Breaking Development

To develop Breaking (breakdancing) within USA Dance, the plan will focus on integrating this dynamic and culturally rich dance form into the organization’s structure while fostering its growth at both grassroots and competitive levels. Recognizing Breaking's recent inclusion in the Olympics, USA Dance aims to create a vibrant Breaking community that attracts a new generation of dancers and positions the U.S. as a global leader in this sport.

The first step in this plan is to build a solid foundation through community engagement and partnerships. USA Dance will collaborate with established breaking communities, local crews, and influential figures in the scene to ensure that the programs we develop are authentic and resonate with dancers. Initial efforts will focus on organizing local and regional events, such as jam sessions, workshops, and small-scale competitions, to build trust and engagement with the Breaking community. These events will serve as entry points for dancers of all skill levels, encouraging participation and helping to establish a nationwide network of breakers connected to USA Dance.

To support the development of competitive Breaking, USA Dance will introduce a structured pathway that mirrors the progression in other DanceSport disciplines. This pathway will begin with grassroots initiatives, such as beginner and intermediate workshops, that focus on foundational skills and the culture of Breaking. From there, dancers can advance to more competitive events, culminating in regional and national championships. These competitions will be designed to align with the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) guidelines, ensuring that American breakers are prepared to compete on the world stage.

One of the key elements of this plan is the creation of a National Breaking Championship, which will become the flagship event for USA Dance's Breaking division. This competition will bring together the best breakers from across the country, offering them a platform to showcase their skills and earn recognition at the highest levels. The National Championship will also serve as a qualifier for international competitions, providing a clear pathway for U.S. dancers to compete globally.

In addition to competition-focused initiatives, USA Dance will emphasize education and community-building within the Breaking scene. This will include the development of educational programs that cover both the technical aspects of Breaking and its rich cultural history. By offering these programs online and in-person, USA Dance will make them accessible to a wide audience, including those in underserved communities. Partnerships with schools and community centers will be crucial in introducing Breaking to younger generations, helping to nurture the next wave of talent.

Special events will play a significant role in building the Breaking community within USA Dance. These events will range from local jams and workshops to national festivals that celebrate Breaking culture. By creating spaces where breakers can connect, share, and learn from one another, USA Dance will foster a strong sense of community and belonging. Additionally, these events will help to raise the profile of Breaking within the broader dance community and beyond.

To ensure the long-term sustainability of the Breaking division, USA Dance will focus on securing sponsorships and partnerships with brands that align with Breaking’s urban and youth-driven culture. These partnerships will provide financial support for events, education programs, and travel for competitors, while also helping to promote Breaking to a wider audience. Merchandise, media coverage, and digital content, such as live streams and documentaries, will further enhance the visibility and appeal of Breaking within and outside the dance community.

Finally, USA Dance will work closely with WDSF to ensure that American Breaking is fully integrated into the global DanceSport scene. This collaboration will include aligning competition formats, judging criteria, and athlete development programs with international standards. By doing so, USA Dance will position itself as a leader in the global Breaking community, offering U.S. dancers the opportunity to excel both nationally and internationally.

Through this comprehensive plan, USA Dance aims to create a thriving Breaking division that honors the dance's cultural roots while providing a structured pathway for competitive success. This initiative will not only enrich the offerings of USA Dance but also contribute to the growth and recognition of Breaking as a legitimate and respected sport worldwide.

Here’s a detailed 4-year plan for developing Breaking (breakdancing) within USA Dance, outlining specific initiatives and their implementation timeline.

Year 1: Foundation and Community Engagement
Objective: Establish a strong foundation by engaging with the Breaking community and building initial programs that resonate with dancers at all levels.

Q1-Q2:
Community Partnerships: Forge partnerships with established breaking communities, local crews, and influential breakers. Focus on understanding their needs and integrating their input into USA Dance’s Breaking initiatives.
Local and Regional Events: Launch local and regional Breaking events, including jam sessions, workshops, and small-scale competitions. These events will serve as entry points to introduce USA Dance to the Breaking community and build trust.

Q3-Q4:
Grassroots Workshops: Begin offering beginner and intermediate workshops focused on foundational skills and the culture of Breaking. These workshops will help dancers progress and prepare for more competitive opportunities.
Breaking Awareness Campaign: Implement a targeted marketing campaign to raise awareness about USA Dance's Breaking initiatives. Utilize social media, local influencers, and partnerships with community organizations to reach a broad audience.

Year 2: Pathway Development and Regional Competitions
Objective: Develop a structured pathway from grassroots involvement to competitive success, and expand the scope of regional competitions.

Q1-Q2:
Structured Progression Pathway: Formalize the competitive pathway for breakers within USA Dance, detailing the steps from grassroots participation to national and international competitions. This will include a clear structure for advancing through workshops, regional events, and national competitions.
Regional Breaking Competitions: Introduce regional Breaking competitions that align with WDSF guidelines, offering multiple levels of competition. These events will serve as qualifiers for the National Breaking Championship.

Q3-Q4:
Educational Programs: Launch educational initiatives that include online and in-person programs covering both the technical aspects and cultural history of Breaking. Partner with schools and community centers to introduce Breaking to younger dancers, establishing a pipeline for future talent.
Mentorship Program: Develop a mentorship program connecting experienced breakers with emerging talent. This will help new dancers navigate the competitive scene and build their skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals.

Year 3: National Presence and International Alignment
Objective: Establish a national presence for Breaking within USA Dance and align with international standards for competition.

Q1-Q2:
National Breaking Championship: Host the first National Breaking Championship, which will become the centerpiece event for USA Dance's Breaking division. This event will attract top talent from across the country and serve as a qualifier for international competitions.
International Collaboration: Work with WDSF to ensure that the National Breaking Championship and other competitions align with international standards. Explore opportunities to host international Breaking events in the U.S. or send American breakers to compete abroad.

Q3-Q4:
Expanded Regional Events: Increase the number and scope of regional Breaking competitions, ensuring more accessible opportunities for dancers nationwide. Introduce advanced workshops and masterclasses to further develop competitive skills.
Media and Branding Initiatives: Enhance the visibility of USA Dance’s Breaking division through media coverage, live streaming of events, and digital content creation. Develop branding strategies that resonate with Breaking’s urban and youth-driven culture.

Year 4: Optimization, Growth, and Long-term Sustainability
Objective: Optimize existing programs, expand participation, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Breaking within USA Dance.

Q1-Q2:
Program Optimization: Conduct a thorough review of all Breaking programs and events. Use feedback and participation data to refine and enhance workshops, competitions, and educational offerings, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the Breaking community.
Youth Outreach Expansion: Further expand youth-focused programs, introducing Breaking into more schools and community centers. This will help to build a strong pipeline of young talent and sustain the growth of Breaking for future generations.

Q3-Q4:
Sponsorships and Partnerships: Secure long-term sponsorships and partnerships with brands that align with the culture of Breaking. Use these partnerships to fund events, educational programs, and travel for competitors, ensuring financial stability for the Breaking division.
International Competitions and Recognition: Strengthen USA Dance's presence in international Breaking competitions by continuing to align with WDSF standards. Explore opportunities for U.S. breakers to compete in or host world-class events, solidifying the U.S. as a leader in global Breaking.

This 4-year plan is designed to build a robust and sustainable Breaking division within USA Dance, starting from grassroots engagement and culminating in a strong national and international presence. The plan focuses on community integration, competitive development, and long-term growth, ensuring that USA Dance becomes a central force in the evolution of Breaking as a recognized sport.