Dozens of children, but also adult breakdancers are coming to the Tolhuistuin today to participate in the Dutch Breaking League. The best dancer of the day is crowned in various battles. Disappointing losers, but above all a lot of happy faces. Because from next year, breakdance will be an Olympic sport: “It is recognition that we are serious,” says national coach Paul van Dal.
The breakdance competition is part of the urban sports week in which various urban sports will be performed until next Friday. Children from all over the country will come to Noord this morning, but later today more experienced dancers will come to Noord. “I really enjoy training here. Because now you really challenge others,” says Suus, who lost her battle in the nick of time.
Olympic moves
Next year will be the Summer Olympics in Paris. What is special is that breakdance has been added to the list of sports that will be performed there. “That’s really cool if you can see your own sport there,” says Milo. Another young dancer sees it mainly as something useful: “You can learn a lot from watching other battles.”
Culture or rules?
National coach Paul van Dal is happy that at least one Dutchman has already qualified for the Olympic Games. “It’s fantastic to be able to prove that we belong to one of the best countries in the world, because that’s how it is.” He sees it as a recognition that his sport is now really being taken seriously. “Maybe even more people will do this,” Suus hopes.
Jeroen van der Linden, one of the team NL dancers, will not go to Paris himself, but thinks it is very important that it happens: “How athletic breakers are at all busy makes it top sport anyway. So it is really I’m glad this opportunity exists.” He is pleased that there are more ‘street events’ besides the Games, so that the dance component does not lose the ‘urban style’ from which it originated.