User:Anyante1/Breakdancing

Music

The musical selection of breakdancing is not restricted to the genre of hip hop music, it spreads across a variety of existing musical genres and often borrows aspects from each to create something new. The main genres that influenced breakdancing, and the music that contributes to it, are disco, jazz, soul, funk, and electronic music. Since breakdancing music originates from a multitude of musical styles and genres, certain songs can differ a lot but the main thing they all must have in common is a tempo of 110-135 beats per minute paired with sixteenth and quarter beats within the percussive pattern, and the breakbeat.

The breakbeat is the most significant part of a breakdancing song, it usually is either a mix of samples that were cut and remixed together by the DJ or a portion completely void of the vocals and instruments where only the percussion element is featured. Breakdancing was invented during these musical breaks because B-boys and B-girls were most inspired by these breaks and would start dancing during these breaks. Eventually, DJs caught on to the new style of dance that was developing and began lengthening the breaks so that dancers would have more time to improvise new movements and styles. DJs began experimenting with these break beats to compliment the movements of breakdancers and make the sounds mix more smoothly. For example, DJ Kool Herc invented a technique called the ‘Merry-Go-Round’ where he would play two records at the same time and mix between them on the turntables.

Breakdancing not only originates from a variety of musical genres but also a variety of musicians who added unique aspects to their performances and the music they created. Jackie Wilson was a popular performer who did movements such as spins and splits which mimicked the flashdancing of the 20s and 30s. He played both Rock and Roll and Rhythm and Blues music which both contributed to breakdancing music. James Brown is another popular performer whose unique dance style has been linked to modern breakdancing. He was a funk musician who combined movements from the time of minstrel shows and the flashdance style. His dances featured slides and fast spins into splits to the heavy bass and funk beat of his music. Brown would also use short yet high intensity breaks in his music that would last 15-20 seconds which can be linked to the freestyle breakers of the 70s who would also use breaks to do their most complex and difficult dances.

B-Boys and B-girls

The original B-boys and B-girls were members of Black gangs in the Bronx in the late 60s to the early 70s. When it originated, breakdancing was usually done at parties or in clubs as a form of release, similar to how hip hop was born as a response to the oppression and struggle Black youth faced. Later, in the mid 80s, a new wave of breakers came from Puerto Rican crews. At this point, when Puerto Rican youth got involved in the style of dance, they brought a new level of intensity and introduced acrobatics and gymnastics began to become part of the dancing.

Battles between breakers became very common as breakdancing became more popular in New York City. These battles could take place at school during lunchtime or at dance clubs. Traditionally, battles require a DJ on the turntables, a host on the mic and, depending on the size of the battle, three to six judges who decide the winner. Battles between breakers became essential to the culture as it was dancers' chance to show their individuality and prove that their style was the best. The goal was to one up your competition so early breakers who never do the same moves. It was also seen as uncool to let parts of your body other than your hands and feet touch the ground. Within b-boy culture it was important to create your own style and new movements would often be created as a result of battles.