The 2024 Paris Olympics will be the first Olympics to feature the sport of breaking (you may know it better as breakdancing) and there's a chance to catch some this July in central London.
Be at the Marble Arch between Monday 15 July and Friday 19 July to see Breaking Marble Arch — an acrobatic show of skill, dexterity and stamina from Gully LDN Squad trio Shahii, Chris and Chuckz. The award-winning group have been dazzling audiences with their breakdancing moves since 2013, and have worked with the likes of Nike and Adidas. Each of their five performances will demonstrate moves that you'll be able to see in this summer's Olympics — and runs from 12.30pm-1.30pm. The showcases are free to enjoy, and there's no need to book. And trust us, suddenly archery won't look quite so cool.
Breaking has its roots in the New York City Bronx of the late 1960s/early 1970s, really taking off with the explosion of the hip-hop scene, with dancers 'breaking' to the early strains of hip-hop from DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash et al.
An extremely athletic (not to mention improvisational) form of dance, breaking takes its cue from everything from gymnastics to martial arts — both, of course, longstanding Olympic disciplines themselves.
Says Chris Arias, from Gully LDN Squad: "We're excited to welcome a new audience to our scene, especially with breaking now being part of the Olympics. We aim to showcase how breaking has positively shaped us both physically and mentally. Join us in celebrating this dynamic sport and experience its transformative benefits."
The 2024 Olympics will see 16 'B-Boys' and 16 'B-Girls' (the common name for breakers) battle it out with "a combination of power moves—including windmills, the 6-step, and freezes". The favourites to win gold at the 2024 Olympics are Dominika Banevič (aka B-Girl Nicka) from Lithuania, and the American Victor Montalvo.
Breaking Marble Arch, Monday 15 July and Friday 19 July 2024, 12.30pm-1.30pm, free
