Paris Olympics 2024: What is breakdancing, or breaking, that will make its debut

Breakdancing or Breaking is a dynamic urban dance style that originated in the United States during the 1970s within hip-hop culture. Its beginnings can be traced back to the vibrant block parties of the Bronx in New York, characterized by its acrobatic movements, stylized footwork, and the significant roles of the DJ and MC (master of ceremonies) in battles. In the 1990s, breaking competitions started to gain international recognition, spreading the art form within both hip-hop communities and to the broader public. Advertisement Events The breaking competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics will feature two events – one for men and one for women. Sixteen B-Boys and sixteen B-Girls will engage in solo battles (on 9 and 10 August) to showcase their prowess with power moves like windmills, the 6-step, and freezes. Adapting their styles to the rhythm of the DJ’s tracks, the athletes will improvise to impress the judges and vie for the first Olympic breaking medals. Athletes will earn points based on their creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity and musicality. Success in the sport requires combining dance moves from three basic categories: top rock, down rock and freeze. In top rock, moves are performed while standing up with...