A New Chapter for a Timeless Dance As the world gathers for the Paris Olympics, a new and exciting sport makes its debut—breaking, known to many as breakdancing. This historic moment marks the first time breaking has been included as an Olympic event, reflecting its global impact and cultural significance.
The Roots of Breaking Breaking originated in the 1970s at dance parties in the South Bronx, created by Black and Latino youths. The term “breaking” comes from the breaks in hip hop songs, where the vocals drop out, leaving a steady, driving beat perfect for showcasing dynamic dance moves. From its humble beginnings, breaking quickly gained popularity and became a staple of hip hop culture.
From the Streets to the Olympic Stage Breaking’s journey to the Olympics began with its first competition at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Recognized as an urban sport like skateboarding, breaking requires a unique blend of improvisation, athleticism, and coordination, drawing from disciplines such as martial arts and gymnastics.
The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics is a testament to its evolution from a street dance to a globally recognized sport. As breakers from around the world compete for gold at the Place de la Concorde in Paris, they bring with them the spirit of peace, love, unity, and fun that has always been at the heart of breaking.
Meet Team USA
Team USA’s breaking team is ready to showcase their skills on the world stage.
Among them is Logan Edra, also known as B Girl Logistx. At just 21 years old, she has been breaking since she was seven and is now an Olympian. Joining her are Victor Montalvo, the highest-ranked breaker in the world; Sunny Choi, who left a six-figure job to pursue Olympic gold; and Bboy Jeffro, known for his versatility and musicality.
These athletes have dedicated countless hours to perfecting their craft,
balancing their training with jobs, school, and other responsibilities. Their
hard work and dedication exemplify the perseverance and passion that
breaking demands.
Judging Criteria
Judging breaking at the Olympics involves several criteria:
• Technique: How well the breakers execute their moves.
• Vocabulary: The range of moves they bring to the floor, including top
rock, footwork, freezes, and power combinations.
• Originality: Breakers must showcase unique and innovative moves to
stand out.
• Musicality: Dancers must move in sync with the music, demonstrating
their ability to marry their movements with the beat.
Looking Ahead
While breaking has not yet been approved for the 2028 Los Angeles
Games, the future remains bright. The hope is that it will return in Brisbane
in 2032, ensuring that this dynamic and evolving sport continues to inspire
and entertain audiences worldwide.
As we watch the debut of breaking at the Paris Olympics, we celebrate not
only the incredible talent of the athletes but also the rich cultural heritage
and global influence of this art form. Breaking’s inclusion in the Olympics is
a monumental achievement, and we look forward to seeing its continued
growth and success on the world stage.
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on breaking making its Olympic debut? Share your
excitement and support for Team USA by commenting below!
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