Breaking, also known as breakdancing, made its debut in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
More than 30 B-Boys and B-Girls from over 15 nations are competing for gold, showcasing their intricate footwork, physics-defying stunts, and unique style. Sixteen B-Girls will compete on Aug. 9, followed by 16 B-Boys on Aug. 10, all judged by a panel of nine experts from around the world.
The action takes place at the Place de la Concorde, Paris’ largest public square and the Olympics’ “cool-kid corner,” where other “urban” events like BMX and skateboarding are held.
One athlete to watch is USA’s Victor Montalvo. Vice President of Breaking DanceSport for USA Dance, Zack “Cracker Zacks” Slusser, called B-Boy Victor the “Michael Jordan of breaking.” The Floridian was the first American to qualify for the Olympics and is a two-time Red Bull BC One world champion. According to Slusser, this is because he’s exceptional at everything: moves that are technical, exciting, and combined with an almost impossible-to-match flow.
With the introduction of any new Olympic sport, questions arise. So, here’s everything you need to know about breaking at the Paris Games.
While it might seem like a new term, “breaking” has always—and originally—been the term used by dancers who pioneered the style.
The term “breakdancing” was used commercially to explain the art form to the masses. (Team USA B-girl Sunny Choi told Time, “If you call it breakdancing, you’re not a breaker.”)
