The idea behind this doc was simple: how does an art form born on concrete and cardboard end up on the most prestigious global stage? Breaking isn’t just a dance—it's a cultural revolution. It’s grit, creativity, and resilience, forged in the streets of New York and embraced by communities worldwide. This project set out to document how an underground movement built by marginalized voices became an Olympic sport and what that transformation means for the culture it represents.
Our goals? First, to spotlight breaking’s origin story—an art form shaped by innovation, identity, and defiance. Second, to capture its evolution through the voices of pioneers, cultural historians, and today’s elite dancers training for Paris 2024. These stories aren’t just about athletes—they’re about the power of culture to unite people and break barriers.
This documentary also set out to ask tough questions. What happens when something raw and authentic enters the polished world of global sports? How does breaking stay true to its roots while going mainstream? By combining powerful visuals, innovative GFX, compelling narratives, and a global lens, the project doesn’t just tell a story—it captures a movement at a crossroads, where creativity meets commerce, and identity meets ambition.
In short, this documentary is a celebration of breaking’s past and a lens on its future. It’s about the journey, the stakes, and the legacy of an art form breaking boundaries—literally and figuratively.
Bringing Breakdancing’s Journey to the Olympics to life required creativity, collaboration, and a deep respect for breaking’s roots and evolution. Our plan of action focused on combining authentic storytelling with innovative visuals, ensuring the documentary captured both the heart and history of this cultural phenomenon.
We started with research—lots of it. Our producer, Vanessa, worked tirelessly to find the perfect representation of breaking across generations. She secured interviews with Normski, a pioneer breaker and member of the iconic Rock Steady Crew, as well as Kid Glyde, son of the legendary Glyde of the original Dynamic Crew and a key judge at breaking’s Olympic debut in 2024. To bring a contemporary perspective, Vanessa followed the journey of B-Girl Kate, a rising star competing for an Olympic spot, documenting her triumphs and challenges as she ultimately reached the final rounds of 8 in Paris. To connect the past and present, we featured Antony, who launched the first-ever breaking academy in the U.S., offering insight into how breaking is shaping the next generation.
Visually, we wanted to create something as dynamic and authentic as breaking itself. We brought in graffiti artist EZO Wippler to recreate vibrant NYC street scenes reminiscent of the early days of breaking, giving the visuals a raw, nostalgic feel. Animator Jeremiah Dickey spent countless hours designing animated sequences inspired by the pioneering animators of the era, most notably Keith Haring, whose bold and kinetic style perfectly captured the spirit of hip-hop culture. These visuals brought the project to life, blending history with artistry to immerse viewers in breaking’s world.
Execution was not without challenges. Tracking down these key figures and weaving their stories into a cohesive narrative was no small feat. Coordinating with B-Girl Kate as she competed was a logistical challenge, but it was vital to capture her journey authentically. Similarly, ensuring the visuals honored breaking’s history while innovating required an immense amount of care and precision, especially in balancing animation with real-world footage.
What makes this project truly unique is how it seamlessly bridges breaking’s past, present, and future. By combining the personal stories of legends like Normski and Kid Glyde with the passion and ambition of new talents like B-Girl Kate, we showcased breaking’s resilience and its rise from the streets to the Olympics. The addition of Antony’s perspective tied it all together, illustrating breaking’s cultural and educational impact.
With this mix of bold visuals, authentic voices, and meticulous attention to detail, Breakdancing’s Journey to the Olympics became more than just a documentary—it’s a celebration of breaking’s legacy, its evolution, and its unyielding spirit.
The response to the documentary has been deeply rewarding and far-reaching. It amplified breaking’s story and connected it with diverse audiences across generations and cultures. Our goal was to document breaking’s evolution from its raw origins in the streets of New York to its Olympic debut, while celebrating the voices and stories of those who shaped its journey. The overwhelming reception validated these efforts.
Being featured on The New York Times Daily podcast brought breaking into the mainstream cultural conversation, while discussions in subreddit communities showcased its resonance with dedicated fans. These platforms highlighted the authenticity of our storytelling, with viewers praising how the project balanced breaking’s historical roots with its present and future.
The documentary not only reached a wide audience but also fostered a deeper understanding of breaking’s cultural impact. By showcasing voices from pioneers like Normski to modern stars like B-Girl Kate, we bridged generations, creating a narrative that was both reflective and forward-looking.
We consider our efforts a success because the film achieved more than just raising awareness—it sparked meaningful conversations. Viewers shared personal stories of how breaking shaped their lives and communities, proving the art form’s enduring relevance.
Ultimately, the documentary’s ability to connect people, preserve breaking’s history, and celebrate its future is why we view it as a success. It’s not just a film; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling to bring culture to life.
