Sponsored content produced in partnership with Watertown Breaking Collective.
By John Smith
Published: May 11, 2024
The 2024 Breakdance Bootcamp runs August 15–17 at the Watertown YMCA, 605 Arsenal Street, Watertown, Massachusetts. Open to ages 14 and up, this three-day intensive offers beginner through advanced tracks in breaking—the athletic street dance that debuted as an Olympic sport in 2024.
Whether you're learning your first six-step or preparing for your next jam, the bootcamp covers technique, history, and battle strategy. Below is everything you need to know to decide if it's right for you.
What to Expect
The bootcamp is divided into four core components:
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes taught across leveled tracks |
| History & Culture | Sessions on breaking's origins in 1970s New York and its global evolution |
| Battle Tactics | Workshop workshops on cypher etiquette, improvisation, and reading the crowd |
| Community Building | Open practice sessions and a final showcase with feedback |
Participants self-select into beginner, intermediate, or advanced groups after a brief assessment on Day 1. Youth dancers aged 14–17 require a signed waiver; an all-ages family session runs Saturday evening.
Meet the Instructors
- Marcus "Gravity" Chen — Lead power moves instructor; three-time Northeast B-Boy Champion and 2022 Red Bull BC One nominee
- Lisa "Rox" Ortiz — Battle tactics coach; choreographer for Boston Contemporary Dance Theater and former USA B-Girl National Team alternate
- Darnell "Tape" Williams — Foundation and history instructor; DJ and founder of the Watertown Breaking Collective, established in 2017
What to Bring
- Comfortable, non-slip sneakers (indoor-only soles preferred)
- Breathable, loose-fitting clothing
- Knee pads and elbow pads for power move practice
- Water bottle and light snacks
- Notebook or phone for filming personal progress (filming others requires consent)
Registration Details
| Dates | August 15–17, 2024 |
| Location | Watertown YMCA, 605 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472 |
| Cost | $275 full program; $125 single-day pass; $90 youth/student rate |
| Deadline | August 1, 2024, or when capacity (60 dancers) is reached |
| Questions | [email protected] |
