Breakin' (1984) - Turbo's Broom Dance Scene

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Featured Filming Location Photo

A Filming Location From 1984 Then And Now
A scene from the movie Breakin'.

A Los Angeles Street Stuck In Time

In this filming location then and now photo above, we see Michael Chambers emerging from the conveniece store at 700 N. Heliotrope Drive at the corner of Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. This building, along with the buildings across the street are still standing and look very much the same today as they did when they were filmed in 1984.

Historical Production & Location Reference

Film: Breakin' (1984)
Stars: Michael Chambers
Director: Joel Silberg
Studio: The Cannon Group
Featured Historical Landmark:
  • 700 N. Heliotrope Drive, Los Angeles: The convenience store on the northeast corner of Melrose Avenue and N. Heliotrope Drive.

Production & Preservation Note: Breakin' filmed this scene in the East Hollywood section of Los Angeles. The featured building at 700 N. Heliotrope Drive has stood on the corner since 1923.

The Plot

Made to cash in on the breakdancing craze of the time, the plot of Breakin' follows a classically trained jazz dancer and two breakdancers who team up and win a dance competition.

Matching Up The Filming Locations

This scene from Breakin' was shot in the East Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles at the corner of Melrose Avenue and North Heliotrope Drive. Two buildings are shown in this scene:

Both buildings shown in the scene were built in the 1920s and retain much of their original, historic architectural style.

The Inspiration For This Scene

Legendary dancer Fred Astaire gets a nod at the beginning of the scene, and he was no doubt the inspiration for Turbo's broom dance sequence. Astaire famously danced with a hat rack in the 1951 movie Royal Wedding. It's amazing to see how Astaire makes the hat rack seem almost human! Watch this scene as Fred Astaire dances with a hat rack.

More Breakin' Filming Locations Here!

The sequel to Breakin' was released just a few months later in 1984. You can view the filming locations from Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo here:

Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo - Quick Preview Video #1

Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo - Quick Preview Video #2

Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo - Quick Preview Video #3

Breakin' 2: Electric Boogaloo - Quick Preview Video #4

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