2024 marks a historic year in Olympic history as breaking, or breakdancing, debuts as an official sport at the Paris Summer Games. With its roots in the hip-hop culture of the Bronx in the 1970s, breaking has evolved from street corners to the world’s biggest stages. The Breaking Olympics is not just a nod to its global cultural impact, but also a recognition of the athleticism and creativity that breaking represents.
Black Women in the Breaking Olympics
Set against the iconic backdrop of Place de la Concorde, the competition will showcase the world’s best B-Boys and B-Girls as they battle it out for Olympic gold. Among these elite athletes are two remarkable Black women who have already made waves in the breaking community. Carlota Dudek, also known as B-Girl Señorita Carlota, and Sya Dembélé, known as B-Girl Syssy are taking center stage in Paris to show off their skills
Carlota Dudek: B-Girl Señorita Carlota
Dudek, hails from the small village of Cadenet in southeastern France. She has a unique heritage with a Cuban mother and Polish father. Dudek’s journey into breaking began at a young age, honing her craft in the humble setting of her family’s garage. This space became her sanctuary, where she could freely express herself and develop her skills away from the pressures of the outside world. Her dedication and talent soon propelled her onto the international stage, where she competed in the Buenos Aires 2018 Youth Olympic Games.
For Dudek, breaking is more than just a sport—it’s a way of life. She views it as a medium to connect with people and share her identity. Her style is a blend of athleticism, artistic expression, and cultural homage, drawing inspiration from both her Cuban and French roots. Despite the competitive nature of the Olympics, Dudek’s primary goal is to fully express herself as a dancer on the world stage. As she prepares to compete in Paris, she carries with her the dreams of representing her country and culture in a historic Olympic debut.
Sya Dembélé: B-Girl Syssy
Sya Dembélé, also known as B-Girl Syssy, is another fierce competitor representing France at the 2024 Breaking Olympics. With a Malian heritage and deep roots in the Parisian breaking scene, Dembélé has quickly become one of the most respected figures in the community. Her journey to the Olympics has been marked by a series of impressive performances, including a strong showing at the World Breaking Championships and European Games.
Dembélé’s style is characterized by a powerful blend of rhythm, flow, and intricate footwork. She has a natural ability to captivate audiences with her dynamic routines and infectious energy. Like Dudek, Dembélé views breaking as a form of self-expression and a way to celebrate her cultural identity. Competing in Paris holds special significance for Sya, not only because it’s her home turf, but also because of the opportunity to inspire a new generation of Black girls to pursue their passions in the world of breaking.
When to Watch the Breaking Olympics
The Breaking competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics will take place at the Place de la Concorde, one of the most iconic venues of the Games. The B-Girls are set to compete on August 9, with the finals occurring on August 10.