The Olympic Games, a global sporting spectacle, has grown significantly since its inception in 1896. The upcoming Paris 2024 Games will feature a total of 329 events across 32 sports, including two new additions. One of these is breaking, also known as breakdancing, which will make its Olympic debut in Paris.
Breaking emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, as a cultural dance form started by black and Latin American youth. Characterized by its acrobatic movements, style, and footwork, breaking initially thrived in parties, clubs, and street performances. International competitions gained popularity in the 1990s, solidifying breaking as a global art form with strong sporting elements. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized its potential and included breaking in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Its success in Argentina paved the way for its inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympic program.
Breaking encompasses three fundamental elements: top rock, down rock, and freeze. Top rock involves stylish hand movements and footwork while standing. Freeze showcases the breaker’s ability to hold an unusual pose, often on their head or hands. However, the most captivating aspect is the down rock, where breakers execute spins, footwork, transitions, and power moves on the floor.
Competitors, known as breakers, engage in 1 vs. 1 battles, taking turns to showcase their routines. Each battle typically consists of a set number of rounds, with each round lasting no longer than 60 seconds. A panel of judges evaluate the battles based on six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality. The scores are weighted, with technique, performativity, and creativity accounting for 60% of the total score. The remaining 40% is based on variety, musicality, and personality. The breaker with the highest score after each round emerges as the winner.
The Paris Olympics will feature separate competitions for men and women, with the top 16 B-boys and 16 B-girls from around the world vying for the title. This thrilling new addition to the Olympic Games is set to captivate audiences with its dynamic moves, athleticism, and artistic expression. As the world prepares for the Paris 2024 Games, breaking promises to be one of the most exciting and captivating events to watch.
