How will breakdancing be judged in the Olympics?

17 September 2022

The sport of breakdancing is a competitive dance form that originated in New York City in the early 1970s.

It is a street dance style characterized by its dynamic moves and challenging acrobatic tricks. Breakdancing became popularized in mainstream media after it was featured in several blockbuster films such as “Flashdance” and “Beat Street.”

In recent years, there’s been such a resurgence of interest in breakdancing that many kids have taken the sport.

There are even festivals dedicated solely towards it these days–the best being Breakbeats Boston, which happens annually down on Massachusetts Avenue (just outside downtown).

The addition of breakdancing to the Olympics is a testament to its increasing popularity worldwide.

How will breakdancing be judged in the Olympics?

The breakdance, known as b-boying or breaking, has been added to the list of official sports for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. This will be the first time breakdancing has been featured as an official sport in the Olympic Games.

As we all know, the Olympics is when the best athletes come together to compete for gold. And while most of the contested sports are traditional ones like swimming, track and field, cycling, basketball, and gymnastics, there is always room for new additions.

In 2024, one of those new additions is breakdancing. But how will this relatively new sport be judged?

The standardization of breakdance as an Olympic sport is a topic of much debate.

Some argue that the freeform nature of breakdancing makes it impossible to judge objectively. In contrast, others believe that the inclusion of breakdancing will help to legitimize the sport.

There are a few ways that breakdancing could be judged in the Olympics. The first is by a panel of experts, who would score competitors based on their technique, originality, and showmanship.

Another possibility is to allow each competitor to perform two routines, one freestyle and one set to music, with the scores from both performances, averaged together.

No matter how to breakdance is judged in the Olympics, the sport will surely add an exciting new element to the Games.

So what are the possible outcomes? Well, there could be a clear winner who takes home the gold medal. Or, it could be a close competition with several athletes winning silver or bronze medals. Either way, it should be an exciting event to watch!

A list of criteria for scoring dance (explained in detail below):

  • floor work – 20%
  • toprock – 20%
  • downrock – 20%
  • freezes – 10%
  • power moves – 10%
  • originality – 10%
  • execution – 10%
  • cypher work – 5%

A list of criteria and a score are given for the dance

  • Floor Work: The floor work score is based on the quality of the dancer’s footwork and transitions between various tricks and moves. The dancers are judged on their ability to control their bodies and execute clean movements.
  • Toprock: The toprock score is based on the dancer’s ability to execute various upper body moves while maintaining good rhythm and tempo. The dancers are judged on their originality, variety, and difficulty of movements.
  • Downrock: The downrock score is based on the dancer’s ability to effectively use gravity to execute various power moves such as headspins and windmills. The dancers are judged on their control, power, and precision.
  • Freezes: The freezes score is based on the dancer’s ability to hold challenging positions for an extended period of time. The dancers are judged on their strength, endurance, and flexibility.
  • Power Moves: The power moves score is based on the dancer’s ability to execute visually impressive tricks such as flips and aerials. The dancers are judged on their technical skills, athleticism, and creativity.
  • Originality: The originality score is based on the dancer’s ability to create new and innovative movements. The dancers are judged on their creativity, originality, and uniqueness.
  • Execution: The execution score is based on the dancer’s ability to execute various tricks and move flawlessly. The dancers are judged on their precision, timing, and accuracy.

The Olympics is a time to see the best of the best in each sport. Well, not too many chess player, though.. Breakdancing is no exception, and while it may not be as well-known as some other sports, it is sure to entertain audiences worldwide.

It is an opportunity for breakers worldwide to show their skills and passion for the dance. We are excited to see what happens at the 2024 Olympic Games and how breakdancing is scored.