The B-boy Files: Chapter One
"Brief Introduction to B-Boyin"
By: Speedy Legs

1986

What is B-boyin?
Bboyin is one of the four main elements of Hip Hop culture. The media has labeled it "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 a B-boy is not just a hip hop fan, they are dancers.

When did it originate?
It originated as a danceform in the early 1970's.

Where did it originate?
It originated in the South Bronx area of New York City. B-boyin was done at parties and outdoor jams. Some say it's early roots came from other dance forms in Harlem & Brooklyn.

How did it evolve?
In the early 1970's, it was focused mainly on uprock styles and finesse. There was very little footwork involved. After this period, it phased out. In the late 70's early 80's it was revived by the new generation. The dance became more spectacular with the introduction of power moves combined with floor rocking.

What are power moves?
Power moves are spins and combination moves that are more acrobatic and involve a great deal of strength.

Are they important?
To an extent, but the real core of breakin is in flavor and the artistic characteristics of dance. The new generations of B-Boys must remember that the true essence lies in style, art, and character rather than acrobatics.

What are some of the dance styles that make up B-boyin today?
* Top Rocking (introduction)
* Footwork (patterns done with leg manuevers)
* Freezes (sudden stops and finishing of moves)
* Power moves (spins & acrobatics)
* Brooklyn Uprocking & Burning (taunting warlike dance made at an opponent)
* Locking (Funk dance created by Don Cambell)
* Popping (robotic, mime type of dance)
* Other styles of Boogaloo

Does Breakin involve physical training?
Yes, as in many other dance forms, it does require physical training. Breakin is a strenuous artform, that requires the body to defy gravity and perform feats of incredilble flexibility and endurance.

Who were some of the first B-boy & Rockin crews?
Just to name a few; RockSteady, RockWell Assoc., Floor Masters, New York City Breakers, Dynamic Rockers, Scramblin Feet, Magnificent Force, Incredible Breakers, Dynasty Rockers, Dynamic spinners, SalSol, etc...

Did Breakin evolve from gangs?
Usually those who did dirt stuck to dirt. Those who wanted some form of positive and recreational activity got involved with the dance. Some gang members became dancers and set trends for all of hip hop.

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 breakin mix with boogieing & locking?
Breakin is the acrobatical component of B-boyin. Poppin, boogie, and locking are miming, robotic, freestyle dancforms. These dances are were developed before the era of breakin. Disco and funk are the main types of music these dances are performed to. People often confuse them, but they are distincly different danceforms.

What music is danced to?
Breakbeats, which are segments of a record that highlight the drummer. The art of lengthening breakbeats into one steady track was created by early Dj's.

Who gave the dance the name B-boyin?
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 Grand Master Flash. There were many others, but that is a whole other element.

Why was the dance considered a fad or wrong to do?
Because of the ignorance and exploitation. Many people even within the Hip Hop community, considered B-boyin a passing thing. In the 1980'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 just quit because they could not 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 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 respects to those who paved the way for the evolution of our artform. Your will work will always be recognized.

The art of B-boyin is in Effect!!!
Peace....

Dino Rock(RIP), Ken Swift, & DJ Slick (Pro-Am 1997)