Break it down: New sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics
The Olympic Rings standing proudly at Place de l’Hotel-de-Ville in April 2023. | Photo via Monica Garske, 6AM City
The Paris 2024 Olympics features several new + newish sports: breaking, skateboarding, sport climbing, surfing, and 3x3 basketball — and today, breaking makes its Olympic debut.
Ah, we can just picture that Olympics podium and those shiny medals now.
Breaking
Breaking (aka breakdancing) makes its first Olympic appearance after a resounding success in the 2018 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Rooted in hip-hop culture, breaking originated in the US and dates back to the 1970s.
In Paris, the sport will be split up into separate events for men and women (but the judging criteria will be the same). Here’s what to know:
The three main elements are top rock, down rock, and freeze. Check out how each of these moves are performed.
Athletes (aka breakers) compete in a 1x1 format (which is why a competition is often called a “battle”). The breakers take alternate turns or “throw-downs” performing their routines. Each throw-down can last up to 60 seconds.
The breakers’ throw-downs will be judged on personality, technique, creativity, variety, performativity, and musicality.
The Dallas Mavericks added a breakdancing team to their entertainment lineup.
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Photo via WFAA
Ready to bust a move? Adriana Coronado, a member of The Dallas Mavericks’ breaking team, said she started with a hip-hop dance class — and you can give breaking a spin at one of these Dallas spots:
The Movement Loft
Head to this studio for beginner-friendly dance classes for adults, including hip-hop. Sessions are led by instructors with passion and skills in the movements.
The Dallas Conservatory
This performing arts school hosts dance classes for all ages, regardless of your experience. Be on the lookout for hip-hop classes on Monday nights.
Dallas College
If you really want to learn about the art of dance, you can enroll in community college courses. We see a hip-hop class at the Brookhaven Campus in fall 2024.
Asked
What new Olympic sport(s) are you most excited to watch?
A. Breaking
B. Skateboarding
C. 3x3 basketball
D. Other
Summer Survivor Speaker Series: Rosian Zerner | Friday, Aug. 9 | 1 p.m. | Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum | Free with registration | The daughter of two Holocaust survivors shares her family’s stories and experiences.
UniverSoul Circus | Friday, Aug. 9-Sunday, Aug. 11 | Times vary | Universoul Circus - Red Bird Mall | $25-$60 | The circus is coming back to town in a soulful way that will entertain and inspire children and families with amazing acts and festivities.
Heather McDonald | Friday, Aug. 9 | 7 p.m. | House of Blues | $48-$59 | The comedian seen on “Chelsea Lately” performs for “The Juicy Scoop Experience” tour.
Saturday, Aug. 10
Dallas Lace Society | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 1-4 p.m. | Forest Green Branch Library | Free | Nonprofit The Dallas Lace Society leads this beginner-friendly class on the art of lacemaking.
AEW Presents Collision | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 11:30 p.m. | Esports Stadium Arlington | $104 | A diverse group of male + female wrestlers smack down for a night full of fights and plot twists.
The LadyGang | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 6 p.m. | The Echo Lounge & Music Hall | $17-$52 | Podcast hosts Keltie Knight, Becca Tobin, and Jac Vanek perform for their “You Never Forget Your First” tour.
Grateful Dead Tribute | Saturday, Aug. 10 | 8 p.m. | Granada Theater | $22-$29 | Performers Forgotten Space and ROSEBUD pay homage to Jerry Garcia and his iconic rock band.
Sunday, Aug. 11
Piano in the Park | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Klyde Warren Park | Free | Head to the green piano at the Muse Family Pavilion to hear people play tunes or to create music of your own.
Trinity River Blues Society’s Blues Fest | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 12 p.m. | Poor David’s Pub | Free | Listen to local blues acts, including solos, duos, bands, and youth performers.
The Rooftop Party X SKIN DEFINED | Sunday, Aug. 11 | 3-9 p.m. | Crowne Plaza Dallas Downtown | $20 | Splash into this inclusive pool party featuring a lineup of LGBTQ+ artists.
Dallas saw the hottest weather of the season this week but can expect slightly less heat this weekend. Temperatures are expected to cool to about 100° today and will remain in the high 90s on Saturday + Sunday. Some cloud coverage is also in the forecast with a chance of showers. (WFAA)
Community
DeSoto has been designated as a Purple Heart City, an acknowledgment given by the Military Order of the Purple Heart. This distinction celebrates the city’s commitment to supporting US military veterans. Currently, DeSoto is home to approx. 2,850 veterans. (The Dallas Morning News)
Edu
Texas A&M University-Commerce will not change its name to “Texas A&M University-Dallas.” A petition opposing the proposed name received 9,100+ signatures. University president Mark Rudin, Ph.D., listened to community feedback and shared concerns that the change could cause confusion and disrupt brand recognition. (WFAA)
Sports
Next up, David Ortiz Jr. The Texas Rangers signed the son of Red Sox designated hitter David “Big Papi” Ortiz to a deal that includes a scholarship and signing bonus. Like his father, Ortiz Jr. is noted for his batting skills, but also plays outfield and has first base experience. (The Dallas Morning News)
Development
Construction is expected to begin in October on Vivante at Turtle Creek, a senior living facility near Uptown Dallas. The 20-story, $150 million luxury complex will have nearly 200 assisted living units with 29 reserved for memory care services. It’s expected to be completed in early 2027. (Dallas Business Journal)
Trending
Gondolas could take the Dallas commute to new heights. City leaders are considering a proposal to join the Swyft Cities pilot program — an initiative that would work to install on-demand, elevated trams to reduce traffic congestion. The city has until the end of the year to apply. (Dallas Business Journal)
Olympics
Sha’Carri Richardson could help Team USA run to victory at the Women’s 4x100m Relay at the 2024 Paris Olympics today at 12:30 p.m. Keep up with the games and results via WFAA, and don’t miss the Olympic closing ceremony on Sunday at 2 p.m. (WFAA)
Sports
The Mavs are poised to be a strong team in the NBA next season — which teams will be their biggest competition? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Dallas Mavericks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Listen
We like our sound quality how we like our Norma’s Cafe bacon — extra crispy. While most hearing aids have one processor, this device has two, which process speech + noise separately. The result: Clear, crisp, effortless listening and conversations. (Plus, it’s tiny.)*
Finance
We’re beyond the halfway point of 2024 — aka a good time to make sure you’re maximizing your money. Personal finance experts have reviewed hundreds of credit cards to present you with the four very best bonus cards of the year.*
History
🚏 The kewl story behind Cartman Road
How Dallas got its ‘South Park’ streets
This part of Dallas is a bit animated. | Photo via DALtoday staff
You’re bound to see something familiar while driving through the Dallas area, and yes, we’re talking about the street names. Dallas County has many clusters of streets that take inspiration from television, music, movies, or historic events.
This modern system exists because Dallas seems to be creating streets faster than it can name them, and duplicate street names are no longer allowed. It’s also necessary for nearby streets to share common bonds so emergency services can navigate them easily.
Perhaps the most-modern scheme can be found in Garland where streets pay homage to characters from “South Park.” The cartoon debuted in 1997, and three years later, the city welcomed Cartman Road; Garrison Way; and Mackey, McCormick, and Crabtree streets.
As you drive around Dallas, look out for other streets with pop culture influences. There are neighborhoods that take inspiration from “Star Trek,” Disney, and The Beatles — just to name a few.
Hello, Dallas. I’m a national editor at 6AM City, DALtoday’s parent company, so I’ll be helping out with the newsletter occasionally.
I’m so enthralled by Dallas’ street names, especially the ones named after Monopoly. Now, here’s a twist for you — you can buy Dallas-Opoly, a Dallas-themed board game inspired by Monopoly.
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