Breaking: B-Girls

Breaking: B-Girls

As a film enthusiast with a deep appreciation for dance and competition, I am thrilled to witness the debut of breaking at Paris 2024. Having grown up watching breakdancing movies and documentaries, I can attest to the raw energy and creativity that this art form brings to the table. The fact that it’s a new addition to the Olympic Games is an exciting development for both the dance community and the world at large.


As a big fan of this year’s Paris Games, I’m excited about the fresh new sport that’s making its debut, even though there won’t be any British competitors to root for. Unlike figure skating where performers choreograph their routines to pre-selected music, breakdancing is all about interpreting and responding to tunes played live by DJs on the spot. In breakdancing competitions, also known as battles or throw downs, dancers face off against each other in a series of alternating performances, showcasing their creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality to impress the judges. The tournaments kick off with B-Girls today and B-Boys tomorrow, starting with round robins and advancing to straight knockouts. Nicka from Lithuania and Victor from the US are the favorites, but the Japanese trio of Shigekix and B-Girls Ami and Ayumi are determined to give them a run for their money.

THREE STEPS TO BREAKING GLORY

1 INDIAN STEP

As a passionate film buff, I’d describe the Indian step, also known as the two-step, as a fundamental dance move rooted in standing position. To execute it, you cross one leg in front of the other and simultaneously spread out your arms for a captivating effect.

2 BABY FREEZE

While performing a routine, suddenly the breakers will halt in an unexpected manner, suspending in place. Known for its simplicity to grasp yet complexity to perfect, I’ve come to admire the baby freeze technique. By cradling my body with both arms and gently pressing the side of my head against an object, it provides support.

3 HEADSPIN

At the bottom rock, impressive feats are achieved through acrobatic maneuvers like gravity-defying spins, intricate footwork, smooth transitions, and powerful moves executed on the ground. The headspin is essentially a spinning headstand with origins tracing back to the silent film era.

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2024-07-29 19:37