Do breakers choose their own music?
I · Intermediate · The battle · 1 of 8No.
How it works
- The DJ's choice: the DJ's duties are "to select and prepare appropriate break tracks without explicit lyrics" and "to decide which break tracks will be played during the Battle".
- The same for both: the DJ must "play the same music for both competitors during one round of a Battle".
- From the top: for the second set of a round, "The DJ plays the same break track from the beginning."
- The break: "The music Breakers perform to, which originates from the percussive part of a Funk or Rock tune".
- Starting the battle: the DJ starts it by starting the music.
- Neutral: "A DJ must not make any attempt to influence the Battle" or act for or against any breaker.
- Equipment: two turntables and a mixer, placed with a clear view of the whole floor.
- If the music fails: the judges carry on. For a serious problem the Chair may order the round to be repeated, and may replace the DJ if it happens again.
The glossary has the DJ, the break and musicality.
Tricky cases
Can a breaker ask the DJ for a different track?
No. The DJ decides which tracks are played. The manual gives the breakers no say.
Do both breakers in a round dance to the same track?
Yes. The same music is played for both in a round, restarted for the second set.
The record skips in the middle of a set. Is the round danced again?
It depends on how serious it is. The judges are told to continue judging. For more substantial problems the Chair may decide that the round is repeated.
Can the tracks have swearing in them?
No. The DJ is to prepare break tracks "without explicit lyrics".
Why the rule exists
Dancing to music you have never heard is the test. A breaker who could bring a rehearsed routine to a known track would be judged on memory. Giving both the same unknown track makes the comparison fair and makes musicality, one of the six things the judges weigh, a matter of listening on the spot.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| WDSF events | One or two DJs | BRRM 3.2.5 |
| Medal ceremonies | Only anthems from the official WDSF protocol | BRRM 3.2.5 |
| Music rights | The DJ agrees the clearance procedure with the organiser beforehand | BRRM 3.2.5.7 |
From the rule book
World DanceSport Federation, Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual, version 4 (January 2023), sections 3.2.5, 3.5.2 and 4.6.2, the glossary in section 8 and Appendix I. Checked 14 October 2026. This version has been superseded; check the current manual. Official document: WDSF Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual (PDF).