Breaking News: Breaking is making its Olympic debut! That's right! For the first time ever, breakdancing will be included in the Olympics, and we’re here to give you the lowdown on how this dynamic and explosive sport will be scored.
The Basics
Before diving into the scoring, let's cover the basics of the competition.
A total of 32 elite breakdancers, comprising 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls, will showcase their skills.
Women will take the stage on August 9, and men on August 10, with each day’s events expected to last around five hours.
The Competition Format
The competition kicks off with a round-robin phase, featuring four groups of four dancers each.
The top two performers from each group will advance to the quarterfinals, followed by semifinals and the epic battles for medals.
The round-robin groups have been drawn below.
Men's Group A:
- Shigekix (Shigeyuki Nakarai) (JPN)
- Victor Montalvo (USA)
- Hiro10 (Hiroto Ono) (JPN)
- Lithe-ing (Xiangyu Qi) (CHN)
Men's Group B:
- Phil Wizard (Philip Kim) (CAN)
- Dany Dann (Danis Civil) (FRA)
- Kuzya (Oleg Kuznietsov) (UKR)
- J Attack (Jeffrey Dan Arpie) (AUS)
Men's Group C:
- Jeffro (Jeffrey Louis) (USA)
- Lagaet (Gaëtan Alin) (FRA)
- Lee (Lee-Lou Demierre) (NED)
- Hong 10 (Hong-yul Kim) (KOR)
Men's Group D:
- Amir (Amir Zakirov) (KAZ)
- Menno (Menno van Gorp) (NED)
- Billy (Bilal Mallakh) (MAR)
- Quake (Chen Sun) (TPE)
Women's Group A:
- 671 (Qingyi Liu) (China)
- Sunny (Sunny Choi) (USA)
- Vanessa (Portugal)
- TBD
Women's Group B:
- Nicka (Dominika Banevič) (Lithuania)
- Syssy (France)
- Logistx (Logan Edra) (United States)
- Raygun (Rachael Gunn) (Australia)
Women's Group C:
- Ami (Japan)
- Anti (Italy)
- Elmamouny (Fatima El-Mamouny) (Morocco)
- Ying Zi (China)
Women's Group D:
- Ayumi (Japan)
- Stefani (Ukraine)
- Kate (Ukraine)
- Senorita Carlota (France)
Qualifying Paths
Only the cream of the crop will be competing on this grand stage. Non-French Olympic qualifiers earned their spots through last year’s World Championships, Continental Games (Africa, Asia, Europe, Pan Am, and Oceania), and the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) held in Shanghai and Budapest. To qualify for a Universality place, athletes needed to compete in the OQS and finish in the top 24 of the final rankings.
Here's some highlights from Shanghai's Qualifier:
Scoring Criteria
Now, onto the hot topic at hand: how will these incredible athletes be judged?
Judges will score breakers based on five key categories:
- Musicality - How well does the breaker move to the rhythm and mood of the music?
- Vocabulary - The range and variety of moves and styles they showcase.
- Originality - Unique moves and creativity.
- Technique - The precision and difficulty of movements.
- Execution - How flawlessly the moves are performed.
Each category accounts for 20% of the overall score.
Battles are best-of-three rounds—also known as throwdowns—where each breaker has 60 seconds to impress within their routine.
Any misbehavior could result in penalties, emphasizing the importance of discipline and respect.
Historical Debuts
Breaking first dazzled the Olympic stage at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It also turned heads at the 2023 Pan American Games, signaling its growing presence and appeal.
Just The Beginning Of Dance Sports
The Olympic breaking competition promises to be an exhilarating showcase of athleticism, creativity, and cultural expression.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of breaking, this historic event is guaranteed to deliver heart-stopping moments and unforgettable performances.
Mark your calendars and get ready to witness history in the making!
FAQ
1. What is the history of breakdancing in the Olympics?
Breakdancing, or breaking, made its first Olympic appearance during the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It also featured prominently at the 2023 Pan American Games. Breaking's inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics marks its full-fledged Olympic debut.
2. How are battles structured in the Olympics?
Each battle consists of best-of-three rounds, also known as throwdowns. Each breaker has 60 seconds to perform their routine in each round. Judges score based on musicality, vocabulary, originality, technique, and execution, with each category contributing 20% to the overall score.
3. How can I watch the breaking events at the Olympics?
You can watch the breaking events live through Olympic broadcasters or streaming services. Keep an eye on the official Olympics website for schedules and broadcast information.
4. Who are the judges, and how are they selected?
Judges are typically seasoned professionals and respected figures in the breaking community. Their selection is based on experience, expertise, and contributions to the art of breaking.
5. Can breakdancers appeal scores or judgments?
While the specifics may vary, most competitive formats, including the Olympics, have procedures in place for athletes to appeal scores or judgments if there’s a belief of error or unfairness. Details on this will generally be provided by the official Olympic rulebook.
6. How can someone start training in breakdancing?
Starting with online tutorials, such as those offered by STEEZY Studio, local dance schools, or community centers, is a great way to learn the basics of breakdancing. Joining a local breaking crew or attending workshops can also provide valuable experience and mentorship.
7. What kind of training do Olympic-level breakdancers undergo?
Olympic-level breakdancers train rigorously, combining hours of practice with strength and conditioning routines. They often work with coaches and mentors to refine their techniques and develop unique, original routines. Dedication, discipline, and a passion for breaking are essential for reaching this level.
8. What makes breakdancing different from other dance styles?
Breakdancing combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and martial arts. It's known for its explosive movements, intricate footwork, and athletic power moves like spins and flips. The close integration with music and emphasis on individual style and creativity make it distinct.
9. Are there any special rules or regulations for breakdancing in the Olympics?
Yes, aside from standard sportsmanship rules, breakdancers must adhere to specific performance regulations such as time limits for routines and codes of conduct to avoid penalties for misbehavior. All rules aim to ensure fair and respectful competition.
By addressing these anticipated questions, we hope to provide a more comprehensive and engaging resource for all our readers. Stay tuned to STEEZY Studio for more updates and insights into the world of dance!
