At the WDSF Breaking for Gold Series held in Hong Kong, Japanese dancers showcased their skills and aspirations for the future of this dynamic sport. With breaking set to debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, the event drew participants from around the world, all vying for the opportunity to represent their countries on the Olympic stage.
In an impressive display of talent and athleticism, Japanese dancers claimed top honors in both the boys’ and girls’ categories. In the boys’ division, 18-year-old Issin, whose real name is Issin Hishkawa, secured first place, defeating 35-year-old Wing of South Korea in a thrilling final. Hiro10, a 19-year-old from Japan, emerged as the third-place finisher. On the women’s side, 16-year-old Riko Tsuhako, also from Japan, emerged as the champion, surpassing 29-year-old Stefani of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ayane, another Japanese competitor, secured the bronze against Italy’s Anti.
The competition witnessed a remarkable trend – the rise of a new generation of breakers. Half of the podium spots were occupied by teenagers, signaling the growth and popularity of breaking among young dancers. Hiro10, whose real name is Hiroto Ono, acknowledged this upward trajectory, stating that breaking was gaining increased recognition and support in Japan. This rise in popularity is expected to continue, especially with the sport’s inclusion in the Olympic Games.
B-boy Lorenzo of the Netherlands, who placed in the top 16 at the Breaking for Gold Series, expressed optimism about breaking’s future, anticipating that its Olympic debut would attract more young enthusiasts. Lorenzo believes that breaking will gain significant popularity as a result of the exposure it will receive during the Olympics. He hopes to use this opportunity to showcase the rich culture and spirit of breaking to a global audience, in the anticipation that more people will be inspired to engage with and embrace the art form.
With breaking set to make its historic Olympic debut in Paris, the sport is poised to captivate audiences worldwide. The unique combination of dance and athleticism, accompanied by hip-hop music, sets the stage for an electrifying and visually stunning display of innovative moves. The inclusion of breaking in the Paris Olympics is expected to elevate the sport’s profile and attract a wider audience, inspiring new generations of dancers to embrace and excel in this dynamic art form.
As the global breaking community anticipates its Olympic debut, the future of this expressive and energetic dance style looks brighter than ever. The rising popularity of breaking, particularly among young dancers, coupled with the global stage that the Olympics provide, sets the scene for a new generation of breakers to leave an indelible mark on the world of dance. With their passion, creativity, and dedication, these dancers are poised to usher in a new era for breaking, solidifying its place as a mainstream cultural phenomenon and securing a lasting legacy for generations to come.
