As the Paris 2024 Olympics showcase remarkable feats of human athleticism, Google continues to celebrate the global event with a series of creative Doodles, each highlighting different sports. On August 9, Google unveiled a vibrant new Doodle to honor one of the Olympics’ newest additions: Breaking, also known as breakdancing.
The playful Doodle features a Google Olympics bird breaking into dance moves to the rhythm of a boombox, perfectly capturing the dynamic spirit of this street dance style.
Breaking: A Brief History
Breaking (Breakdance) is an urban dance form that emerged in the United States in the 1970s. Originating in the lively block parties of New York City’s Bronx borough, it is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Characterized by acrobatic movements, stylized footwork, and the significant roles of DJs and MCs (masters of ceremonies) during dance battles, Breaking has grown from a local phenomenon to a global sport. International competitions began in the 1990s, expanding its popularity beyond hip-hop communities.
Breaking at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Breaking (Breakdance) will officially debut as an Olympic sport at the Paris 2024 Summer Games. Scheduled for August 9 and 10 at the historic Place ‘de la Concorde’, the competition marks a significant milestone as Breaking becomes the first dance sport to be featured in the Summer Olympics. Its inclusion follows a successful appearance at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, which showcased its appeal and set the stage for its Olympic debut.
Competition Format
The Breaking competition will feature 32 participants—16 men (B-Boys) and 16 women (B-Girls)—competing in solo battles. Each dancer will perform a blend of power moves, such as windmills, the 6-step, and freezes, to impress judges with their skill, creativity, and ability to adapt to the DJ’s beats. The event includes two medal rounds, one for each gender, and National Olympic Committees (NOCs) can enter up to four dancers (two men and two women) for the competition.
Qualification Process
To compete in the inaugural Olympic Breaking events, dancers must secure one of the 32 available spots through a rigorous qualification process. The 2023 World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) World Championships in Leuven, Belgium, will offer direct qualification to winners in both men’s and women’s categories.
Additionally, top-ranked breakers from continental competitions in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, and Oceania will earn their spots. The final opportunity to qualify will be through the Olympic Qualifier Series, taking place from March to June 2024 at various locations worldwide.
Breaking’s Olympic debut not only highlights its evolution from street culture to a global sport but also adds a new layer of excitement and artistry to the Summer Games, reflecting the diverse nature of contemporary sports.
Also Read: Google Doodle Today: Celebrates Day 9 of Paris Olympics 2024 with Men’s Rings Final
