Hip Hop Foundation Fanatics Bust a Move at Affton High

Parents and fans packed the Judith Rethwisch Auditorium Tuesday night for an extravaganza of hip-hop music and dance. (HHFF), a dance studio in Crestwood Mall, had its second dance showcase ever at .

HHFF was founded by head teacher Nicholas Gates. Gates was on the first season of So You Think You Can Dance and danced in the movie Step Up 3D. At HHFF he teaches hip-hop dance to kids age 5 and older.

“We are just getting bigger and stronger,” Gates said. “It was just a joy to be able to get the facility and show the art here.”

This was the first recital HHFF dancers have done in a large, modern theater space. Their first showcase was held in last year their Crestwood studio.

The music was provided by Gate’s brother, DJ Needles, one of the top DJ’s in St. Louis. The show also featured a performance by popular St. Louis rapper Tef Poe, who performed his song “Crazy.”

Gates’ sisters and mother, Zandra Gates, did much of the organization for the event. His brother-in-law took photos. Toward the end of the show, Gates and his students offered flowers and a song to Zandra, who is recovering from hip surgery.

“This is a family affair,” said Gates’ sister Jasmine Gates-Nichols, who was helping check people in.

Parents from all over the St. Louis region were at the event to watch their children, pop, lock and break dance to music by Run DMC, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Chris Brown and others.

“He is really phenomenal with these kids,” said Tammy Stotler of St. Louis City, whose son Lucca, 9, performed in the showcase.

For high school seniors Ben Zielinski and Mary Dunn, who have been dancing with Gates for five years, this was their last performance with the whole group.

“It’s been a lot of ups and downs, but I learned a lot through dance,” Zielinski said. Next fall he is heading to Miami for fashion school.

The showcase was dedicated to the victims of the , and to