest in this style of dance as it is an inexpensive way to keep kids away from drugs and focused on something positive.
Break dancing is gaining more and more approval in mainstream society as it is being included more often in popular competitions, television shows, and in motion pictures. If you think this is the style of dance that is right for you there is no time like the present to begin. You can learn much about general break dance styles by watching videos however, the best way to learn whether or not break dancing is for you is to try it and see. Just remember to begin with basic steps in order to avoid literally break dancing your way to a broken neck.
