(Pictured: Kid Glyde Dancing at Lincoln Center, Photo Courtesy of Michael Markos)
Andscape, the Black content studio under Disney and ESPN, has revealed the release date for the upcoming documentary titled “Breakin’ on the One.” It will take watchers on the journey from one iconic break-dancing battle to now becoming an Olympic sport.
On Aug. 15, 1981, a massive crowd hit up Lincoln Center in Manhattan for the Out-of-Doors Festival. The main event? A break battle between the Rocksteady Crew and the Dynamic Rockers.
The showdown became a pivotal moment in American culture, resonating across hip-hop, dance, race, and politics for years. “Breakin’ on the One” will feature archival footage from the 80s and interviews with OGs.
“Breakin’ on the One” is directed by JamsBash, known for works like “Pause with Sam Jay” and “The Day Ones.”
“We are incredibly stoked to help tell the story of these amazing dancers,” directors JamsBash said. “Kids from Black and brown communities in New York created a unique art form that’s now an Olympic Sport. We love that a small part of that origin is now being celebrated on film. Collaborating with Andscape to bring this documentary to audiences was a no brainer, we can’t wait to share this little bit of the culture with the world’.”
It’s the tale of how a handful of innovators from often neglected corners of a struggling city helped create a cornerstone event for a movement, one that grew from its devastated borough origins to influence the highest ranks of sports and entertainment.
“Ahead of its Olympic debut this summer, we are thrilled to bring the story of break dancing to our audiences, ” said Jason Aidoo, VP and head of Andscape. “This documentary is a testament to the impact breakin’, The Rocksteady Crew and Dynamic Rockers have had on our culture.”
Over the last 50 years since hip hop first blew up in New York City to across the U.S. and the world, this story shows how the 1981 battle shaped the world we live in today.
The documentary premieres on Hulu on June 24, during Black Music Month.
Break dancing was officially announced as an Olympic sport for the 2024 games in 2023. Team USA’s dancers include Victor Montalvo and Sunny Choi. Two more spots reportedly remain.
Known for having a defining voice in early 2000s R&B, The SRG-ILS Group has officially…
NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts have cultivated a loyal fan base, thanks to their diverse range…
Filled with fun, purpose, and celebration, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore…
Mariah Carey has returned with her first solo single in five years, releasing “Type Dangerous”…
Amerie is the latest guest for NPR’s Black Music Month Tiny Desk session. She’s joined…
As the summer heat begins to rise in New Orleans, so does the anticipation for…