IBE Toprock & Footwork Battle 2026 – Finals

To mark the 25th anniversary of The Notorious IBE, nederlandse Dansdagen and IBE are jointly organising the IBE Toprock & Footwork Battle. In the afternoon, breakers will compete in the qualifying rounds for a place in the grand final in the evening.

Toprock and footwork
Breaking consists of four main elements: toprock, footwork, powermoves and freezes. This battle focuses on toprock and footwork. The participants will first compete against each other in separate rounds for both disciplines. In the final battle, toprock and footwork are then combined. The competition is organised in collaboration with members of the Heerlen-based breaking crew HFC.

The basis of breaking
Footwork, also known as downrock, takes place on the floor. The dancer supports themselves on their hands and makes rhythmic and controlled movements with their legs and hips. Speed, precision, creativity and fluid transitions are key.

Toprock is danced standing up and often forms the start of a breaking routine. With fast footwork, arm movements and variations in posture, the dancer responds to the music, showcases their own style and builds up to the floorwork.