Breaking, also known as breakdancing, isn’t just a dance; it’s a full-on culture that exploded out of the Bronx in the 1970s. It was raw, real, and straight from the streets— a way for marginalized youth to express themselves when society didn’t give them many options. It’s no surprise that breaking has been a symbol of resistance, creativity, and pure athleticism. Influenced by everything from African dance to martial arts, breaking became a global phenomenon in the ‘80s, with its infectious energy and mind-blowing moves spreading like wildfire.

But here’s the thing: breaking at the Olympics in 2024? It was a weird mix of impressive and, well, kind of sanitized. Sure, it’s amazing that breaking got this kind of global recognition. But let’s be real: the raw, unpredictable nature of breaking doesn’t exactly fit neatly into the rigid structure of the Olympics. The spontaneity, the raw expression, the sense of community— all those things that make breaking what it is— got a bit lost.

Instead of feeling like a battle where anything could happen, the Olympic version of breaking felt like a performance polished for the masses. And that raises a big question: Can breaking keep its soul while trying to fit into the world of mainstream sports? Because at its core, breaking is as much art as it is sport. It's a form of storytelling and self-expression, and when you try to box that into a set of rules and scores, something gets lost.

Don’t get me wrong, the athletes who competed were insanely talented. But breaking isn’t just about doing flips and spins— it’s about bringing your personality, your background, your everything into the dance. The Olympics showed the world the athletic side of breaking, but it felt like they missed the point a bit when it came to the culture and history behind it.

Breaking deserves the spotlight, but not at the cost of watering it down. The roots of this dance are deep, and as it continues to evolve, we need to make sure it stays true to its origins. Breaking is more than just a sport— it’s a powerful art form that should be celebrated in all its gritty, rebellious glory.

For more on the history of breaking, check out these links:

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