For the first time in history, what is commonly known as breakdancing will finally make its official debut at the 2024 Olympics. What began as a fun, competitive dance on the streets of Bronx, USA, in the 1970s is now a recognized sport in the Summer Games, called "breaking”. There's a lot of excitement surrounding this new addition, and if you want to learn more about it, this article has you covered. And, for those looking to cover the Breaking olympic sport for a school newspaper or blog, I'll also show you the best templates offered by WPS Office to do so.
Introduction to Breakdancing
Breakdancing, commonly known as breaking, originated in the streets of the Bronx, USA, during the 1970s. What began as a competitive and expressive dance form has evolved into a globally recognized sport. Breaking incorporates a vast combination of dance moves, including power moves like windmills, intricate footwork, and impressive freezes. Over the years, it has integrated into mainstream culture, making its mark in music, movies, and now, sports.
Introduction to Breaking Olympic Sports Venues
Breaking will make its official debut at the 2024 Summer Olympics. This monumental event will be held from August 9 to 10 at Place de la Concorde in Paris, marking the sport's inclusion as the first dance sport discipline in Olympic history. Following its successful debut at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, breaking joins sport climbing and surfing as one of the three additional sports approved for Paris 2024 Olympics. The competition will feature 32 breakers, split equally between B-Boys and B-Girls, who will compete in face-to-face solo battles.
As for the competition rules, the breaking Olympic sport rules at Paris 2024 will be judged on the following:
Breaking Elements
Top rock: Standing moves
Down rock: Floor moves
Freeze: Stationary positions
Power moves: Complex spins and rotations
Breaking Battle Format
1 vs 1 battles with alternate throw downs.
Major competitions feature 2-3 throw downs until the final, which has 3-5.
Each throw down is up to 60 seconds, with no penalties for length.
Judged by a panel of respected dancers based on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality.
Paris 2024 Olympic Format
Events: B-Girls and B-Boys competitions.
Athletes: 17 B-Girls, 16 B-Boys.
Pre-Qualifier: B-Girls ranked 16 and 17 battle, winner advances.
Round Robin: Four groups of four athletes, each competes in three battles. Top two from each group advance to quarter-finals.
Knock-Outs: Three rounds per battle, determining the winner. Losers ranked based on rounds won and votes collected.
Scoring System
Each battle will be judged on five criteria by nine judges.
Judges vote for each round, with possible scores of 9-0, 8-1, 7-2, 6-3, or 5-4.
FAQs
1. Who is the current world record holder for Breaking?
Breakdancing, a dance style born from the streets of the Bronx in the early 1970s, has evolved into a global phenomenon. The current world record holders for breakdancing showcase the pinnacle of this art form. As of now, Victor “Kid Glyde” holds the world record for the highest number of consecutive windmills, demonstrating an extraordinary level of skill and endurance. On the female side, Roxy has set the record for the most consecutive 1990s, exemplifying the incredible finesse and athleticism required in breakdancing.
The development of breakdancing has been nothing short of dynamic across various countries and regions. In the United States, it began as a cultural expression within the hip-hop movement, rapidly gaining popularity. In Europe, particularly in France and Germany, breakdancing has seen significant growth, with numerous competitions and crews gaining international acclaim. Meanwhile, in Asia, countries like South Korea and Japan have embraced breakdancing with fervor, producing world-class b-boys and b-girls who frequently compete on the global stage.
Each region has added its unique flair to the dance style, influencing its evolution and helping to shape the global breakdancing community we see today.
2. What qualification competition is used to select participants for Breaking?
The qualification process for breakdancing for the Paris 2024 Olympics involves several key events and pathways where athletes can earn their spots. The journey to the Olympics is structured to ensure that the best dancers from around the world have the opportunity to compete. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the qualification matches and the process:
WDSF World Championship:
This championship marks the first major opportunity for breakers to earn their spots for the Paris Olympics. The competition brings together the best dancers from around the globe, battling it out in intense rounds. Top finishers from this event secure early qualifications, setting the stage for their Olympic journey.
WDSF Continental Championships:
These continental championships are pivotal, providing breakers from different regions a chance to showcase their talent on a large stage. Winners and top performers in these events earn their tickets to the Paris Olympics, representing their continents.
WDSF Ranking Series Events:
A series of ranking events held across the year, these competitions allow breakers to accumulate points based on their performances. The top-ranked athletes at the end of these series secure their spots for the Olympics, making consistency and high performance essential.
Olympic Qualifier Series:
A climactic series of events, the Olympic Qualifier Series gathers 80 breakers (40 B-Boys and 40 B-Girls) to compete for the final Olympic quotas. These high-stakes competitions are the last major hurdle for athletes, with the top 14 breakers (seven men and seven women) securing their places in the historic debut of breaking at the Olympics.
National Championship Qualification:
Some countries host national championships to identify and select their top breakers. Winners from these championships earn direct qualification to the Olympics, ensuring national representation from countries with vibrant breakdancing communities.
Final Qualification Tournament:
The final opportunity for breakers to qualify, this tournament gathers the best non-qualified dancers for a last-chance competition. The event is fiercely competitive, with participants giving their all to earn a coveted Olympic spot.
Key Dates and Additional Information:
Official Announcement of Qualified Athletes:
The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) announces the final list of qualified athletes, confirming who will compete in the Olympic breakdancing event.
Olympic Breakdancing Event:
The culmination of the qualification process, the best breakers from around the world will showcase their skills and compete for Olympic medals, making history as breaking debuts at the Paris 2024 Games.
3. When will the breaking finals be held?
The breaking finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics are expected to take place on August 9 and 10, 2024, at Place de la Concorde in Paris. The Breaking Olympic Sport schedule is as follows:
Event Schedule
Dates: August 9 and 10, 2024
Venue: Place de la Concorde, Paris
Competition Breakdown
August 9, 2024:
Women (B-Girl) Qualification: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (ET)
Women (B-Girl) Final: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (ET)
August 10, 2024:
Men (B-Boy) Qualification: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (ET)
Men (B-Boy) Final: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (ET
4. What are the highlights of breaking competitions?
Breaking competitions captivate audiences with their unique blend of athleticism, creativity, and musical interpretation. Here are the key elements that make breaking so enjoyable to watch:
1. Technique
Complexity of Moves: Breakers perform intricate moves that require a high level of skill, including power moves (like windmills and flares), footwork, and freezes. These moves demonstrate the breaker’s control and strength.
Precision: The precision with which breakers execute their moves is a testament to their training and dedication. Each move must be performed with exact timing and control to score high marks.
2. Vocabulary
Diverse Styles: Breaking has a rich vocabulary of moves that come from various styles and influences, such as top rock, down rock, power moves, and freezes. This diversity allows breakers to express themselves uniquely.
Innovative Sequences: Competitors often create innovative combinations of moves, showcasing their creativity and ability to push the boundaries of traditional breaking.
3. Execution
Fluidity and Smoothness: The best breakers make their routines look effortless, seamlessly transitioning from one move to the next with fluidity and grace.
Stamina and Endurance: Execution also involves maintaining high energy and endurance throughout the performance, which is crucial in a high-stakes competition.
4. Musicality
Beat Matching: Breakers synchronize their movements with the beat and rhythm of the music, enhancing the visual and auditory experience for the audience.
Interpretation of Music: Musicality is not just about keeping time; it’s about interpreting the music and expressing its nuances through movement. This connection between the dancer and the music adds depth to the performance.
5. Originality
Personal Style: Each breaker brings their own flair and personality to the dance, making each performance unique. Judges and audiences alike appreciate the originality and personal touch that dancers bring to their routines.
Innovation and Creativity: Originality also involves introducing new moves or combinations, which can set a competitor apart from the rest. Innovation is highly valued in breaking, as it keeps the dance form evolving and exciting.
5. What is the best music in breaking competitions?
Breakdancers thrive on music that allows them to showcase their skills and creativity. Here’s what they look for in a song and some examples of popular tracks:
Characteristics of Ideal Breakdancing Music
Strong, Consistent Beat: Breakdancers need a constant rhythm to time their moves accurately and maintain their flow. The beat acts as the backbone of their performance.
Dynamic Lyrics: Songs with engaging and varying lyrics can inspire breakdancers to incorporate expressive moves that match the vocal delivery.
Musicality: The music should have layers, with clear bass lines, drums, and other instruments that dancers can use to highlight different aspects of their routine.
Energy and Groove: High-energy tracks with a good groove motivate dancers and keep the audience engaged.
Breakdancers look for music with a strong beat, dynamic lyrics, and high energy. Here are some top tracks they often use:
"The Mexican" by Babe Ruth
"It's Just Begun" by Jimmy Castor Bunch
"Reggins" by The Blackbyrds
"Cavern" by Liquid Liquid
"Hot Potato" by Freestyle Fellowship
"Protect Ya Neck" by Wu-Tang Clan
"Dead Wrong" by The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Eminem
"The Platypus Strut" by Ohmega Watts
"Low Down" by Lil Baby
"Tyson vs. Ali" by Benny the Butcher feat. Conway the Machine
"Brand New" by Tyga, YG, and Lil Wayne
6. What are the other new Olympic events for the 2024 Paris Olympics?
For the 2024 Paris Olympics, the following new sports are being introduced:
Breakdancing (Breaking)
The only new sport debuting in Paris, featuring athletic moves and complex techniques.
Returning Sports from Tokyo 2020
Skateboarding
Surfing (events held in Tahiti, French Polynesia)
Sport Climbing
Not Returning
Karate (first appeared in Tokyo 2020)
Softball and Baseball (both will not be included in Paris but are returning in Los Angeles 2028)
Looking ahead, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will introduce:
Flag Football
Squash
Lacrosse (a fast-paced version)
Cricket (returning after a single appearance in 1900)
WPS PPT Online —The Best PowerPoint
With the 2024 Paris Olympics now in full swing, the excitement and grandeur of the Games are being celebrated worldwide as top athletes showcase their skills and creativity on a global stage. This year’s Olympics have truly brought the zest to the ground!
If you’re part of a school newspaper or involved in a project covering this historic event, it’s time to get your pens ready. The 2024 Olympics offer a wealth of stories and updates that are sure to captivate your audience. From groundbreaking new sports to remarkable performances, there’s so much to explore and share.
To help you capture and present the essence of the Olympics, I have WPS Office templates that can enhance your coverage. These templates are designed to reflect both the magnitude and the excitement of the Paris Games, making your project stand out with vibrant visuals and structured content.
1. Splash Sports Meeting
The Splash Sports Meeting template uses black and white tones across the PPT template, catering to a meeting of sports events. Now, you can, of course, change it to write about the breaking game in the Olympics. This template allows you to cover everything about the breaking event, and the theme is mainly sporty, so it will go very well with what you are trying to achieve in the presentation. With its black ink-like splashes and characters that seem to be frolicking, dancing, and running, it perfectly captures the essence of breaking.
Breaking is all about freestyle dance, so this template is a perfect choice. It provides a dynamic and energetic backdrop that complements the vibrant and expressive nature of breaking. Whether you're discussing the history of breaking, the athletes, the competition rules, or the event highlights, this template will make your presentation visually engaging and aligned with the spirit of the sport.
2. Creative Sports
The Creative Sports PPT template is initially designed for sports and fitness, representing a realistic depiction of what fitness should look like. This is exactly what the France Olympics 2024 is embodying—fitness across the games. If you want to cover the news about breaking in the Olympics and talk about its debut with respect to fitness, this template would give you the best chance at hand.
Its visually appealing design, which highlights the essence of fitness, aligns perfectly with the athleticism and physical prowess showcased in breaking. Whether you're detailing the rigorous training regimens of the athletes, the health benefits of breaking, or the overall impact of its inclusion in the Olympics, this template will help you present your information compellingly and cohesively.
3. Creative Fitness Sports
The Creative Fitness Sports PPT template also shows a realistic depiction of the hybrid between fitness and sport, with the main difference being its focus on major highlights of the year. You can edit it to reflect 2024, the year of the France Olympics. The sharp tones used in this template perfectly represent the vibrant spirit of the France Olympics, making it an ideal choice if you are covering the story of breakdancing and its debut in the 2024 France Olympics.
This template’s dynamic design captures the energy and movement inherent in both fitness and breakdancing, allowing you to showcase the sport’s unique combination of athleticism and artistry.
When it comes to creating your Olympic-themed presentation, WPS Office offers more than just templates. Their powerful presentation tools can help you edit and customize your slides to truly capture the spirit of the Paris Games.
So why not give your next Olympic presentation the gold medal treatment? Try creating it with WPS Presentation and experience the difference for yourself. With its user-friendly interface and powerful tools, you'll be crafting stunning, professional-quality slides in no time.
Breakdancing into the Future with WPS PPT Templates
Breaking olympic sport was the least anticipated sport we expected this year's Olympics to host. But ever since its announcement, the wait has felt interminable. It's a story worth covering because we know the game is going to be nothing short of thrilling and competitive, captivating everyone’s attention.
WPS PPT provides some of the most amazing templates for you to cover this story, offering all the tools you need. Download WPS Office and access these templates to create eye-catching posters, comprehensive cover stories, and everything in between.
