Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Kobe Bryant’s Lasting Legacy By Alain Deen Volume 1 Issue 1 November 1, 2020 Image provided by NBC News On January 26th, 2020, NBA legend Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna unfortunately passed away in a helicopter crash. Seven others also passed away: Gianna’s basketball teammates, their parents, coaches and pilot, Ara Zobayan. Kobe Bryant’s passing left the world in shock, primarily due to his heavy influence on basketball and society as a whole. Bryant certainly left a lasting legacy to the world, one which will be remembered for generations to come. Kobe Bryant entered the NBA soon after high school, to then lead a successful 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant, won five NBA championships, and Kobe was a two-time NBA finals MVP. On top of that, Kobe was the 2008 NBA most valuable player, and a two-time scoring champion in 2006 and 2007. Although his remarkable statistics classify him as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe did not let his statistics define who he was. Bryant had multiple interests besides basketball. He enjoyed watching soccer (“football” in Europe) and was a fan of FC Barcelona. Kobe was also friends with Barcelona legend Lionel Messi. Kobe also founded the Mamba Sports Academy, where many young athletes developed their skills using Kobe’s winner mindset. After retirement from the NBA, Kobe Bryant focused on being a good father to his children, raising them to be successful young women. Kobe also wrote several children's books, as well as a short film. Kobe’s drive toward versatility emphasizes that he was much more than just a basketball player. That same short film, “Dear Basketball” went on to win an Academy Award in 2018, breaking boundaries. In the film, Kobe told of his early roots which developed his love for basketball. He explained his mentality, as well as his mindset which pushed him to strive for more. Kobe’s message and drive inspired many current NBA players, like Lebron James. As for Kobe’s daughter Gianna, she was an avid basketball player, expected to join the WNBA when she got older. Gianna, along with her teammates Alyssa Altobelli and Payton Chester, played on the Mamba Basketball team together, with hopes of making it big one day. Kobe Bryant’s inspiring legacy will leave an imprint on all future generations of basketball players, filmmakers, athletes, authors and philanthropists. Kobe emphasized when you stick to your dream with hard work and dedication, you can achieve anything, which is the Mamba Mentality, In the words of Kobe, “Mamba out.” R.I.P Kobe Bryant 1978-2020. R.I.P Gianna Bryant, Alyssa Altobelli, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser and Ara Zobayan. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections VSN Drama’s Production of The Addams Family By Lia Frederique Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Vanity Fair With the second semester underway, Valley Stream North’s Drama Club has begun preparing their production of The Addams Family musical. The release of Netflix’s Wednesday brought attention to the Drama Club and influenced the decision of the VSN Spring musical. The new directors, Kyra Lamberti and Anya Hixon, are looking forward to their first musical in a unique fashion. Specifically, the directors are implementing dynamic choreography, engaging dialogue, and nuanced crowd-interaction to create an ambient environment for the seniors’ last show. Additionally, new props will be employ, underscoring a captivating production. While casting, the directors carefully chose the correct actors for roles which best suited their vocal range and acting ability. In terms of leads, Alain Deen and Marco Alvarez are dually cast as Gomez. Gianna Perlaza will play Morticia, with supporting roles such as Quinn O’Connor as Wednesday, Augustine Magapan as Lucas Beineke, and Rachel Ezeadichie and Isabella Mascetti dually cast as Uncle Fester. The Addams Family is the first musical since Once On This Island held here at North. In contrast to the last musical , The Addams Family presents a more macabre, ghastly vibe. Buy tickets for the show being performed here at North on March 31st and April 1st. The tickets are available on MySchoolBucks from opening night to the final performance. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections A James Bond Review: A Journey Jasmine Roberts Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Max Ching James Bond will always have a lasting impact on film culture. With its iconic intro illustrating the silhouette of the titular Bond walking across the screen as a gun barrel tracks his every stride, ready for the kill. Only for the masterful 007 to pull from his person, his very own smooth, black Walther PPK to hinder the perpetrator, nothing but scarlet blood dripping down a fuzzy screen. Most can recognize the phrase “Shaken, not stirred” uttered by the suave debonair that is Sean Connery, or if one is a fan of all that is Bond. Maybe they wished for an exact replica of the silver Aston Martin DB5 driven by Bond in Goldfinger. Some might desire to gallant with 007, as a beautiful, yet savvy, Bond Girl or as a siren to entrap him and kill him for SPECTRE, the terrorist organization after Bond. During the Summer, my mother and I found ourselves driven to obsession by the Daniel Craig Bond movies, the British actor being one out of seven who have played the secret agent. Amongst the quiet hours of night, we could be found in amazement at the quick wit of sardonic British humor and the profound family of MI6 shared by Bond, Moneypenny, Q, M, and even the eclectic villains orbiting the franchise. Or the way the filmography falls deeply in love with the elegant and traditional environment of James Bond’s England, forming a lush and utterly beautiful film to watch. We could also be found crying at the struggles faced by Daniel Craig's Bond. Never have my eyes felt more underwater than when Bond sacrificed himself for who he loved and subsequent lighting a guiding will-o’-the-wisp for a new Bond to emerge, as is tradition. Yet, the exploration of Bond began to tickle a certain curiosity in me. I have always had a love for the unlabored sophistication of Bond, no matter his era. Dreams lingered in my mind of Cuban cigarettes and aged wine, bespoke of suits, and legacy sports cars. When I decided to begin my journey through Bond by beginning at the first of the twenty-five movies, with Dr. No, I knew from there, my ability to turn back was forever gone from me. I finally understood, I would conquer Bond to its pinnacle. I would not consider Dr. No my favorite of the films I have watched. It has a multitude of issues, such as plot progression, unnecessary behaviors, and nullified thrills. Despite this. it was a good start in Jamaica, where the original Ian Fleming novels were written. I understood where the adaptation was planning on taking me, and I certainly liked it. But I must say that Goldfinger , the third of the films, has shown why it is the most beloved and highly rated of the Bond Films, as it is the exact opposite of my problems with Dr. No. This article was not only a review of the Bond Films, but an explanation to understand why I love them so much and my thought process in dissecting further films. Nonetheless, if all I have said entices you in anyway, then I think it would be most prudent to quickly watch the films from Connery to Craig, as James Bond is a busy man on a mission to save the world. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Polaris Back to Sections Show The Cameras What They Want By Nora Chery Volume 1 Issue 4 January 20, 2021 Image provided by Jasmien Wynants The little girl sat on her pink stool in front of her pink vanity, the golden mirror lights pouring their light on her small round face and her small body. Using her reflection, she applied red lipstick, a brand she teamed up with, on her little non-existent lips while her humming of a mainstream song bounced around the room. How long are you going to keep putting on that makeup, darling? They're expecting you," a voice with a tint of sweetness mixed with annoyance spoke up. The little girl's red lipstick pauses, midway on her bottom lip. She glances at the left side of her mirror, her eyes seeing the large lens that belonged to a bridge camera. She turns her head, facing the camera's body towering over her. Her eyes meet the backsides of smartphones and their smaller lens, on both sides and top of the bridge camera. Millions of them, pushing, shoving, and stacking on amongst each other, forming a stadium just to get a view of her, millions of their lenses were staring right at her. The little girl felt sweat form on her forehead, a drop of nervousness forming inside her chest. She never thought that this many cameras would take an interest in her. The bridge then says in a small cheerful voice, "Go on, and you can do it," while adjusting its lens. The little girl shifting on the cushion of her stool, hesitating until a small plop on the ground startled her. She looked down at her feet to see a heart that was no smaller than a dime, it's vibrant red, and cherry scent attracted her to pick it up. Every touch she felt on its smooth surface, a shimmer of warmth had risen in her chest, spreading. She grinned ear to ear. The cameras watched her, stood up from her stool, and grew. She no longer was a little girl. Through their lenses, she is a woman with grinning red lips and revealing clothes that showed her grown up body. When she rolled, the woman danced and thrust her hips; the lenses clicked with joy while sprinkled her with hearts. The cherry smell enveloped her, loading her nostrils with encouragement. When she got on the ground, lifted her long-grown legs, they clicked with excitement, showering her with hearts. When she swung around, picked up a low squatting stance, and threw her hips back, the clicks grew stronger with eagerness, dousing her with hearts. The hearts kept on arriving, coming down and bouncing off her body every time she twisted and curved her body. "That's my girl!" said the bridge camera, and she felt validation flood all over her body. But suddenly, Swoosh! The woman felt an intense pain graze through her left shoulder; she yelped. The audience paused, stunned, as did the woman, heavily breathing as she peered at her shoulder to see a gash already forming with blood trickling down at the length of her arm. She looked back at her vanity, following the direction of the weapon that cut her to see a heart bigger than a dime, its lower half pinned to the right side of the mirror frame. She stared at it with fright; 'Aren't hearts supposed to be a good thing?' she thought. Her reflection catches her attention; she stares at it with dazed confusion that soon transformed into confused horror. Her reflection was not a grown woman with a grown body; it was a little girl with a little body. Her small round face covered in sweat and smudged with red lipstick from dancing she was too young to do, in an outfit she was too young to wear, with a gash she was too young to have. "What are you waiting for?" said the annoying Bridge camera, dismissing the event that just happened. "Show the cameras what they want. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Interview With the Seniors of Boys Varsity Volleyball Team Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 2 November 25, 2024 Image Provided by Sophia Songveertham Our Boys Varsity Volleyball Team is having a tremendous season with 11 wins and 7 losses. The team won their playoffs against Swanhaka with a dashing score of 3-0 and Quater Finals against South Side with score 3-2. I had the opportunity of interviewing the wonderful seniors and Coach Karahalios regarding their hopes and what they wish to achieve to make this season memorable. With the seniors, I asked them to share a little bit about themselves and these were their responses: Erik Ziemblicki (won All-County): What is your favorite sports team? “New York Yankees” What is your favorite athlete? “Juan Soto” Your favorite school subject? “History” What is your favorite movie? “Good Will Hunting” What is your favorite TV show? “The Office” What is your favorite meal? “Pasta” Ziemblicki began playing volleyball in 7th grade after learning about the sport from his mother and aunt, both of whom played volleyball at their school. He returned to the sport in ninth grade and was introduced by Mr. Karahalios, who has been incredibly significant in reintroducing him to the sport and assisting him significantly with training. Ziemblicki plans to play college volleyball competitively and aspires to “win the county and maybe go father and win states” for this volleyball season. Ziemblicki views himself as a smart, aggressive, and confident player who embraces the most valuable advice he ever received: “Keep trying; even if you fail, you can always come back and win,” which he wants to pass on to future volleyball players. Nick Lang (won All-County): What is your favorite sports team? “New York Mets” What is your favorite athlete? “Paul Skenes” Your favorite school subject? “History” What is your favorite movie? “Star Wars” What is your favorite TV show? “Breaking Bad” What is your favorite meal? “Steak Tidbits” Lang started playing volleyball in 9th grade after being exposed to the sport by two of his relatives who played for South Side. His ambitions for this season are to “make a deep playoff run and hopefully improve from last year all in all”. Lang characterizes his playing style as aggressive overall. He wants to get as many kills and blocks as possible to help our team win. Lang also likes baseball and plans to play competitively at Pace University. Lang is a member of Athletes Helping Athletes and advises aspiring volleyball players to “work hard and focus on what makes you better as a person”. Sam Onuoha (won All-Conference) What is your favorite sports team? “The Lakers because of Lebron James” What is your favorite athlete? “Noah Lyles because he’s also a track athlete” Your favorite school subject? “Math” What is your favorite movie? “Never Back Down” What is your favorite TV show? “Breaking Bad” Mr. Karahalios introduced Onuoha to volleyball, and he began playing in 8th school. He felt the greatest influence from his track and volleyball coaches, who helped him become a better person and athlete. Onuoha admires Yuji Nishida (Japanese volleyball player) and looks up to him as an athlete. He defines his playing style as “sporadic”, implying that one never knows what he is going to do. He also talks about his passion for cooking, with lasagna being his favorite meal to make. He is part of Winter Track, Outdoor Track, Ecology Club, BSU, Grade Council and Student Council. Onuoha considers “working harder than everybody else” to be the finest piece of advice he has ever received. Onuoha offers this bit of advice to prospective volleyball players: “Keep working hard; do what you can and just play your part”. Liam Corbett What is your favorite sports team? “New York Giants and Seattle Seahawks” What is your favorite athlete? “Richard Sherman” Your favorite school subject? “Math” What is your favorite movie? “Good Will Hunting” What is your favorite TV show? “Dexter” What is your favorite meal? “Steak and rice” Corbett began playing volleyball in junior high and was introduced by Erik Ziemblicki (Senior 2025). He really admires Coach Karahalios, whom Corbett regards as a "good leader" who strikes the proper balance between strictness and fun when playing. Corbett h opes that the team “goes deep into the playoffs” and has a great season. Besides playing volleyball, Corbett enjoys playing baseball and will play for our team this upcoming season in spring. He also got into golf recently and really enjoys it. As for the upcoming volleyball players, he hopes that they “listen to Mr. K, he's got a lot of knowledge” and that the coach will help them improve as individuals and athletes. Daniel Banach What is your favorite sports team? “The New York Yankees” What is your favorite athlete? “Aaron Judge” Your favorite school movie? “Django Unchained” What is your favorite TV show? “Family Guy” What is your favorite meal? “Steak and eggs” Banach began playing volleyball in his sophomore year and attended tryouts with his friends. His mother played volleyball for her high school, through whom he was exposed to the sport. Mr. Karahalios has been an excellent mentor to him, someone he admires and who has taught him a great deal. According to Banach , “The only goal is nothing less than a County Championship and then a Long Island Championship” and he will give his all to assist the squad accomplish these goals. Aside from volleyball, Banach likes baseball and plans to play competitively in college. He also enjoys watching sports, learning more about history, and cooking. Banach advises aspiring volleyball players to put in the necessary time and effort, as well as to believe in themselves. Anthony Gomes (Senior Scholar Athlete): What is your favorite sports team? “FC Barcelona” What is your favorite athlete? “Messi” Your favorite school subject? “Math” What is your favorite movie? “Interstellar” What is your favorite TV show? “Walking Dead” What is your favorite meal? “Any type of burger” Gomes began playing volleyball in 10th grade and was introduced by his friend Leden Sarmiento (Senior 2025). Coach Karahalios has been the most helpful to Gomes because he understands him and helps him improve as an athlete. He characterizes his playing style as “defensive” because he plays in the back. Outside of school, he expresses his enthusiasm for playing guitar, both electric and acoustic. His hobbies include playing violin, soccer, and video games. Volleyball is his favorite sport to play since it allows him to spend time with friends like Erik Ziemblicki who he admires as an athlete. Gomes wishes the best for the upcoming volleyball players and believes that they understand what is expected from them. Coach Karahalios How do you keep the team feeling positive and motivated during a loss? “To keep the team positive after a loss, the coaching staff and I focus on learning from each game, celebrating small wins, and highlighting areas for improvement. We remind the team that setbacks are part of growth, and we set short-term goals to stay motivated moving forward.” What is one important lesson you have learned from your time as a coach? “The most important lesson I’ve learned as a coach is the power of empathy. When players feel understood and supported, they perform better, and trust grows. Empathy boosts communication, morale, and helps build a confident, united team.” Describe the qualities you believe an effective athlete must have. “An effective athlete needs discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. They stay committed to training, bounce back from setbacks, adapt to changing situations, and prioritize teamwork, showing leadership and dedication to the team's success.” What are your goals for the seniors to achieve this season? “Our goals for the seniors are to build their leadership skills, finish strong, and keep improving their game. We want them to develop resilience, adaptability, and teamwork skills they can use beyond sports. Lastly, we hope they leave a legacy of pride and tradition for our younger players. For the seniors and the whole program, we have one goal in mind. A Nassau County Championship.” I would like to express appreciation to the seniors and Mr. Karahalios for providing me with the opportunity to interview them and acknowledge their achievements. The volleyball team had an exceptional season. I wish seniors the best of success in their future endeavors. And always GO SPARTANS! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections How Cinematography Evokes Emotion By Alain Deen Volume 2 Issue 2 November 19, 2021 Image provided by Indie Wire For the past century, film has been used to convey complex and intricate emotions. From the earliest works of Charlie Chaplin to Marvel’s latest film, “Eternals,” most believe emotion is solely conveyed through writing and plot development. For example, themes utilized in the earliest films had the goal of spreading a message or a specific idea. The same can be said about modern film. In Marvel’s “Eternals”, most viewers believe tangible emotion is experienced through the central plot points, including the arc of Ikaris as a twist villain. However, most viewers are simply mistaken. While films do in fact convey most of their emotion through writing and plot points, cinematography plays a large role in doing so as well. In short, a cinematographer’s job resides in the responsibility to ensure that lighting, color, and framing for each scene looks as perfect as possible. They play a crucial role in the filmmaking process, as they bring the director’s vision to life. Without cinematographers, a film cannot be produced. Recent studies demonstrate that 45% of a film's tangible emotion is communicated through cinematography, emphasizing its importance. Cinematography supports and sets the tone for a film’s visual narrative, which is why large sums of money are spent to hire high quality cinematographers. For example, scenes in the earliest forms of film were lit in very specific ways to bind with the tone of the plot development. For example, in Charlie Chaplin’s earliest films, a scene would be more dimly lit to create a somber, earnest tone. In contrast, a scene would be lit more brightly to convey hope or jovial sentiment. The same applies to modern film as well. As time has progressed, cinematographers have utilized methods other than lighting to convey specific emotion. Camera angles have evolved into be one of the most crucial aspects of the filmmaking process. Along with lighting, camera angle in film is used to explore deep and intricate emotion. For example, a scene in “Stranger Things 3” utilizes this technique. When Nancy Wheeler and Tom Holloway, journalist and the Editor in Chief of the Hawkins Post, angrily argue about the status of Nancy’s story, Tom slams the table, and the angle quickly changes. The camera subtly tilts, evoking feelings of tension and frustration. This is a prime example of the impact cinematography has on a viewer’s emotion. According to professional cinematographer Babak Jani, the position of a cinematographer is “absolutely crucial” in the delivery of storytelling through film, especially through the angles and motion. Angles which slowly pan evoke feelings of distrust, tension, and fear, while angles that place the camera at eye level with the subject evoke feelings of comfort and resilience. Context plays large part in this process as well, of course. Overall, cinematography proves to be crucial in the filmmaking process. The camera specialists are artists at the root of the visual appeal of the film, and therefore need to be valued and appreciated more often. BACK TO TOP

Back to Artwork Line Back to Sections Olivia Muscatelli - What is Line By Olivia Muscatelli November 1, 2020 Photography Volume 1 Issue 1

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Boys’ Badminton: Flagship and Banner Year Rehmat Kaur Volume 5 Issue 3 January 14, 2025 Image Provided by Coach Guzzardo Boys Badminton is now a district sport; to learn more about our amazing district team, I reached out to Coach Guzzardo, who guided them to great success in their first-ever season. I also learned more about Coach Guzzardo and how she became the coach of our District Boys' Badminton Team. Background information about Coach Guzzardo Coach Guzzardo attended Valley Stream North and graduated in 1997. After high school, she followed a career in education and has spent the last 24 years teaching Earth Science/Environmental Science at Valley Stream Central. In addition, she coached VSN Girls Varsity Volleyball Team for fifteen years, VSN Boys Varsity Volleyball for ten years, VSN JR High Girls VB for twelve years, and VSC Girls Varsity Badminton for the last eleven years. “I played both volleyball and badminton at North, LIBA Club volleyball, and varsity volleyball at Connecticut College for four years. I was a New York State volleyball referee for 3 years. Can you tell that I love these two sports?” Yes, we can. Her devotion and enthusiasm for the sports she has participated in motivates many players and athletes, including myself. During her time at North, she was a 2nd doubles player on the Girls Varsity Badminton Team for two years. Former Badminton Coach, Mr. Schiavo, led them to the playoffs, and she received the honor of All-Conference in her senior year. Her passion for badminton began when she was a child. Coach Guzzardo, who liked playing tennis, felt “badminton could be fun too,” and “I was right!” she says. It is a high-energy sport that makes her think of chess. “You have to not just outlast your opponent but also outsmart them.” She discusses badminton's similarities to volleyball, including rally scoring and the abilities required to play the sport. Players are continually pushed during the rally, whether with difficult shots, defense, footwork, or mental activity. And “it is so rewarding” when a player ultimately delivers the shot to gain a point, she added. Valley Stream District Boys Badminton There has been a Girls Varsity Badminton Team both at North and Central; however, boys' badminton was not offered. Coach Guzzardo stated that male kids would inquire “if there will be a boys' badminton team”. She hosted clinics for boys previously, and the reaction was fantastic. She was thrilled to learn that there would be a District Boys’ Badminton Team, so she applied to coach. She used to coach three sports seasons every year but missed coaching in the fall. Coaching the Girls Badminton Team at VSC has been “so rewarding,” and she hopes to “help more students learn about and enjoy badminton.” “Being involved in sports has impacted my life in positive ways and given me many memories - both as a player and as a coach. I wanted to be able to offer that to students and give back to the Valley Stream community.” Valley Stream District Boys’ Badminton had an exceptional season, as they earned third place with a record of 10 wins and 4 losses. The 4 matches that they lost were all 3:4. 7 players on the team earned awards with 6 All-Conference players and 1 All-County Honorable Mention. “All 3 Singles players went undefeated in Conference 2! What a great way to let other schools know that Valley Stream has entered the court and we're here to protect it” Coach Guzzardo added. One of the best highlights of their season was their achievement of a 7:0 win, and it was their last match of the season against Calhoun. Coach Guzzardo shared that all the players rushed to the courts to celebrate at the end. Valley Stream North is represented by sophomore Gabriel Manuel who has done an excellent job on the team. He is a part of the 2nd Doubles and has earned All-Conference this season. Coach Guzzardo looks forward to coaching him over the next 2 years. VSN Athlete Gabriel Manuel earned All-Conference “I would like to have more VSN students come out for the team next Fall. Sign-ups will be in the Spring of 2025 and tryouts are the last week of August. All practices and matches are held at VS Memorial. I will be hosting boy badminton clinics towards the end of the year, so please be on the lookout on Instagram and listen to the morning announcements. Thank you for this opportunity to discuss the VS District Boys’ Badminton Team and see you on the courts!” Guzzardo says. I would like to thank Coach Guzzardo for sharing her story and telling our readers about the wonderful season our District Boys’ Badminton Team had. Thank you! Congratulations to the boys for their academic excellence and athletic ability. VSN Varsity Boys’ Badminton is a NYS Scholar-Athlete Team. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Advice Back to Sections Ask Ala: Valentines Day: Two Years Since the Start of COVID-19 By Alicja Paruch Volume 2 Issue 4 February 10, 2022 Image provided by The Sun Hello Ala! What can I do for Valentine’s Day this year? It has been two years since covid-19 initially shut down most of the world. Many activities, including Valentine’s Day gifting, have drastically shifted, for many from in-person to online. Many had to send gifts to their loved ones directly before vaccines became widely available. Now, with more opportunities, these special occasions can become exciting again. If you are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day, I recommend going back to the traditional activities, and putting on a little twist if necessary. In order to relate to the traditional part of Valentine's Day celebrations, I recommend dining out or seeing a movie at the theatre. Though, as times progress and knowing that every relationship is different, you can consider other options! You can go to the mall, try to pick out outfits for each other, or buy matching jewelry. You can also try baking cookies or some type of dessert (check out the National Baking Month in North Star ’s last issue for some yummy recipes). In my mind, Valentine’s Day can definitely be celebrated around traditional activities, but in your relationship, you should make it about yourself! Do something that you enjoy, so that you have fun! Feel free to think outside of the box and enjoy your day together! BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections Break Dancing to Become Olympic Sport for the First Time in 2024 By Carolina Grace Figueroa Volume 1 Issue 7 April 22, 2021 Image provided by ABC News The Olympic Games are international multi-sporting events that feature summer and winter sports competitions during which thousands of athletes from around the world participate in a variety of competitions. More than 200 nations take part in this global athletic sports festival, with the ultimate goal of cultivating people and contributing to unity and world peace through sports. The Olympic Games are normally held every four years, alternating between the Summer and Winter Olympics every two years in the four-year period. The Summer Games were scheduled for Tokyo, Japan in July and August 2020, but were delayed for a year due to the Covid pandemic. They will now take place in July and August 2021 and will not allow spectators from overseas. The International Olympic Committee (IOC), which oversees the global sporting competition, has chosen three new sports to enter the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Program, which are surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing. In addition, the IOC has announced that break dancing (also known as “breaking”) has been named an official Olympic sport and will first appear at the 2024 Summer Games to be held in Paris, France. Breaking was the only new sport chosen to make its debut in 2024, hoping to attract and appeal to younger audiences. Breaking is an athletic style of street dance that originated in New York in the early 1970’s. It is a full body activity and a high-energy dance, also known as “B-boying” or “B-girling”, that involves moving to hip hop music. It looks like a combination of dance, gymnastics, acrobatics, and martial arts. Break dancers do hand glides, head spins, and back spins using fluid athletic moves and stylized fast footwork. Breaking mainly consists of four kinds of movement, which are toprock, downrock, powermoves, and freezes. There are bursts of flips, spins, kicks, and freezes. Two very famous break dancing moves are known as “the moonwalk” and “the worm”. This cool form of dance was created as part of the early hip hop movement. Break dancing is popular all over the world, highly creative, and has always included a competitive element, with dancers trying to outdo each other in one-on-one dance “battles”. The next step is for break dancers from around the world to start preparing for 2024. Those dancers with dreams of winning an Olympic medal can train, plan, and prepare their break dancing routines, which will be judged in six categories: creativity, technique, variety, performance, musicality, and personality, There is no system in place yet to decide who will be chosen for the Olympics, but many founders of the break dancing movement are expected to help younger competitors prepare and motivate to train those who are gearing up to compete at the Olympic level. Break dancing will attract more youthful athletes and is a more urban dance style sport that will guarantee high levels of entertainment and much competition at the Summer Olympic Games in 2024. BACK TO TOP