Here Are the Breaking Moves You May See in the Olympics

It’s never been a debate on whether or not breakdancers are incredible athletes, but their craft is finally recognized as an Olympic sport. Officially known as breaking, the hip-hop subculture is heading for the upcoming summer 2024 Games in Paris, so it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the common breakdancing moves.

First, a little history lesson. Breaking, also known as b-boying, b-girling, or breakdancing, is an acrobatic style of street dancing developed in the 1970s. The style of dance was originally born in New York City (specifically the Bronx) and is based on precise musicality, fast footwork, balance, flexibility, and wicked strength.

Breaking originally appeared as a competition sport at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, and thanks to a talented roster of athletes and outstanding success, it’s set to make its official Olympic debut at the Paris summer Games.

Scoring is based on six main criteria – creativity, personality, technique, variety, performativity, and musicality – but the breakdancing moves themselves are quite mesmerizing.

Ahead, we break down (sorry, the pun had to be done) the common breakdancing moves you can expect to see at the much-anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics.

Common Breakdancing Moves

Before we get into it, it’s important to note that breakers are not aware of their competition music ahead of time. Everything is technically improvised on the spot, but here’s a rundown of the main elements and moves that will be performed during a breakdancing “throw down.”

Top Rock: Top rock includes all moves that are performed while standing up. This consists of hand movements, arm gestures, and precise footwork that is usually done while standing still to showcase rhythmic style and the ability to play with beat and music. Common top rock moves include an Indian step, cross step, and kick ball change. Down Rock: Down rock is arguably the most crucial of the breaking performance and involves all moves performed on the floor. This includes spins, footwork, and power moves (more on power moves below), and is defined as any movement when the dancer’s hands support them as much as their feet. Freeze: As the name implies, a freeze is when a breaker comes to a standstill in an unusually challenging position on their head or hands. A freeze is typically done in the middle of the routine on a prominent sound in the music and requires the breaker to hold their body in a solid shape for multiple seconds. This is often the dancer’s way of putting a full stop on a sequence of movements to signify the end of a combination. Common freezes may include a shoulder freeze, headstand, handstand, or chair freeze (amongst many others). Within the three basic breaking elements, common movement categories include:

Power Moves: Power moves are the most complex and dynamic set of movements when the breaker spins their entire body on their hands, elbows, back, head, or shoulders. The acrobatic movements are typically performed in a sequence or combination and include moves like a head spin, flare, or jackhammer. Tricks: Tricks are when a breaker takes a conventional freeze or power move and adds an unconventional dimension or twist. Tricks are typically more challenging in difficulty and may include maneuvers like an airflare, windmill, or headspin. Flips: Flips are your typical acrobatic move done in the air or on the floor. It’s common to see a flip like a somersault, front flip, back flip, or back handspring between power moves, tricks, or freezes. Transitions: Transitions are smooth and seamless motions that breakers use to get in and out of their top rocks, down rocks, and freezes. Some transitions may be unnoticeable, but others might include sweeps, pretzels, and spins. Go Downs: A go down is the move a breaker uses to go from their top rock down to the floor. Typical moves include a knee drop, spin down, and/or a power move or trick. Breaking combines raw athleticism and skill with true artistry, creativity, and talent, which is why it’s such an incredible event to watch. Understanding the types of moves you’re seeing, as well as breaking battle formats and how breaking is scored, can help you enjoy the competitions — but even if the Paris 2024 Games will be the first time you ever watch breaking, you’re sure to come away inspired.

Andi Breitowich is a Chicago-based freelance writer and graduate from Emory University and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. Her work has appeared in PS, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, and elsewhere.