Menno van Gorp Embraces Unrestricted Expression in Breakdancing, Aiming for Olympic Glory

Menno van Gorp is gearing up for the Paris Olympics this year, with the sound of Miles Davis's trumpet solo in the background. The legendary jazz musician has been a major influence on van Gorp's breakdance journey, inspiring him with his smooth tunes and creative rhythms for every performance.

"I enjoy practicing jazz," van Gorp shares with CNN Sport. "It allows me to feel more freedom and sparks creativity. The improvisation aspect of jazz resonates well with breaking."

Menno, a 35-year-old competitive b-boy from the Netherlands, is also known as a medal hopeful at the upcoming Olympics. Breakdance, also known as breaking, will be featured as the newest sport at the Games.

B-boys and b-girls, the men and women who compete in breaking, may feel a bit uneasy when their discipline is referred to as a sport all of a sudden.

While breaking shares some similarities with established Olympic events such as martial arts, gymnastics, and skateboarding, it will also bring its own unique and rebellious identity to the Games this year.

"We're in the realm of sports now, but for me, it's also a form of art," says van Gorp, who refers to himself as an "artlete" on social media. "I believe that breaking is incredibly unique, making it impossible to categorize into just one box. It encompasses various elements and serves as a form of self-expression."

Van Gorp of the Hustle Kidz crew competes at last year's Amsterdam Breaking Championship.

Van Gorp of the Hustle Kidz crew competes at last year's Amsterdam Breaking Championship.

Daphne Plomp/Getty Images

To perform a high-scoring breakdance routine, you need a mix of strength, stamina, agility, and flexibility. You also need mental focus to make sure your moves are smooth and not repetitive.

According to van Gorp, breakdancing involves using every part of your body - from your ears and brains to your heart, toes, and heels. Even fingertips and elbows come into play, making it a whole-body experience.

“It takes a lot of physical abilities, I think, to be a good breaker.”

Van Gorp practiced judo before he took up breaking, which found a foothold in his hometown of Tilburg during the 1990s.

He recalls how everyone was into Pokémon cards, then yo-yos, and eventually, breakdancing became the trend.

After practicing judo for eight years, he began feeling limited by the sport and found the lack of creative freedom frustrating.

Van Gorp shares, "Breaking provided me with a lot more freedom compared to judo. I loved the total freedom that breaking offered me, which is why it appealed to me so much. In other sports, there are always many rules that limit you."

Breaking emerged in New York in the late 1960s and has now become popular worldwide. It is now closely associated with a particular street style, characterized by sneakers, sweatpants, and baseball caps worn in a casual manner.

Van Gorp, similar to many children who first encountered breakdancing in the early 2000s, learned by watching low-quality videos and discussing moves with friends. He eventually started attending breakdancing sessions in the Netherlands and abroad.

Van Gorp celebrates victory at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Mumbai, India.

Van Gorp celebrates victory at the Red Bull BC One World Final in Mumbai, India.

Little Shao/Red Bull Content Pool

Van Gorp believes he made a big impact in the dance scene when he won the UK championships in 2007, leading him to compete more often.

Since then, he has achieved success globally, winning the 2019 WDSF World Breaking Championship and claiming victory three times at the prestigious Red Bull BC One World Finals. Hong 10 from South Korea is the only other b-boy to have accomplished this impressive feat.

Breaking is making its debut in the Olympic program, becoming the first World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) event to be included. In Paris, 16 b-boys and 16 b-girls will compete in one-on-one battles set to a hip-hop soundtrack provided by a DJ.

During the competition, each dancer takes turns to showcase their routine. A panel of judges then scores them based on six criteria: creativity, personality, technique, performativity, variety, and musicality.

Van Gorp is dedicating up to two and a half hours each day to training for the Olympics, along with gym sessions and calisthenics like push-ups and sit-ups to build strength and endurance. He is determined to win gold.

He believes that achieving this feat would greatly enhance his reputation and visibility in the sports world.

"I am currently constructing a dance studio in Rotterdam and focusing on nurturing the next generation," van Gorp shares. "Winning a medal would greatly benefit my career and help me pave the way for the future generation - it's like leaving a mark on your legacy."

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Van Gorp not only runs a dance school but also enjoys photography as a hobby. In addition, he paints large canvases with bright colors, has his own clothing line, and is a proud father of two.

His life is currently consumed by training for the Olympics, which requires him to juggle various responsibilities. Van Gorp aims to qualify for the Games through the Olympic Qualifier Series in May and June.

In every breaking competition, he faces challenges that test his skills and creativity under pressure. Originality is key, as repeating moves can result in lower scores from the judges.

Van Gorp emphasizes the importance of preparation in his craft. He dedicates time to studying his material extensively. To aid in memory retention, he creates memory hacks by assigning names to his moves, making rhymes, and linking them to personal experiences or music he enjoys.

Additionally, he writes down his routines, practices them, reads them over, and visualizes his performance. As competitions approach, he selects the best material to showcase. During battles, he relies on his preparation to ensure that everything seamlessly falls into place.

Van Gorp gives a workshop in Lyon, France, on May 22, 2022.

Van Gorp sees himself as a "cage fighter" in the heat of a battle. He feels the need to have that fire inside him, saying it's no longer about being a nice guy. He thrives on being spontaneous and unpredictable during competitions.

"My routines are full of unexpected movements and creativity," he explains. "I focus on flow and transitions in my style, which requires a keen eye to fully grasp what I'm doing. If you blink or look away for a moment, you might miss a crucial detail."

Having a distinct style is crucial for success, just like in art or music. This is what attracted van Gorp to Miles Davis.

"He constantly reinvented himself while remaining true to who he was, which is a huge inspiration for me," van Gorp explains.

Breaking, being such an intriguing addition to this year's Olympics, is unique in the sense that few other athletes will be practicing their craft to the emotive sounds of jazz music.

According to van Gorp, if you aim to create art, it is important to make something that truly reflects your own identity, rather than imitating someone else.

Editor's P/S:

This article highlights the fascinating journey of Menno van Gorp, a renowned breakdancer who finds inspiration in the legendary jazz musician, Miles Davis. His story showcases the unique blend of art and sport that breakdance embodies. Van Gorp's dedication to honing his craft, from studying his material to visualizing his performance, reflects the immense passion and discipline required to excel in this expressive form of dance. His belief that break dance is more than just a sport, but a form of self-expression, resonates with many who appreciate the artistic value of this discipline.

As breakdance makes its debut at the Olympics, it brings a fresh perspective to the sporting world. The article captures the essence of this innovative discipline, emphasizing its emphasis on creativity, personality, and musicality. Van Gorp's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring breakdancers and highlights the potential of this art form to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.