Breakdancing, also known as b-boying or breaking, gained popularity in New York City in the late 1970s and early 1980s. the dance style was born out of the hip-hop culture and was primarily performed by African American and Latino youth.

In the 1980s, breakdancing became a mainstream phenomenon, with movies like “Wild Style” and “Beat Street” featuring prominent breakdancers and showcasing the dance style to a wider audience.

ultra-realistic photographs from the 1980s of Break Dancers on a city street and a big crowd gathered around watching Street-level, off-center, up-close images of the break dancers

Some of the most well-known breakdancers from the 1980s in NYC include:

Crazy Legs – founder of the Rock Steady Crew and one of the most iconic breakdancers of all time.
Ken Swift – founding member of the Rock Steady Crew and a pioneer of breakdancing.
Mr. Wiggles – a member of the Rock Steady Crew and one of the most versatile and creative breakdancers of the era.
Kool Herc – credited with being the founder of hip-hop music and culture, Kool Herc was also a respected DJ and breakdancer.
The Dynamic Rockers – a legendary breakdancing crew that was known for their acrobatic moves and creative choreography.
New York City Breakers – one of the most popular breakdancing crews of the 1980s, the New York City Breakers performed on television shows and in movies, and were known for their flashy style and intricate choreography.

these breakdancers and crews helped to popularize breakdancing in the 1980s and their influence can still be seen in the dance style today.

NYC Break Dancers 1980s

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