Breakdance

What Is Breakdance?

Breaking originated in the South Bronx, New York, in the early 1970s as part of the emerging hip hop culture. It consists of four core elements: toprock (upright movement), downrock (floorwork), power moves (dynamic spinning and acrobatic moves) and freezes (held positions).

Breaking requires significant physical strength, body control and musical sensitivity. Practitioners — known as B-boys and B-girls — develop their own personal style and freestyle vocabulary over years of training.

In 2024 breaking was featured as an Olympic sport at the Paris Games, marking a landmark moment for the global breaking community.

Learning Breakdance in London

London has a strong and long-established breaking scene, with crews, cyphers and competitions active throughout the city since the 1980s. Areas such as East London and South London have historically been centres for the culture.

Breaking events, battles and jam sessions regularly take place across the city, maintaining an active community of practitioners at all levels.

Breakdance classes in London are available for all levels, including complete beginners. Most studios teach the foundational elements before progressing to more physically demanding power moves.

Dedicated breaking schools in the city provide structured training programmes, while many general street dance studios include breaking as part of their curriculum.