Breaking – Summer Games 2024

A young, acrobatic, and urban sport, breaking will make its grand entrance on the Summer Games program at the Paris 2024 Games. Originating from hip-hop culture, it was born in the USA during the 1970s at block parties across the Bronx, New York City. As well as the athletes, the MC (Master of Ceremonies) and the DJ have roles to play at breaking events. Whilst the MC hosts the event, the DJ dictates the music
the athletes must adapt their moves to. For Paris 2024, breaking will make its Games debut with two one-on-one battles events. The women’s event will pit 16 B-Girls against one another, while the men do the same.

Schedule

Did you know that..

1. Inclusion in Paris 2024: Breaking was officially added to the Summer Games program for the Paris 2024 Summer Games. It is one of the four new sports introduced as part of efforts to attract a younger audience and bring urban sports to the Olympic stage.

2. Youth Appeal: Breaking is rooted in hip-hop culture and has a strong connection to street dance. Its inclusion in the Games reflects a commitment to diversifying and modernizing the Games, appealing to a younger and more urban demographic.

3. Competition Format: Breaking competitions involve one-on-one battles where B-boys and B-girls (breakdancers) showcase their skills in a head-to-head format. The judges assess the performers based on criteria such as creativity, technique, and musicality.

4. Global Participation: Breaking has a global community with practitioners and competitions worldwide. Its inclusion in the Games provides a platform for talented breakers from various countries to showcase their skills on the international stage.

5. Athlete Terminology: In the context of breaking in the Games, participants are often referred to as "athletes" rather than traditional terms like "dancers." This highlights the recognition of breaking as a sport requiring physical prowess, skill, and training.

6. Judging Criteria: Breaking competitions are judged based on several elements, including toprock (dancing while standing), downrock (floor-based dance), freezes (sudden poses), and power moves (dynamic and acrobatic moves). The creativity and musicality of the performance are also crucial.

7. Historic Debut: The inclusion of breaking in the Paris 2024 Games marks the first time that hip-hop dance, specifically breaking, will be part of the official Games program.