Street dance redefined: a bridge across the knowledge gap

Xi Ling^*

• Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Sanam Chandra Palace, Thailand

Since the inception of street dance, there has been a significant surge in research related to this dynamic form of urban dance. However, the absence of a unified public understanding of street dance terminology has led to inconsistent interpretations within the academic community, thereby creating a knowledge gap regarding street dance. Addressing this gap necessitates a clear and consistent definition of street dance terminology, and accurate classification of common street dance styles, as well as an in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to this knowledge gap. Adhering to the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), Indicative Behavioral Standards were employed to rigorously assess the quality of 26 peer-reviewed articles. Subsequently, the definition of street dance was reconstructed based on the analysis of the literature, offering a comprehensive classification of common street dance styles. A detailed analysis of the factors contributing to the knowledge gap was also provided, thereby addressing the inconsistencies and misunderstandings prevalent in the field. These efforts not only bridged the public street dance knowledge gap but also provided a robust conceptual framework for breakdance researchers, educators, and practitioners. This review represented a significant step forward in standardizing the understanding and application of street dance terminology, thereby facilitating more coherent and effective communication within the global street dance community.