Partner Event | Breaking It Down: A History of Breakdance (Breaking) in Chicago

Breaking has always been a staple in Chicago’s hip-hop culture. This panel event presented in partnership with Chicago Dance History Project and NEXUS Performing Arts explores Chicago’s history of breaking and why it’s integral to the city’s culture, ascending from the underground scene to the world’s stage during the 2024 summer Olympics in Paris. Topics include:

· How did Chicago communities influence and enhance breaking?

· Is breaking a sport or an art form?

· How did Chicago’s political history impact breaking?

Each panel will feature three breakers and one moderator. Hear from panelists as they discuss their experience as breakers in the Chicago community as well as breaking’s presence in pop culture and the media.

This event will be the first of a three-part series on the history of breaking; stay tuned for the next events, coming this spring!

Free; RSVP required.