BUFFALO, N.Y. — Breaking is the newest sport coming to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics. But here in the U.S., it’s been a cultural classic for decades.
B-Girl duo DJ Lisa Lux and B-Girl Resolve are at the forefront of Buffalo’s breaking culture
The duo first met almost ten years ago. In 2021, they founded B.Flo Girls – their very own breaking collective.
“When I went to the dance studio to learn how to break, I went to a b-girl class, and she was the instructor. And, you know, we kind of hit it off right from the beginning.” Said Lisa.
The B.Flo Girls collective aims to uplift women in a male-dominated Hip-Hop scene.
“We both had some interesting experiences as women in Hip-Hop culture, and certainly things are evolving, you know, since, since we first started. But we wanted to do something that would uplift women in Hip-Hop specifically,” said Resolve.
The collective provides spaces for adults and children to learn breaking techniques, how to DJ, and the overall culture behind breaking by hosting events and open dance sessions.
They also participate in separate ventures like Vibe Garden, a community Hip Hop party created by B-Girl Resolve and James “T.E.I.N.” Levy Jr.
“That was definitely the last thing I thought would be in the Olympics, just because of, you know, just it's something that I see is something so different,” said Lisa
Something so different – yet perfectly blending artistry with athleticism.
“Even though it's a highly athletic art, highly athletic, at the end of the day, this is still an expression and in connection with the music,” said Resolve.
Sharing excitement about breaking is making its Olympic debut, the B.Flo Girls say that this is an opportunity for the world to learn about the roots of Hip-Hop culture.
Born on the streets of the Bronx, New York, Hip-Hop culture is said to have first originated at a party thrown by DJ Kool Herc and his sister Cindy. B-boys and b-girls would dance during the “breaks” made by DJ’s looping instrumental portions of songs. From there, the style would go on to inspire legendary artists.
And still, more than 50 years after its creation, the dance style is having a moment both globally and locally.
The breaking event makes its Olympic debut tomorrow morning starting at 10am.
Take a look below at Channel Two’s very own “former breaker” Pat Hammer breaking out some moves on the rooftop this morning.
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