In the capital city of Dakar, Senegal, a group of teenagers has been busy practicing their breakdancing routines to the sound of hip-hop music played over a portable speaker. The dancers perform complex movements, including gliding on their shins, executing midair poses, and clutching their heels while jumping.
These training sessions are part of the preparations for the Youth Olympic Games taking place in Senegal this month. This event marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time an Olympic competition is being held on African soil.
Among the athletes is 15-year-old Suzanne Toure, the only girl on the Senegal National Sport Dance and Break Team. Toure, who was introduced to the discipline by her younger brother three years ago, represents the dedication of the local squad as they refine their skills.
The team’s approach to the sport involves blending international influences with local heritage. Coach Francis Siméon Gomis explains that while the routines incorporate elements from American and European breaking styles, they also integrate traditional Senegalese dances such as Mbalax and Yela. These routines feature distinctive movements, including windmill-like motions involving the arms and legs. According to Gomis, the essence of their performance lies in effectively mixing these traditional African dances into the framework of modern breaking.
