Urban Culture
Breaking 101, Your Complete Guide To The Dance Style
Dive into the basics of breaking culture and master its foundational moves with interactive animations that bring dynamic movement to life.
Part of this story
26 min
Breaking
Uncover the evolution of breaking as it progressed from Bronx backyards to global stages like Red Bull BC One.
Breaking is a dynamic fusion of creativity, athleticism, and musicality - performed by b-boys and b-girls and celebrated by fans worldwide.
Born on the streets of 1970s New York City, breaking has evolved into a global phenomenon, embodying the raw energy and style of hip-hop culture.
Whether battling for titles or throwing down in a cypher, breakers push the limits of movement. This guide will explain everything you need to know about one of the most talked-about scenes in modern sport.
The Red Bull BC One World Final is coming to Canada for the first time ever on November 29, 2026. Find out everything you need to know by visiting the official event page!
Breaking or breakdancing?
The term “breaking” comes from the instrumental interludes in a song where dancers would showcase their most dynamic moves.
“Breaking” is the original term, preferred by dancers and those who live the hip-hop lifestyle. “Breakdancing,” on the other hand, was a commercial label coined by the media to introduce the art form to the masses.
The origins of breaking
From the streets to the world stage - breaking has exploded in popularity over the decades, but its core principles remain the same. In which era did you first discover breaking?
1970s
Breaking emerges as part of hip-hop culture, born from the African-American and Latino communities in the Bronx, New York.
1980s
Breaking and hip-hop spread to Europe, gaining international recognition. The term "breakdancing" is coined by mainstream media to appeal to general audiences.
1990s
Breaking competitions take shape, with judging based on skill and technique. Breakers around the world begin watching highlights on videotape as the scene moves into the digital age.
2000s
The first-ever Red Bull BC One takes place in Biel, Switzerland, in 2004. Shifting away from group battles, BC One focuses on intense 1v1 matchups, becoming one of the most prestigious competitions in breaking.
2010s
Breaking competitions and dance TV shows gain momentum, creating new opportunities for breakers. Dutch b-boy Menno wins the first of his record four Red Bull BC One titles in 2014.
2020s
Breaking debuts at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with Canadian b-boy Phil Wizard and Japanese b-girl Ami making history as the first Olympic gold medalists in breaking.
Breaking it down: the foundational moves
When a b-boy or b-girl is in full flow, it’s a mesmerizing sight. Every inch of their body moves at frenetic speed, yet with perfect control. To the untrained eye, it can be hard to break down exactly what’s happening - but every dance is built on a handful of core elements.
We’ve brought these foundational moves to life with interactive animations, so you can click through and pinpoint exactly what your favorite breakers are doing.
Top Rock
Top rock is the core element of breaking performed while still standing up. It’s how a b-boy or b-girl usually begins their throw down and allows them to showcase their footwork skills and rhythmic style. Breakers can top rock for as long as they want before moving to the floor and transitioning to more acrobatic moves.
Salsa Step
Kick Out
Zulu Spin
Crossover
Indian Step
Footwork
Footwork relates to when a b-boy or b-girl is down on the floor using their hands for support as they perform breaking footwork steps. It’s mostly done in rhythmic circular-rotational movements, using the legs and hips, but it can also be done while moving in straight or diagonal lines across the floor.
6 Step
CCs
Swipe
Freeze
A freeze is when a b-boy or b-girl holds the same solid shape for an extended period. It’s often performed to signal the end of a combination of movements or particular sequence, and is usually done in sync with a prominent sound in the music.
Baby Freeze
Shoulder Freeze
Chair Freeze
Hollowback
Power Moves
Power moves are visually stunning and the most dynamic element of breaking. When a breaker is continuously spinning or rotating while balancing on their hands, elbows, head, back or shoulders – they are throwing a power move down. A power move could end in a freeze, or flow seamlessly into another move.
Backspin
Windmill
Flare
Air Flare
1990
2000s
Jackhammer
Watch your favorite moves in action
Click play and join b-boy Phil Wizard on a head-spinning tour of the world of breaking in What it Takes to Break.
15 min
Original moves
B-Boys Phil Wizard and Lee learn the secrets of Menno's creativity before battling in a test of originality.
The breaking terms you need to know
If you’re new to breaking and feeling lost in the lingo, don’t worry - we’ve got you covered.
b-boys / b-girls
Someone who practices breaking and also lives the hip-hop culture and lifestyle.
Throw down
When a b-boy or b-girl hits the floor and starts breaking.
Cypher
A circle that breakers form and dance in. If it’s a battle, you can see a 1v1 or 2v2 showdown in the cypher.
Cypher cat / Cypher b-boy or b-girl
A breaker with a reputation for having a style that really fits the small, more confined space inside a cypher.
A power head
Someone who loves to mostly practice and perform power moves in their breaking.
Footwork cat
Someone who loves to mostly practice and perform footwork in their breaking.
Repeating
When a breaker is accused of doing a move they've already done during that battle.
Bite, biter or biting
When a breaker is accused of stealing or copying their moves or style from somebody else.
Crashing
Failing an attempted move, often causing the breaker to lose a battle.
Off beat or on beat
Either not dancing to the basic rhythm of the music, or being deeply in tune.
A call out
When one breaker spontaneously challenges another breaker to a battle.
Set
A breaker's prepared round or combination of moves.
A crew
A collection of b-boys and b-girls who come together as a team, under one crew name
A super crew
When high-level b-boys and b-girls from different crews team up, or two high-level crews join forces for a competition.
Cyphers have been around as long as breaking. Unless they’re being used as a qualification for a battle, there’s no restriction on the size or time limit of a cypher.
In the eyes of the judges
Breaking competitions are judged by a panel of respected and experienced dancers who have made a positive impact on the scene.
While judging criteria may vary between events, most panels assess dancers based on these eight key elements.
Musicality
Is the breaker connected with the music and expressing the sound through their dance?
Foundation
Has the breaker mastered all the animated foundational moves featured above?
Character
How well has the breaker expressed their personality?
Difficulty of movement
Does their dance feature some dynamic movement?
Style
Is the way of moving unique to the breaker?
Execution
Has the breaker performed their moves cleanly without mistake?
Composition of round
Did the dance tell a story that flowed from the beginning, middle, and end?
Originality
Has the breaker showcased a new way of moving? Performed a new creative move? Or taken a fresh variation on existing moves?
Competitions always have an odd number of judges to avoid ties. The judges cast their votes at the same time once both breakers have concluded their portion of the round. The breaker with the most votes wins.
Don't miss these groundBREAKING competitions
Red Bull BC One Cypher USA & Camp
May 16–18, 2025
Denver, Colorado
In 2025, Red Bull BC One returns to the US with qualifying events culminating in the USA National Final & Camp in Denver, CO.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-bc-one-usa-national-finals-and-camp-denver
Red Bull BC One World Final Tokyo
Nov 9, 2025
Tokyo, Japan
The world’s best breakers face off in Tokyo for the 22nd Red Bull BC One World Final.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-bc-one-world-final-tokyo
Red Bull Lords of the Floor
Est, 2001
Seattle, Washington
Twenty years ago, a trailblazing event in Seattle - Lords of the Floor - revolutionized competitive breakdancing.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/films/return-of-the-lords
Battle of the Year
Est, 1990
Hannover, Germany
An international breaking competition regarded as the premier b-boying competition in the world and has been referred to as the "World Cup of B-Boying.”
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/battle-of-the-year-world-final-japa
Freestyle Sessions
Est, 1997
USA
Born in the USA; an annual b-boy competition featuring 3v3 & 1v1 cyphers crowning the best breaking crew in the world.
https://www.redbull.com/int-en/live/final-freestyle-session-san-diego-2019
UK Bboy Championship
Est, 1996
United Kingdom
One of the main international b-boy championships held every year featuring crew & solo battles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne5JTkV_Y80&ab_channel=RedBullBCOne
The Notorious IBE
Est, 1998
Heerlen, The Netherlands
One of the longest-running breaking events in the world. Since 1998 IBE has become an international festival celebrating the hip hop dance community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSHs-QaipG0&t=103s&ab_channel=RedBullBCOne
Outbreak
Est, 2003
Pembroke, Florida
Today’s Legits Blast Festival traces its roots back to Outbreak, an event that first took place in 2003. Founded by Mex One and the Unique Styles Crew, Outbreak began as a local gathering for the Breaking community but quickly evolved into one of the most prestigious underground Breaking events in the world. Outbreak Europe, an international breaking competition, now takes place annually at Legits Blast Festival. This 3-day event is notable for its uniqueness in featuring all 4 hip hop elements which are breaking, DJing, MCing and graffiti writing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kSlaCi538M8&ab_channel=RedBullBCOne
Keep dancing
ABC of... Breaking
B-boy Ronnie goes on a journey through the world of breaking and reveals all you need to know about this incredible dance form.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/episodes/abc-of-s2-e4-breaking
Distrct Talks
Learn what it was like growing up breaking in the '90s as b-boys Ronnie, Twixx and El Nino share their origin stories.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/episodes/distrct-talks-s1-e1
This is Breaking
From the culture of breaking to the importance of the cypher – continue your breaking journey with these stories.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/collections/this-is-breaking
Your guide to easy dance moves
These nine easy dance moves will help you start dancing on the right foot.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/easy-dance-moves-guide
Flexibility techniques for breaking
To be a breaker, you need to be flexible. Learn the stretching basics you can start working on right away.
https://www.redbull.com/us-en/flexibility-techniques-for-breaking
Writing Credits: Words: Emmanuel Adelekun, FraGue Moser-Kindler, Riley Hunter
Part of this story