Subjectivity in dance, performance, and arts, is one of the main reasons they are not popular Olympic inclusions. Those that are included have rigid scoring systems and strict execution standards of skills. I'm a dancer, teacher, and choreographer, I have an arts degree and study psychology, and I am currently writing on dance and psychology in another context, but this event prompted an inclusion in what I'm writing, and is worth sharing as it's own opinion.
While there is still some room for subjectivity in scoring, the Olympic standards have (or are meant to have) internationally aligned frameworks. The number of different dance styles in each country, followed by the number of different governing bodies and syllabuses for each dance style and faction makes a globally aligned scoring system for dance nearly impossible, therefore it's hard to see that dance will ever be a successful Olympic inclusion.
The breakdancing fiasco at the 2024 Paris Olympics brilliantly frames this exact issue (Subjectivity). Australian competitor Dr Rachel Gunn ‘RayGun’ who is an academic and competed as a breakdancer, broke both the internet and the accepted definition of breakdancing with her uniquely choreographed ‘breakdancing’ routine. In the literal sense and use of language, she succeeded in her academic quest to - breakdancing.
Dr Gunn’s selection, appearance, and ‘competitive performance’ was a well-designed academic, social, and thought experiment performance, most definitely challenging the identity of breakdancing, and many other topics.
The global responses (and some brilliant and hilarious memes created as a result of her performance) also give a platform for conversation and debate (and plenty of research content for her areas of interest) on topics such as breakdancing, cultural identity, trolling, bullying, mental health, content creation, acceptable performance standards, meme content and context, Olympic selection standards, official protocols, measurements of skill, subjectivity. I could go on, but at the very least, I appreciate her academically led challenge to bring into the spotlight all the topics listed and more.
I do not condone bullying, harassment, or trolling, yet someone with her academic background would be very knowledgeable on the backlash that would be incited (which seems to be central to the critique and debate she has purposely ignited). The commentary reach globally via meme creation alone has been huge, and again, not something she would be unaware of. As for jumping around like a kangaroo... Culture. Is Australia's 'culture' really reduced to a kangaroo? She's probably right. If that doesn't concern people, then what is 'cultural identity?'
However, as much as I think this was an excellent 'gatecrashing' of art and culture, I am more than disappointed this succeeded in removing a well-deserved spotlight from breakdancing performances of other highly skilled dancers and performers. (Where hip-hop is not a style with historically white origins, but originated in African American communities, many authentic hip-hop dancers will be from diverse cultures, and others will have trained for many years or decades). What does this stunt, and the now widely circulated image of her in a roo-pose, say to the origins of hip-hop and people who proudly belong to these communities, not least authentic hip-hop dancers? I can confidently say they will be feeling cheated, shattered, and angry.
This event in Paris reduced the reception of breakdancing (and dancing) to a comical farce, with most viewers unable to name any other breakdancer, or care to share any other competitor’s talent online. Breakdancing won’t return in the 2028 Olympics, and other dance styles that have pushed for international standards have been dealt further discouragement due to this event. While academically 'clever', and an artistic and contextual challenge to the status quo, it has come at the cost of eliminating the focus on other professionally trained dancers, and cultures, not expecting to compete at the Olympics with a thesis in the form of a confused, green and gold, amateur kangaroo, who scored zero and stole the show. This simply sucks.
This saga has seen people divide between being against the stunt, supporting the stunt, and those who somehow believe it's all without motive and just someone 'having a go'.
As a dancer do I agree with her performance? No.
As an academic, do I agree with her performance? No.
Is it art?
As someone trying to consider as many points of view as possible, through this disgust it's apparent many conversations and debates are being had, which provides many opportunities to educate people on the issues in and surrounding culture, identity, race, politics, and art. This can only be a good thing, and hopefully it works to at least address some of the damage caused by her performance.
Am I proud of having a roo-meme for breakdancing, dance, culture, and identity, representing Australia? Absolutely not. I'm also certain the kangaroos would be amused at her inability to roo. But, if Australia, and the rest of the world now reconsiders any of the myriad of issues, inequalities, and problems within culture, identity, race, funding, representation, protocols, politics (and so on) because of this, then there has been something good to come from it. Whether you agree or disagree, she has definitely challenged people to think.
ความคิดเห็น