Since its release in 1984, the classic breakdancing movie “Breakin'” has captured the hearts and imaginations of so many.
Starring a unique cast of talented dancers and actors, the movie follows two street dancers as they team up to save an old dance studio from being demolished by an evil real estate developer.
The all-star cast includes Lucinda Dickey, Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones, Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers, and Gerald “G.T.” Taylor.
Introduction
Brief synopsis of “Breakin'”
Breakin’ is a cult classic from 1984, starring a cast of talented dancers and actors.
The film follows two street dancers – Kelly (Lucinda Dickey) and Ozone (Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quinones) – as they team up to save a local dance studio from being demolished by an evil real estate developer.
With the help of their new friends Turbo (Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers) and G.T. (Gerald Taylor), the team of breakdancers use their extraordinary moves to overcome the villains, save the studio, and bring back some old school dance moves to the screen.
Importance of the film and its cast in the history of hip-hop and break dancing
The movie “Breakin'” and its cast is of great importance to the history of hip-hop and break dancing. The film was one of the first to bring breakdancing to the mainstream, popularizing it across the world.
It was also one of the first movies to feature African American performers in leading roles, showcasing their talent on a larger scale.
Furthermore, it helped elevate street dance and the hip-hop culture to a new level of recognition. The movie’s talented cast was instrumental in making the film a success, with their incredible dancing abilities and dedication to their craft inspiring future generations of dancers.
Main Cast
Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quiñones as Ozone
Adolfo “Shabba-Doo” Quiñones stars in Breakin’ as Ozone, a street dancer from the Bronx. Despite his street-smart attitude and rough exterior, Ozone is a good person at heart who is loyal to his friends and passionate about dancing. He befriends Kelly and helps her save the dance studio with his natural talent for break dancing and flair for the dramatic.
Lucinda Dickey as Kelly
Lucinda Dickey stars in Breakin’ as Kelly, a talented dancer from the suburbs who is determined to save her local dance studio. She teams up with Ozone and their other friends to create an extraordinary dance troupe that helps them win a major dance competition and ultimately saves the studio.
Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers as Turbo
Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers stars in Breakin’ as Turbo, a streetwise breakdancer from the South Bronx. He is one of Ozone’s closest friends and an impressive dancer with an individual style all his own. He helps Kelly and her crew win the competition and save the dance studio with his unique moves and infectious attitude.
Ben Lokey as Franco
Ben Lokey stars in Breakin’ as Franco, the boisterous and charismatic leader of a rival dance crew. Though he initially opposes Ozone and Kelly’s plans to save the studio, he eventually comes around and helps them with his infectious enthusiasm for dancing. He proves himself to be a worthy opponent in the dance competition with his skillful moves and undeniable style.
Supporting Cast
Christopher McDonald as James
Christopher McDonald stars in Breakin’ as James, the evil real estate developer who is determined to demolish the local dance studio.
His villainous schemes and threatening attitude make him a formidable foe for Ozone and Kelly, but they eventually overpower him with their skillful moves and infectious enthusiasm for dancing.
Despite his villainous persona, James’ presence in the movie helps to create an exciting dynamic between the characters.
Phineas Newborn III as Beat Street performer
Phineas Newborn III stars in Breakin’ as a Beat Street performer.
He is a dynamic and talented hip-hop dancer, who is part of the crew that helps Ozone and Kelly save the dance studio. His electrifying performance during the dance competition helps inspire confidence in his friends and ultimately leads to their victory.
With his amazing moves and powerful stage presence, Phineas Newborn III proves to be an integral part of the movie’s success.
Ice-T as Rap Talker
Ice-T stars in Breakin’ as Rap Talker, a streetwise rapper who serves as the film’s narrator. He helps to bring the hip-hop culture to life with his smooth rhymes and engaging presence throughout the movie.
With his clever lines and captivating delivery, Ice-T helps to bridge the gap between rap music and breakdancing that is so essential to Breakin ‘s success.
Jean-Claude Van Damme as Spectator in Dance Club
Jean-Claude Van Damme stars in Breakin’ as a Spectator in the Dance Club.
His presence in the movie serves to add excitement and energy to the scene, showcasing his charisma and charm on the big screen. He is seen cheering on Ozone and Kelly’s crew during their performance at the dance club, showing his support for their talent.
His enthusiasm helps to create an electrifying atmosphere in the club that is sure to get audiences on their feet.
Legacy of the Cast
Brief careers of the main cast since “Breakin'”
Since their breakthrough roles in the iconic Breakin’ movie, its main cast members have gone on to have diverse and impressive careers.
Lucinda Dickey continued to appear in movies and television shows after her star-making turn as Kelly. She also went on to become a professional dancer and choreographer, working with artists like Janet Jackson and Brandy.
Michael “Boogaloo Shrimp” Chambers pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as Beat Street and Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.
Ben Lokey has had a successful career as a dancer, choreographer, and actor in television shows like Dancing with the Stars and The Ellen Show.
Christopher McDonald went on to become a familiar face on both the big and small screens, appearing in everything from Happy Gilmore to The Good Wife.
Phineas Newborn III went on to become a notable choreographer and dancer, working with such artists as Beyoncé and Janet Jackson.
Ice-T has had a successful music career as well as continuing his acting career, appearing in films like New Jack City and Law & Order: SVU. Jean-Claude Van Damme has remained one of the
Relevance of the cast’s contributions to the advancement of hip-hop and break dancing culture
The cast of Breakin’ played a significant role in the advancement of hip-hop and breakdancing culture.
Christopher McDonald’s portrayal of James, the villainous real estate developer, inspired fear and anger in viewers, who were energized to stand up for their beliefs against social injustice.
Phineas Newborn III’s electrifying performance during the dance competition demonstrated that anyone could master the art of breakdancing, inspiring many viewers to take up the dance form.
Ice-T’s smooth rhymes and Jean-Claude Van Damme’s enthusiasm helped to bring the hip-hop culture to life on the big screen.
Lucinda Dickey’s portrayal of Kelly showcased her amazing dancing skills and reminded audiences that anyone could be a master of any skill if they put in the effort.
The cast of Breakin’ helped to bring hip-hop and breakdancing culture out of the underground and into mainstream media, helping to revolutionize the way people dance, dress, and talk.
Conclusion
The cast of Breakin’ had a massive impact on the film industry and popular culture. The movie was a critical success, inspiring viewers to take up breakdancing and hip hop culture. It also brought attention to social issues like gentrification, inspiring people to stand up for their beliefs against injustice.
Furthermore, the cast’s impressive performances helped promote the idea that anyone can become a master of any skill if they put in the effort. The cast of Breakin’ made a lasting impression in the film industry and popular culture, inspiring people to be brave and follow their passions.
