Breaking, more popularly known as breakdancing, is a style of urban dance that emerged in the early 1970s in the Bronx, New York. This form of cultural expression is one of the four main strands of hip hop, born alongside graffiti, DJing and MCing;
The sport is characterized by acrobatic and rhythmic movements, often performed to the sound of powerful beats and funk music. To better understand how it works, then, you need to be aware of the main terms used in it. That’s why we’ve created the breaking glossary!
In this list, you’ll find out what the most commonly used words are in this dance style and sport, and what each one means. So check out the breaking glossary and learn more about the sport!
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Breaking glossary: complete list
- Airflare
- Backspin
- Baby Freeze
- Battle
- B-boy/B-girl
- Blowup
- CC’s
- Cipher
- Combo
- Drops
- Footwork
- Freeze
- Headspin
- Helicopter
- Kicks
- Lock
- Power Moves
- Six-Step
- Swipe
- Toprock
- Uprock
- Windmill
- Flare
- Kip-up
- Thread
- Turtle
- Bridge
- Shoulder Spin
- Crab Walk
- Chair Freeze
Breaking glossary: learn more about the terms
Airflare
Airflare is an advanced acrobatic movement in which the breaking dancer rotates around his own axis while leaning on his hands in an inverted position. This move requires a lot of arm strength, as well as coordination and balance.
Backspin
The backspin is a fast spin performed when b-boy or b-girl propels their body to spin on the ground, using mainly the momentum of their legs and arms.
Baby Freeze
The baby freeze is a balancing position in which the breaking dancer supports their body weight on one arm, while the other arm and head support the balance. The legs can be bent or extended.
Battle
A battle is a direct competition between b-boys or b-girls in which the dancers show off their skills in alternating rounds. Battles can be individual or group, and are judged on criteria such as musicality, originality, technique and stage presence.
B-boy/B-girl
B-boy (break-boy) and b-girl (break-girl) are the terms used to refer to breaking dancers.
Blowup
Blowup is the name given to a moment in the performance when the dancer performs a movement of high difficulty or visual impact that surprises and excites the audience. These moments are often used to impress the judges in battles.
CC’s
CC’s are movements in which the dancer, on all fours, kicks their legs out to the sides alternately. This movement helps to create variations and fluidity in the transitions during the dance.
Cipher
The cipher is the term used to name the circle formed by dancers and spectators during a jam session. In the center of the circle, the b-boys and b-girls take turns showing off their skills.
Combo
A combo is a sequence of movements connected without interruption.
Drops
Drops are movements used to descend from the top (standing) to the ground in a fluid manner. There are various drop techniques, each with a unique touch to the performance.
Footwork
Footwork is the movement of the feet and legs, usually close to the ground. These movements require coordination, agility and a lot of rhythm.
Freeze
A freeze is a movement in which the dancer “freezes” in a pose, often in defiance of gravity.
Headspin
The headspin is a spin performed over the head, which requires a lot of balance and technique. It is one of breaking’s most iconic and difficult moves, as it requires a lot of strength in the neck and upper body.
Helicopter
The helicopter, also known as the windmill, is a movement in which the body rotates horizontally with the legs open, propelled by a circular movement of the arms.
Kicks
Kicks are kicks performed in the air while dancing.
Lock
Lock is a technique in which the dancer abruptly stops the movement to create a “locking” effect in the body.
Power Moves
Power moves are acrobatic movements that require a lot of strength and body control, such as airflares, headspins and windmills. These moves are often the highlights of a breaking performance.
Six-Step
The six-step is one of the most basic and important footwork movements and consists of a sequence of six steps that the dancer performs while moving in a circle.
Swipe
The swipe is an acrobatic movement in which the dancer rotates their body horizontally while alternating the support of their hands on the floor.
Toprock
Toprock are the movements performed standing up before the dancer goes down to the floor (downrock). They include a variety of steps and styles, allowing the b-boy or b-girl to show off their rhythm and musicality.
Uprock
In breaking, uprock is a dance style that simulates a battle using fast foot and arm movements and dramatic gestures. It is often used as an introduction to toprock.
Windmill
The windmill is a power move in which the dancer spins on the floor with the body in a horizontal position, legs spread and arms propelling the spin.
Flare
The flare is an acrobatic movement in which the dancer rotates their legs in large circles while their body remains suspended, alternating the support of their hands.
Kip-up
The kip-up is a movement in which the dancer jumps from the floor to a standing position, using momentum from the back and legs. It is often used as a transition between floor and standing movements.
Thread
The thread is a technique in which the dancer creates a “link” or “loop” with the limbs of the body, usually by passing the leg or arm through a space created by the other limb. It is a movement of great visual impact and creativity.
Turtle
The turtle is a breaking power move in which the dancer rotates on their elbows while keeping their body in a horizontal plank position.
Bridge
Bridge is the name given to a position in which the dancer forms a bridge with their body, arching their back and leaning on their hands and feet. It is a transition position that can lead to other acrobatic movements.
Shoulder Spin
The shoulder spin is a turn performed on one shoulder, requiring a lot of technique to maintain balance and fluid rotation.
Crab Walk
The crab walk is a movement in which the dancer moves inverted, leaning on their hands and feet, with their belly facing upwards.
Chair Freeze
The chair freeze is a freeze in which the dancer rests their lower body on one elbow and their head on the floor, creating a “chair” shape with their body.
Breaking glossary: complete list
- Airflare
- Backspin
- Baby Freeze
- Battle
- B-boy/B-girl
- Blowup
- CC’s
- Cipher
- Combo
- Drops
- Footwork
- Freeze
- Headspin
- Helicopter
- Kicks
- Lock
- Power Moves
- Six-Step
- Swipe
- Toprock
- Uprock
- Windmill
- Flare
- Kip-up
- Thread
- Turtle
- Bridge
- Shoulder Spin
- Crab Walk
- Chair Freeze
Breaking Glossary
This was the breaking glossary, with the main terms used in the sport, which is now also an Olympic competition.
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