As a formative arc of hip-hop, breaking – often referred to as b-boying in its origins too – finds itself wedded to both the East Coast, but also pockets of the Black diaspora in its infusions too. Originally manifested adjacent to the birth of hip-hop, DJ Kool Herc-led block parties, would soon find African Americans, West Indians and Latin Americans crafting ‘uprocks’ to the breaks in the music – a period of time in songs with long periods of percussion and bass – in turn creating what would become the first dance move of the breakdancing discipline. These developed with drifts and spins, and across the decade that followed became monikored ‘breakdancing’ by the wider American and then global media.

Across history however, infusion of African tradition has crept into the tradition, even found to be crucial to the global development and adoption of breakdancing. Capoeira, first established in the early enslavement of Africans in Brazil across the 19th century, is a consistent identity marker for African communities in Brazil. Traced to Angola specifically, capoeira proved fundamental in the ascension of coveted breakdancing groups like the Tsunami Allstars taking their roots and culture wherever they went and the essence of Capoeira into breakdancing’s overall growth across the early 2000s.

Fitting then, was the home of Red Bull’s BC One Finals – an event which also celebrated its 20th anniversary this year — being Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro. Hosted by the homegrown Magá Moura and iconic b-boy dancer Amjad Khan (@bboyamjad) the dynamic four hour conclusion – following two days of anticipation and wider eliminations – saw the 16 dancers (eight b-boys and b-girls respectively) whittle down to four each, and so, on before the eventual winners were revealed to the public. On voting duties, were an array of veteran performers including Jeromeskee, Narumi, Amir, Roxy and Lil G who voted individually across each performance.

B-girl Roxy, usually based in the UK, was a first time judge this year, and noted how “grateful” she was to be part of the biggest competition worldwide for breaking. “It’s a lot of pressure,” she tells Dazed on the eve of the finals. “This is one of my top gigs of the last 18 years.” Reflecting on the connection between hip-hop and breaking, she admits that it’s “not as close” as she’d like it to be at the end of 2024 with rappers and dancers not having as close of a connection, but counters with the fact that BC One does its part to champion hip-hop’s authenticity. “I think Red Bull has a nice balance of getting ‘real’ B-boys and B-girls in [for the competition].”

27-year-old Samuka stood as one of the most engaging finalists, tearing through a series of performances, making one of the final rounds of eliminations. Popular across his home of Brazil, the dancer also entertained the likes of Simon Cowell and Sofia Vergara on America’s Got Talent and competed in Paris this year. Eager to simply “enjoy his performance”, he often complimented his left-legged stunts (due to amputation of his right leg) with performing multiple moves across his performances with one arm, which was not only endearing, but a testament to his dynamism and strength. Among the support of fellow Brazilian natives, were many of his peers, including Menno, who embraced him wholesomely as he was eliminated. Samuka’s love of BC One came nearly 20 years ago.

 “The first competition that I saw was Red Bull BC One 2005. It’s one of my favourite man.” Comparing the sport to wine, Samuka notes it took him half a decade to progress to a stage where he felt like he started to build an audience and feel confident about competing. “I’d say five or six years. That’s when people would say ‘I like your style.’” Starting as an early youth, he notes a social project coming to his school. Watching this performance specifically urged him to begin breaking as a hobby. “I’d never seen something like [breaking] before then. Something about seeing it in school made me begin.” With flair, dedication and most of all ease, Samuka, even in his loss, demonstrates the essence of BC One at large, the unapologetic self-expression, charisma, and happiness that illuminated the 2024 finals.

It’s the culmination of these emotions that helped to crown B-Girl India a second time champion. Spurred on by an authentic crowd engagement, India leaped through her the five and a half minute airing with a je ne sais quoi, circumventing pretence for an authentic rhythm that had even the judges in the palm of her hands. Spinning with her hands behind her back, into intricate and rapid foot-work, with charming smiles, shrugs and gestures signalling viewers to keep up, India provided a full package. Meanwhile, multi-winning champion Menno seized another victory as B-Boy champion.

In a crowded marketplace, and in the ascension of breaking – one that’s seen the artform formally grace the Olympics yet – events such as BC One allow for the diversity, flair, and grassroot appeal that’s helped breaking remain relevant across the expansion of hip-hop and popular culture.