The Birth of Hip Hop and Breaking’s Road to Paris 2024
As we approach the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games in just 15 months, it's time to throw it back to the 1970s, a defining era when the hip hop culture came to life and breaking, one of its core disciplines, began its journey to the global stage.
50 years ago, in the heart of the South Bronx, New York City, the 1970s witnessed the birth of hip hop. The streets buzzed with life as the sound of funk, soul, and R&B records filled the air. From DJs like Kool Herc to the Rock Steady Crew, to the Cold Crush Brothers in high school gyms, mixed beats and extended instrumental breaks, allowed B-boys and B-girls to showcase their dance moves in a phenomenon we now know as breaking.
Breaking was a form of expression, a way for young people to channel their energy and communicate their identity. As the hip hop culture spread, so did breaking. It evolved into a highly competitive, acrobatic, and intricate form of DanceSport.
Fast forward to today, and breaking has come a long way from its underground beginnings in the Bronx. Breaking is an art form that requires athleticism, discipline, and creativity.
The vibrant DanceSport has captured the attention of millions, and in a historic decision, it has been included as a sport in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
This marks a milestone for beaking and hip hop culture, as it takes centre stage in a global celebration of athleticism, creativity, and unity. The inclusion of breaking in the Olympics is a testament to the power of cultural exchange, and it showcases the resilience and vitality of a movement that was born on the streets and now proudly stands on the world stage.
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