
Planet Money
Will the Olympics break breakdancing?
Aug 9, 2024
The podcast dives into breakdancing's journey to Olympic recognition, highlighting the struggle to fairly judge this art form. Legendary b-boys Storm and Renegade work on a scoring system that respects the dance's creativity while addressing its competitive nature. The discussion touches on the clash between artistic expression and standardized scoring, echoing challenges seen in other Olympic sports. As breakdancing prepares for the spotlight, there are both excitement and concerns about preserving its cultural essence.
25:48
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Quick takeaways
- Storm and Renegade's quest for an objective scoring system highlights the tension between artistry and traditional competitive standards in breaking.
- The integration of breaking into the Olympics poses challenges to preserve its cultural roots while gaining commercial visibility and funding.
Deep dives
The Rise of Breaking as an Artistic Sport
Breaking, also known as breakdancing, originated as a street dance and has evolved into a recognized art form characterized by creativity and self-expression. Legendary b-boy Storm discusses how this art form features both impressive power moves and a storytelling element that captivates audiences. While competing, dancers showcase their unique styles, often innovating new moves, such as Wing's 'wingmills.' However, Storm emphasizes that the elite level of breaking transcends mere athleticism; it is about connecting with the audience through artistry and emotion.
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