There’s a new sport at this year’s Paris Olympics: breaking, sometimes called breakdancing. The sport combines dancing and acrobatics. To win the gold, athletes called breakers will spin, flip, and shuffle to hip-hop music. Here’s what you need to know about the sport.
Why is it called breaking?
Breaking started in the 1970s, in New York City. At parties, dancers got up to perform during musical “breaks,” which gave breaking its name. Breaking is now an important part of hip-hop culture around the world.
Who can be a breaker?
Anyone can be a B-girl or a B-boy, which is what breakers call themselves. Victor Montalvo is an American B-boy. “Breaking is awesome because it’s part of hip-hop culture, and [in] hip-hop culture, it doesn't matter what color you are, who you are, where you’re from: It’s inclusive,” he says. “It’s all about peace, love, unity, and having fun.”
How do breakers talk?
Breakers have their own insider language to describe their dance style. A “top rock” is when a breaker dances while standing up. A “down rock” is when a breaker dances on the floor, moving their arms and kicking their legs. A “freeze” is when a dancer stops in the middle of their routine in a tough position, like standing on their head.
Do the breakers pick their own music?
No! In breaking competitions, a DJ picks the music for each round. The breakers never know what songs the DJ will pick, so they have to choose their moves on the spot.
When will breakers compete at the Olympics?
The B-girls battle on Friday, August 9. The B-boys go on August 10.
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