Breaking, a popular form of street dance, has made its debut at the Olympics in Paris. While Team GB didn't qualify, dancers at Glasgow's Studio 22 are continuing to train and perfect their moves. With breaking now being an official Olympic sport, teacher and B-girl Emma Ready hopes it brings more attention and funding to the scene. Our BBC reporter, Cameron Angus-Mackay, gets a taste of this new addition to the Olympics and how it's not as easy as it looks.
Breaking: The Newest Addition to the Olympic Stage
Breaking, a vibrant and energetic form of street dance known for its athleticism and improvisation, has made its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris Games. While Great Britain's team failed to qualify, dancers across the globe are embracing the opportunity to showcase their skills on the world's biggest sporting stage.
Background:
Breaking emerged in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, as a form of expression for marginalized communities. It quickly spread to urban areas worldwide, evolving into a global phenomenon with its own culture, battles, and tournaments.
Olympic Debut:
After years of lobbying and recognition as an official sport by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), breaking was included in the 2024 Olympic program. The competition will feature both male and female categories, with dancers performing in two rounds: a preliminary round and a final round.
Glasgow's Studio 22:
Glasgow's Studio 22 is one of the leading breaking training facilities in the United Kingdom. With the sport now being an Olympic discipline, teacher and B-girl Emma Ready hopes to see increased recognition and funding for the scene.
Challenges and Techniques:
Breaking is not as easy as it looks. Dancers need to possess exceptional strength, coordination, and flexibility to execute the complex moves and acrobatic stunts. Key techniques include top rocks (footwork and upper body movements), down rocks (floor-based moves), power moves (flips and spins), and freezes (holding a pose).
Top 5 FAQs:
1. What are the rules of Olympic breaking? A: The competition consists of two rounds, with 16 dancers in each category. In the preliminary round, dancers perform two one-minute routines, with the top eight advancing to the final. In the final, each dancer performs a 90-second routine, followed by a 15-second battle against another dancer.
2. Who are the favorites to win at the Olympics? A: Some of the top contenders include B-Boy Shigekix (Japan), B-Girl Ami (France), and B-Boy Hong10 (South Korea).
3. What is the significance of breaking in the Olympics? A: The inclusion of breaking recognizes the cultural and artistic value of street dance and provides a platform for dancers to showcase their skills. It also aims to increase participation and promote diversity in the Olympic Games.
4. How can I become a better breaker? A: Consistent practice, studying videos of top dancers, and attending workshops and competitions are key to improving your breaking skills.
5. What is the future of breaking in the Olympics? A: Breaking's inclusion in the Olympic Games is a significant milestone, and it is expected to continue to grow in popularity and attract talented dancers from around the world.
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