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| The U.S. Olympic breaking team. Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for USOPC |
Breaking News: B-Boys and B-Girls are officially entering the Olympic stage as breaking (not breakdancing) debuts at the 2024 Olympics. On August 9 and 10, La Concorde in Paris will host the men’s and women’s events, following the same venue used for BMX freestyle and skateboarding competitions. For those unfamiliar with breaking, fear not! This guide covers everything you need to know about this dynamic sport, its history, judging criteria, and how to watch it live.
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What is Breaking? Breaking, rooted in the Bronx during the 1970s, emerged as a creative outlet amidst gang rivalries. It involves a mix of upright moves (toprock), floor work (downrock), gravity-defying poses (freezes), and acrobatic spins (power moves). The term “breaking” refers to dancing during the "break" in a song, as popularized by hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc.
Why Not Call it Breakdancing? While "breakdancing" is a term coined by the media, many in the breaking community find it oversimplifies and commercializes the culture. So, if you want to respect the art form, stick with "breaking."
Judging at the Olympics The Olympic breaking competition will feature a straightforward judging system. After a round-robin qualifier, breakers will face off in one-on-one battles called “throwdowns.” They’ll have up to 60 seconds to showcase their skills, judged across five categories: originality, technicality, vocabulary, execution, and musicality. Each category is worth 20%, making creativity and rhythm just as important as strength and speed.
Check News Article About Paris Olympics Live: USA Claims First Medal; Ledecky Shines in 400 Freestyle Heat
Team USA Competitors Team USA will be represented by two B-girls and two B-boys: Sunny “B-Girl Sunny” Choi, Logan “Logistx” Edra, Victor “B-Boy Victor” Montalvo, and Jeffrey “B-Boy Jeffro” Louis. Sixteen men and sixteen women from over a dozen countries will compete for Olympic glory.
Significance of Breaking in the Olympics This debut marks breaking's official entry into the Olympics, six years after it was featured in the Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. While it’s not on the schedule for L.A. 2028, a strong showing in Paris could lead to its return in 2032. Although some worry the Olympic spotlight might dilute the cultural essence of breaking, many breakers, like Luis “Prevail” Toledo, see it as an opportunity to elevate the sport and bring more recognition to the art form.
When and Where to Watch The breaking events will stream live on Peacock and NBCOlympics.com. Here’s the schedule (all times in ET):
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 semifinals
- 3:15 p.m.: Women’s bronze-medal battle
- 3:23 p.m.: Women’s gold-medal battle
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 semifinals
- 3:15 p.m.: Men’s bronze-medal battle
- 3:23 p.m.: Men’s gold-medal battle
For those in New York, live watch parties and other breaking events are planned, making it an exciting time to dive into this vibrant culture.
Want More? Breaking fans can look forward to events like the Red Bull BC One World Final on December 7 in Rio de Janeiro. If you’re inspired to try breaking yourself, many dance studios offer beginner classes, and New York has several weekly practice sessions open to all skill levels. According to Toledo, the breaking community is welcoming and supportive, so don’t hesitate to join in and learn.
The Olympic debut of breaking is a milestone for the sport and a celebration of its rich cultural roots. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or new to the scene, the 2024 Olympics is the perfect time to experience the energy and creativity of breaking on the world stage.
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