Breaking, a freestyle dance competition that likens to what many identify as breakdancing, has been formally recognised for the first time in history at this year’s Olympic Games. These solo dance battles are usually performed to the rhythms of hip-hop music.
Leon Dwyer, also known as B-boy Aleon, holds the title of Ireland’s top-ranked breaker and reigning national champion. He had ambitions to participate in the Paris Olympic Games that inaugurated on Friday. However, the elongated and costly qualification procedures were a hurdle for the emerging Irish breaking scene.
Dwyer confesses, “I never dreamed of it, largely because I wasn’t aware breaking would join the Olympics.” The announcement of its inclusion has, however, brought about tremendous opportunities. He praises the boost in sponsorships and appreciation it has sparked. The recognition of the culture and the surge in interest have increased the number of enthusiasts.
On the journey to the Games, Dwyer noted that familiar faces from past events were there. The Olympic aspirations have increased the stakes, with different countries ramping up their standards. “Every team came prepared with their physiotherapist, their coach and a videographer”, Dwyer observes. He found the rapid formalisation astonishing. Nations like China, Japan and the U.S., with more resources and backing, fielded their professionally primed and sponsored teams.
The Olympic system evaluates breaking based on three aspects: mind, body and spirit. The participants’ choreography and creativity, physical prowess, and their harmony with the music are assessed. This is a deviation from the past subjective method that granted judges greater discretion over their verdicts.
Having self-styled as “arthletes”, breakers like Dwyer consider their craft a fusion of dance and gymnastic disciplines. Dwyer started his breakout journey at 11 years old, building on the ballet knowledge gained from his mother’s lessons. He confesses it took over half a decade before he started exhibiting mastery of the craft, something he attributes to patience and an unwavering dedication to his skill, indicating it takes a tad longer to master compared to other dance forms.
The patience required seems to suit his character. Just this year, practically every weekend has seen him off on international trips, participating in competitions, showcases, and sponsored activities. On top of this, his schedule became even busier as he intensified efforts towards Olympic qualification.
In his own words, Dwyer says he has put in immense work over the recent years, travelling to over three dozen events the previous year. He channelled all his earnings to fund his participation in these competitions, investing in his own talent. The sacrifice required was immense; the entire year was dedicated solely to dance.
Looking ahead, Dwyer’s aspiration for the coming four years is to have the opportunity to represent his homeland in the upcoming Olympic Games. The dream would be to compete side by side with Gustas Geciauskas, a 15-year-old Dublin native who counts among the nation’s top-ranking breakers.
Dwyer was actually present in Gustas’s inaugural breaking class and has watched with amazement the teenager’s progress over the few years since, culminating in spectacular performances on the world stage. The pair have taken it upon themselves to represent Ireland and inspire the upcoming generation of breakers in a community they describe as being quite small, guiding each other and embracing a “each one, teach one” philosophy.
Breaking was already gaining popularity in Ireland, but its affiliation to the Olympics has further fuelled its acceptance. For individuals like Dwyer committed to the sport, this development has opened up numerous opportunities. Despite the intense hard work, Dwyer is excited about the future of breaking, believing that greater things are yet to come.