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) is making 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.
Breaking battles will take place on Friday, Aug. 9 + Saturday, Aug. 10 at La Concorde in the heart of Paris.
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.
