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PLAYBOOK SLUG: Breakdancing-Olympics-Women HEADLINE: Women Enter World of Breakdancing TEASER: Women break into breakdancing as the sport heads to the 2024 Olympics in Paris PUBLISHED AT: 11/28/2022 at 9:10 p.m. BYLINE: Aron Ranen CONTRIBUTOR: DATELINE: New York City, USA VIDEOGRAPHER: Aron Ranen, PRODUCER: SCRIPT EDITORS: Tsikhanenka; caw VIDEO SOURCES: VOA, Wires, AP Images PLATFORMS: WEB__TV_X__RADIO___ TRT: 2:37 VID APPROVED BY: Jepsen TYPE: TV UPDATE: ))
((INTRO: ))
[[Breakdancing is breaking new ground with the sport’s inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics, and scores of women are entering the traditionally male-dominated activity. Aron Ranen has the story from New York City]]
((NARRATOR))
At the recent Worldwide Red Bull One Breakdancing Championship in New York City, male and female competitors from around the globe vied for a top spot in a sport that’s soon to be part of the 2024 Olympics.
((NARRATOR))
The roots of breakdancing can be traced to the inner cities of America during the 1970’s and 80’s, when mostly African American and Latino men challenged each other on the streets for dominance.
(Omar Delgado, World Champion Breakdancer)) ((In ENGLISH))
"An American dance that truly comes from here. When you begin to understand breaking and you learn its history, you learn that it comes from the Bronx that came from impoverished communities where kids didn't have much. They utilized this dance as a form of self-expression, and when you travel around the world and you hit different communities, you see that this has given them a voice.”
((NARRATOR))
This male-dominated dance has evolved into a sport welcoming all sexes. Since 2018 the Red Bull championship event has included a separate category for women, and seen a huge push by these competitors, known as B-girls.
Sunny Choi, 34, is the current North American B-girl breakdancing champion, and recently took part in this year’s competition.
((Sunny Choi, Breakdancer)) ((In ENGLISH))
“There's always been women in the community, always been women kind of fighting for their place in the community, and to see so many women participating now. I mean, I think it's just generally healthier overall for the community, as well to have a little bit more gender balance.”
((NARRATOR))
Amid preparations for the 2024 Olympics, the current generation of B-girls is aware of the responsibilities and pressures they will face in Paris.
((Sunny Choi, Breakdancer)) ((In ENGLISH))
"Being the first women in the Olympics is going to mean a lot to so many other girls who are watching but also means a lot to everybody in the community because it's on us to advocate for ourselves along this journey because it's the first time.”
((NARRATOR))
For Choi, breakdancing can help our society to not just identify but understand and grasp gender roles better.
((Sunny Choi, Breakdancer)) ((In ENGLISH))
“It really means a lot to see so many women so strong, doing so many amazing things up there, and just being able to stand their own. You know, it feels good.”
((NARRATOR))
Sunny and her fellow dancers, while on their journey to the Olympics, are sure to inspire the next generation of B-Girls.
((Aron Ranen, for VOA News, New York City))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)New York City
Embargo DateNovember 29, 2022 21:36 EST
BylineAron Ranen
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America, Voice of America - English
