A highly complex form of modern dance. It has its roots in a Brazilian martial art known as Capoeira. When Capoeria moved up from Brazil and into Los Angeles (where many poor immigrants from the Southern Countries end up), it was adapted by the local culture into a new and creative dance form. Contrary to popular belief, breaking does NOT come from New York - they simply made it famous.
It is split into two styles--breaking and popping. Breaking is the art of balancing and spinning in an acrobatic manner, whereas popping is a display of muscular control, wherein the body is moved in such a fashion as to give the illusion of robotic precision, unnatural fluidity, or both. The music behind breakdancing is normally Hip-hop, Breaks, or Jungle.