Breaking Dance Makes Its Olympic Debut
The 2024 Paris Olympics features a new sport: Breaking, also known as breakdancing. The B-Girls’ competition is underway, with medals to be awarded by the end of the day.
Gold Medal Match: Japan vs. Lithuania
In the gold medal match, Japan’s B-Girl Ami will face Lithuania’s B-Girl Nicka. Ami reached the final after defeating the Netherlands’ B-Girl India. Nicka advanced by outlasting China’s B-Girl 671. A victory for Nicka would be Lithuania’s first gold medal at these Games.
Bronze Medal Battle: China vs. Netherlands
The bronze medal match pits China’s B-Girl 671 against the Netherlands’ B-Girl India. This three-round battle will decide who wins the bronze.
Quarterfinal Highlights
- Japan’s Ami defeated France’s Syssy, 3-0.
- Netherlands’ India won against Japan’s Ayumi, 2-1.
- China’s 671 overcame Ukraine’s Kate, 3-0.
- Lithuania’s Nicka triumphed over China’s Ying Zi, 3-0.
Breaking’s Origins and Olympic Inclusion
Breaking originated in the Bronx in the 1980s when DJ Kool Herc extended musical breaks to encourage dancing. It’s now part of the Olympics as the International Olympic Committee seeks to attract younger audiences.
Competition Format and Scoring
The competition starts with a round-robin phase where breakers face off in two rounds per opponent. The top two advance to the knockout stages. Each knockout battle consists of three rounds, judged on technique, execution, musicality, originality, and vocabulary.
Team USA’s Performance
Team USA’s B-Girls, Sunny Choi and Logan Edra, faced tough competition and did not advance past the round-robin stage.
Breaking Music and DJs
DJs play a crucial role, providing the music that sets the mood for the competition. For the Olympics, DJs Fleg (U.S.) and Plash (Poland) are featured, with around 400 songs licensed for the event.
Sunny Choi: A B-Girl to Watch
Sunny Choi, a former gymnast turned creative director, discovered breaking during college. Now a first-time Olympian at 34, she plans to open a dance studio post-Games.
Breaking Moves to Know
Breaking includes power moves, top rock, and various footwork and floorwork elements. Mastery of transitions and unique moves is key to impressing judges.
Final Round-Robin Results
- Group A: China’s 671 defeated USA’s Sunny, 2-0.
- Group B: Lithuania’s Nicka won against USA’s Logistx, 2-0.
- Group C: Japan’s Ami triumphed over China’s Ying Zi, 2-0.
- Group D: Ukraine’s Kate beat Japan’s Ayumi, 2-0.
Noteworthy Moments
- Team Refugee Athlete: Manizha Talash wore a “Free Afghan Women” cape during her pre-qualifier, sparking controversy.
- Snoop Dogg’s Opening: The competition began with a traditional French theater ritual performed by Snoop Dogg.
Stay tuned for more updates as the breaking dance competition continues at the 2024 Paris Games!
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