Introduction
2024 wasn't just another year for breakdancing—it was the year breaking stepped onto sport's biggest stage at the Paris Olympics, introducing a global audience to the athleticism, creativity, and cultural depth of street dance. From underground cyphers to Olympic battles, certain moves dominated conversations, inspired viral moments, and pushed the boundaries of what the human body can do.
This annual roundup spotlights three moves that defined breaking in 2024. Whether you're a seasoned b-boy or b-girl, a newcomer inspired by Olympic battles, or simply a fan of movement culture, these are the techniques worth knowing.
1. The Airflare
Long considered a hallmark of elite power moves, the airflare saw a massive resurgence in 2024 thanks to its visibility at the Paris Olympics. The move demands that a breaker launch from a handstand into a rotating, airborne leg swing—essentially a human helicopter blade—before catching themselves back on their hands. Momentum comes from the shoulders and core, not the legs, making it as much a test of control as it is of explosive power.
Why it trended: Canadian breaker Phil Wizard and Japan's Shigekix both incorporated airflare variations into their Olympic routines, demonstrating how the move could function as both a high-difficulty statement and a seamless transition between sequences.
Pro tip: Master your handstand freezes and shoulder conditioning before attempting airflares. Most breakers spend months—or years—developing the shoulder stability to catch clean.
2. The Hollowback Freeze
Breaking's freeze game reached new heights in 2024, and the hollowback emerged as one of the most photographed and respected positions on the competition circuit. In this variation, a breaker holds a handstand or headstand while arching their back so deeply that their legs appear to fold behind them, creating an almost sculptural silhouette.
Why it trended: The hollowback offers a striking contrast to the speed of power moves, rewarding flexibility, breath control, and precise weight distribution. U.S. Olympian Sunny Choi and France's Dany Dann both used hollowback variations to create dramatic pauses in their routines, earning high marks for artistry and difficulty.
Pro tip: Work on back and shoulder mobility separately before combining them. Yoga poses like wheel and puppy pose can accelerate your hollowback progress safely.
3. The CC (Crazy Legs)
Named after the legendary Rock Steady Crew member Crazy Legs, the CC remains one of breaking's most foundational and versatile footwork patterns—and in 2024, it proved why it never goes out of style. The move involves a continuous, circular leg motion where one leg sweeps around the body while the other alternates between supporting and threading through, creating a low-to-the-ground, whirlwind effect.
Why it trended: As Olympic judging placed renewed emphasis on foundational technique and originality, elite breakers returned to classic footwork to build distinctive routines. The CC's adaptability makes it perfect for adding personal flair, speed changes, and transitions into power moves or freezes.
Pro tip: Practice the CC slowly to a metronome before speeding up. Clean circles and consistent levels matter far more than raw speed.
The Bigger Picture: Breaking's Olympic Moment
The 2024 Olympics didn't just spotlight individual moves—it reshaped how breaking is seen worldwide. With judges evaluating technique, vocabulary, execution, musicality, and originality, the competition rewarded well-rounded dancers who could blend power, freezes, and footwork into cohesive performances. Moves like the airflare, hollowback, and CC thrived in this environment because they represent breaking's full spectrum: explosive athleticism, artistic control, and rooted culture.
Social media amplified the moment. Clips from Olympic battles racked up millions of views on TikTok and Instagram, inspiring a new generation to search for local studios, attend jam sessions, and attempt their first six-step.
Conclusion
Breaking in 2024 was a reminder that innovation and tradition can coexist on the same floor. The airflare pushed physical limits. The hollowback turned the human body into art. And the CC proved that foundational moves, practiced with intention, still steal the show.
As the culture continues to grow—whether in Olympic arenas, underground cyphers, or neighborhood practice spaces—the spirit of expression remains its heartbeat. Which move will define 2025? Grab a practice mat, press play on your favorite breakbeat, and start building your answer.
What move are you training right now? Tag us in your practice videos—we're always looking for the next breaker to spotlight.
