Katie Gornall, a seasoned BBC Sport Correspondent, and Zack "Cracker Zacks" Slusser, vice president of Breaking DanceSport for USA Dance, dive into the Olympic debut of breaking. They explore the cultural roots of this vibrant dance form from the South Bronx. The discussion highlights improvisation challenges for dancers and the significance of heritage preservation amid its rise in competitive arenas. Insightful stories from diverse athletes reveal the transformative potential of breaking for future generations.
Breaking is celebrated not only as a competitive sport but also as a dynamic cultural expression rooted in urban youth culture.
The Olympic inclusion of breaking is set to create an engaging atmosphere, promoting its accessibility and inspiring future generations of dancers.
Deep dives
Breaking as a Cultural Art Form
Breaking is portrayed as not just a dance style but as a rich cultural expression that reflects urban youth culture. It originated in the Bronx and has evolved over the past 40 years, involving a unique blend of physical artistry and spontaneous creativity. Unlike traditional sports that follow strict routines, breaking champions individualism and allows dancers to express their identity through movement, often executing seemingly impossible feats. This artistic representation distinguishes breaking from conventional sports, positioning it as a dynamic and expressive discipline that embraces both the physical and creative aspects of dance.
Olympic Inclusion and Public Reception
The upcoming inclusion of breaking in the Olympics is set to bring a fresh, party-like atmosphere to the event, complete with DJs and an engaging crowd. Competitions are designed to appeal to a broad audience, allowing spectators to enjoy both the music and the physical artistry without requiring prior knowledge of breaking. Positive reactions were observed during the Olympic Qualifier Series, where competitors showcased their skills in a vibrant environment reminiscent of club culture. This accessibility is likely to enhance the popularity of breaking as a sport and inspire the next generation of dancers globally.
Cultural Legacy and Future of Breaking
The journey of breaking from the streets of the Bronx to the Olympic stage emphasizes its cultural significance and the responsibility to honor its roots. Pioneers of the art form are dedicated to ensuring that its representation at the Olympics showcases both the competitive spirit and the community's vibrant history. Although it will not be included in the subsequent Los Angeles Games, the current Olympic spotlight is seen as a vital opportunity to promote breaking's legacy. The community aims to use this platform to attract a diverse range of participants and secure breaking's future as a respected sport and cultural art form.
How a street dance from New York made it to the Games. Breaking is an art form, a cultural touchstone, and now an Olympic sport. So what does it take to be a champion? And can breakers use this moment in the spotlight to inspire the next generation of b-girls and b-boys?
On this episode Azadeh Moshiri is joined by BBC Sport Correspondent Katie Gornall and Zack “Cracker Zacks” Slusser, the vice president of Breaking DanceSport for USA Dance.
The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480.
Producers: Alix Pickles and Peter Goffin.
Sound Engineers: Phil Bull and Jonny Baker.
Assistant Editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas.
Senior Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith.
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