Breaking_Doco

The overuse of digital platforms can displace essential real-life experiences crucial for healthy development, such as physical activity, face-to-face social interactions, and emotional regulation. This displacement can hinder the development of life skills and resilience in young people. Engaging in activities like breakdancing offers a constructive alternative, promoting physical fitness, community involvement, and emotional expression. Such activities can counteract the negative effects of excessive screen time by fostering real-world connections and personal growth. The issue with breaking is that it has a perception that means it is not taken seriously, but if it was, it would provide young people with a means out of negative online behaviours and effects.

A world where breaking is recognised as a powerful tool for personal and social transformation, and how movement and self-expression can uplift marginalised communities, support mental health, and inspire resilience in young people.

What we hope to achieve is a complete reversal on the negative opinions that people may have about breaking. We can do this by providing real facts and real human stories, which will bring breaking and it’s positives in the mainstream sphere. Post the Tokyo Olympics, skateboarding interest boomed. Prior to that it was also perceived negatively. Now, skateparks have become an important part of urban planning. Through no fault of their own, breakers are missing out on this opportunity, funding interest for indoor facilities and programs to foster new talent is at an all time low. We want to change the narrative.

As Producer/ Director, Jo has been engaged with the Australian and international breaking community since 2022. Jo has built trust and has exclusive access to many of the stakeholders in their journey to the Paris games.

Increase participation in breaking as an after-school activity—beyond the usual options.
Encourage greater community involvement in breaking through donations and volunteering.
Take a stand against harmful online behaviours such as trolling and meme-based ridicule, especially those targeting young dancers.
Inspire young people to try breaking by showcasing elite-level performances that highlight its creativity, discipline, and physicality.
Encourage following and engaging with breakers on social media to learn from their musicality, movement, and culture.
Breaking study guides for schools to support creative expression, cultural understanding, celebrate the rich history of breaking and how it has been used as a tool for overcoming conflict and building resilience.
Increase inclusive, safe spaces for breaking —especially for girls.