DiscoverToday, ExplainedBreaking the Olympics
Breaking the Olympics

Breaking the Olympics

Update: 2024-07-261
Share

Digest

The podcast begins by tracing the origins of breakdancing back to the Bronx in the 1970s, highlighting its evolution from a street dance form to a competitive art form. The discussion then shifts to Disney's growth and its impact on its core identity, questioning whether its expansion has diluted its original essence. The podcast then features an advertisement for a new podcast called "The Council," which focuses on legal issues. Returning to the topic of breakdancing, the podcast delves into its inclusion in the Paris Olympics and the debate surrounding its classification as a sport. The podcast then explores the unique situation of breakdancing being a one-time Olympic event in Paris, discussing the reasons behind this decision and its implications for the future of the dance form. The podcast then delves into the process of adding new sports to the Olympics, highlighting the recent shift towards a more flexible system that allows host committees to propose temporary events. The podcast examines the success story of beach volleyball, which was added to the Olympics in 1996 and has since gained significant popularity and recognition. The podcast concludes by discussing the future of breakdancing in the Olympics, acknowledging the disappointment of its exclusion from the 2028 games in Los Angeles but expressing hope for its return in future events.

Outlines

00:00:00
Breakdancing: From the Bronx to the Olympics

This episode explores the history and evolution of breakdancing, from its origins in the Bronx to its inclusion in the Paris Olympics. The podcast discusses the debate surrounding its classification as a sport and its potential future in the Olympic Games.

00:01:01
Disney's Evolution and Identity

The podcast examines Disney's growth and its impact on its core identity, questioning whether its expansion has diluted its original essence.

00:19:01
The Future of Sports in the Olympics

The podcast delves into the process of adding new sports to the Olympics, highlighting the recent shift towards a more flexible system that allows host committees to propose temporary events. The podcast examines the success story of beach volleyball, which was added to the Olympics in 1996 and has since gained significant popularity and recognition.

Keywords

Breaking


A physically demanding dance form that originated in the Bronx in the 1970s, characterized by intricate footwork, spins, and acrobatic moves. It's often performed to breakbeats, the rhythmic sections of a song.

Olympics


A global sporting event held every four years, featuring athletes from around the world competing in various disciplines. The Olympics are a symbol of international cooperation and athletic excellence.

Bronx


A borough of New York City, known for its diverse cultural heritage and its role in the development of hip-hop culture, including breakdancing.

Disney


A multinational entertainment conglomerate known for its theme parks, films, television shows, and merchandise. Disney has a long history of creating memorable experiences and fostering a sense of nostalgia.

Beach Volleyball


A popular sport played on sand by two teams of two players, involving spiking, blocking, and digging. Beach volleyball was added to the Olympics in 1996 and has since become a widely recognized sport.

Q&A

  • What is the origin of breakdancing and how has it evolved over time?

    Breakdancing originated in the Bronx in the 1970s and has evolved from a street dance form to a competitive art form with a global following. It has been influenced by various dance styles, including funk, martial arts, and acrobatics.

  • Why is breakdancing being included in the Paris Olympics, and what are the implications of this decision?

    Breakdancing's inclusion in the Paris Olympics reflects a shift towards more modern and accessible sports. However, its one-time appearance raises questions about its long-term future in the Olympics and its potential impact on the dance form's development.

  • How does the process of adding new sports to the Olympics work, and what are the recent changes to this process?

    The process of adding new sports to the Olympics has become more flexible, allowing host committees to propose temporary events. This change aims to make the Olympics more relevant to younger audiences and to showcase a wider range of sports.

  • What are the potential benefits and challenges of breakdancing becoming a more mainstream sport?

    Breakdancing's inclusion in the Olympics could increase its visibility and popularity, but it also raises concerns about commercialization and the potential loss of its street culture roots.

Show Notes

Breaking will dance its way into the Olympics this summer. B-boy historian Alien Ness says this is destiny.

This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.

Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast

Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Comments 
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Breaking the Olympics

Breaking the Olympics

Vox