Are you ready? Breakdance and Paris 2024

Breaking: A Dance Style on the Road to the 2024 Olympic Games

From the streets of New York in the 1970s to the Olympic stage in Paris 2024, Breakdance, also known as Breaking, has undergone a remarkable journey through the hip-hop culture. The origin of Breaking can be traced back to the urban dance scene of the Bronx, where black and Puerto Rican youth engaged in dance battles, paving the way for a globally beloved art form.

The inclusion of Breaking in the Olympic program for the 2024 Games marks a significant milestone. This decision follows over 25 years of development and various initiatives, initially brought into discussion in the 1990s by Michael Holman, manager of the New York City Breakers and host of the TV show "Graffiti Rock."

The Road to Olympia: Controversial Fundamental Questions and Consensus in the Scoring System

Within the Breaking community, debates over Olympic participation persist to this day. Questions revolving around artistic expression vs. high-performance sport, style vs. power, and the role of national teams compared to the original hip-hop approach take center stage in these discussions. Despite these disagreements, the community has reached a consensus in the scoring system over the years. Under the guidance of scene legends like Storm and Renegade, a judging system has been developed, taking into account factors such as musicality, creativity, and athleticism.

High Hurdles in Qualification: Olympic Dream for B-Girls and B-Boys

Qualifying for the Olympic Games is demanding and involves various steps. A total of 32 athletes (16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls) will compete for the first Olympic medals in Breaking. France, as the host country, has secured spots, while other nations must earn their quotas in Olympic Qualification Competitions as a team. The champions of the WDSF World Championship 2023 will secure direct spots, and the remaining 28 places will be awarded in continental qualification competitions in the spring of 2024.

Number of Participants and Age Restriction:

A total of 32 athletes will participate in the Breaking competition, including 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls. Each National Olympic Committee (NOC) can send a maximum of four athletes (two per gender). France, as the host, has two guaranteed spots (one per gender), and the Tripartite Commission will allocate four universality spots based on the results of the Olympic Qualification Competitions (OQS). It is noteworthy that B-Boys and B-Girls must be born on or before December 31, 2008.

Qualification Paths:

World Championship 2023: Winners of the WDSF World Championship 2023 in Belgium qualify directly for the Olympic Games.

Continental Games/Continental Championships: Ten athletes per gender secure their qualification from the continental games or continental championships in their regions. The top B-Boy and B-Girl at the respective events qualify for the Games.

Olympic Qualification Series (OQS): The OQS will take place from March to June 2024, where the last 14 available quota places (seven per gender) will be awarded.

Breaking Competitions in Paris 2024:

The Breaking competitions will take place on August 9 and 10, 2024, at the Place de la Concorde. There will be an individual competition for men and women, with 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls each competing in direct individual battles to advance to the next rounds or compete in the final for the gold medal.

Athletes in Focus:

Historically, the USA, Japan, and France lead in Breaking, but other countries also have strong athletes. Some outstanding B-Girls include Ayumi (Japan), Madmax (Belgium), Sunny (USA), and Paulina (Poland), while top B-Boys include Victor (USA), Phil Wizard (Canada), and Luan (Brazil).

It is essential to note that this information is based on the status as of August 2022, and changes are possible. To stay up-to-date, it is recommended to follow official announcements from the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Art and Culture in Breakdance: Balancing Athleticism and Expression

The debate over the athletic approach in Breakdance raises the question of whether art and culture are overshadowed by high-performance sports and scoring systems. However, some athletes believe that art and culture are not neglected but can be promoted through physical fitness and new training methods. This development is seen as an opportunity to preserve the artistic approach for future generations.

In summary, Breaking faces an exciting future, having journeyed from the streets of New York to the Olympic arenas. The challenges of qualification and discussions on art versus sport make this journey a fascinating chapter in the history of Breakdance. Paris 2024 will not only be the stage for spectacular competitions but also for the recognition and integration of this unique art form at the highest sporting level.

2024 Olympic Games in Paris - Key Information:

The 2024 Olympic Games will take place in Paris from July 26 to August 11. This will be the third time that Paris, France's capital, is the host, following 1900 and 1924. The Breaking competition will be held on August 9 and 10 at the Place de la Concorde.

The Paralympics will follow from August 28 to September 8, 2024. Tickets for the Olympic Games can only be purchased through the official website, with sales for the Paralympics starting on October 9.

Approximately 10 million tickets will be offered, and the number of participants is expected to be around 11,200 athletes. In Paris, medals will be awarded in 32 sports, including the newly introduced Breaking. The Games promise to be a spectacular event for both athletes and spectators, breaking with some traditions, such as the opening on the Seine and a parade for the medal winners.