Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is set to make its Olympic debut in Paris, marking a significant milestone for the dance form. Originating in the Bronx during the 1970s, breaking developed out of the creativity of Black and brown youth and has since blossomed into a multi-billion dollar global industry.
Renowned for its athleticism, breaking is deeply intertwined with hip-hop culture and showcases a blend of dynamic movements, including spins and flips. Starting in the 1990s, the art form gained international recognition through competitions worldwide.
In Paris, a vibrant breaking community convenes almost every weeknight. In a sports complex basement, breakers engaged in free-style dancing, warming up with footwork and rhythm before executing floor moves. Samy Vongphrachanh, a 19-year-old dancer, received cheers from peers as he took bold risks in his routine, embodying the supportive spirit of the local hip-hop scene.
“It’s the main essence of breaking,” Vongphrachanh said, describing the informal circles where breakers take turns to showcase their skills. He emphasized the values of peace, unity, love, and fun that characterize the dance.
Breaking will officially kick off its Olympic events with women’s qualifying rounds starting at 10 a.m. ET. Men’s events are scheduled for the following day.
Sunny Choi, a B-Girl representing the USA, is among the competitors. A native of Queens, New York, who previously trained in Philadelphia, Choi recognizes the significance of the sport’s Olympic inclusion.
“I feel immense gratitude and pride representing our community,” Choi stated in Paris. She highlighted breaking’s roots in Black and brown neighborhoods and its evolution into a globally diverse phenomenon.
Choi noted that breaking’s accessibility contributes to its growing popularity compared to other, more expensive sports. “You really just need a dance floor and some music,” she explained.
At the Olympics, B-Girls and B-Boys will be judged using the Trivium scoring system, focusing on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality, with scores potentially changing based on performance against opponents.
A total of 32 breakers, consisting of 16 women and 16 men, will compete on August 9 and 10 at Place de la Concorde, which is being transformed into an open-air stadium to reflect the street battle culture of breaking. The Paris Olympics may present a unique opportunity for these athletes, as breaking will not be included in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.