Breaking, also known as break-dancing,” is set to officially make its Olympic debut in Paris 2024 as an Olympic Sport. This urban dance style, rooted in hip-hop culture, first emerged at lively block parties in the Bronx, New York, during the 1970s. Characterized by acrobatic movements and stylized footwork, breaking also involves the DJ and the MC (master of ceremonies) during battles. Since the 1990s, it has evolved into a form of international competition. Following its outstanding success at the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018, Breaking was added to the Paris 2024 Olympic program..
Origins and Evolution of Breaking
Breaking originated in the United States in the 1970s. Rooted in hip-hop culture, it first emerged at lively block parties in the Bronx, New York. Characterized by acrobatic movements and stylized footwork, breaking also involves the DJ and the MC (master of ceremonies) during battles. Since the 1990s, it has evolved into a form of international competition.
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The Breaking Competition Format
The Breaking Competition at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be a landmark event. It will feature two solo battle categories – one for men (B-Boys) and one for women (B-Girls). Competitors will go head-to-head in electrifying solo battles. Their ability to improvise to the DJ’s beats will be crucial in winning the judges’ votes and taking home the first Olympic-breaking medals. Each battle will be scored on six criteria: Creativity, Personality, Technique, Variety, Performativity, and Musicality. The best dancers from each continent will compete, with a maximum of four athletes per region.
Insights from the Experts
Dancing Expert, Ivan “Flipz” Velez, the North America Judge for the Olympics, expressed his optimism for this milestone during an interview with Yahoo Sports. Velez highlighted Breaking’s 51-year journey, noting how dancers have transitioned from background performers for artists to “dance athletes.” He also revealed that 40 B-Boys and B-Girls will compete, an increase from the initially planned 32, with each battle lasting 60 seconds per round. “They do not pick their music. World-renowned DJs are producing beats strategically and specifically for each round of the battle. So the BPMs go up as the battle continues,” he added.
Competition Schedule and Expectations as Break-dancing Officially an Olympic Sport
The Breaking Competition will be a one-day event. It will begin with pre-qualifying rounds, progressing through the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and grand finals. The B-Girls will compete on August 9th and the B-Boys on August 10th. This debut competition promises to deliver unforgettable moments, making its mark on Olympic history. It symbolizes not only the sport’s cultural heritage but also its dynamic future. This new addition to the Olympics is expected to increase viewership and awareness of breaking and other action sports.
