Definition

1. Noun:

   • A style of solo, athletic street dance that incorporates intricate, often rapid footwork, spins, and acrobatic movements where the dancer's body, particularly the hands and back, makes contact with the ground. It is traditionally performed to hip-hop or funk music.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To perform this style of dance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The break dance he performed was incredible, full of power moves and freezes.
  • Break dance originated in the Bronx, New York City, during the early 1970s.

• Verb:

  • The crew loves to break dance at the community center every Friday.
  • He learned to break dance by watching videos and practicing for hours.

Advanced Usage

• "to do a break dance": A common phrase meaning to perform break dancing.
  • For the talent show, she decided to do a break dance.

Variants and Related Words

• Breakdancing (n): An alternative term for the noun form "break dance." It is often used interchangeably.
  • Breakdancing became a global phenomenon.
• Breakdancer (n): A person who performs break dance.
  • The breakdancer won the international battle.
• B-boy (n): A male breakdancer (originates from "break boy").
• B-girl (n): A female breakdancer.

Synonyms

• Break (n/v): A common shorthand term within the hip-hop community for break dance/breakdancing.
• Breaking (n): Another term for the dance style.

Related Phrases

• Break battle: A competitive event where individuals or crews showcase their break dance skills against each other.
  • The break battle at the festival was intense.
• Power move: A type of acrobatic, dynamic move in break dance involving spins or rotations (e.g., windmills, flares).
  • His signature power move is the air flare.
• Toprock: The upright, standing dance moves performed at the beginning of a break dance routine before going to the floor.
  • Her toprock was smooth and full of style.
• Downrock/Footwork: The part of break dance performed on the floor using the hands and feet.
  • His downrock was incredibly fast and precise.
• Freeze: A pose where the dancer holds a stationary, often balanced position, typically ending a sequence.
  • He finished his set with a dramatic freeze.

Noun

1. a form of solo dancing that involves rapid acrobatic moves in which different parts of the body touch the ground; normally performed to the rhythm of rap music

Verb

1. do a break dance
   • Kids were break-dancing at the street corner