Breaking: Officially an Olympic Sport (2024)

As someone who has been deeply immersed in the world of breaking, I’ve witnessed firsthand the excitement, anticipation, and heated debates surrounding breaking’s upcoming Olympic debut. Today, I’m thrilled to confirm that yes, breaking (often referred to as breakdancing) is officially an Olympic sport! This groundbreaking decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) marks a pivotal moment in the history of this dynamic dance form, and I’m here to break it all down for you.

The Official Decision

Let’s start with the big news: In December 2020, the IOC officially announced that breaking would be included in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision sent shockwaves through both the dance and sports communities, sparking intense discussions about the nature of sport, cultural representation, and the future of the Olympics.

For many in the breaking community, this recognition has been a long time coming. Breaking isn’t just about fancy footwork and impressive acrobatics – it’s a physically demanding discipline that requires strength, flexibility, endurance, and countless hours of practice. As someone who’s attempted (and failed at) more than a few power moves, I can attest to the incredible athleticism required to excel in this art form.

The Journey to Olympic Recognition

Breaking’s path to the Olympics wasn’t an overnight success story. It’s been a journey filled with as many twists and turns as a complex footwork sequence. The seeds were planted long before the 2020 announcement, with breaking making its first appearance on the Olympic stage at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires.

The success of breaking at the Youth Olympics caught the IOC’s attention, demonstrating the dance form’s potential to attract younger audiences and bring fresh energy to the Games. However, before breaking could officially join the Olympic family, it had to prove itself worthy of the title “sport.”

The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) played a crucial role in this process, working tirelessly to demonstrate that breaking met all the criteria for an Olympic sport. This included showcasing its global appeal, ensuring gender equality (there will be medals for both b-boys and b-girls), and highlighting its ability to captivate young audiences.

As someone who’s been part of the breaking community for years, I’ve seen firsthand how this dance form checks all these boxes and more. Breaking has a vibrant global community, with major competitions drawing participants and spectators from every corner of the world. It’s a discipline that celebrates both male and female athletes equally, with b-girls often stealing the show at major events. And when it comes to youth appeal, breaking has it in spades – it’s dynamic, exciting, and deeply connected to youth culture.

Breaking vs. Breakdancing: What’s in a Name?

One aspect of breaking’s Olympic journey that’s caused some confusion is the terminology. You might have noticed that I’ve been using the term “breaking” rather than “breakdancing.” This isn’t just a personal preference – it’s the official term that will be used at the Olympics.

While “breakdancing” is the term most familiar to the general public, it’s actually a media-coined phrase that never quite caught on within the breaking community. Dancers have always referred to their art form as “breaking,” and to themselves as “b-boys” and “b-girls” (the “b” stands for “break,” as in the break in the music).

The decision to use “breaking” at the Olympics is a nod to the authenticity and roots of the dance form. It’s a small but significant detail that shows respect for the culture and history of breaking.

Is Breaking Still Popular?

For those who might be wondering whether breaking is still relevant in 2024, let me assure you: breaking isn’t just alive, it’s thriving. While it might not dominate MTV like it did in the 80s, breaking has found new life in the digital age.

Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram have allowed breaking to go truly global. I’ve seen incredible dancers from every continent showcasing their skills online, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in breaking. Major competitions like the Red Bull BC One World Final attract millions of viewers both in person and online.

But breaking’s popularity extends beyond the competitive scene. It’s become a staple in urban dance studios worldwide, with classes available for all ages and skill levels. I’ve taught breaking to everyone from toddlers to grandparents, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like seeing a 70-year-old nail their first toprock step!

Breaking has also continued to influence popular culture in countless ways. From movies to music videos to video games, the spirit of breaking is everywhere. It’s even made its way into fitness routines – because let’s face it, a breaking workout is way more fun (and challenging) than running on a treadmill.

The Olympic Format: How Will Breaking Work at the Games?

Now that we’ve established that breaking is indeed an Olympic sport, you might be wondering how exactly it will work at the Games. While the final details are still being ironed out, here’s what we know so far:

Competition Format: Breaking at the Olympics will feature head-to-head battles, similar to the format used in major breaking competitions worldwide.
Judging Criteria: Judges will evaluate performances based on a range of criteria, including physicality, interpretation, artistry, and musicality.
Music: Unlike in traditional breaking battles where DJs play a crucial role, the Olympic breaking competition will likely use pre-selected music to avoid copyright issues.
Number of Competitors: The competition will feature 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls, making for a total of 32 athletes.
Medal Events: There will be two medal events – one for b-boys and one for b-girls.

This format aims to capture the essence of breaking while adapting it to the Olympic stage. It’s a delicate balance, and one that has been the subject of much discussion within the breaking community.

The Impact on Breaking Culture

The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics is undoubtedly a game-changer for the dance form, but it’s not without its controversies. As someone deeply embedded in breaking culture, I’ve heard a wide range of opinions on this development.

On the positive side, Olympic recognition brings unprecedented exposure to breaking. It’s a chance for the world to see the incredible skill, creativity, and athleticism that goes into this dance form. For breakers, it opens up new opportunities for funding, training, and professional development.

However, there are also concerns within the community. Some worry that the Olympic format might not fully capture the spontaneity and cultural aspects of breaking. There’s a fear that the focus on competition might overshadow the artistic and social elements that are so central to breaking culture.

Another point of contention is the potential for commercialization. While increased visibility can bring benefits, there’s a concern that breaking might lose some of its underground edge and cultural authenticity as it moves into the mainstream spotlight.

These are valid concerns, and they’re part of an ongoing dialogue within the breaking community. As we move closer to the 2024 Games, it will be crucial for Olympic organizers to work closely with breakers to ensure that the spirit and culture of breaking are preserved alongside its competitive aspects.

The Future of Breaking

As we look ahead to breaking’s Olympic debut in Paris 2024, it’s clear that we’re on the cusp of a new era for this dance form. The Olympic spotlight will undoubtedly bring changes, but I believe it also presents incredible opportunities.

For one, it’s a chance to introduce breaking to a global audience who might never have encountered it otherwise. It’s an opportunity to showcase the skill, creativity, and athleticism that goes into this dance form, and to challenge preconceptions about what constitutes a sport.

Moreover, Olympic recognition could lead to increased support and resources for breaking programs worldwide. This could mean more opportunities for young people to get involved in breaking, more support for professional breakers, and a greater appreciation for the art form as a whole.

However, as breaking steps onto the Olympic stage, it will be crucial to maintain a connection to its roots. The challenge will be to embrace the opportunities that come with Olympic recognition while preserving the culture, creativity, and community spirit that have always been at the heart of breaking.

Conclusion

The official decision to include breaking in the Olympics marks a watershed moment for this dynamic dance form. It’s a recognition of the incredible skill, athleticism, and artistry that goes into breaking, and a testament to its global appeal and cultural significance.

As we countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics, I encourage everyone – whether you’re a longtime breaking fan or completely new to the dance form – to keep an open mind. Get ready to witness some incredible performances, to learn about a rich and vibrant culture, and to see sport defined in a whole new way.

Breaking’s journey from the streets of the Bronx to the Olympic stage is a testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and community. As a breaker and a fan, I couldn’t be more excited to see where this next chapter takes us. The Olympics are about to get a whole lot more funky, and I, for one, can’t wait to see it unfold.

So, there you have it – breaking is officially an Olympic sport. It’s been a long journey, but we’ve finally made it. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some training to do. Those Olympic medals aren’t going to win themselves!