In the early 80s, a new form of artistic expression, born from the urban streets of America, emerged as one of the era’s biggest dance trends - breakdancing. A combination of colorful moves and stunning acrobatics, driven by the infectious rhythms of hip-hop, this new style was quickly embraced by youths all across the country and beyond. Bands like Newcleus and Afrika Bambaataa provided the soundtrack for adventurous moves such as popping, locking, spinning, and the “electro-boogie.” The hit film Flashdance offered a glimpse of the emerging style to the masses, and Irene Cara’ song “Breakdance” was a favorite on radio. Breakdancing had arrived, and what better way to celebrate than a feature film called Breakin’.

As the film opens, audiences are introduced to Kelly, an aspiring dance school student who has grown a bit tired of the traditional styles, not to mention the condescendence of her peers. She needs some new inspiration, and her friend Adam has just the thing – a trip downtown to check out the local breakdancing street scene. Kelly quickly forms a friendship with some of the masters of the art, Ozone and Turbo, who christen her ‘Special K.’ With a major dance competition approaching, the formidable trio decided to shake up the traditional dance community and force them to recognize the legitimacy of breakdancing.

Cannon Films departed from their usual action/adventure reputation to deliver a state-of-the-art depiction of this emerging dance craze, pairing a killer musical soundtrack with three lead actors who were all formidable dancers in real life as well (No CGI or stunt dancers to be found.) Their natural exuberance when performing is perhaps the most endearing and entertaining aspect of the film.

As a result, Breakin' charmed audiences to the tune of over $35 million. The film’s soundtrack also spawned a hit record for Ollie and Jerry, for their uplifting song “Breakin’…There No Stopping Us.”  Hollywood took notice, offering up additional breakdancing films like Krush Groove and Flash Forward, while Cannon would try to continue their success with a sequel, Breakin’ 2: Electric Bugaloo.

For anyone wanting to take a trip down memory lane, to relive the days of glory when the nation’s youth spun on their heads with reckless abandon, one could find no better depiction of the era's biggest fad than Breakin’.