Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season 2, Episode 6 - Bring the Beat Challenge

About this series: Teldon is going to watch every episode of America's Best Dance Crew to try and see them with a fresh outlook, judging them on their own merits.  He invites you to join him, rewatching and reviewing the shows. Click here to read his criteria and how he is judging the performances. His only request:  "please keep an open mind through out this look back.  You may surprise yourself and learn to enjoy crews you did not like or see one of your favorites in a new light."

Today we move on to what is possibly the last unique challenge done on the show.  Like the Broadway Remixed challenge, the crews will be using a set pieces.  However, everyone gets a different set to use.  Some folks have referred to this episode as ABDC: High School Musical edition.  Now in addition, the crews must also incorporate those pieces into the beat of the song. Watch the episode here, then click here to read the Rewatch review. Up tomorrow: ABDC2's Missy Elliott Challenge.

Let us Know if you attend the auditions for ABDC in Los Angeles!

The Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6 are being held today. We expect the largest turnout for any ABDC audition ever! If you attend either of the try-outs as an auditioner, a supporter, or a member of the press, please let us know which crews you see, what the atmosphere is like, who made callbacks, the callback challenge, etc. We'll post your report with the proper credits (of course). Thanks!

THE EXPERIENCE world-class workshop opens in LA 2/19 for US tour;discount, free merch & prize offer for BABDC readers!

Starting February 19-20 in LA, there's a new intensive workshop called “The EXPERIENCE” from Millennium Dance Complex.  The two-day intensive will reveal what's behind the scenes to make it as a professional dancer. The first intensive will be at The Music Box Theatre in Hollywood, CA on February 19-20, and will travel across the country throughout the year.

Participants get to work directly with star choreographers, and to learn how to break into the world of professional dance from actual dance agents. The EXPERIENCE provides dancers with an opportunity to learn from the best and brightest choreographers in the business, including Marty Kudelka (Justin Timberlake, Usher, Janet Jackson), David Moore (Miley Cyrus, Busta Rhymes, Pepsi, American Idol), Pussycat Doll Michelle “Jersey” Maniscalco and Donyelle Jones (ABDC4's Artistry in Motion, So You Think You Can Dance). And, there will be performances including Colby O'Donis in LA.  Visit the EXPERIENCE website for details and tickets. 

We want to get our dance-readers out to this event, since it's appropriate for most dance levels and sounds like a rare dance experience. So, the event promoters agreed to offer BABDC readers a 15% discount and complimentary apparel pack (t-shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants, water bottle) for readers who email them at info@millenniumdancepartners.com. They will email you back with a unique promo code. In addition, they will select one of our readers who emailed them and give them one-on-one time during the weekend event with Marty Kudelka, Justin Timberlake's exclusive choreographer!

Video: ABDC Producer Howard Schwartz talks about the auditions, ABDC6 judges, and Hip Hop International news

At the New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6, Executive Producer Howard Schwartz talks about the auditions compared to earlier seasons, some additions for the 10th year of Hip Hop International (July 2011), and finalizing the list of judges for this season's ABDC. Though Howard made no definitive statement, it felt like there may be changes in the ABDC judge line-up this season!

Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season 2, Episode 5 - Janet Jackson Challenge

About this series: Teldon is going to watch every episode of America's Best Dance Crew to try and see them with a fresh outlook, judging them on their own merits.  He invites you to join him, rewatching and reviewing the shows. Click here to read his criteria and how he is judging the performances. His only request:  "please keep an open mind through out this look back.  You may surprise yourself and learn to enjoy crews you did not like or see one of your favorites in a new light."

Well, time for our second iconic challenge and it's Janet Jackson's turn. In addition to the normal acts, we are getting tonight we also get a group performance. Will the crews be able to pull off Ms. Jackson's legendary moves and still keep their own style? (they better or I will cut a bitch). Watch the episode here, then click here to read the Rewatch Review. Tomorrow's review: ABDC2's Bring the Beat Challenge.

An ABDC6 non-auditioning auditioner: Ol' Skool Cru

Not all crews need to show up at the four auditions in order to be eligible for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6. Some submit videos with hopes of callbacks. Here's one non-auditioning auditioner: Ol' Skool Cru from Seattle, trying out for ABDC for the first time.  

Note: you can see other video auditions in the video submissions for ABDCCasting Youtube Channel, though we are not sure how many of these will also physically show up at auditions. Feel free to leave a comment about which of those crews you would like to see on ABDC. 

Video: The Beat Freaks visit the Turbo and Joey Show: Dancing, talk (including about Demi Lovato), laugh attacks

A strange and sometimes wonderful sight: The Beat Freaks show up on The Turbo and Joey Show, dancing and joking around. Shorty talks about being beat up by Demi Lovato. Obscene language alert.

Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season 2, Episode 4 - Speed-up Challenge

About this series: Teldon is going to watch every episode of America's Best Dance Crew to try and see them with a fresh outlook, judging them on their own merits.  He invites you to join him, rewatching and reviewing the shows. Click here to read his criteria and how he is judging the performances. His only request:  "please keep an open mind through out this look back.  You may surprise yourself and learn to enjoy crews you did not like or see one of your favorites in a new light."

Some of my favorite routines are the ones where crews can easily go from fast and furious to smooth and slow moves.  Tonight's challenge force all seven of the remaining crews to do just that.  Are we gonna have train wreck with the transitions or well run marathon?  Let's find out! Click here to watch the Speed-up Challenge, then go here to read the Rewatch Review. Tomorrow's episode: ABDC2's Janet Jackson Challenge.

More scenes from the NY ABDC auditions: the crowds, demos and interviews from auditioners

Here's more from the America's Best Dance Crew Season 6 auditions in New York:
-- Joanne talked to The Movement (who appeared in the audition round of ABDC1), Irratik, Fully Focused, Dramatic, and Versatis about their style and hopes; several also gave a street demonstration. From Youtube Channel.

More views of the crowd outside SIR studios at 10am. The morning was freezing, but the crowd was energized.

Video: Quest's Victor Kim practicing with Fallen Kings (another ABDC6 auditioner)

Fallen Kings will be auditioning for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6 in Los Angeles this weekend. This video shows a practice session with the crew, which includes Quest's Victor Kim (who will not be part of the auditioning group). Thanks for the tip, Ninjaboi!

Mailbox: Beat Freaks & Lil Mama in Grammys event, B-Girl Movie on Netflix, upcoming workshop w/ Static Noyze's Juan

• The Grammy Foundation announced that Beat Freaks, Lil Mama, and 8 other acts will perform at Word Revolution: A Celebration Of The Evolution Of Hip Hop. on Feb. 10 in Los Angeles as part of the Grammy Week celebration.
• The producers of B-Girl have two new items: 1. they are working on a new movie called BATTLE about a B-boy who must become a fighter; 2. B-Girl the Movie is now available as an instant streaming video on Netflix
• On February 6, Static Noyze member Juan Martinez will be teaching a free workshop at Brown University

Another ABDC auditioneer: Urban Empire Kidz, from Guam

Since Guam is a U.S. island territory, so why shouldn't we see some talent from there? Urban Empire Kidz is planning a trip to Los Angeles this weekend to audition for America's Best Dance Crew. As shown in the video, there's some real talent here, but they need to add at least 2 members to compete on the show.

Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season 2, Episode 3 - Rock the Title Challenge

About this series: Teldon is going to watch every episode of America's Best Dance Crew to try and see them with a fresh outlook, judging them on their own merits.  He invites you to join him, rewatching and reviewing the shows. Click here to read his criteria and how he is judging the performances. His only request:  "please keep an open mind through out this look back.  You may surprise yourself and learn to enjoy crews you did not like or see one of your favorites in a new light."

This time around the eight remaining crews have to create a special physical transformation with the theme of the song title. Technically this is the first ever 'magic' week.  How well does this hold up to the test of time and Which of these eight crews can deliver something unique? Click here to watch the episode, then click here to read the Rewatch Review. Up tomorrow: ABDC2's Speed-up Challenge.

Video of New York Auditions (with some audition dance clips!) from DanceOn

DanceOn attended the New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6. They created this excellent video showing interviews with ABDC producer Howard Schwartz, Casting Director Michelle McNulty, ABDC choreographer Rosaro McCoy, scenes of the crowd outside the auditions, and very brief clips of four of the crews: Stryke Force (the 7-man group in red and black), The Movement (the crew wearing M varsity sweaters), Dramatic (the mime crew), and Fully Forward (the large group wearing different varsity letters). To answer some expected questions: DanceOn does not have full audition videos and only taped a few of the first crews to auditions.

While you're looking at this video, please check out and subscribe to DanceOn. I've started watching them recently and am a big fan of this fresh take on the dance world. DanceOn  promotes dance in mainstream media (film, TV, theater, live events, music videos, viral videos) for a world audience, and tries to foster new or undiscovered dance artists. At this point, They have two weekly programs: Just Dance News (featuring dance in mainstream entertainment) and DanceTube (featuring the top 5 dance videos on Youtube each week).

Video: Purple Elephant Society, featuring members of Swagger Crew

Purple Elephant Society is a new company founded by Jason "Caba" Cabacungan and Allan "Ajaye" Skeene Jr. of Swagger Crew. This video of Purple Elephant Society's first workshop shows members  Caba, Ajaye, Daishandra Loving and Vony Woods. From QueeNycole08 Youtube Channel.

Enter ABDC Trivia Contest Week 9 now!

Time for more trivia about America's Best Dance Crew, for a chance to win some ABDC-related merchandise or an ITunes gift certificate.  Full rules here. The prize goes to the highest cumulative score (plus winner of the tie-breaker) over this 10-week contest. The deadline for this puzzle is midnight on February 6, 2011.

This week's question:  Which crew member was dropped on his/her back during a 'tricky' rehearsal? Email your answer to ABDCContest@gmail.com. Good luck!

Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season 2 Episode 2 - Video Star Challenge

About this series: Teldon is going to watch every episode of America's Best Dance Crew to try and see them with a fresh outlook, judging them on their own merits.  He invites you to join him, rewatching and reviewing the shows. Click here to read his criteria and how he is judging the performances. His only request:  "please keep an open mind through out this look back.  You may surprise yourself and learn to enjoy crews you did not like or see one of your favorites in a new light."

Back to a fan favorite challenge again.  It is time for the Video star challenge.  Sadly, this will be the last time we see this challenge for a year and a half.  What makes this challenge fun is that it finally will pull crews out their comfort zones and see if they can mirror the video, add their own style to the it and do the video justice.  Who flies and who fails?  Let's find out! Click here to watch the episode, then click here to read the Rewatch review. Up tomorrow:  ABDC2's Rock the Title Challenge.

Exclusive interview with ABDC Casting Director Michelle McNulty -- tips for auditioning crews

America's Best Dance Crew Casting Director Michelle McNulty spoke with us during a break in the New York auditions on January 29, 2010. Among the topics: the most unusual ABDC audition she remembered, tips for auditioners, how the auditioning process has changed over the seasons, and a 'secret' crew!

Another ABDC6 auditioner that made it to callbacks: Apocalypse Dance Cru

Apocalypse Dance Cru auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6 in Houston, and made it to the callbacks.  Will we be seeing them on ABDC6? From the WeAreApocalypse Youtube Channel.

Hype Audition Video

Hype 5-0 recently held their auditions.  They'll be releasing the results soon on their Youtube channel so subscribe if you want to see the results.

Here's a clip from their auditions, for those of you who decided to not take my advice and fly out to Hawaii to attend. 

Thanks Ashlaylay for the vid!

Answer to ABDC Trivia Contest Week 8: 3 Poreotics members auditioned for SYTYCD

This week's ABDC Trivia question skunked everyone. Nobody had the right answer to the question: "What members of Poreotics tried out for So You Think You Can Dance?" The answer: Jet Li, Dumbo, and Law all auditioned for SYTYCD. This poser was suggested by Andy P. and verified by Jet Li's Formspring answer to this question.

I am thinking of ending this contest early. Too many regular entrants are staying away, either because they feel they have no chance of winning, they don't know the answers, or they don't love trivia. Leave a comment if you want 2 more rounds. Otherwise, I'll post a tie-breaker question for the 3 leaders in this contest (though others can participate if they wish).

Video: Poreotics and Miniotics at VIBE XVI

The performance of Poreotics and Miniotics was one of the highlights at the VIBE XVI show in Irvine, CA on January 30. Their performance, from the Seanhieu Youtube Channel. Thanks for the link, JJVirus and TheSoulGirl!

Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season S, Episode 1 - Crew's Choice Challenge

About this series: Teldon is going to watch every episode of America's Best Dance Crew to try and see them with a fresh outlook, judging them on their own merits.  He invites you to join him, rewatching and reviewing the shows. Click here to read his criteria and how he is judging the performances. His only request:  "please keep an open mind through out this look back.  You may surprise yourself and learn to enjoy crews you did not like or see one of your favorites in a new light."


Now that we have our ten crews we move on to the traditional week one challenge: The Crews Choice round.  This is the last time that this is truly a choice round and not a rehash of their audition piece.  So how well do the crews do when wrapped up in their comfy fuzzy blankets of their favorite music?  Time to find out. Click here to watch the episode, then click here to read the Rewatch review. If you want to get ready for the next review, click here to watch ABDC2's Episode 2: Video Star Challenge.

ABDC Auditions yield dozens of call-backs, including some familiar names

The New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6 had a record crowd of about registered crews. Over 25 were invited back the next day for call-backs consisting of another performance of their audition routine, plus a call back challenge where they had less than a day to create a new routine using a District78 master mix of Nicki Minaj.

Based on communications from various sources and our own observations, here's a list of most (probably not all) of the crews called back in New York. Leave a comment or email me if we missed some names, and we'll add them to the list. Note: a much smaller group went from the callbacks to the 'short list' for further consideration. While we've heard about many of these, MTV wants to keep this information confidential, so we won't post it. Congratulations to all these crews, as well as the other talented crews that auditioned!

• Many callbacks went to crews that we've heard of through competitions and local dance studios. These include: Irratik (a Canadian crew that did well at Hip Hop International), Point Blank, Ridonkulous, Phunk Phenomenon, Phunk Snap (a crew related to Phunk Phenomenon), WRT, ICONic Girlz and ICONic Boyz
• Crews we knew from prior auditions or recent Youtube videos announcing their ABDC intentions: Illmatic Force, JHHA Droppas, 8 Count (from MA, not Canada), Da Emperorz, The Movement
• Two non-hiphop crews: Boston Tap Company and XDC (cloggers)
• More Canadian crews: D Code, Rockwell Family, Moonrunners (as well as Irratik and JHHA Droppas)
• Groups that are new to us: Stryke Force, Systematic, Venom, Fast Forward, Uneek EFX, POSH, Motion Picture, Hipnotic Phlava, Streetz
• We've heard that none of the New York crews that were called back had members that looked like they were younger than 15 except for  ICONic Boyz, ICONic Girlz, and JHHA Droppas.

New Quest Set from Australian Tour plus other videos

Quest just finished their tour in Australia, and here's a video of their new set, incorporating Lydia Paek as well as new choreography, in addition to some old favorites.

Skip to 3:00 for the new choreo
Cypher starting at 2:35
Their Classic Quest routine (with a few changes)
Thanks Ashlaylay for the videos!

Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season 2 Auditions (aka Casting Special)

About this series: Teldon is going to watch every episode of America's Best Dance Crew to try and see them with a fresh outlook, judging them on their own merits.  He invites you to join him, rewatching and reviewing the shows. Click here to read his criteria and how he is judging the performances. His only request:  "please keep an open mind through out this look back.  You may surprise yourself and learn to enjoy crews you did not like or see one of your favorites in a new light."

Well after only a three month downtime, ABDC is back for its second season.  Will this one live up to the previous season?  This audition has one more crew then the one before it and they are adding one more crew to the total number of crews selected.  Will this hurt or help them?  We got two hours of dancing ahead of us so let's watch and find out. Click here to watch the episode, then click here to read the Rewatch Review. And,  if you've got extra time, you can review S2's first episode here.

Saturday Night Live's Latest Dance Video: The Creep

Though Saturday Night Live addressed MTV programming last night, they went to a different source for the latest dance moves: The Creep, as inspired by John Waters.

 

Videos from Choreographers Carnival: LXD Performance, interview/performance montages

Choreographers Carnival 12th Anniversary on January 25, 2010 included several performances and a lifetime achievement award for Travis Payne. Pacific Rim covered the event, including a montage with interviews and performances, and the performance by The LXD.