Greetings from Senegal, where breakdancers are competing in the Youth Olympics November 11, 202612:23 PM ET

By 

Ricci Shryock

Ricci Shrylock/NPR

Hip-hop music blasted over a portable speaker while half-a-dozen teenagers practiced their best breakdancing moves in Senagal's capital Dakar. They glided on their shins and jumped into the air, clutched their heels and struck midair poses.

Senegal's breakdancers were honing their craft ahead of the country's historic hosting of the Youth Olympic Games this month. It's the first time an Olympic event is being held on African soil.