Submitted by Michael Frankfort @mfrank_76
Click HERE for a link to the full article.
The article “Explained: Breaking rules, moves and format” by Aarish Ansari discusses the evolution of breakdancing, also known as breaking, from its origins on the streets of New York in the 1970s to its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Breaking combines urban dance with athleticism and was introduced at the 2018 Youth Olympics. It will debut as a medal event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The article explains the three basic elements of breaking: top rock (standing moves), down rock (floor moves), and freeze (holding a position). It highlights the importance of power moves, which involve acrobatic and gravity-defying movements.
In breaking competitions, athletes face off in one-on-one battles, performing routines to hip-hop beats. Judges score performances based on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality. The article also notes that breaking will feature separate competitions for men and women at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with the best 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls competing in solo battles.
