B-girls and b-boys from around the globe battled it out on the circular Olympic stage this past weekend, announcing breaking ’s arrival in the Olympics with athleticism and style. While Japan and Canada took home gold, it was a big day for American breakers, with both of Team USA’s b-boys competing in the finals, and Victor Montalvo taking home the bronze. Team USA making it to the podium was a huge deal back home.
But in the local arts community, there has also been some reticence and concern that the attention might bring the commercialization and dilution of an art form that means so much to so many. Breaking — also known as breakdancing — is a uniquely American traditional dance form that originated in the Black and Puerto Rican communities in the Bronx, and catapulted into the global consciousness alongside America’s number one export — hip-hop. Born out of funk music, the DJs began to sample the drum beats and instrumentals of funk tracks that emphasized the even beats — the two, four, six, and eight — that became known as the “break beat.
” Advertisement Whoever thought hip-hop would take it this far? 🤯 A historic day for B-Boy @SupaMontalvo in bronze! #ParisOlympics pic.twitter.com/gTJNwbxkmm In the Boston-area breaking community, there’s a feeling of pride that the art has made its way to the Olympics; local dancers know that the Massachusetts scene has been active since the 1980s and has played a part in the history.
“Massachusetts has, you.