China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Spinning their way into history
Although it’s more than 30 kilometers from the main stadium of the Second National Youth Games in suburban Taiyuan, Shanxi province, the 2,332-seat venue for Monday’s breaking competition was packed to overflowing.
A new experience for most of the crowd, watching the stunning dance moves of the young b-boys and b-girls earned deafening applause — and not just from the kids. Older spectators were equally enthralled, standing and cheering throughout the frenetic performance.
Such a reception would have been unthinkable just a few years ago, when breaking was only embraced by street performers. That changed this summer, when the International Olympic Committee gave breaking instant credibility by provisionally adding it — along with sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing — to the program for the 2024 Summer Games in Paris.
A final decision on their inclusion will be made in December 2020.
For most of the young dancers involved in breaking’s debut at the National Youth Games, it’s their first time competing at a major event.
“I started to practice breaking when I was four years old, and my father has always been supporting me because he was also a street dancer,” said 15-year-old Yu Ziang of Beijing, who won a bronze at the Youth Games.
“I’ve been a b-boy for 11 years. I have a dancing room in my home, so it’s easy to balance school and dancing.
“I practice every day after school and I do not rest on weekends.”
Yu said he was thrilled when the Youth Games added the competition, and to prepare for the showdown in Shanxi he practiced constantly during his summer vacation. His mornings are consumed by strength training, while in the afternoons he hones his dancing and spends nights prepping for one-onone battles.
His passion for breaking, fueled by a dream to one day represent China at the Olympics, keeps Yu motivated.
“I was very surprised when I learned that breaking might be added to the Olympics, and I signed up for the Youth Games right away when I heard the news,” said Yu.
“I really hope I can one day compete at the Olympics. I’ve competed at all levels since I was seven or eight years old, so I know most of the dancers here at the Youth Games.
“There’s still a gap between me and the top b-boys in terms of body strength and skills. Also, I need to be more stable psychologically. I’m still a little nervous when I’m surrounded by all these spectators inside the stadium.
“My school teachers know that I’m a b-boy and they support me. Of course, my classmates all know that too ... and they think it’s pretty cool.”
Yu is not alone. Zhang Xinjie, who lost to him in a one-on-one battle for bronze, is likewise determined to reach the top of the summit.
“I practice at a club every day after school,” said the ninth grader from Henan province. “I’m working hard to become a professional b-boy. Apart from all the body strength and skill training, the hardest part is just to persevere. My dream is to be selected for the national team and to dance at the Olympics.”
Discovering new talent is a major goal for Danny Wang Shenjiong, a judge at the Youth Games and one of China’s top breaking dancers.
“Break dancing’s journey to the Olympics will be tough and there will be huge challenges for the competitors,” said Wang. “We need to prepare ourselves as early as possible to overcome the difficulties that lie ahead.
“I believe the dancers here at the Youth Games are the best of their age groups across China. This is a great opportunity for the public to get to know and embrace breaking — and it’s great motivation for Chinese b-boys and b-girls.
“We want to encourage them to pursue careers in breaking. Taking part in major events like the Youth Games should be their goal. We hope they can dance at higher and higher levels.”
If the passion shown by breakers at these Games is any gauge, the IOC is achieving its goal of greater engagement with the younger generation.
“The four sports that Paris has proposed are all totally in line with Olympic Agenda 2020 because they contribute to making the program more gender balanced and more urban, and they offer the opportunity to connect with the younger generation,” IOC president Thomas Bach said earlier this year.
“The proposed sports are in line with these principles and enhance Paris 2024’s overall dynamic concept, which focuses on inclusivity, inspiring a new audience and hosting socially responsible Games.”