Breaking got its start in the Bronx in New York City. In 1973, hip-hop music was created by DJ Kool Herc. At parties, DJs spun records and created beats. MCs, some of whom were early rappers, added words to the music.

One thing that made hip-hop music stand out was the break. During a break in the music, rapping stopped. So did the instruments—except for the drums. And that’s when the breaking would begin.

During the break, dancers known as B-boys and B-girls took turns showing off their moves. People would form a circle. Two breakers would move to the middle and have a dance “battle,” doing backflips, headspins, and more. Breaking took over the Bronx. It wasn’t long before the art form spread beyond New York City. 

Breaking got its start in the Bronx. That’s in New York City. In 1973, hip-hop music was created by DJ Cool Herc. At parties, DJs spun records and created beats. Some MCs were rappers. They added words to the music.

One thing that made hip-hop music stand out was the break. During a break in the music, rapping stopped. So did the instruments—except for the drums. That’s when the breaking would begin.

During the break, dancers known as B-boys and B-girls took turns showing off their moves. People would form a circle. Two breakers would move to the middle and have a dance “battle.” They would do backflips, headspins, and more. Breaking took over the Bronx. It wasn’t long before the art form spread beyond New York City. 

Growing up in Kissimmee, Florida, Montalvo was introduced to breaking by his father and uncle. He battled with his siblings and cousins every chance he got.

When Montalvo was 14, he entered his first breaking competition. He lost, but he didn’t give up.

“In breaking, you lose more than you win,” he explains. “For me, it’s like, keep going and learn from your losses.”

Montalvo practiced constantly and went on to win several other competitions. Now he’s preparing to show off his moves to the world at the Olympics. 

Montalvo grew up in Kissimmee, Florida. He was introduced to breaking by his father and uncle. He battled with his siblings and cousins every chance he got.

When Montalvo was 14, he entered his first breaking competition. He lost, but he didn’t give up.

“In breaking, you lose more than you win,” he explains. “For me, it’s like, keep going and learn from your losses.”

Montalvo practiced constantly. He went on to win several other competitions. Now he’s preparing to show off his moves to the world at the Olympics. 

These Games will look a bit different than Games of the past. For one, this will be the first time in Olympic history that an equal number of men and women will compete.  

And then there’s breaking. Some people don’t consider breaking a sport and say it shouldn’t be included in the Games. But Montalvo disagrees. 

“Once people see it in person, they’re going to be so amazed that they change their minds,” he says. 

Montalvo hopes the Games inspire a whole new generation to get into breaking. For now, he’s preparing to face off with his competitors.

“I’m focused on that gold,” Montalvo says.

These Games will look a bit different than Games of the past. For one, for the first time in Olympic history, an equal number of men and women will compete.  

And then there’s breaking. Some people don’t consider breaking a sport. They say it shouldn’t be included in the Games. But Montalvo disagrees. 

“Once people see it in person, they’re going to be so amazed that they change their minds,” he says. 

Montalvo hopes the Games inspire a whole new generation to get into breaking. For now, he’s preparing to face off with his competitors.

“I’m focused on that gold,” Montalvo says.

1. Based on the article, what does it mean to qualify for a spot on a team? How did Victor Montalvo qualify for Team USA’s breaking team?
2. Summarize the main idea and key details of the section “Hip-Hop Roots.”
3. Based on what you have read, do you think breaking should be considered a sport? Explain, using evidence from the article.

1. Based on the article, what does it mean to qualify for a spot on a team? How did Victor Montalvo qualify for Team USA’s breaking team?
2. Summarize the main idea and key details of the section “Hip-Hop Roots.”
3. Based on what you have read, do you think breaking should be considered a sport? Explain, using evidence from the article.