Quand la force se conjugue avec la grâce – Le Jeune Indépendant

The arrival of breakdancing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games marks a historic turning point. This sport, rooted in hip-hop culture, is finally being recognized on the international stage. Breakdancing is no longer just about strength and acrobatics, it has become a plural and inclusive artistic expression, where everyone can find their place and express themselves freely.

Breakdancing, known for its spectacular acrobatics and energetic moves, has always been perceived as a male-dominated field. However, at ATB, a gym at Hugo-de-Senger School in Geneva, Switzerland, two young girls are changing that. Maya, 14, and Shayna, 17, are passionate B-girls who navigate with grace and determination among a dozen B-boys. Their presence in this gym resonates as a symbol of diversity and inclusivity in a discipline that is evolving.

Every Wednesday afternoon, the atmosphere is electric at the ATB in Geneva. At the heart of this energetic ballet, the silhouettes of Maya and Shayna stand out. Despite the palpable tension, their precise and elegant movements command the admiration of the boys present. Maya, who arrived first with her coach Yury, performs acrobatic figures with impressive ease. Shayna, for her part, finds in breakdancing an escape and a way to assert herself far from gender stereotypes.

Yury, a visionary coach

Maya’s coach, Yury aka B-Boy Sory, plays a crucial role in their journey. Convinced of the potential of B-girls, he encourages them to never give up on their dreams. For him, breakdancing is above all a mental work, where technique and creativity take precedence over raw power. “The idea that breakdancing is only about physical strength is a mistake,” he says, citing the example of B-Girl Vlora, the best in Switzerland.

Yury laments the separation of disciplines in competitions, believing that “women can surpass men in some cases.” He mentions Red Bull BC One, where girls and boys compete separately. Despite the challenges, he encourages women to discover breakdancing, a discipline open to all.

Maya, despite her schooling and scoliosis, trains hard and regularly takes part in battles, often facing older and more experienced boys. Her passion for breakdancing is contagious. “I train diligently, I perfect my tricks and I regularly take part in battles and competitions,” she explains. At only 14 years old, Maya does not see herself making it her career for the moment, preferring to devote herself to her passion while aspiring to become an architect.

Shayna, for her part, is a true ambassador of breakdancing. Leading workshops in schools and leisure centres, she shares her passion and inspires younger generations. Her journey, which began at the age of 4 with classical dance, is a testament to her perseverance and talent. “Breakdancing doesn’t require strength. It’s first and foremost a dance and a physical sport. There’s the aspect of musicality and originality,” says Shayna.

A fight for recognition

While breakdancing is attracting more and more fans, women are still underrepresented. “For more than three years, their presence has become rarer, or even completely extinct, giving way to male domination that only accentuates gender inequalities,” observes Maya, a facilitator at ATB. Stereotypes and discrimination persist, creating a sometimes hostile climate for B-girls. They are often confronted with sexist remarks, harassment, and even abuse, which pushes them to abandon this discipline that they love so much.

A striking example is the story of a young B-girl in the community who recently gave a shocking testimony, denouncing the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her teacher. Taking advantage of his position of power and the innocence of the young girl, this individual committed a despicable act, trampling on the trust and vulnerability of a minor. This tragic story highlights the reality of child sexual abuse, a serious problem that must not be minimized. It is crucial to remember that children and adolescents are particularly exposed to this type of abuse, and that responsibility always lies with the aggressor. The victim should never be blamed or made to feel guilty.

Faced with this situation, the ATB is committed to promoting living together and fighting against gender discrimination. The association has decided to set up separate reception areas for girls and boys, in order to offer them a safe space that is conducive to their personal development. This initiative allows B-girls to evolve with confidence, without feeling judged or intimidated by the male gaze. They can thus focus on their passion and express their creativity without fear.

A cohesive environment

The family spirit reigns at the ATB. Despite the rivalries and the intensity of the battles, a palpable cohesion animates the dancers. At the beginning and end of each session, a symbolic tcheck of respect and recognition reminds them of their belonging to the same community. This friendly atmosphere extends beyond the walls of the room, with shared meals and passionate discussions about their discipline.

In Switzerland, there is still a long way to go before breakdancing is fully recognized. Dancers like Yury are calling for greater recognition of artists, citing the difficulties encountered by the Swiss company Caractère in making a name for itself. “The country has the potential to shine on the international art scene, but it needs to have more confidence in its talents,” says Yury.

Despite these challenges, B-girls like Maya and Shayna are paving the way for a new generation of talented dancers. Their determination and passion are helping to change mindsets and create a positive and motivating atmosphere within the breakdancing community.

Olympic Integration: A Promising Future?

The inclusion of breakdancing in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games represents a major step forward for the discipline. B-girls and B-boys from around the world will have the opportunity to shine on the international stage, showcasing their talent, creativity and passion. However, this officialization raises ambivalence. “It’s a chance to give more visibility to this discipline. On the other hand, this officialization can distort the essence of breakdancing, which is rooted in hip-hop culture,” explains Yury.

The path to becoming a breakdance professional in Switzerland remains arduous. “The discipline lacks recognition and opportunities are rare,” laments Yury, who encourages dancers to diversify and explore other dance styles to broaden their horizons.

Social and cultural constraints

The breakdance scene is not without its social and cultural challenges. The ATB facilitator, also named Maya, observes with concern the gradual disappearance of girls from free and registration-based leisure spaces. “For more than three years, their presence has been becoming rarer, giving way to male domination that accentuates gender inequalities,” she explains.

To counter this trend, the ATB is committed to promoting living together and fighting against gender discrimination. Separate reception areas for girls and boys have been set up to provide a safe space conducive to their personal development.

Maya and Shayna’s story is an inspiring testament to resilience and determination. Despite obstacles and stereotypes, they prove that women have just as much a place in breakdancing as men.
“Women can develop the same muscular strength and excel in this sport,” says Maya, citing her role model, B-Girl Logistix, who outperformed all men in the Red Bull BC One competition.

By sharing their passion and inspiring younger generations, Maya and Shayna are helping to change mindsets and pave the way for a new era for breakdancing. Their journey shows that, despite the challenges, breakdancing is a vibrant and promising discipline, where everyone can find their place and flourish.