Breaking’s Arrival in Aotearoa

• Explores how breaking (b-boying/b-girling) landed in New Zealand in the early 1980s
• The cultural explosion among thousands of enthusiastic youth inspired by movies and music videos

Foundational Elements of Hip-Hop

• Recognition of breaking as one of hip-hop’s foundational four elements, along with DJing, MCing, and graffiti art
• Importance of the fifth element: Knowledge

Philosophy, Roots, and Community

• Emphasis on peace, love, unity, fun, and knowledge
• Story of breaking as a journey of expression, resilience, and community building in New Zealand

Formation and Growth of Crews

• Tracing the rise and evolution of breaking crews and the unique Kiwi flair they brought to the global dance phenomenon
• Highlighting the trailblazers and individual dancers who innovated and shaped the local scene

Key Events and Competitions

• Memorable competitions and intense street battles that marked era-defining moments in the country’s breaking history
• Notable events like “The Art of War Battles” planned for February 2025:
• Popping, Locking, and Breaking Battles (February 9), DJ Ten Ten, MC Taups, judges Mace, NJ
• Unique prizes highlighting knowledge and history (e.g., signed copies of Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”)

Breaking on the Olympic Stage

• Breaking featured at the 2024 Paris Olympics, bringing unprecedented visibility
• The qualification of “Winter” at the WDSF Oceania Breaking Championships (Sydney, October 2023)
• Discussions about identity, the future of breaking, and its place in both sport and art within New Zealand

Challenges and Opportunities

• Ongoing debates within the New Zealand breaking community regarding authenticity, local versus global identity, funding, and evolving perceptions
• The importance of balancing tradition, community spirit, and continued innovation

The Future of Breaking in NZ

• The New Zealand breaking culture’s commitment to inspiring “before they expire”
• Open questions about future directions, new stories, and ongoing evolution on both local and global stages

Show notes