Breaking

Breaking is a form of freelance street dancing, also known as breakdancing, or more colloquially, B-boying or B-girling. It became well known in the United States after forms of breakdancing were shown in the movie Flashdance, but it had been around in various forms since the 1970s and is popular in many countries.

Breaking first emerged in the early 1970s on the streets of the Bronx, New York. In this challenging environment, the Afro-American, Latin, and Puerto Rican communities kept a rich musical diversity alive, invoking salsa, funk, disco, and mambo.

As a competitive sport, breaking is a dance battle where B-boys and B-girls (the dancers) face off in duels on a cypher (a circular stage), accompanied by a DJ’s music and the encouragement of an MC (Master of Ceremonies). Dancers must perform acrobatic moves on the ground or in the air to earn the votes of nine judges, who will determine the winner by majority decision.

The dance style is characterized by a series of specific movements: “toprocks” (standing movements), “footworks” (groundwork), “freezes” (frozen poses), and “powermoves” (acrobatic moves). These elements are executed with style, fluidity, and a strong connection to the music. The dance is often practiced solo or in teams during “battles,” where dancers showcase their creativity and technique.

Breaking was on the programme of the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, and made its début on the Olympic Programme at the 2024 Paris Olympics, with one event for B-boys and one for B-girls, its sole Olympic appearance to date.

The sport is governed by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF), which was founded on 12 May 1957 under the name of International Council of Amateur Dancers (ICAD). The organization would be rebranded as the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF) in 1990, and to its current name in 2011. As of January 2026, the WDSF has 99 members (including 78 NOC-recognized members). World Championships in breaking have been contested since 2019, with European Championships beginning in 2021.

Apart from breaking, the WDSF also governs other dance sport disciplines. While several of these disciplines have been contested at the World Games since 1997, breaking also joined the competition’s programme at its 2022 edition.