INTRO TO BBOYIN' by the Miami Bboy coalition http://southflorida.digitalcity.com/theview/e0bme005.htm
What is B-boyin'?
B-boyin' is one of four main elements in Hiphop culture. The media has labeled in as "breakdancing," but this term is not correct. The proper terminology is Break Boy, Beat Boy or Boogie Boy. The word B-boy is used loosely, but B-boys are not just Hiphop fans--they are dancers.
When did B-boyin’ originate?
B-boyin’ originated as a dance form in the early 1970’s.
Where did it originate?
It originated in the South Bronx, New York City in the early 70's. B-boyin’ was done at parties and outdoors jams. Some say its early roots came from other dance forms in Harlem and Brooklyn.
How did it evolve?
In the early 70's, B-boyin' was focused mainly on uprock styles and finesse. There was little floorwork involved. After this period, it phased out. In the late 70's and early 80’s, however, it was revived by a new generation. The dance became more spectacular at the introduction of powermoves and combined with floorrocking.
What are powermoves?
Powermoves are spins and combination moves that are more acrobatic and involve a great deal of strength.
Are they important?
Powermoves are important to an extent, but the real core of breakin' is in flavor, the artistic characteristics of dance. The new generations of b.boys must remember the true essence lies in style, art and character, rather than acrobatics.
What are the tools of B-boyin?
Toprocking..................the introduction
Footwork...................patterns done with leg maneuvers
Freezes......................sudden stops and the finishing of moves
Powermoves............spins and acrobatics
Brooklyn Uprocking or Burning...taunting, warlike dance made at the opponent
Locking
Popping
Other styles of Boogaloo
Does B-boyin require physical training?
Yes, as many other dance forms, it does require training. B-boyin' is a strenuous artform, that requires the body to defy gravity and perform feats of incredible flexibility and endurance.
Who were some of the first dancers/crews?
Just to name a few...Rock Steady Crew, Rockwell Association, Floor Masters (New York City Breakers), Dynamic Rockers, Scramblin’ Feet...
Did B-boyin’ evolve from gangs?
Usually those who did dirt, stuck to dirt. Those who wanted some form of positive and recreational activity got involved in B-boyin'. Some gang members became dancers and were the ones who set the fashion for all of Hiphop.
Is it a cultural dance?
Yes it is, but unfortunately, many people do not know or understand the roots, heritage, triumphs, fallbacks and the upliftment of the dance.
How does B-boyin’ mix with boogieing and locking?
Breakin' is the acrobatical component of B-boyin’. Popping, boogie, and locking are miming, robotic, freestyle danceforms. These dances developed in the same era as breakin’, but are not the same thing. Because they evolved around the same time, they have similar characteristics. Popping, locking, and boogieing were usually danced to disco or funk. People often confuse them, but they are distinctly different danceforms.
What music is it danced to?
B-boyin' is usually done to breakbeats, which are the segments of a record that highlights the drummer. The art or lengthening breakbeats into one steady track was created by early DJ's.
Who gave the dance its name?
DJ Kool Herc from the Herculoids. He was one of the early DJ's in the Bronx.
Were there other DJ’s?
Yes, of the most popular in those days were Afrika Bambaataa, DJ Hollywood and GrandMaster Flash. There were many others, but that is a whole other element of Hiphop.
Why was the dance considered a fad or wrong to do? Because of ignorance and exploitation, many people (even within the Hiphop community) considered B-boyin’ a passing thing. In the 80’s, the media hyped up the acrobatics of the dance, exploited it and then played it out. As a result many people gave it up. Others quit because they couldn’t keep up with the complexity of the moves or style.
Nonetheless, Breakin’ is a deep form of expression, and like all other artforms, will continue to evolve and thrive. Despite criticism, many true original masters continue to push for the recognition of the dance, and also pass it on to the youth as a positive form of discipline.
This is just a brief summary on the art, history and mechanics of B-boyin’. Future lessons will go into greater detail on this art that stretches so far from east to west and around the world.
Deepest respect to those who paved the way for the evolving of our artform. Your work will always be recognized.
For those who gave it up, you should never quit. For those who stayed true, much love and respect. You know who you are.
THE ART OF B-BOYIN’ IS IN EFFECT!!! PEACE.
