10th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest

Wendy Garofoli | Nov 26, 2008 | 0

The performers battle before the show (this was the only photo I could sneak)

So last Friday, I went to the 10th Annual San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest. I had heard that the show was off the hook, plus the company Mind Over Matter (who I profiled in an earlier post) was going to be there. I arrived to find many of the dance companies already on stage in an impromptu battle. There were poppers, lockers, and breakers young and old already impressing the sold-out crowd. I clapped my hands together and settled in for an unbelievable night full of surprises (including a run-in with an old friend, and a hip-hop legend).

Care to know what happened? Read on after the jump!

The one thing that impressed me the most about the festival was its diversity. While most of the dance groups hailed from the Bay Area (represent!) they each brought something unique to the table.

One group, comprised of kids, performed a TV-themed routine, with characters from Loony Tunes, Inspector Gadget, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It was like a crazy hip-hop ride through my childhood. Brakesk8 from "America's Best Dance Crew" performed a hip-hop number completely on roller skates. The audience was freaking out over these guys, especially when they back flipped onto their roller skates and never once stumbled.

Mind Over Matter brought an interesting jungle-themed routine that fused modern and contemporary movement with hip-hop and African flavor. The result was like watching a hip-hop Discovery Channel episode (complete with gratuitous mating scenes, which were executed quite hilariously, if you ask me).

Then there was Flawless from the U.K. Their name says it all. My. Goodness. Their popping skills brought fans to their feet. It's just about impossible to describe what they were doing. Just know that everyone's mouths were hanging open.

As you can see, the night was spectacular. But the best parts were running into friends and sources from my old hip-hop circle. A group from NYC called "Mop Tops" started off the show with a swing/hip-hop number that was pretty original. I was especially impressed when one girl started breakdancing in a flapper dress and heels. Then I did a double take, because I knew those moves. I looked at the program, and to my surprise, the breaker was my girl Ephrat Asherie, aka B-girl Bounce. I used to take breaking class with her, and she guest performed with Deca on one of our shows. I've also interviewed her for countless hip-hop stories. So I snuck backstage after the show to try and say hi. Who was back there, but hip-hop legend Popin' Pete.

Now, let's backtrack. Popin' Pete performed in the show. He still pops harder than anyone I've ever watched. The audience (those who were aware of his legend status) flipped out. When he walked backstage after his performance, you could hear all the hip hoppers clapping. After the show, during curtain call, performers actually bowed to him in a "we're not worthy" stance. So, this guy is amazing. He and his brother Boogaloo Sam actually started the whole popping style. It would be like running into Bob Fosse.

I was lucky enough to interview Popin' Pete on the phone last year for an article on the difference between popping and locking. When I went backstage, I approached him and told him who I was. He remembered me! He hugged me! And he was the nicest guy, super humble. I must admit, I kind of geeked out in his presence. But, it was worth it.

Okay, folks. I think this post is long enough! Check out www.sfhiphopdancefest.com for more info on the show. And if you're in the Bay next year around this time, definitely try and catch the festival.

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Hip Hop, Teacher, Enthusiast, Parent, Retailer, Studio, Performance, festival (all tags)