Breaking, the dynamic dance form often called breakdancing, makes its Olympic debut at Paris 2024. Set to dazzle spectators, the women’s and men’s competitions will take place on August 9 and 10, respectively, at La Concorde, the same venue hosting BMX freestyle and skateboarding.
What is Breaking?
Originating in the Bronx during the 1970s, Breaking emerged as a creative outlet amid tense social conditions. Early practitioners used dance battles to resolve conflicts instead of violence. The name “Breaking” comes from the “breaks” in music that early dancers would perform during. DJ Kool Herc, a pivotal figure in hip-hop, extended these breaks, leading to the development of this dance style.
Breaking involves several key elements:
– Toprock: Dance moves performed while standing.
– Downrock: Moves executed on the floor.
– Freezes: Poses held in a gravity-defying manner.
– Power Moves: Acrobatic spins and flips.
Why Not Breakdancing?
While “breakdancing” is a term popularized by the media, many in the Breaking community prefer the term “Breaking” to honor its cultural roots and authenticity. Using the term “breakdancing” can be seen as a simplification and commercialization of the art form.
Olympic Judging Criteria
At the Olympics, Breaking will be judged based on a straightforward system:
– Originality: Creativity and personal style.
– Technicality: Skill level and body control.
– Vocabulary: Variety and complexity of moves.
– Execution: Precision and cleanliness of performance.
– Musicality: Synchronization with the music.
Judges will use a digital system to score these categories, with each being equally important.
Key Competitors
The United States will be represented by four top breakers:
-B-Girls: Sunny “B-Girl Sunny” Choi and Logan “Logistx” Edra.
– B-Boys: Victor “B-Boy Victor” Montalvo and Jeffrey “B-Boy Jeffro” Louis.
Competitors from over a dozen countries will showcase their skills in a field of 16 men and 16 women.
Significance of Breaking at the Olympics
Breaking’s Olympic debut follows its successful inclusion in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. Although it will not be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, a strong performance in Paris could influence its future inclusion in subsequent Games.
How to Watch
The Breaking competitions will be streamed live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. The schedule (ET) is as follows:
Friday, August 9
– 10 a.m.–12:10 p.m.: Women’s qualification
– 2 p.m.: Women’s quarterfinals
– 2:45 p.m.: Women’s semifinal
– 3:15 p.m.: Women’s bronze and gold-medal battles
Saturday, August 10
– 10 a.m.–12:10 p.m.: Men’s qualification
– 2 p.m.: Men’s quarterfinals
– 2:45 p.m.: Men’s semifinal
– 3:15 p.m.: Men’s bronze and gold-medal battles
Live Watch Parties: The Ladies of Hip-Hop studio in Queens will host a live watch party for the B-girl event, and the Red Bull BC One Cypher preliminary in New York will also feature live coverage of the B-boy events.
Getting Involved
If Breaking captures your interest, local events and classes are available. For those in New York, practice sessions are open to all at 360 Flow Studio, Cypher Studio, and Williamsburg Community Center. The Red Bull BC One World Final in Rio de Janeiro on December 7 is another major event for global Breaking enthusiasts.
Luis “Prevail” Toledo, a veteran in the Breaking community, emphasizes the dance’s importance and encourages new fans to engage with the sport, whether by attending local sessions or participating in community events.
