Kings of Hip-Hop

Russian hip-hop dance looks just like American hip-hop dance, if you don't know hip-hop dance. Those who do know that the Russians are a bit cheeky in their style, and might throw in the cross-armed, cross-legged Cossack move known as "the Russian." In Korea, where hip-hop dance is a cultural phenomenon far larger than it was here in the '80s, the B-boys are doing freaky things with backspins in homage to the country's martial arts history (Japan and China are also pretty shazzle in this as well. Or shizzle. Drizzle?). Wisely, the San Francisco Hip-Hop DanceFest always makes room for international groups, and this year, the fest's tenth anniversary, the Russia crew Top 9 gets a slot in all four shows. Other stars include Michael Ryna from the Netherlands and Flawless and Plague from the U.K. More than 20 other companies round out the lineup, including audience favorites O.T.I., Mop Top, and Popping Legend (of the Electric Boogaloos.)
Nov. 21-23, 8 p.m., 2008