While there is no specific individual credited as the "first person in the world to ever breakdance," there were several influential pioneers and innovators who played a crucial role in the development and popularization of breakdancing as a dance style. Some notable figures include:
1. DJ Kool Herc: Herc is widely recognized as the "Father of Hip-Hop" and is credited with pioneering the technique of "breakbeats," where he would isolate and extend the percussive breaks of funk and soul records. These breakbeats provided the foundation for breakdancing and other hip-hop dance forms.
2. Afrika Bambaataa: Bambaataa was a DJ and a key figure in the early hip-hop scene. He is known for organizing block parties and events in the Bronx where DJs, breakdancers, graffiti artists, and other cultural elements of hip-hop came together.
3. Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five: This hip-hop group is recognized for their innovative music and performance style. They incorporated intricate scratching techniques and featured energetic dance performances that included elements of breakdancing.
4. The Rock Steady Crew: The Rock Steady Crew is considered one of the first and most influential breakdancing crews. They emerged in the late 1970s and helped spread breakdancing to a wider audience through live performances and collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson.
5. Don Campbell (Crazy Legs): Crazy Legs is a renowned breakdancer and a member of the Rock Steady Crew. He is noted for his innovative footwork and dynamic style, inspiring many breakdancers and contributing to the evolution of the dance form.
Breakdancing gained popularity and spread to other parts of the world in the early 1980s, and over time, it has evolved into a global phenomenon with various styles and techniques. While it's difficult to pin down a single person as the "first person to ever breakdance," the contributions of these individuals were crucial in the early stages of the dance and its subsequent rise to prominence.