RayGunn – breaking Breaking at an Olympic level

Posted: August 26, 2024 | Author: | Filed under: Matters that Matter | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Firstly, put an end to the Olympics. They’re not immoral quite yet, but in a few years we’ll realise it and so putting a stop to it now saves time.

Secondly, let’s rely on ridiculousness. Because that’s what it all very much so is. Ridiculous.

Whilst some competitions are undoubtedly impressive – weightlifting, running, shotput, wrestling, etc. They’re all also, largely, non-applicable.

Sure, one might suddenly find oneself needing to leap over a 2-meter fence, or swimming as a team in a frighteningly in-sync manner, but aside from those specific circumstances – its all unnecessary.

Breakdancing, or as I’ve learnt it is also called – ‘Breaking’, is not necessary an act. Rarely will you have to spin your legs whilst walking on your hands, or impersonate a kangaroo for some reason.

You don’t need to do that. Unless you’re being an artist.

As an artist, spinning your legs whilst walking on your hands, and especially – ESPECIALLY – impersonating a kangaroo; is essential.

Probably.

I, likely like you, know nothing about Breaking – similar I suspect to most people everywhere.

I don’t know what the point is, the objectives or demonstration of style, in terms of it being a competition. Why and how to gain a point – I’ve no idea.

Also like most people, I grew up with Hollywood portraying Breaking as ultra-athletic spinning, flipping at crooked angles and bouncing on your head in a very work-casual manner.

That’s an essential point in the understanding the potential misunderstanding.

It’s not just meant to be athletic and impressive.

Potentially – it can be just artistic and revealing.

Maybe, I don’t know anything about what I’m talking about.

This most recent Olympics, 2024 in Paris, Aussie Raygun performed a routine that was unathletic, and thus accordingly – unimpressive.

That maybe was intended; to demonstrate a Breaking routine that reveals your artistic vision (breaking away from the athletic standards of the rest of the Olympics).

Watching the routine, I was reminded of interpretive dance. Yes, that interpretive dance – the kind you’re all thinking of when you read that. The same sort as demonstrated by God in Family Guy, or by Marty the landlord in the The Big Lebowski.

Raygun put on a show that was interpretive dance, not sport.

But there’s more to this.

I watched one of her full routines. I did not see the routine of her opponent. I didn’t get their name, nationality, or any indication into how good it was – either artistically or athletically.

What did I miss?

A problem for the Olympics, aside from the many that aren’t my point here, is configuring how to score artistic points over athletic point scoring. And then it’s justifying arts being a part of the Olympics. And then the dire need to justify inclusion so as to retain a TV audience that mainly tunes-in for the opening ceremonies and a couple of finals.

There’s always going to be a furor when new directions are taken, especially when poorly considered and explained.

I suspect, Raygun’s contribution was artistic and not what Hollywood has previously depicted.

As interpretive dance – it was pretty cool. Athletically lame (observe comparatively to gymnastics), but it was otherwise cool.

I didn’t like the grasping her chin thing, but otherwise…I like the kangaroo.

That said – I don’t know know what I’m talking about on Breaking – likely similar to you.

My advice to Raygun in response to the attention coming her way is to enjoy her family, friends and her academic career. See if you can make an Aussie buck or two, but mostly – under this spotlight – direct people to where they can learn more about this sport (art?) you love.

At least she went for it. Most people just write things online (see samsywoodsy.com).

Sam