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Breaking’s Olympic Debut

By The New York Times

In this episode of The Daily, breakdancing's journey from its origins in the Bronx in the 1970s to its inclusion as an Olympic event is examined. The street-born artform, rooted in self-expression and community, evolved into a competitive sport with global popularity fueled by events like Battle of the Year and commercial sponsorships.

As breaking makes its Olympic debut in 2024, some purists voice concerns that oversight by outside organizations and formalized rules may compromise the dance's cultural authenticity. Moreover, its worldwide reach challenges the American narrative, with elite talent emerging from countries like Lithuania, Japan, and France. The rise of breaking on the global stage raises questions about preserving its street essence amid its transformation into an Olympic sport.

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Breaking’s Olympic Debut

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Breaking’s Olympic Debut

1-Page Summary

Breaking's Origins and Rise

An Artform Born on the Streets

As Jonathan Abrams discusses, breakdancing, or "breaking," emerged from hardship in the Bronx during the 1970s, providing marginalized youth with a sense of community and creative outlet. These gatherings became competitive arenas where dance crews showcased their skills to build reputations on the streets and beyond, cementing breaking as a core element of early hip-hop culture alongside rapping, DJing, and graffiti.

Mainstream Popularity and Shift Toward Sport

The 1980s saw breaking gain widespread exposure through films like "Beat Street," according to Abrams. As pioneering groups toured globally, breaking inspired new generations worldwide. Competitions incorporating prizes and judges arose, signaling breaking's shift toward a professional competitive sport by events like 1990's Battle of the Year, culminating in commercial sponsorships like Red Bull's Lord of the Floors in 2001.

Olympic Inclusion Sparks Authenticity Concerns

Purists Fear Loss of Cultural Roots

As discussed by Abrams and Sabrina Tavernise, breaking's inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics has raised concerns among purists that the artform's cultural authenticity, rooted in self-expression from struggling communities, may be compromised on such a grand commercial stage. Breakers worry the Olympics could sanitize breaking's heritage.

Oversight by Outside Organization Amplifies Apprehensions

Breakers' worries deepen with oversight by the World Dance Sport Federation, unconnected to breaking's origins. In 2017, breakers protested the federation's involvement, feeling it misrepresents the community. Rules like a "misbehavior" button for crass actions and scoring criteria like technique further fuel fears breaking may become reframed as a traditional, restrained sport.

Global Phenomenon Challenges American Narrative

Breaking's Elite Global Talent Pool

As Abrams highlights, breaking has expanded far beyond its American beginnings, with elite talent emerging worldwide, from Lithuania's reigning teenage B-Girl champion Nika to dancers from Japan, France and beyond. The internet accelerated this diffusion, part of the appeal attracting Olympic inclusion to engage younger, diverse audiences.

Preserving Roots Amid Globalization

However, purists fear breaking may lose touch with self-expressive roots as it globalizes and joins the Olympic movement. Maintaining the essence of the streets-born Bronx dance remains a key challenge as breaking's popularity soars worldwide.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • While breaking did emerge in the Bronx, it's important to recognize that similar dance forms and expressions were happening concurrently in other parts of the world, which may not have been directly influenced by the Bronx scene.
  • The narrative that breaking was purely a street-based art form can be oversimplified, as there were also influences from established dance forms and media representations that contributed to its development.
  • The shift toward professional competition can be seen as a natural evolution of any art form as it matures and seeks to establish standards and sustainability for its practitioners.
  • The inclusion in the Olympics could be argued to honor the skill and athleticism of breaking, rather than diluting its authenticity, by providing a new platform for its recognition.
  • The World Dance Sport Federation's involvement might bring a level of organization and resources that could benefit the breaking community, even if it is not originally from the breaking culture.
  • The global expansion of breaking could be viewed as a testament to its universal appeal and adaptability, rather than a dilution of its American or Bronx roots.
  • The internet's role in spreading breaking could be seen as democratizing access to the art form, allowing for a more diverse and rich evolution of the style.
  • The concerns about losing touch with self-expressive roots might overlook the potential for cultural exchange and innovation that comes with a global community engaging with breaking.

Actionables

  • You can explore breaking's roots by creating a playlist of classic hip-hop and breakdancing tracks from the 1970s and '80s to immerse yourself in the music that fueled the movement. As you listen, research the artists and the historical context of each song to better understand the environment that gave birth to breaking.
  • Start a virtual book club focused on the history of hip-hop culture, including breaking, to engage with others interested in the topic. Choose books written by hip-hop pioneers or cultural historians, and use video conferencing tools to discuss insights and perspectives on how breaking has evolved from its inception to its current form.
  • Encourage cultural preservation by supporting local breakdancers and events that focus on the traditional aspects of breaking. Attend battles that emphasize artistic expression over competition, buy merchandise from artists who contribute to maintaining the culture's authenticity, and share content on social media that highlights the original ethos of breaking.

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Breaking’s Olympic Debut

The history and evolution of breakdancing/breaking, from its origins in the Bronx to its rise as a competitive sport

The evolution of breakdancing, or "breaking," has been a journey from the streets of the Bronx to global dance floors and competitive stages.

Breakdancing, or "breaking," emerged from the disrepair and hardship of the Bronx in the 1970s, providing a creative outlet and sense of community for marginalized youth.

Breaking developed as a physical expression of hip-hop, with marginalized youth in the Bronx throwing massive parties where breaking was born. Dance crews formed at these parties, competing against each other for respect and self-esteem in a community where they had little else. Breaking became a core element of hip-hop culture alongside lyricism, DJing, and graffiti.

These gatherings became competitive arenas where dancers showcased their skills to make a name for themselves on their streets, neighborhoods, and beyond.

The rising popularity of breaking in the 1980s led to its mainstream exposure through films and media, sparking a global interest in the artform.

Breaking infiltrated mainstream culture in the early to mid-1980s through movies like "Flashdance," "Wildstyle," and the pivotal 1984 film "Beat Street," which introduced breakdancing to a wider audience. Jonathan Abrams discusses how movies featured breakdance battles as alternatives to fights, and this portrayal reached audiences from Los Angeles to New York.

Pioneer groups like Rock Steady Crew, Dynamic Rockers, Zulu Kings, and New York City Breakers started appearing in movies and giving demonstrations worldwide, inspiring new generations to engage in breaking. Films captured the infancy ...

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The history and evolution of breakdancing/breaking, from its origins in the Bronx to its rise as a competitive sport

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The narrative that breaking solely emerged as a creative outlet for marginalized youth can be oversimplified; it also drew from various cultural influences and was a form of entertainment and artistic expression for a broader demographic.
  • While breaking did become a core element of hip-hop culture, it's important to acknowledge that hip-hop is multifaceted and breaking is just one aspect of a larger cultural movement that includes many other elements.
  • The idea that breaking was always about competition can be contested; for many, it was also about personal expression, community building, and social commentary, not just about gaining recognition.
  • The assertion that films in the 1980s were solely responsible for the mainstream exposure of breaking might overlook the role of other media, such as television shows, music videos, and news coverage, in bringing breaking to a wider audience.
  • Suggesting that pioneer groups were the only ones inspiring new generations may not give enough credit to local and less-known dancers who also contributed to the spread and evolution of break ...

Actionables

  • You can explore the roots of breaking by creating a personalized dance playlist with tracks from the 1970s Bronx scene to immerse yourself in the musical environment that gave birth to the movement. Start by researching the popular songs from that era and curate a playlist on your favorite music streaming service. As you listen, pay attention to the beats and rhythms that might have influenced the early breakers.
  • Develop an appreciation for the competitive spirit of breaking by organizing a small-scale dance challenge with friends. Use social media to set up a friendly competition where each participant films a short dance clip, inspired by the moves of pioneer groups like Rock Steady Crew, and shares it with a specific hashtag. This can be a fun way to engage with the dance form and understand the drive for recognition that motivated early dancers.
  • Gain a ...

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Breaking’s Olympic Debut

The debate and tension around including breaking in the Olympic Games, and concerns about the art form losing its cultural authenticity

The inclusion of breaking in the Paris 2024 Olympics has sparked a debate within the breaking community regarding its cultural authenticity and representation.

The inclusion of breaking in the 2024 Paris Olympics has sparked concerns from pioneers and purists in the breaking community that the artform will be stripped of its cultural roots and authenticity.

Pioneers and purists of the breaking community are skeptical and tense about breaking's inclusion in the Paris 2024 Olympics. They feel that the Olympic portrayal might not stay true to breaking's origins in the Bronx during the 1970s. Jonathan Abrams and Sabrina Tavernise delve into this concern, discussing the risk that breaking's authenticity, born from the struggles of Black and Brown communities and a form of self-expression and lifestyle, might not be evident on such a grand stage as the Olympics. Breakers worry about the potential for the Olympics to sanitize and commercialize this cultural heritage.

The World Dance Sport Federation, an organization not originally associated with breaking, is overseeing the Olympic breaking competition, further fueling the concerns of breakers who feel their community is not being properly represented.

Breakers are also concerned with the oversight of the Olympic breaking events by the World Dance Sport Federation, an entity not originally associated with the breakdancing scene, as it was previously focused on introducing ballroom dancing into the Olympics. In 2017, breakers even signed a petition protesting the federation's involvement, asserting that it does not represent the breaking community but seems to be using the art form for its own goals. There are apprehensions about how breaking will be portrayed, fearing it mig ...

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The debate and tension around including breaking in the Olympic Games, and concerns about the art form losing its cultural authenticity

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Pioneers and purists in the breaking community are concerned that the inclusion of breaking in the Olympics may dilute its cultural roots and authenticity. They fear that the essence of breaking, which originated as a form of self-expression in marginalized communities, could be compromised on a global stage like the Olympics. These individuals worry that the oversight of the Olympic breaking events by an organization not traditionally associated with breaking may lead to a misrepresentation of the art form. Additionally, they are apprehensive about the impact of new judging criteria and regulations on the competitive and expressive nature of breaking.
  • The World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF) is an international governing body for dance sport, overseeing various competitive dance disciplines. While traditionally focused on ballroom dancing, the WDSF has expanded its scope to include other dance forms like breaking. Its involvement in Olympic breaking has raised concerns within the breaking community about representation and authenticity. The WDSF's oversight of the Olympic breaking events has sparked criticism from breakers who feel the federation may not fully understand or respect the cultural roots of breaking.
  • The "misbehavior" button in the judging process for Olympic breaking allows judges to penalize competitors for behavior deemed inappropriate or disrespectful during their performance. This button is intended to uphold the standards of sportsmanship and respect within the competition, ensuring that participants adhere to the expected conduct during their routines. It serves as a mechanism to maintain the integrity of the event and discour ...

Counterarguments

  • The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics could bring greater visibility and recognition to the art form, potentially attracting new audiences and participants.
  • The Olympics have a history of incorporating diverse sports and could provide a platform for breaking to be appreciated as a legitimate competitive discipline.
  • The World Dance Sport Federation's involvement might bring organizational experience and resources that could benefit the breaking competition and its athletes.
  • The concerns about cultural authenticity might be addressed through the involvement of breaking experts and community leaders in the planning and execution of the Olympic event.
  • The "misbehavior" button could be intended to maintain sportsmanship and respect among competitors, aligning with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
  • The judging criteria s ...

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Breaking’s Olympic Debut

The global nature of breaking and the emergence of top breakers from around the world

The dance style known as breaking, or breakdancing, has transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, showcasing talent from all corners of the globe and challenging its American-centric narrative.

Breaking has become a truly global artform

Jonathan Abrams discusses how breaking has expanded well beyond its Bronx, New York, origins. It has become a global artform with elite dancers emerging from countries across the world, including Japan, the Netherlands, France, and Kazakhstan. This diffusion represents a significant shift from the days when breaking was primarily an American practice.

Sixteen-year-old Lithuanian B-Girl Nika is a reigning world champion

A prime example of this international trend is the sixteen-year-old Lithuanian B-Girl Nika, who has already clinched the 2023 world title. Nika's triumph is emblematic of a new generation of breakers who hail from diverse backgrounds, reshaping the landscape of the competition and elevating the artform to new heights.

The global reach and popularity of breaking

The popularity of breaking, fueled by the internet and social media platforms, has not only increased its global reach but has also made it appealing to the International Olympic Committee. Part of the committee's strategy ...

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The global nature of breaking and the emergence of top breakers from around the world

Additional Materials

Counterarguments

  • The globalization of breaking might not necessarily dilute its cultural roots but could instead lead to a fusion of styles that enriches the art form.
  • The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics could be seen as a recognition of its artistic and athletic value rather than a commercialization or departure from its origins.
  • Concerns about detachment from cultural roots may overlook the adaptability and evolution of cultural practices, which are often influenced by exposure to different cultures and ideas.
  • The rise of international breakers like B-Girl Nika could inspire a new wave of innovation within the breaking community, challenging the notion that the scene is becoming homogenized.
  • The internet and social media might actually help preserve the cultural roots of breaking by providing a platform for sharing knowledge and history about the dance's or ...

Actionables

  • Explore breaking culture by creating a personal video compilation of breaking performances from different countries. Start by searching for videos online, focusing on dancers from diverse backgrounds, and edit them together to see the variety of styles and influences. This will give you a visual understanding of breaking's evolution and the nuances of its global appeal.
  • Support local breakers by attending or streaming regional breaking competitions. Look for events in your area or online, and become an audience member to appreciate the skill and dedication of breakers firsthand. This can deepen your connection to the art form and its community.
  • Educate yourself on the history of breaking by curating a pl ...

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