How the Bronx brought breaking to the world

B-boying. Breaking. Breakdancing. Hip hop made it.

Special thanks to our interviewees! Follow the links below to check out more of their work:

When the culture of hip hop first began to take shape in the 1970s, it consisted of at least four fundamental elements: DJing, emceeing, graffiti, and breaking. Breaking, popularly known as breakdancing today, was created in the Bronx in New York City by Black and Latino youths. The term breakdancing as it’s used in the media, often mixes the dances of New York’s b-boying and west coast developed dance styles like popping, locking, and the electric bugaloo. Breaking began as a mode of self-expression; it was a part of a larger culture that reflected the social, economic, and political conditions of the youth at that time. It reached peak popularity in the mid-1980s, when a number of films were released showcasing it’s moves and the youth who created it—films like Flashdance, Beat Street, Wild Style, and Krush Groove.

[yepitsthatguy]

Damnnnn Vox, back at it again with the great content I didn't know I wanted until now

[nate]

respect bboys and bgirls. its not just dancing, its a lifestyle.

[somalipiratewhopiratedyour]

Vox is what buzzfeed tries so hard to be.

[KBXGaming]

It's nice to see breaking being promoted and using its proper terminology as well. Big ups

[preido]

While I don't have a personal interest in breaking, I'm glad to see Vox showcasing an American Subculture that doesn't get a lot of acknowledgment or support.

[goldschool]

Why do those old 80's photos bring me so much joy?
Oh yeah! I was a child in the 80's. Such a blessing.

[rocketmagnet]

It's true, so many guys who breakdance can do loads of power moves, but just can't dance. They have no rhythm.

[obryan]

You don't see this anymore, trust me I live on south bronx.

[TheGobblersGetback]

Prodigy from Mobb Deep died 😢😢😢. #Queens

[JordanNoelleRealestate]

There's a video of vox deconstructing rapping a while ago. Love that very much, was hoping for another in that episode. Something about art and modern dance & music. With this episode, I think the wait is over :) Thanks Vox, original content as always!

[sharonbre]

So nice to acknowledge the athleticism, strength and fitness of the bkids. I was also born & raised in the South Bronx.

[allwecanseeisaboveusnow]

Some recognition given to the Bronx the boogie down 👌🏽👌🏽

[larrenceespenido]

One of the most influential dance crew is the rock steady crew that brought Hollywood fame to breaking

[sls]

First B-boys CAME from the BLACK SPADES IN THE BRONX and African Americans not Caribbeans and Latinos AND NOT HERC.

[enzmondo]

Watching all this breakdancing without the music is just wrong.

[sls]

The Black Spades were all African Americans in the Bronx, NY from Some racist Caucasian, and some racist Latinos too, but the Black Spades did let a few Caribbeans and Latinos in the group.

[Nelsonsedarojocynthia]

This is me ( used to be chief69) from when I was not saved.. actually ended up a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Highly recommend anyone watching this to watch our content online to see and learn and understand that I was wrong about a lot of things...

[bishggfork]

'Breaking is made up of four elements'
Me: WATER EARTH FIRE AIR

[Fealo]

Just saw dj kool herc last year in California at freestyle sessions the floor was full of people of all color and religions it was awesome, long live hip hop the real hip hop

[joegarcia]

we were break dancing in the early 70's at st mary's park recreation center dances. one of the first great break dancers, rubberband. died there in a fight with another kid in 1972 or 1973. we used to break to it's just begun, give it up turn it loose, melting pot and then came bongo rock. nice memories of my childhood in the Bronx. in my opinion the first break dancer was cuban pete a puerto rican mambo dancer from the fifties.