BREAKING DANCE CLASSES

History of Breaking

Though widespread, the term "breakdancing" is looked down upon by those immersed in hip hop culture. The terms "b-boys", "b-girls", and "breakers" are the preferred terms to describe breakdancers. There are several elements that form breaking, including "toprock", "downrock", "power moves", "freezes", and "suicides."

"Toprock" generally refers to any string of steps performed from a standing position. It is usually the first and foremost opening display of style, though dancers often transition from other aspects of breaking to toprock and back.

"Downrock" (also known as "footwork" or "floorwork") is used to describe any movement on the floor with the hands supporting the dancer as much as the feet. Downrock includes such as the foundational 6-step, its variants such as the 3-step, and other small steps ("techs") that add style.

"Power Moves" are actions that require momentum and physical power to execute. The breaker is generally supported by his upper body, while the rest of his body creates circular momentum. Notable examples are the windmill, swipe, head spin, and flare. Some moves are borrowed from gymnastics (such as the flare) and martial arts (such as the butterfly kick).

"Freezes" are used to emphasize strong beats in the music and often signal the end of a b-boy set. Freezes are stylish poses, and the more difficult require the breaker to suspend himself or herself off the ground using upper body strength in poses such as the pike.

"Suicides" like freezes are used to emphasize a strong beat in the music. However unlike freezes, suicides can also signal the end to a routine. Breakers will make it appear that they have lost control and fall onto their backs, stomachs, etc.

Register Now! Learn fun breaking moves from the best hip hop dance faculty this summer at our summer dance training camp!

BREAKING AT ADTC ULTIMATE OVERNIGHT CAMPS

The four core dance classes at our ULTIMATE Overnight Dance Camps are in hip hop, jazz dance, Broadway dance & contemporary or lyrical. Although breaking is NOT offered as one of the four core classes at our ULTIMATE Dance Camps, modern dance is often offered as a dance elective during free time at these camps. Click an ADTC ULTIMATE camp location below for more details!

BREAKING AT OUR HIP HOP Dance INTENSIVES

Hip hop dance is the main focus at our Hip Hop Dance INTENSIVES. Since breaking is a sub-dance-style of hip hop dance, breaking classes may be offered as electives at these INTENSIVE camps. Our INTENSIVE Hip Hop Dance Camps differ from our ULTIMATE Overnight Dance Camps only in that the dancing focuses on hip hop dance styles alone (as compared to hip hop in combination with other dance styles like jazz, Broadway and lyrical). At our Hip Hop Dance INTENSIVES, campers take four dance classes per day that explore the many variations of hip hop. Click on an ADTC INTENSIVE location below for more details (we even offer a special TEEN TRAVEL session where campers get to spend one week at each ADTC Jazz INTENSIVE and travel with our awesome staff between locations):

Custom Breaking Dance Camps & Custom Breaking Choreography

American Dance Training Camp offers a team of renowned breaking dance instructors worldwide who teach at our ULTIMATE and INTENSIVE dance camps. Our breaking dance instructors can also choreograph pieces for that big recital, competition or event you have coming up &/or travel to your studio, school or private location for customized boot camps!

Complete our custom camp/choreography questionnaire if you are interested in a Custom Break Dance Camp or Custom Breaking Choreography with one of our amazing Break Dance Instructors; your responses will help us to better understand your needs. Conversations with your personal Camp Designer &/or ADTC Instructor will follow as you refine your camp &/or choreography needs together.

Are YOU the Next ADTC Dance Idol?!

Our April 2010 Dance Idol Competition is underway! Do YOU have what it takes? Here's how to participate:

1. Become our fan on Facebook:

2. Upload your dance videos to our Facebook page

3. Vote on your favorite videos

Competition Rules: All dances must be less than 3 minutes long (ANY dance style). Participants must indicate whether they choreographed the dance themselves (if not, you must give credit to the original choreographer). American Dance Idol has three categories: group dances (3 + dancers); pair dances (2 dancers) and solo dances (1 dancer).

Prizes: In each category, first runners-up receive a $25 iTunes gift certificate; and winners receive an iPod Nano (plus the chance to have their dance video, bio and an interview featured on the ADTC website!)