16

SATURDAY

In Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo, a red-headed stepchild in the family of ’80s hiphop films, Los Angeles breakdancers Turbo, Ozone, and Kelly find themselves embroiled in a battle to save a youth rec center. In an attempt to buy the building, the three breakers stage an elaborate telethon to raise funds—and pop, lock, and spin their way to victory. American University’s “Breakin’ for Birney” showcase uses breakdancing to support a similar cause: Facilitating Leadership in Youth, a community-service program that provides tutoring and a summer camp for kids from Southeast’s Barry Farms/Parkchester housing project. With DJ Roctakon on the decks, local crews such as Natural Elements, Deadly Venoms, and Culture Shock provide a lesson in the art of b-boying. Plain old T-shirts and jeans have replaced the Jheri curls and leg warmers favored by the Breakin’ gang, but the cause is no less noble, and the moves are a hell of a lot more electric. The planet rocks at 9 p.m. at American University’s Tavern, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW. $5. (202) 431-0725. (Sarah Godfrey)