Breaking it Down Part 1: History of Breakdancing in Chicago

Chicago Dance History Project, in partnership with the Chicago History Museum and Nexus Performing Arts, crafted a three-part series, Breaking it Down: the History of Breakdancing (Breaking) in Chicago.

Ascending from the underground scene to the world’s stage during the Summer 2024 Paris Olympics, breaking (breakdancing) has remained integral to Chicago’s hip hop community. This unique, three-part panel series explores the history of breaking in Chicago as well as its city-wide impact.

Part 1, Breaking Away: From Coast to Coast to Chicago- The Arrival and Influence of Breaking in the Windy City, took place on January 29 2025 at the Chicago History Museum consisting of a moderated Panel Discussion and Breaking Workshop. The panel was moderated by Daniel “Bravemonk” Haywood and featured Donnie “Crumbs” Counts, Anthony “YNOT” Denaro, Eric “B-Boy Wicked” Delgado, and Eddie “B-Boy Shellz” Shellman.