How big is the floor in a breaking battle, and who is allowed on it?
I · Intermediate · The battle · 2 of 8The floor is at least 6.5 metres square or, if round, 6 metres across. Eight metres is advised. One side is marked with a red line and the other with a blue one. Only the two breakers and the MC are on it during a battle. Each breaker may bring up to three supporters, who stay off the floor.
How it works
- Size: "minimum size 6,5 m x 6,5 m or 6,0 m in diameter", with 8 metres advised.
- The lines: from the judges' view the right side has a line marked in red and the left side a line marked in blue. No other lines are allowed.
- The surface: a laminate floor approved by WDSF, laid on flat solid ground.
- The MC: the master of ceremonies stands on the floor, calls the breakers on and announces each round, the end of the battle and the result.
- Neutral words: the MC is "to only give neutral announcements and comments or none at all".
- The entourage: "up to three people" for each breaker. They "must remain behind, supporting the athlete from off the Field of Play".
- Dry clothes: breakers must "wear dry clothes in each Battle to ensure the Field of Play (FOP) stays dry".
- Two circles: in the early phases the floor may hold two circles, with two battles or auditions running side by side.
The glossary has the field of play, the red side and blue side and the cypher.
Tricky cases
Can a breaker's crew come on to the floor to celebrate during the battle?
No. The entourage must stay off the field of play.
Can the MC cheer for one of the breakers?
No. The MC must not speak or act in favour of or against any competing athlete.
Does the floor have to be square?
No. A round floor at least 6 metres across is allowed.
A breaker's shirt is soaked after the first battle. Does it matter?
Yes. Athletes must wear dry clothes in each battle so that the floor stays dry.
Why the rule exists
Spins and slides need a floor that is fast, flat and the same for everyone. A wet patch is dangerous at that speed. The red and blue lines give each breaker a home to return to, which is also how the end of a set is signalled.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| WDSF events | The sizes above, with WDSF approval of the floor a month ahead | BRRM 7.1 |
| Pre-selection and pre-qualifier | Two circles in parallel, each with five judges | BRRM 5.1.1; BRRM 5.1.2 |
| Two MCs | One speaks the host country's language, the other English | BRRM 3.2.4 |
From the rule book
World DanceSport Federation, Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual, version 4 (January 2023), sections 3.1.3.9, 3.2.4, 3.5, 3.5.1, 5.1.1 and 7.1. Checked 14 October 2026. This version has been superseded; check the current manual. Official document: WDSF Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual (PDF).