Breaking was born in the Bronx in New York City. In 1973, DJ Kool Herc created a new style of music called hip-hop. At parties, DJs would spin records and create 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, rapping and all instruments stopped—except for the drums. That’s when the breaking would begin.

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 other acrobatic moves. Breaking took over the Bronx. It wasn’t long before the art form spread beyond New York City.

Breaking was born in the Bronx in New York City. In 1973, DJ Kool Herc created a new style of music. It was called hip-hop. At parties, DJs would spin records and create beats. MCs added words to the music. Some of these MCs were early rappers.

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

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 other moves. 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. Montalvo entered his first breaking competition when he was 14. He lost but learned a valuable lesson. 

“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 major breaking competitions. Now he’s preparing to show off his moves on the world’s biggest stage.

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. Montalvo entered his first breaking competition when he was 14. He lost. But he learned a valuable lesson.

“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 major breaking competitions. Now he’s preparing to show off his moves on the world’s biggest stage.

This year’s Olympics will look a bit different from past Games. 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 it a sport and say it shouldn’t be included in the Games. But Montalvo disagrees. He’s confident they’ll think differently once they see the top B-boys and B-girls in action.

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

Montalvo also hopes the Games inspire more kids to get into breaking. For now, he’s preparing to face off against his competitors in Paris.

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

This year’s Olympics will look a bit different from past Games. 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 it a sport. They say it shouldn’t be included in the Games. But Montalvo disagrees. He believes they’ll think differently once they see the top B-boys and B-girls in action.

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

Montalvo also hopes the Games inspire more kids to get into breaking. For now, he’s preparing to face off against his competitors in Paris.

“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? Use evidence from the article to support your response.

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? Use evidence from the article to support your response.