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Olympic Breakdancing: Honoring Its Cultural Origins

Author Kayla Morgan

Break dancing hit the Olympic scene at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires in 2018. Now, it has a spot in the sports lineup for the Paris 2024 Olympics. It will join surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing, according to the official Olympics website.

Breakdancing Origins

Break dancing is a style of dance believed to have its origins in the United States during the 1970s. It’s thought to have emerged from vibrant block parties in the Bronx, New York. Its acrobatic movements and stylized footwork characterize it. Breakdancing has had a significant impact as an integral part of hip-hop culture. For instance, in France, more than one million people actively participate in breakdancing. There are approximately 11 international breakdancing events and 560 national breakdancing competitions held each year in the country. In China, breakdancing is considered a form of street dance. In 2013, the China Hip Hop Union Committee (CHUC) was established by the Chinese Dancers Association. This contributed to the recognition of breakdancing within the professional dance community and receiving support from the government.

How Will Break Dancing in the Olympics Work?

To qualify for the 2024 Olympics, dancers must perform well or win events sanctioned by the World Dance Sport Federation (WDSF). They do this by accumulating the necessary points for eligibility in the Paris Games. The upcoming World Breaking Championship is scheduled for this weekend in Leuven, Belgium, located just outside Brussels. The top-performing b-boy and b-girl from this championship will automatically earn spots in the Olympics. Following the event in Belgium, Olympic-qualifying competitions are slated in China and Chile, running through mid-December. Further Olympic trials are planned in the early months of the following year, continuing until June 2024. Sixteen b-boys and 16 b-girls will be selected to compete over two days at the Place de la Concorde in Paris.

According to The Associated Press, previous judging in hip-hop-breaking competitions has been perceived as subjective. However, for the Paris Olympics, officials will employ a newly developed system to determine the winner in one-on-one battles. The Trivium judging system, as described by the WDSF, is a digital scoring platform that allows judges to evaluate breakers in real-time. They consider the dancer’s physical abilities, artistic expression, and interpretive skills. A panel of five judges will assess each breaker based on creativity, personality, technique, variety, performance, and musicality criteria.

Additionally, scores may be adjusted during the battle, depending on how breakers respond to their opponents. Scores may be penalized if a breaker copies moves from their opponent, a practice known as “biting.” Misconduct, such as intentional physical contact or unsportsmanlike behavior, can also result in score deductions.

The Potential Impact on the Breaking Culture.

Three years ago, when it was announced that breaking would be an official Olympic sport, it evoked mixed reactions. Some people were enthusiastic about the dance form gaining exposure to a wider audience. There were others who expressed concerns about preserving its authenticity. In an interview with NPR, Raphael Xavier, a professor specializing in hip-hop dance history at Princeton and a professional breakdancer, expressed reservations. He discussed the possibility that the origins of breaking, rooted in the contributions of Black and Latino communities, might undergo a transformation. He said that the Olympics could potentially transform it into a more exclusive or “highbrow” thing.

During the Paris 2024 Games, the breaking competition will feature two distinct events, one for men and another for women. In these events, 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls will engage in solo battles. Athletes will demonstrate their abilities by performing various power moves, including windmills, the 6-step, and freezes. They will adapt their moves and improvise to the DJ’s music to secure the judges’ votes.

Hip-Hop's Silver Screen Impact: Top '90s Movies

As the 50th anniversary of hip-hop approaches, many people eagerly anticipate celebrating a genre that has left its mark on the cultural landscape. Since the beginning, hip-hop has evolved into a global phenomenon, shaping the music industry and influencing various forms of art and entertainment. In particular, the ’90s witnessed a pivotal era for hip-hop, where it extended beyond the realm of music and seeped into cinema.

The 1990s marked a period of explosive growth and creativity for hip-hop, as it transcended its origins in the South Bronx and spread across the United States and beyond. As hip-hop’s popularity soared, it found a natural partner in movies, where filmmakers recognized its potential for storytelling and connecting with a younger, more diverse demographic.

Hip-hop’s influence on ’90s movies was its ability to lend authenticity and cultural relevance to on-screen narratives. Often reflecting the social realities of the time, giving a voice to underrepresented communities, and shedding light on the diverse experiences of urban life.

One standout example is Boyz n the Hood (1991), directed by John Singleton, which not only introduced the world to talented rapper-turned-actor Ice Cube but also provided a portrayal of life in South Central Los Angeles, addressing important themes such as race, violence, and urban survival. Another notable film is Juice (1992), starring the legendary Tupac Shakur, which explored the world of four Harlem friends, exploring the temptations and consequences of street life.

The decade witnessed a rise in movies directly centered around the hip-hop culture, where real-life rappers and artists made their way to the silver screen. These collaborations showcased the versatility of hip-hop artists as performers. They also highlighted the potential for combining different art forms for a powerful cinematic experience.

Hip-hop’s influence on ’90s movies was not just a passing trend but a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers, musicians, and artists to this day. As we commemorate five decades of this influential genre, let us also pay homage to its significant role in shaping the cinematic landscape of the 1990s.

Take a look at some of the top ’90s movies influenced by hip-hop.

  • 'House Party (1990)

    Kid ‘n Play, renowned in the hip-hop community for their upbeat songs and signature dance moves, gained national attention through their lead roles in Reginald Hudlin’s House Party. Christopher “Kid” Reid and Christopher “Play” Martin portray the characters Kid and Play, inseparable friends with a zest for fun, often joined by their friend, Bilal (Martin Lawrence). Play intends to throw a party at his house while his parents are away, but Kid’s stern father (Robin Harris) won’t let him.

  • 'Boyz n the Hood' (1991)

    It features Cuba Gooding Jr., Ice Cube, Nia Long, Morris Chestnut, Tyra Ferrell, Laurence Fishburne, Regina King, and Angela Bassett, Boyz n the Hood centers around the life of Tre Styles (Gooding Jr.). Sent to live with his father, Furious Styles (Fishburne), in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, Tre finds himself immersed in the turbulent gang culture that surrounds the neighborhood. The film’s title pays homage to the 1987 Eazy-E rap song of the same name, written by Ice Cube.

  • 'New Jack City' (1991)

    We find police officer Scotty Appleton (Ice-T) courageously stepping forward to offer himself as an undercover agent. His sole objective is to gain deeper insights into the ruthless CMB gang, who have transformed an apartment complex into a hub for drug production, all under the leadership of Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). With the brutal murder of his mother fueling his resolve, Ice-T’s character is driven by his determination to dismantle the drug empire and bring justice to the streets.

  • 'Juice' (1992)

    In Ernest Dickerson’s directorial debut, a narrative unfolds, centering around four teenagers from Harlem whose friendship is put to the test amidst an internal power struggle. Known as “The Wrecking Crew,” the group comprises Q (Omar Epps), Bishop (Tupac Shakur), Raheem (Khalil Kain), and Steel (Jermaine Hopkins), who navigate their adolescence with a blend of cutting school and engaging in carefree antics. However, their lives take a sharp turn when they make a fateful decision to rob a local bodega. This pivotal event alters the course of their lives, disrupts the group’s dynamics, and poses a significant challenge to Q’s true passion which is his love for DJing.

  • 'CB4' (1993)

    Tamra Davis takes the directorial reins in CB4, a comedic film starring Chris Rock. The film revolves around a fictional rap group named “CB4,” drawing its name from the notorious prison block where they supposedly originated (Cell Block 4). With Chris Rock leading the charge, the movie parodies the rap group N.W.A and other gangster rap elements while drawing inspiration from the classic rock mockumentary, This Is Spinal Tap. Embracing pure parody and satire, CB4 hilariously takes aim at the hip-hop scene of its era. The film has appearances by a star-studded lineup of celebrities and musicians, including Halle Berry, Eazy-E, Butthole Surfers, Ice-T, Ice Cube, Flavor Flav, and Shaquille O’Neal.

  • 'Menace II Society' (1993)

    Under the direction of the Hughes Brothers, the movie portrays the realities of the drug trade. Tyrin Turner delivers a performance as the protagonist, Caine Lawson, a young man maneuvering the challenging landscape of life in the Jordan Downs housing projects. The film captures Caine and his friends’ entanglement in a brutal cycle of poverty, drugs, and violence, presenting their stories in a raw and unapologetic manner that leaves a lasting impact.

  • 'Poetic Justice' (1993)

    Poetic Justice follows Justice (Janet Jackson), a poet mourning the loss of her boyfriend from gun violence, who goes on a road trip from South Central L.A. to Oakland on a mail truck along with her friend (Regina King) and a postal worker (Tupac Shakur) who she initially cannot stand but soon helps Justice deal with her depression.

  • 'Above the Rim' (1994)

    In Above the Rim, a sports movie fueled by the beats of hip-hop, Tupac delivers a standout performance while his songs, such as “Pain,” “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” and “Pour Out a Little Liquor,” add to those crucial moments in the film. Directed by Jeff Pollack, the story revolves around Kyle Watson (Duane Martin), a talented high school basketball player, wanting to secure a spot at Georgetown University. However, his dreams are hindered by a bad attitude and questionable off-court choices, leading him into the world of the menacing Birdie (Tupac Shakur). Throughout his journey, Kyle receives humbling guidance from Thomas “Shep” Shepherd (Leon Robinson), a mentor who abandoned his own basketball aspirations following a personal tragedy.

  • 'Fresh' (1994)

    In Boaz Yakin’s directorial debut, it follows the journey of the 12-year-old protagonist, named Fresh, who embarks on a path as a drug runner in a desperate bid to escape poverty’s clutches. The movie showcases Fresh’s extraordinary intelligence, while also shedding light on the harsh reality faced by numerous brilliant young boys trapped in impoverished neighborhoods, with limited avenues to break free from their circumstances.

  • 'Friday' (1995)

    Having previously directed a few of Ice Cube’s music videos, F. Gary Gray helped with his first feature film, the cult-classic comedy, Friday. Ice Cube portrays Craig, who faces an eventful weekend after getting fired from his job under suspicion of stealing boxes. From there enters his pothead friend, Smokey (Chris Tucker), who proposes they get high, embrace the leisurely vibe of Friday, and let all worries fade away. Little does Craig know that Smokey, the not-so-successful low-level drug dealer, has unintentionally led him into a bind with Big Worm (Faizon Love), owing a significant debt. Throughout the day, Craig and Smokey scramble to come up with the $200 to repay Big Worm while avoiding the neighborhood bully, Deebo (Tiny “Zeus” Lister, Jr.), and keeping a watchful eye on Craig’s love interest Debbie (Nia Long).

  • 'Higher Learning' (1995)

    Written and directed by John Singleton, this film chronicles the lives of three incoming freshmen at the fictional Columbus University. Malik Williams (Omar Epps), a talented track star, grapples with academic challenges. Kristen Connor (Kristy Swanson), a reserved and innocent young woman, navigates her way through new experiences; and Remy (Michael Rapaport), a disconnected individual struggles to find his place in this unfamiliar environment. Notably, the movie marked Tyra Banks’ debut in a theatrical film. Laurence Fishburne’s outstanding performance earned him an NAACP Image Award for “Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture,” while Ice Cube also received a nomination for the same award.

  • 'Don't Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood' (1996)

    Directed by Paris Barclay, Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood is a hilarious parody of 1990s hood films, with Shawn Wayans and Marlon Wayans leading the comedic exploration of South Central Los Angeles. Cameos from actors in the original films add to the fun in this cleverly crafted satire, produced by Keenen Wayans as the Wayans’ second venture into parodying black film culture.

  • 'I Got the Hook Up' (1998)

    Master P ventured into filmmaking, leading to the creation of I Got the Hook Up. The movie revolves around Black (Master P) and Blue (A.J. Johnson), whose livelihood is selling items from the trunk of their car. When a shipment of cell phones falls into their hands, they seize the opportunity to sell them throughout their community, quickly gaining notoriety as local legends. However, their newfound fame attracts unwanted attention from both the FBI and the mob, setting the stage for a comedic and suspenseful movie.

  • 'Belly' (1998)

    The leading roles in the film were portrayed by DMX, who was on the brink of releasing two chart-topping albums in a single year, and Nas, who not only co-wrote the movie but was also months away from releasing I Am… Taking the role as director was the talented Hype Williams, who employed his music video expertise to create a mesmerizing opening scene. In this scene, Tommy (DMX), Sincere (Nas), Mark (Hassan Johnson), and Black (Jay Black) execute a daring heist at The Tunnel, instantly setting the tone for the film. As the plot unfolds, it weaves a tale of violence and redemption, ultimately serving as a stepping stone for Method Man to launch a successful career in acting.

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.

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