As the Paris 2024 Olympics approach, one of the most anticipated new sports is ‘breaking’—a dynamic and energetic dance style better known as breakdancing. This sport, which made its initial appearance at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, will now take center stage in the Paris Olympics.
What Is Breaking?
Breaking is an urban dance form deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Emerging from the Bronx in the 1970s, it became a global phenomenon by the 1990s. Breaking combines acrobatic maneuvers, intricate footwork, and spontaneous improvisation, all set to the beats provided by a DJ. This interaction between dancer and DJ adds a unique and unpredictable element to each competition.
Understanding B-boys and B-girls
In the world of breaking, participants are known as B-boys (for males) and B-girls (for females). The term “breaker” is also used as a gender-neutral alternative. These performers compete in one-on-one battles, showcasing their skills through a series of dynamic moves.
Scoring and Competition Format
Breaking competitions are held in a battle format where dancers face off in short, intense rounds, typically lasting about 60 seconds each. Competitors perform three types of movements: top rock (standing moves), down rock (floor moves), and freeze (held poses). A panel of judges—often experienced breakdancers—assesses performances based on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality. The dancer with the highest score at the end of the competition wins.
At the Paris Games, 16 B-boys and 16 B-girls from around the globe will vie for Olympic medals, with separate events for men and women.
Notable Competitors
The U.S. will be represented by four talented dancers: Victor Montalvo, Jeffrey Louis, Sunny Choi, and Logan Edra.
Victor Montalvo, a 30-year-old from Kissimmee, Florida, is the top-ranked American male breaker. His interest in breaking was sparked by his father and uncle, who played a significant role in popularizing the sport in Mexico.
Jeffrey Louis, known as B-boy Jeffro, is a 29-year-old from Houston. He learned breaking from his older brother and has since combined his dance skills with sports kinesiology to develop the FitBreak fitness program.
Sunny Choi, a 35-year-old from Queens, New York, began breaking at the University of Pennsylvania and became the first American woman to qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Logan Edra, a 21-year-old from California now residing in Florida, is known as B-girl Logistx. She began breaking at age seven and achieved notable success by winning the Red Bull BC One World Final in 2021.
When to Watch
Breaking will debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics with the women’s competition scheduled for August 9 and the men’s event on August 10. Both events will take place at La Concorde, a central urban park in Paris, which will serve as an Olympic venue. For those eager to watch the action, a detailed guide will be available to ensure you don’t miss a moment of this exciting new addition to the Olympic roster.