Olympic breakdancing leads to local business boost
At least one local dance studio has reported a business boost thanks to the Olympic debut of breaking, also known as breakdancing.
Brooke Gursoy, owner of Industry Dance Co. in East Windsor, said more people are inquiring about lessons even before the competition begins on Friday.
“We’re definitely seeing a huge increase in people wanting to learn breakdancing,” she said. “Kids and, believe it or not, a lot of adults too, which is really cool.”
The energetic dance style is said to have originated within the Black and Latino communities of New York City in the 1970’s.
It incorporates elements of martial arts and gymnastics, with dancers—known as b-boys and b-girls—spinning, flipping, and performing largely improvised moves to the beat of hip-hop music.
In Paris, athletes are competing in a tournament format.
The men’s and women’s breaking competitions feature one-on-one battles, with each b-boy or b-girl aiming to impress a panel of nine judges.
Gursoy expects spectators to be wowed but cautions that it isn’t as easy as it looks.
“You need so much strength to be able to do the stunts and execute them correctly, and to make sure that you're not hurting yourself,” she said.
“You really have to train hard, just like you do in every other sport in the Olympics.”
That’s why she emphasizes the importance of taking lessons for those interested in getting into breaking.
“Anyone can do it,” Gursoy said. “We'll start with the basics, obviously, and make sure we're getting strong enough.”
RJ Miclat, a breaking instructor at Industry Dance Co., believes that if you can do a push-up, you can learn to breakdance.
“It seems like it has a steep learning curve, but the basics are really easy to master,” he said.
Miclat said he got into the sport about 10 years ago after seeing it on TV. Now, he expects even more people to fall in love with it as it takes the Olympic stage.
“I think it’s going to explode,” he said.
“There's so much talent. When people see it, it’s definitely going to keep their interest, and a lot more people are going to want to jump into it.”
He said there isn’t a huge breakdancing scene in Windsor, but he’s eager to work with those who take it up.
“I definitely feel like I can pass some things on to the next generation or help grow it,” said Miclat.
“And help kids develop skills and just be comfortable in their bodies. Plus, it’s a cool party trick to show off to your friends.”
Breaking will make its Olympic debut in Paris on Friday morning, with finals scheduled for Saturday.
This is the first time the sport has been included in the Olympics and it has not yet been confirmed for a return at the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Biden delivers remarks following Trump's win
U.S. President Joe Biden delivered remarks to the nation Thursday in what was his first appearance on camera following Donald Trump’s decisive victory over Kamala Harris.
New DNA evidence rewrites long-told stories of people in ancient Pompeii
When a volcanic eruption buried the ancient city of Pompeii, the last desperate moments of its citizens were preserved in stone for centuries.
PM Trudeau revives Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee after Trump win
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reviving a special cabinet committee dedicated to Canada-U.S. relations, following Republican Donald Trump's re-election.
BREAKING 3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation
The world's 10 richest people got a record US$64 billion richer from Trump's re-election
Wednesday wasn't just a good day for Donald Trump. The wealth of the world’s 10 richest people also soared by a record amount, according to Bloomberg’s Billionaire Index.
Police in southern Mexico find 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway
Police in a southern Mexico region rife with drug cartel violence have found 11 bodies, including two of minors, dumped by a highway, prosecutors in the state of Guerrero said Thursday.
Video shows suspect shooting man inside Markham, Ont. garage
Police have released video footage showing a suspect shooting a man inside a Markham garage in broad daylight on Wednesday afternoon.
Wayne Gretzky, Elon Musk and a few pro golfers: Here's who attended Trump's victory party
U.S. president-elect Donald Trump welcomed a variety of attendees at his victory celebrations in Florida this week, from his family, supporters and political allies to a selection of high-profile figures.
43 monkeys escape from a South Carolina medical lab. Police say there is no serious danger
Forty-three monkeys escaped from a compound used for medical research in South Carolina but the nearby police chief said there is "almost no danger" to the public.