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Breakdancing Transforms Lives in Rio de Janeiro Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics Debut
Prince Jean
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Breakdancing is set to make its official Olympic debut at the Paris 2024 games, already transforming the lives of dancers in Rio de Janeiro
Since 2010, the Flow021 crew has been a vibrant presence in Rio Comprido, a neighborhood encircled by favelas like Morro do Turano. From their inception, social projects have been a cornerstone of their mission. In exchange for practice space in local schools, Flow021 offers free breakdancing lessons to children in the community.
Gabriel Barreto, known professionally as “Stal” and one of the founders of Flow021, reflects on their impact: “We had the opportunity to be a reference for young people who came and to guide them so that they could follow a better path in their lives.”
Breakdancing, or breaking, originated in the 1970s in the Bronx, New York, and is deeply rooted in hip-hop culture. Known for its acrobatic movements and stylized footwork, breakdancing's rhythm is driven by a DJ and a master of ceremonies during battles. Despite its rich cultural heritage, breakdancing, like many symbols of Black culture, has often been marginalized by mainstream performing arts. However, its inclusion as an Olympic sport has significantly elevated its status.
“We now have access to people who didn't give us access, to companies that didn't look at us. We're even starting to attract the attention of public authorities to our dance and our culture in general,”
Barreto stated.
Flow021 has organized numerous breakdancing events, promoting the sport not only in Rio but across Brazil, attracting athletes from other states and internationally. With the rising interest in breakdancing among children, Barreto finds the greatest reward in meeting former trainees who have gone on to academic or professional success, knowing that Flow021 played a small part in their journeys.
