Breaking, the dynamic and athletic dance style born in the Bronx, is stepping onto the grandest global stage. Get ready to witness history as break dancing makes its debut at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. After captivating audiences at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, breaking is officially part of the Paris 2024 program, alongside skateboarding, sport climbing, and surfing, promising a fresh wave of energy and excitement.
Breaking’s Olympic Premiere: Dates and Times
The Olympic breaking competition will unfold over two action-packed days in Paris. Circle Friday, August 9th and Saturday, August 10th on your calendars. These are the dates when the world’s best B-Boys and B-Girls will battle for Olympic glory.
The preliminary rounds are set to ignite the competition each day starting at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). As the stakes rise, the finals will commence at 2 p.m. ET each day, promising thrilling conclusions to each day of competition. Don’t miss these peak moments as breakers showcase their incredible skills and artistry for the coveted Olympic medals.
The Venue: La Concorde – An Urban Sports Hotspot
The electrifying battles will take place at La Concorde, designated as the urban sports epicenter for the Paris 2024 Olympics. This iconic Parisian location, situated at the end of the Champs-Elysées, will be transformed into a vibrant arena where breakers will face off in head-to-head contests. Imagine the energy as a live DJ sets the soundtrack, and athletes spontaneously adapt and improvise their moves, fueled by the rhythm and the roar of the crowd. La Concorde provides a spectacular backdrop for breaking’s Olympic debut, blending urban culture with Olympic prestige.
Place de la Concorde in Paris
Breathtaking view of Place de la Concorde, Paris, the venue for Olympic breaking at the 2024 Games.
What to Expect: Events and Judging
Thirty-two athletes, sixteen B-Boys and sixteen B-Girls, will participate in the Olympic breaking competition. The format is designed to be intense and engaging. Competitors will initially participate in a round-robin phase, leading to quarterfinals, semifinals, and ultimately, the medal battles. Each battle is a best-of-three affair, with each breaker getting approximately one minute to showcase their skills before their opponent immediately responds.
A panel of nine judges will evaluate the breakers based on six key criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality. Creativity and performativity are weighted most heavily, accounting for 60% of the score, while the remaining four categories make up the other 40%. This judging system encourages a dynamic blend of athleticism, artistry, and showmanship.
Get Ready for Olympic Breaking
Breaking at the Paris 2024 Olympics is poised to be a highlight, offering a dynamic and exciting spectacle. Mark your calendars for August 9th and 10th, and prepare to witness the energy, skill, and passion of Olympic break dancing as B-Boys and B-Girls compete for gold at La Concorde. It’s more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of urban culture and athletic innovation on the world’s biggest sporting stage.
