Judging Breaking in the Olympics

As the Olympic Games embrace new sports, breaking—often referred to as breakdancing—presents a unique challenge in determining winners. Unlike traditional sports where victory is clear-cut, breaking relies on subjective criteria such as dopeness, freshness, and rule-breaking, complicating the judging process. Legendary b-boys Storm and Renegade have taken on the task of developing a fair and objective scoring system that reflects the artistic essence of breaking. Their journey has involved extensive discussions with Olympic officials and deep dives into the concept of dopeness, a term that encapsulates the spirit of the dance. This exploration raises broader questions about the intersection of art and sport, a dilemma that has long perplexed judges in disciplines like figure skating and gymnastics. The challenge lies in balancing artistic expression with competitive fairness. The episode, hosted by Jeff Guo and Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi, delves into the complexities of scoring in breaking, highlighting the efforts of Storm and Renegade to preserve the culture and creativity inherent in the dance. The production team, including Emma Peaslee and editor Jenny Lawton, ensures a comprehensive examination of this evolving sport. Listeners can access the episode on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as it explores the future of breaking in the Olympic arena. With music from notable artists, the episode captures the vibrant essence of breaking while addressing the critical question of how to judge an art form within a competitive framework.