The production of new sport cultures: the case of breaking

This chapter discusses the cultural production of breaking, an illustrative case for the making of new sporting cultures in the era of the Olympic movement modernisation. Rooted in hip-hop culture, breaking emerged in 1970s as a way for particular groups of New Yorkers to express their identities through movement. A distinctive breaking subculture has been manifested through several authentic elements, such as breaking language, musicality and “cypher”. Whilst many still perceive breaking as an anti-authoritarian activity and even a form of art resistant to market incorporation, it is evident that in the last two decades breaking has been increasingly saturated by the practice of capitalism, exploited by commercial organisations and institutionalised by governing bodies. Recent rapid “sportification” of breaking inevitably leads to some concerns that its unique culture might be compromised, however associated redistribution of wealth, further professionalisation and specialisation seemingly appeal to many breaking athletes, coaches and businesses.