The origins of breaking, the newest Olympic sport

CBS Sunday Morning

30 Jun 202405:58

Summary

TLDRBreaking, also known as breakdancing, is set to debut as an Olympic sport in Paris next month. Originating in the Bronx in the 70s and 80s, it was a way for kids to escape poverty and violence. The sport requires no special equipment, just a floor, and has evolved from concrete to more sophisticated surfaces. Pioneers like Noel Mangual, Chino 'Action' Lopez, and London Reyes created original moves, blending dance and martial arts. Now, B-boys and B-girls worldwide are eager to see the dance take its next step on the Olympic stage, showcasing its evolution into a beautiful art form and sport.

Takeaways

🏅 The Olympic Games in Paris will feature a new sport: breaking, previously known as breakdancing.
🎉 Breaking is making its debut as an Olympic sport this summer, showcasing its evolution from street dance to a recognized discipline.
🇺🇸 Victor Montalvo, aka B-Boy Victor, is a Team USA competitor representing breaking at the Olympics.
💡 Breaking requires no special equipment, just a simple floor, reflecting its origins from the streets.
👨‍👧‍👦 Victor Montalvo's father built him a practice studio, highlighting the personal commitment to the sport.
👴 Pioneers of breaking like Noel Mangual, Chino 'Action' Lopez, and London Reyes developed the sport in the Bronx during the 70s and 80s.
🌐 Breaking combines elements from various dance styles and martial arts, creating a unique and dynamic form of expression.
🎵 The term 'breaking' originated from dancers performing during musical breaks at parties.
🏙 Breaking was a way for South Bronx kids to escape poverty and violence, offering an alternative path in life.
🌟 The New York City Breakers, including London Reyes and Chino Lopez, gained recognition, performing at prestigious events like the Kennedy Center Honors.
🚀 Breaking's inclusion in the Olympics represents a dream come true for many practitioners, aiming to showcase its artistry and athletic prowess on a global stage.

Q & A

When are the Olympic games mentioned in the script taking place?
-The Olympic games are taking place next month in Paris.
What new sport is making its debut at the Olympic games in Paris?
-Breaking, previously known as breakdancing, is making its debut as an Olympic sport.
Who is Victor Montalvo and what is his role in the script?
-Victor Montalvo, also known as B-Boy Victor, is a competitor from Team USA who will compete in breaking at the Olympics.
What is unique about Victor's practice setup?
-Victor's practice setup is unique because his father built him a practice studio in their backyard in Florida.
What does Victor Montalvo love about the sport of breaking?
-Victor loves that breaking does not require fancy equipment and that it comes from the streets, starting on concrete.
Who are some of the pioneers of breaking mentioned in the script?
-The pioneers of breaking mentioned are Noel Mangual aka Kid Nice, Chino 'Action' Lopez, Corey Montalvo aka Icy Ice, and London Reyes aka B-Boy London.
How did breaking originate?
-Breaking originated in the Bronx in the late 70s and early 80s, blending older dance styles with martial arts and other influences.
What was the significance of breaking for the pioneers in the South Bronx?
-Breaking was a way for the pioneers to escape poverty and the harsh realities of life in the South Bronx.
What was the term 'breaking' derived from?
-The term 'breaking' comes from the practice of dancers showing off during the musical breaks on records.
What was a significant event that the New York City Breakers participated in?
-The New York City Breakers performed at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington DC, hosted by Walter Cronkite.
What is the hope for the future of breaking as expressed by the pioneers?
-The pioneers hope that breaking will continue to evolve and be recognized as a beautiful art form and sport on the Olympic stage.
Why does Victor Montalvo want to compete in the Olympics?
-Victor wants to show that breaking has evolved into a beautiful art form and sport, and he wants to achieve international acclaim for a dance invented by kids from the Bronx.