© Little Shao
This urban dance form, born from the vibrant hip-hop culture of 1970s New York, will make its debut on the world's most prestigious sporting stage. Let's trace the fascinating journey of breaking from its humble beginnings to its Olympic recognition.
The Birth of Breaking (1970s) In the early 1970s, amidst the socio-economic challenges of the Bronx, a cultural revolution was brewing. DJ Kool Herc, a Jamaican-American innovator, noticed how dancers at his block parties reacted enthusiastically to the "break" in songs - the percussion-heavy instrumental section. Herc's ingenious "Merry-Go-Round" technique, which extended these breaks using two turntables, gave birth to breaking.
Young African-American and Puerto Rican dancers, who would later be known as b-boys and b-girls, began developing a unique style of dance to these extended breaks. They incorporated elements from various traditions, including funk, disco, and even Brazilian capoeira, creating a dynamic and acrobatic form of expression.
Breaking Goes Mainstream (1980s) As breaking spread through New York's boroughs, it caught the eye of the media and entertainment industry. In 1982, the New York City Rap tour brought breaking to Europe, featuring the legendary Rock Steady Crew. Television appearances, such as the Rock Steady Crew's performance on "The David Letterman Show" in 1984, introduced breaking to a wider audience.
Hollywood soon caught on, with films like "Flashdance" (1983), "Breakin'" and "Beat Street" (both 1984) showcasing breaking on the big screen. These movies not only popularized the dance but also provided a glimpse into the vibrant hip-hop culture that birthed it.
The influence of breaking extended to mainstream pop culture, with artists like Michael Jackson incorporating elements of the dance into their performances. Jackson's iconic moonwalk, inspired by breaking techniques, became a global sensation.
Evolution and Competitions (1990s-2000s) While the 1990s saw a decline in breaking's mainstream popularity, it was during this time that the competitive aspect of the dance began to take shape. International competitions like the Battle of the Year, established in 1990, provided a platform for b-boys and b-girls to showcase their skills on a global stage.
The new millennium brought a resurgence of interest in breaking, with a new generation of dancers pushing the boundaries of creativity and athleticism. This revival coincided with the growing recognition of breaking as a legitimate sport.
The Road to Olympic Recognition In 2013, the World DanceSport Federation, recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), began organizing breaking world championships. This marked a significant step towards breaking's recognition as a competitive sport.
The inclusion of breaking in the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires was a watershed moment. It provided a glimpse of how the dance could be adapted to the Olympic format while maintaining its core essence.
In 2020, the IOC made the historic decision to include breaking in the Paris 2024 Olympic program. This decision was met with mixed reactions within the breaking community, with some celebrating the recognition and others concerned about the potential loss of breaking's cultural roots.
Breaking at Paris 2024 At the Paris Olympics, breaking competitions will feature 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls competing in one-on-one battles. Judges will score performers based on creativity, personality, technique, variety, musicality, and performativity.
The Olympic stage presents both opportunities and challenges for breaking. While it offers unprecedented exposure and potential for growth, it also raises questions about maintaining the authenticity and spirit of the dance form.
As breaking prepares to make its Olympic debut, it stands as a testament to the power of street culture and the enduring legacy of hip-hop. From the block parties of the Bronx to the grand stage of the Olympics, breaking has come a long way, all while staying true to its roots of creativity, expression, and community.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.