Breaking is a major milestone for the dance form and will soon make its Olympic debut in Paris, where the world’s best B-boys and B-girls will compete in an epic showdown.
ADVERTISINGThe Summer Olympics in Paris are coming to an end this weekendbut there are still many disciplines on the program, including a new sport at the Games this year: breaking.
The movement commonly referred to as “breakdancing” developed from Hip-hop culture in New York in the 1970s and will make his Olympic debut tomorrow.
A total of 32 breakers – 16 women and 16 men – will compete for two days, from August 9 to 10, on the emblematic Place de la Concorde, a public square in Paris that will be transformed into an open-air arena for the Games.
Together they not only want to win a medal, but also present their sport to the world and inspire a new generation to take to the dance floor and try their hand at breakdancing.
“I’m so excited to represent my dance, my art form and bring hip-hop culture to the Olympics. We’re going to bring something new to the stage, we’re going to bring a vibe, we’re going to bring peace, love and unity,” says breaker Victor Montalvo, also known as “B-Boy Victor,” who will compete for Team US.
If terms like “windmills,” “Bronx Step,” and “throwing down” are unfamiliar to you, don’t worry. Here’s your ultimate guide to the sport before it takes over the world’s biggest sporting stage.
From street culture to global phenomenon
hip hop was born in the South Bronx in the 1970s and with him came breaking, one of the four basic elements of the movement. The other elements are DJing, MCing (or rapping) and graffiti “writing”.
At its core, breaking arose from the desire of young people to dance to the energetic instrumental sounds. Drum breaks of radio and Soul Records played by pioneering DJs like Kool Herc at neighborhood street festivals.
Classic examples of breaks can be found on records such as “Apache” by the Incredible Bongo Band, “Just Begun” by the Jimmy Castor Bunch, and “The Mexican” by Babe Ruth. Early DJs would spin two copies of the same record and skillfully play these short snippets one after the other to create a continuous beat.
The dance itself developed from a combination of existing styles and movements, such as the energetic footwork of salsa, the acrobatic maneuvers of martial arts, and the physicality of soul and Motown dancers like James Brown.
Then came the ’80s, a decade that catapulted breakout into the mainstream. The Rock Steady Crew, a legendary New York breakdancing group, released the classic “Hey You” in 1983, which featured groundbreaking breakdancing artists like Crazy Legs, Ken Swift and Kuriaki showing off their moves.
That same year, the music video for “It’s Like That” by the rap group RUN DMC was released, which featured breakers competing against each other. The art form was also featured in the hugely popular film Lightning DanceThese screenings helped breaking gain greater attention abroad, especially in Europe and Southeast Asia.
While general interest, similar to skateboarding, waned towards the end of the 80s, breaking continued to grow in underground scenes and local communities.
Olympic selection: Why now?
Since its inception, breaking has evolved from a party dance to a global, competitive art form with hundreds of events around the world, such as Red Bull BC One*, thanks in no small part to the rise of the internet and social media, which have contributed to its global reach.
The discipline was first introduced on the Olympic stage at the 2018 Summer Youth Games in Buenos Aires. The success of this discipline prompted the International Olympic Committee to include it in the selection for 2024.
ADVERTISINGOrganizers have stated that the inclusion of the sport is part of a broader mission to “engage young people and reward creativity and sporting achievement.”
In addition to breakdancing, skateboarding, 3×3 basketball and BMX freestyle also take place on the Place de la Concorde, which is described as “the beating heart of urban sports and urban cultures”.
How does braking work in competition?
Judges at the Olympics will score breakers using the Trivium judging system, which rates breakers on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performance, and musicality. Scores may fluctuate during the match depending on how breakers respond to their opponents.
Dancers compete in one-on-one battles, each consisting of two 60-second throwdowns. DJs provide the music (a mix of funk, soul and modern hip hop) while a host operates the microphone.
ADVERTISINGAt the end of each fight, nine judges vote to determine the winner.
“It’s not about who spins faster or who jumps the highest. When you first see breakdancing, try to see it as an art rather than a sport. Really try to feel the character of the people when they dance and just enjoy it,” says Menno van Gorp, a competitive b-boy who will compete for the Netherlands in Paris.
Known simply as Menno in the global breaking scene, he is one of the most successful and competitive B-Boys, having won virtually every major solo title there is.
In an interview with Red Bull, he explained: “I have achieved everything that can be achieved in breakdancing. One thing I would really like to end my career with would be a medal on the highest stage (meaning the Olympic Games in Paris).”
ADVERTISINGBreakdown of some important terms
Before all the excitement starts in Paris, it’s worth familiarising yourself with some key terms and breaker language if you’re new to the sport:
B-Boy/B-Girl – A man or woman who practices breaking dance.
Throw down – When a B-Boy or B-Girl falls to the ground and begins to collapse, they do a Throw Down.
Power moves – Movements in which speed, momentum and acrobatic elements play an important role. Common power moves include head spins, flares, air flares and windmills.
ADVERTISINGThe top rock – Standing foot movement that serves as the opening performance of the style. Common Toprock steps include the Indian Step, Bronx Step, and Charlie Rock.
Downrock – Any movement on the floor where the hands support the dancer as well as the feet. Common downrock moves include suicides, moonwalks and hand glides.
Freezes – A technique in which all body movements are stopped, often in an interesting or balance-intensive position in response to the music.
Repeat – When a breaker is accused of “repeating” in a fight, it means that his opponent claims he is performing a move that he has already performed during the contest.
ADVERTISINGBite or bite – When a B-Boy or B-Girl is accused of “biting” or “biting,” it means someone is saying they stole or copied another breaker’s moves or style.
Check out our video above for footage and interviews.
