Breaking makes Olympic debut as dancers go for gold
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As the Paris Olympics approach, breaking, commonly known as breakdancing, is set to make its Olympic debut, marking a significant milestone for the urban sport. The event will showcase the athleticism, improvisation, and coordination of competitors, who draw from various disciplines, including martial arts and gymnastics.
Among the U.S. breaking team is 21-year-old Logan Edgar, known as b girl logistics, who has dedicated two-thirds of her life to mastering the art form. Edgar emphasizes that her participation transcends the pursuit of medals; she aims to amplify messages of peace, love, and unity through her dance.
Breaking originated in the 1970s at block parties in the South Bronx, created by Black and Latino youths. The term \"breaking\" refers to the breaks in hip-hop music where dancers showcase their skills. Its rise to mainstream popularity was bolstered by the 1983 film \"Flashdance,\" and today, it enjoys global recognition, with communities embracing the art form from Nigeria to Iran.
Ivan Velez, known as Flips, a judge at Olympic qualifying events, describes breaking as more than just a dance style; he likens it to a religion that requires dedication and belief in oneself. He highlights the rigorous criteria for judging, which includes technique, originality, and musicality, emphasizing the need for dancers to connect with the music they perform to succeed.
Team USA features standout competitors like Victor Montalvo, the highest-ranked breaker globally, and Sunny Choi, who left a lucrative job to pursue Olympic glory. Despite breaking's inclusion in the Paris Games, it has not yet been approved for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, raising concerns about its future. Velez hopes for its return in the 2032 Brisbane Games, advocating for breaking's permanent place in the Olympic roster, given its rich history and cultural significance.
As the world watches, breaking is poised to captivate audiences in Paris, showcasing the evolution of a dance form that has transcended its origins to become a celebrated sport on the global stage.
Among the U.S. breaking team is 21-year-old Logan Edgar, known as b girl logistics, who has dedicated two-thirds of her life to mastering the art form. Edgar emphasizes that her participation transcends the pursuit of medals; she aims to amplify messages of peace, love, and unity through her dance.
Breaking originated in the 1970s at block parties in the South Bronx, created by Black and Latino youths. The term \"breaking\" refers to the breaks in hip-hop music where dancers showcase their skills. Its rise to mainstream popularity was bolstered by the 1983 film \"Flashdance,\" and today, it enjoys global recognition, with communities embracing the art form from Nigeria to Iran.
Ivan Velez, known as Flips, a judge at Olympic qualifying events, describes breaking as more than just a dance style; he likens it to a religion that requires dedication and belief in oneself. He highlights the rigorous criteria for judging, which includes technique, originality, and musicality, emphasizing the need for dancers to connect with the music they perform to succeed.
Team USA features standout competitors like Victor Montalvo, the highest-ranked breaker globally, and Sunny Choi, who left a lucrative job to pursue Olympic glory. Despite breaking's inclusion in the Paris Games, it has not yet been approved for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, raising concerns about its future. Velez hopes for its return in the 2032 Brisbane Games, advocating for breaking's permanent place in the Olympic roster, given its rich history and cultural significance.
As the world watches, breaking is poised to captivate audiences in Paris, showcasing the evolution of a dance form that has transcended its origins to become a celebrated sport on the global stage.
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