In a world where formal education is often the key to success, it would be easy to assume that a degree is the key to mastering any craft.

However, when it comes to dancing, especially breakdancing, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Unlike traditional dance forms, breakdancing thrives on individuality, creativity and the passion to push boundaries. All of these qualities can be developed without formal training.

Some of the most famous breakdancers began their careers not in studios, but on the streets, where they learned and perfected their moves through sheer determination and love for the art.

The roots go back to the Bronx

1970. Bronx, New York.

As gang conflicts became more common, a different method of conflict resolution emerged that emphasized skill, discipline, and mutual respect.

Breakdancing, also known as breaking or B-boying/B-girling, and the dance competitions associated with it often served as a non-violent way to settle disputes between rival gangs or individuals, turning potential clashes into a display of creativity and athleticism.

This street dance style is deeply rooted in the birth of hip hop culture, which was born in marginalized African-American and Puerto Rican communities. Later it would change once again, this time influenced by Martial arts, funk music and gymnastics.

Now the whole world is turning its eyes to this special dance style.

Films like “Wild Style,” “Step Up,” and “Breakin” have hit theaters around the world. Even universities like Queensland University of Technology and the University of Bolton They offer dance courses with breakdancing classes, thus underlining its academic importance.

Dance’s journey from the streets to the world stage reached a new level of success with its inclusion as an official sport in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris – a success for a dance form that began as a creative outlet in the outskirts of New York City.

Hello Olympia, goodbye Olympia

Breakdancing made its Olympic debut on August 9, 2024, beginning with the B-Girls competition, followed by the B-Boys competition on Saturday.

In the B-Girls category, Japan won gold, Lithuania took silver and the USA took home bronze. In the B-Boys category, Canada won gold, France secured silver and China took bronze.

While the debut caused excitement, the competition also received criticism, particularly regarding the performance of the Australian participant Rachael “Raygun” Gunn.

Gunn’s number, in which he imitated a kangaroo, among other things, was met with severe criticism and ultimately received a rating of “zero”.

Despite the controversy, Gunn – who holds a PhD in Cultural Studies and a BA (Hons) in Contemporary Music – will return to her role as a lecturer at the Macquarie University.

Following the uproar over Gunn’s performance, it was announced that breakdancing would not be part of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

This decision, made ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics, will see breakdancing replaced by sports such as cricket, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football and squash, it is reported NBC News.

Breakdancers who made a name for themselves without a dance degree

Gunn isn’t the only breakdancer with a degree that has nothing to do with dancing.

Ami Yuasathe first Olympic gold medalist in breakdancing, chose an unconventional path to victory.

She was born in Kawaguchi, Saitama Prefecture, Japan and graduated from the local high school before Komazawa University in Tokyo, where she studied English and American Literature.

In 2018, she made history as the first female winner of the Red Bull BC One World ChampionshipSince then, Yuasa has consistently performed excellently in dance competitions around the world, often placing first or second.

Likewise, the member of Team USA Sunny Choi didn’t start out as a breakdancer, but as a gymnast.

During my studies in business administration at the University Wharton School in PennsylvaniaChoi was part of the gymnastics team until a knee injury forced her to withdraw. One night, she noticed students practicing breakdancing on campus and decided to join their club. This decision sparked a new passion that led to her winning silver at the 2019 World Urban Games, silver at the 2022 World Games in Dancesport, and gold at the 2023 Pan American Games.

Another member of Team USA, Vicki Changpursued an academic path far away from dance.

She studied Ecology and restoration sociology on University of California, Berkeleywhere she discovered breakdancing at 18 and initially kept it as a hobby. In 2021, Chang quit her job as an environmental consultant to become a full-time B-girl, pursue her artistic passion and aim for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

These examples illustrate that a degree in dance is not always necessary to pursue a successful dance career.

One reason for this is the relatively short career duration of a dancer, which according to the BBCFor ballet dancers, Careers typically end between the ages of 30 and 40.

A degree in another field is a valuable fallback option in case dancers eventually retire. While a degree in dance is not strictly required, related fields such as communications, music, or art can provide dance enthusiasts with complementary skills and opportunities.

6 universities, you can get a degree in dance or a minor in breakdance

If you are still determined to pursue a degree in dance, here are some universities you can consider to pursue your dream of becoming the next world-class dancer.

University of Bolton, UK

Degree: BA (Hons) Street Dance Artistry and Hip Hop Theatre (Postgraduate)

The program at the University of Bolton enables you Learn an eclectic mix of dance styles and techniques including breakdancing, popping, locking, house, waacking, voguing and hip hop. This curriculum is designed to encourage versatility and innovation in dance and allow students to develop their skills and artistic expression.

Graduates of the program have performed with some of the biggest names in dance and performance, including Dua Lipa, Kendrick Lamar, Demi Lovato, Zayn Malik, Black Eyed Peas, Fifth Harmony, Little Mix and Stormzy.

University of Rochester, USA

Degree: Minor in Dance and Movement Sciences

The program at the University of Rochester is designed for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of dance as an art form and cultural practice. Students develop dance knowledge and appreciation through courses that emphasize observation, analysis, and critical response.

For those seeking a more technical focus, the Movement Studies minor offers an experiential and theoretical approach to movement and dance. Here, you can learn to breakdance while gaining a broader understanding of global cultures, traditions, and philosophies through the study of movement. The program is ideal for students who combine physical practice with cultural insight.

College of the Holy Cross, USA

Degree: Minor in Dance

To complete the minor in dance at the College of the Holy Cross, You must choose an introductory course in basic dance, modern dance, ballet or hip hop/breakdance. The program also includes an advanced dance performance workshop and a choreography composition course.

In addition to these core requirements, you must complete three electives. Options include acting, stage combat, Balinese dance, body stories, and more, allowing you to tailor your studies to your interests and goals.

Temple University, USA

Degree: BFA in Dance And Minor in Dance

In Temple University Program, You will receive intensive training in various dance genres, including ballet, modern and postmodern, and African diaspora forms. In addition, you will acquire a solid foundation in choreography, dance history, theory and performance.

Graduates of the program have pursued diverse careers as artistic directors, choreographers, dance educators, therapists, entrepreneurs, administrators, and writers. Many also continue their studies at the master’s or doctoral level, preparing for careers in research and advocacy.

Korea National University of Arts, South Korea

Degree: Bachelor in Choreography

The Korea National University of Arts‘ The curriculum does not place an emphasis on breakdancing. Instead, students can immerse themselves in modern dance, Korean traditional dance, ballet, and contemporary dance. The program also includes courses in culture, human anatomy, society, and music, all of which are essential for a well-rounded dance education.

If you are still interested in breakdancing, the university is conveniently located near several renowned studios, including 1 Million Dance Studio, Urban Play Dance Academy, Def Dance School, and the Korea B-Boy Association Dance Studio.

Queensland University of Technology, Australia

Degree: BFA in Dance

The dance program at Queensland University of Technology offers comprehensive training in a variety of genres, including jazz, hip hop, breakdance, capoeira, ballet, contemporary and swing, as well as extensive choreographic practice.

You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and faculty from a variety of disciplines, participate in real-world projects with real clients, and receive career planning support to guide you on your creative journey.