Breaking it Down Part 2: Breaking Barriers: B-Girl Global Takeover

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 2, Breaking Barriers: B-Girl Global Takeover, took place on March 6 2025 at the Chicago History Museum to highlight women in Chicago’s Breaking scene, a typically male dominated field, during Women’s History Month. The event consisted of a moderated Panel Discussion and B-Girl Dance Battle. The panel was moderated by Skylar Males and featured B-Girl Mel, Lady Champ, and B-Girl Loki.