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The term "breakdancing" refers to the breaks in music, and the movements that can be associated with these breaks. It emerged relatively recently, from the Bronx in the 1970's. It became popular with its introduction onto the New York street scene.

When a record was changed, or a break in the music of the New York disco scene occurred, dancers would feel the air with movements corresponding to the break. The predecessors of this dance are unusual. It is possible that this dance comes partially from the lindy hop, and also from the Charleston. Several moves are inspired from Kung-fu, and one or two have support actions that are almost balletic.

Breakdancing is associated with the streets of New York, and often when competing teams would dance to win, a real fight would break out. Inherent in the term "break" is an element of the dangerous. The muscles developed under this kind of dancing are the same used for fighting. The harsh and foolhardy nature of the dance is almost a game of chicken against an assailant. The best breakdancer, in the early 1980's, was often the best fighter or gang member on the street.
Now you've got kids dancin' on Hollywood Blvd fo' money...