breakdancing

Definition

An urban style of acrobatic street dance that originated in the hip hop culture of New York City in the late 20th century.

Etymology

From break + dancing. Influenced by breakdown (the percussion break of songs chosen by a DJ for use in hip-hop music) -- breakdancers were originally those who danced to a breakdown.

Example Sentences

• "Hollywood made movies about breakdancing, dancers performed at the White House and the sky seemed the limit."