The Olympic Games are in full swing, a tradition dating back to ancient Greece in 776 BC. The ancient games featured chariot racing. Over the years, some of these events were dropped to make way for more modern sports.
One such modern addition to the Olympics, making its debut this year, has a strong connection to Houston. After years of lobbying, breaking—what many know as "breakdancing"—will finally hit the Olympic stage. Four talented athletes will represent Team USA, including Houston's very own Jeffrey Louis, aka "B-Boy Jeffro."
Breaking's inclusion in the Olympics is part of an effort to attract younger audiences, bringing a sport born in the streets of New York in the early '70s to the global stage. The 1983 film "Flashdance" helped solidify breakdancing in pop culture, and now it's being recognized as a bona fide Olympic sport.
Jorge Casco and Adam Quiroz from Fly Dance Company discuss breaking's journey to the Olympics and defend its place among other sports along with their B-Boys, Timothy, Floyd, and Chad.
The Olympic breaking competition kicks off next week on August 9th and 10th, with Houston's Jeffrey Louis in action next Saturday, representing Team USA.
Fly Dance Company also has events coming up in October. If you're interested in attending or learning how to break, visit their website at flydancecompany.com for more information and to get connected.