The Main Event Report Pt. 2: Performances!

On February 28, Bergen Performing Arts Center was packed with hip hop fans and dancers. Thirteen East Coast teams competed, hoping to win the first East Coast Main Event. Fr3sh Dance Company hosted the show and its three groups performed in the exhibition program, along with Boogie Bots, Lost Kids, Funkanometry SF, Project EM. It was a serious dance competition, using official score sheets from the Hip Hop Dance Association, and judged by dance professionals: Emerson Aquino and Gina Rosale (Funkanometry SF), Keone Madrid (Choreo Cookies), Rocko Luciano (Boxcuttuhz), Kyle Hanagami (The Lost Kids), and choreographer Mariel Martin. Brian Puspos (SoReal Cru) was also in the house to lend support. And the Master of Ceremonies was Brian East of Boogie Bots. Brian -- if Mario Lopez leaves America's Best Dance Crew, I nominate you to fill his shoes!

The place was packed and aroar. The competition differed from ABDC format, using full size crews (a dozen and more members) performing five minute programs. All of them captured the attention and love of the audience. For me, the best ones distinguished themselves through tough moves, precision, and holding my interest by varying how they changed up with their different subgroups, how they varied tempo and energy, and their use of surprise in transitions. My personal favorites were winners Rhythm City (who I loved at the ABDC auditions too), Capital Funk (second place), EPIC Motion (third place), and newcomers WRUSH. This competition was a supremely good idea for showcasing new talent and proving that the East Coast can stand up to the West.

The exhibition teams were amazing, giving lie to the idea that ABDC has used up all the best talent. Here's The Lost Kids:


Click here to see my performance videos of Boogie Bots and Fr3sh Dance Company, as well as other people's videos of Rhythm City and EPIC Motion.