Think of break dancing and many movies come to mind. Images of swift, rhythmic, acrobatic movements and a booming sound appear. In the Paris Olympics 2024, ‘breaking’ as it is officially called is the only new sport that is making its debut. A dance form has become a global competitive sport, creating history. The Tokyo Olympics had seen the addition of three sports – bike motocross or BMX, 3v3 basketball and skateboarding. All the four sports added in the last eight years are urban and played by the younger generation. The IOA is expanding the sport base to diversify so as to engage with youth and capture them as audiences.

Breaking emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx area of New York, which was predominantly African-American. It was a cultural phenomenon grounded in social dancing, and began in the community block parties. Spontaneity was the key, and each dancer with their breathtaking vigorous moves in the backdrop of hip-hop sound would try to outperform the other.

The dance form drew movements and rhythm from different sources, including marital arts, gymnastics and other heritage flairs from different communities as it grew. Groups began competing against each other, and international breaking competitions such as Battle of the Year and Freestyle Session, which started in the 1990s, began to be held. The element of technique and athletics increased as the dance form evolved and found roots in its young enthusiasts.

A dance form, breaking requires only a fit body and some music in terms of equipment. Its recognition as an Olympic sport will expand opportunities for breakers all over the world. The lack of any professional equipment makes it accessible and affordable, and may attract people from different economic strata. The dance sport will add to the usual image of sport – run, jump, swim, somersault etc. It will bring to the arena, fluidity of movement, music and technique of different kind. Breaking is both athletic and innovative, making it  an interesting and exciting sport to watch.

In Paris, 16 country teams are competing for breaking medals. India is not one of them. The B-boys and B-girl teams will compete separately at the La Concorde Urban Park, in the heart of the city. Breaking will be judged on criteria like technique, execution, musicality, range of movements and originality. It will be judged on a comparative system, with each player being compared to their opponent in each round. The breaker with most judges’ votes wins the round, and the one with most rounds gets the medal! It is a totally different way of judging, necessary for a very different sport.

India also has its professional breakers, and is own breaking championships. The well known Red Bull BC One India Cypher 2024 was held just last month, with both boys and girls participating. The debut of breaking on the Olympic arena is a matter of hope and aspiration for these young people. Let us hope that Indian B-boys and B-girls will compete in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 and bring home medals for the country.

Published in Dainik Bhaskar on 13 August 2024.