Australian breakdancers are determined to make their mark at the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane, aiming to redefine the sport's image and secure its place on the global stage. With a passionate community of dancers, the country is ready to showcase the art form's entertainment value and individual flair.
The recent World Dancesport Federation competition in Brisbane City Hall brought together nearly 200 breakdancers from 33 countries, all vying for a spot in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Among them, a group of Australian athletes is determined to break free from the shadow cast by Raygun, the Australian performer who failed to score any points at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Benji Cogdell-Baird, known internationally as Benmx, is one of these determined dancers. He started breaking at the age of seven when his family moved to Queensland from South Australia. The sport helped him cope with the stress of his brother's cardiac arrest, and he fell in love with the explosive and powerful nature of breakdancing.
Cogdell-Baird wants more Australians to experience the passion and entertainment of breaking, a sport that is not widely exposed in the country. He asks, 'When was the last time you saw someone spinning on their head?'
The image of the Australian breakdancer has been associated with Raygun, who performed at the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, the general secretary of DanceSport Australia, Luke Brown, believes it's time for other athletes to shine. He emphasizes the importance of showcasing the individual personalities and styles of all Australian dancers.
Professional breaker J-Attack, or Jeff Dunne, had the honor of representing Australia at the Paris Games. He hopes that breaking can reach a similar global audience in Brisbane in six years. Dunne highlights the benefits of live performances, stating that they allow competitors to connect with a worldwide community of dancers.
Guo Pu, a 17-year-old from China ranked number one in the world youth category as B-Girl Royal, believes that breaking is a global sport with a strong community in Australia. She says, 'We are all dancing for our love of this sport and art form, and we hope to invite more people to experience and appreciate breaking.'
DanceSport Australia reports an increase in participation and registrations worldwide, including in Australia. The sport is now vying for inclusion in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic programs, with the decision to be made by the international committees later this year.
The President of the World DanceSport Federation, Shawn Tay, sees the Brisbane competition as a positive sign of Australia's interest in global breakdancing. He states, 'This is perhaps the most important event before the Olympic Games Committee makes its decision to include new sports in Brisbane 2032.'
The future of breaking at the Olympics is uncertain, but the passionate Australian dancers are determined to make their voices heard and secure their sport's place in the 2032 Games.
