The Rise of Breaking at the 2024 Paris Olympics

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, made its debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Friday. This dance form, popular in Paris, has now made it to the biggest sports stage as a competition.

Breaking is not new, as it has been around for decades. Some even consider it the cultural dance of hip-hop. Ian Flaws, owner and founder of Bboy Factory in Denver, expressed his excitement about breaking becoming an Olympic sport.

"I always felt that the world would embrace this dance," Flaws said. "Even in the last 20 years, it has grown so much globally, and that’s why you see dancers from all over the world in the Olympics. It is a universal language that allows us to connect despite language or cultural barriers."

However, Flaws also admitted to having mixed feelings about breaking becoming an Olympic sport. He hopes that the traditions of the culture can be preserved amidst the competitive nature of the Olympics.

For many in the breaking scene, the culture is just as important as the moves. Renee Harris, the co-director of Hip-Hop Studies at CU Boulder, emphasized the cultural significance of Bboy and Bgirl culture, highlighting the various elements that come with it beyond just the acrobatics.

Olympic Breaking: What to Expect

Harris pointed out that the "why" behind the moves is often missing when breaking is separated into a competition format. Both Harris and Flaws agree that despite the concerns, seeing breaking on a global stage is exciting and could bring more exposure to the scene.

"The opportunities that will come with this to further promote our culture are immense," Flaws said. "It's not just about the athletes but also the communities, arts, DJs, and all the other people that make breaking so special."

Flaws believes that the next generation may hold the key to preserving the cultural significance of breaking. His studio, Bboy Factory, will be showcasing performances at McGregor Square during the breaking finals, providing a platform for young talents to shine.

What do you think?

• Do you think breaking being in the Olympics will help or hurt the culture?
• Should breaking competitions focus more on the cultural aspects rather than just the athleticism?
• Is it important to preserve the traditions of breaking as it gains more mainstream attention?