Video: Lyle Beniga choreographs all-stars for "Bait"

Lyle Beniga (Movement Lifestyle) tapped the talents of Shaun Evaristo, Lando Wilkins, Ellen Kim, Ian Eastwood, Bam Martin, JP Goldstein, Johnny Erasme,Devin Jamieson,Joesar Alva, Mykell Wilson,Amanda Grind, Mike Fal,Jeka Kalotkin,Jason Magsuc, Vinh Nguyen and Marvin Millora for this new video from MovementLifestyle Youtube. Thanks for the link,  Gary!

Video: Choreometry -- interesting new dance group

Choreometry Dance Crew (from Biloxi, MS and Mobile, AL) came to our attention through an ABDC alum. They are not sure whether they will be auditioning for the next season of America's Best Dance Crew, but are focused on developing their skills and their audience. Here's the submission for the Movement Lifestyle competition; you can see more of their work at ChoreometryDanceCrew Youtube. What do you think?

4th day of Crewmas: phone call wishes (living or dead) for We Are Heroes, Phunk Phenom, SGBM & more

The 4th day of Christmas present is 4 calling birds, so the 4th day of Crewmas covers the question: If you had one person to call -- living or dead -- who would it be and what would you talk about? Among the answerers: America's Best Dance Crew alums from We are Heroes, Rhythm City, and Phunk Phenomenon; Elektrolytes, SGBM, 5 Crew Dynasty, Ven 15, New Styles Crew, and PLAGUE. Among the choices: Bruce Lee, 'my cat', Albert Einstein, Jesus, family members, Michael Jackson, and various hotties. 

I applaud HouseofCrews for this ingenious and engaging series! If you missed the beginning of the series, click to watch: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

Video: Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) workshop - "Girls all Pause"

Teresa Espinosa of Beat Freaks (ABDC Season 3) teaches workshops throughout the year; here's a recent workshop using "Girls all Pause" from Kurupt (ft. Nate Dogg RIP). From Youtube.

NAOTV Episode 6: Bboy Venum

What is up BBDC? This week's episode highlights Bboy Venum of Skill Methodz crew. Not much explanation needed here about why it's dope. Venum's moves speak for themself.

To see more dope videos from this week, check out the playlist here or follow me after the jump.

---Other Dope Videos from This Week---

Mos Wanted Crew-WOD Hawaii 2011-I love this set. They first performed it at WOD Chicago and this time they bring it back much cleaner than before. But the main highlight for me here is Brian Puspos' solo. Great stuff.

"Trigger Fingers"-How could I not post this? Pacman and Moon are among the most brilliant duos to ever collaborate. What takes their already insane tutting to the next level is the way they incorporate the glass table. Amazing.

Top 5 Sets | OUTBREAK 7-StrifeTV compiled their top 5 sets from Outbreak 7 into this video. These dancers are all dope and have great stuff they bring to the table.

Yarus and Loony Boy-Yak Films does it again! This week, they presented us the incredible style known as Electro Dance. These two dancers impressed me with their amazing musicality as well as their intricate yet blazing fast arm threads and connects.

**If you have any submissions for NAOTV, please send them to my account here.**

That's it for this week's episode of NAOTV! Thanks for reading and watching! -NAO

3rd Day of Crewmas: What makes a chicken of Ringmasters, ReQuest, Rhythm City, Elektrolytes, & more

Instead of 3 French Hens, HouseofCrews Youtube brings us 'what makes you a chicken', where members of Ringmasters, ReQuest, Super Galactic Beat Masters, Phunk Phenomenon,  Plague, Elektrolytes, and Ven15 talk about their biggest fears. Before watching, try to guess who is afraid of: Spiders; dogs; wardrobe malfunctions!

Video: Brandon 747 and Emilio (IaMmE) - "Let's Go"

The latest from IaMmE members Brandon 747 and Emilio - dancing to "Let's Go" from Travis Barker (featuring Busta Rhymes). From showoff747 Youtube. Thanks for the link, Chris!

Video: ICONic Boyz dance at Apollo Theater

On December 10, 2011 ICONic Boyz (runners up for America's Best Dance Crew Season 6) danced at Apollo Stars of Tomorrow for an Amateur Night special.  As I recall, Jackson 5 connected with Motown after their Apollo Theater Amateur Night win-- can ICONic Boyz leverage an appearance at the Apollo into something greater?  From Apollotheater Youtube.

Exclusive interviews with John Chu and the LXD at the Steelo 444 Fundraiser

Chris Trondsen interviewed John Chu and LXD at the Steelo 444 fundraiser. John talks about his Scottish roots, how much he is moved by Steelo and the dance family, what's coming up for LXD, Chu's upcoming premium Youtube Channel, his favorite Justin Bieber song, and working on the GI Joe movie.  Madd Chadd robots it up, and the group members talk about how important Steelo is to the dance community, and how they rehearsed for the show. You can still help respect all these dancers by giving a donation to help Steelo at Steelo444.com

Video: 2nd day of Crewmas: Rhythm City, Phunk Phenomenon, Elektrolytes, In da Clutch - Crew romances?

For the second day of Crewmas, House of Crews stitches together interviews from Rhythm City, Phunk Phenomenon, Elektrolytes, and In da Clutch with some dance footage. The big questions: Who's dating within the crew, and who (from any crew) would make a good pair. Find out who they match up with Chachi (IaMmE), Brian Puspos (Architeks, SoReal Cru), Shorty (Beat Freaks), and Kassandra (Phunk Phenomenon).

Letter from Shane Sparks to Dance Community: his side of the story & his plans going forward

The Industry Voice has a letter from Shane Sparks, former America's Best Dance Crew judges who completed jail time for his sentence in having sex with a minor. The letter gives his side of the story and his plans for the future. Please keep an open mind, read the letter, and feel free to comment below:

To the dance industry, peers and fans,
 “Within the last few years of my life I have encountered many difficulties, all while being unable to freely speak and share my side of the story.  The truth of the matter is that when I was in my early twenties, over 17 years ago, I began seeing a young lady who I thought at the time was of age.  She was an employee at (a well known Los Angeles) dance studio, where I was a dance instructor.  My biggest regret and mistake was not making sure that she was over 18 when I began a physical relationship with her.  This young lady’s mother was fully aware and knew that her daughter and I were seeing one another, and consented to the relationship, while leading me to believe that her daughter was older. Nevertheless, I apologize to her and her daughter for any harm I may have caused them.

For a few years now, I’ve had to deal with the public humiliation and personal strife of being condemned by heinous and false accusations.  The case is now over and I was eventually charged and convicted of one count of having sexual relations with a minor, and my punishment was to engage in counseling, which I have already began, and I may have to complete four months in a private jail facility.

After my case was over, TMZ released an inaccurate story stating that there were six other ladies who had been assaulted by me which is completely false.  Statements by my attorney and the prosecuting attorney from the District Attorney’s Office will confirm how false and misleading TMZ’s story was.  I am disappointed and hurt that TMZ would report such a false story without first checking the facts, by contacting the District Attorney’s Office.

Deputy District Attorney: Alison A.W. Meyers wrote a legal statement proving that I was cleared of TMZ’s accusations stating that other minors came forward as victims.

“While the case was pending against Mr. Sparks, no other chargeable victims ever came forward to discuss with me any allegations of the defendant having (sexual encounters) with them when they were underage.” - DDA Alison A.W. Meyers

I am taking all the necessary steps to move towards a positive path and clear my name so I may be remembered as a man of faith, and a talented dancer/choreographer, and leave behind a legacy my loved one’s can be proud of.  I  can only hope that people will finally hear my side of the story and be forgiving instead of believing false accusations that the media highlights.  I would like to thank my family, friends, and supporters for standing by my side and providing me with their strength during this trying time in my life.  I love you all, and will be forever grateful.”
- Shane Sparks

Video: Dtrix, NigaHiga, Movement Lifestyle & B-boy Morris - "Christmas Swag"

More Christmas goodness from the dance community: D-trix (America's Best Dance Crew judge, Clown Prince) joins Ryan 'NigaHiga' with superb dancing from Movement Lifestyle and B-boy Morris for some "Christmas Swag". From TheDOMINICshow Youtube. Ho Ho Ho.

Exclusive interviews with Beat Freaks at the Steelo 444 Fundraiser

Chris Trondsen interviewed Beat Freaks at the Steelo 444 fundraiser. They talk about what Steelo helped them improve their dance, and their special performance for the night with guests added to the crew. Separately, he talked to Maryss, who shows off her new engagement ring and what what's coming up for Beat Freaks in 2012.

Video: First Day of CrewMas - Rhythm City, Plague, New Styles Crew

HouseofCrews Youtube is holding a 12 days of Crewmas extravaganza. First day: freestyle from members of Rhythm City (America's Best Dance Crew Season 4), Plague, and New Styles Crew. Join us over the next 11 days for the dance holiday countdown

Video: Members of Poreotics, Elektrolytes, Academy of Swag - Triple Threat Workshop

 A Triple Threat workshop was held in November 2011 that featured Can Nguyen from Poreotics, Jay Chris from Academy of Swag, and George Jones from the Elektrolytes. From INTERTWINEFilms Youtube.

Video: Arthur & Geo (Instant Noodles) compete at Outbreak 7

Arthur and Geo of Instant Noodles (ABDC Season 6) competed at Outbreak 7 in Orlando. This video from InstantNoodlesCrew Youtube.  I also recommend you watch StrifeTV's Top 5 sets from Outbreak 7.

Exclusive interview: Instant Noodles at Steelo 444 Fundraiser

Chris Trondsen interviewed Instant Noodles at the Steelo 444 Fundraiser. They talk about their background and love with Steelo, all the dancers coming out for the fundraiser, their careers after ABDC, how to reach them and their dedication to the Stanley Project. 

Exclusive interview: Super Cr3w at Steelo 444 benefit - Steelo, MUS.I.C. & ABDC

Chris Trondsen interviewed Super Cr3w on the red carpet for the Steelo 444 fundraiser. They talk about what Steelo meant to them, how their performance at the fundraiser is different from their usual show, and what it's like performing at MUS.I.C., and how they disappeared in their Ninja act on ABDC.

Video: WilldaBeast (Eclectic Gentlemen & friends - "Hustle Hard"

WilldaBeast (from ABDC's Eclectic Gentlemen), Prince J-Ron (FootworKINGz) and 9 other dancers "Hustle Hard". From FreestyleCulture TV Youtube.

Blowup contest final results - Poreotics wins poll & PerezOverride wins contest!

Almost 1500 votes were cast in our tie-breaker for the ABDC Blowup Contest. Poreotics Night at the Apollo won with 49% of the votes. Click here to see detailed results and rewatch the videos. Congratulations to PerezOverride for picking the video and getting people to support it!

We'll start a new contest in a week or so -- name the Superstars of America's Best Dance Crew Season 7. So please stay tuned!

Exclusive interview: Team iLuminate Steelo 444 benefit - their AGT experience

Chris Trondsen interviewed Team ILuminate at the Steelo 444 fundraiser. They talk about their support for Steelo, their experience on America's Got Talent, and what they'll do next.

Exclusive interview: JabbaWockeeZ red carpet at Steelo 444 benefit - look out for 2012!

Chris Trondsen interviewed JabbaWockeeZ at the Steelo 444 fundraiser. They talk about their experience with Steelo, their performance with Super Cr3w and others to form Superwockeez, and hints about what they're planning for 2012..

Video: Heavy Impact on Shake It Up

Heavy Impact Crew (ABDC Season 5) danced on the holiday episode of Shake It Up. You can watch the entire episode here. Here's a clip of Heavy Impact's performance. Thanks for the clip Hobbit!

Video: Chachi (IaMmE) teaches workshop

Chachi (member of ABDC6 champions IaMmE) taught workshops in Chicago in December 2011. This video captures some Chachi's solos and some top performances from the class. From streetdancesite Youtube. Thanks for the tip, Gail!

Videos: Movement Lifestyle contest - which are your favorites?

Movement Lifestyle held a contest looking for crews to join their upcoming tour. They received 22 entries, and most are creative and well-danced. Click here to watch them all. I can't pick an overall favorite for dance technique, but my pick for choreography is this entry from ATeamLV. Which ones are your favorites? UPDATE: Click here for your favorite to help them win free registration for the tour.

Tell us if you're planning to audition for ABDC Season 7 - LIST OF AUDITIONERS

We've started seeing posts on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter about crews planning to audition for the next season of America's Best Dance Crew. If you want to announce it and show some videos, leave us a comment or email us at BloggingABDC@gmail.com. No rumors please!! We'll add it to our list here with any Facebook, Twitter, and video links.

These crews have announced plans to audition for ABDC (new names added daily and placed in alphabetical order. And as of Dec. 15, we'll include the date the post was added so you can look for additions to the list)
NOTE: We've listed the crews that we've been told got callbacks, but the list is incomplete and should not be considered comprehensive

• 207 Kr3w 
• 2 Much Dance from Indianapolis - video  (added 1/16) CALLED BACK
•  4 Girls and a Guy, from Phila. (added 1/23) 
• 9-1 Pact, from France - video (added 1/29) CALLED BACK
• Academy of Swag - 2011 HHI  video (added 12/14) CALLED BACK
• Aerstix Side (added 1/18)
• Aftershock (added 1/23)
• Aiim Hiigh Crew (added 12/15) 
• All Natural High - video (added 1/27)
• All Star Crew from Puerto Rico
• Arm Candy (added 1/23) 
• Artistic Drift - video (added 1/29) CALLED BACK
  
• Avengerz Crew (added 1/15)
• Baby-Mation from Japan (added 1/15) CALLED BACK
• Band of Misfits (OK City) - Video (modified 12/21) 
• Bea$tly Phenom - (added 1/28)
• Beatbr8kers - video (added 1/16) 
• Beat Junkeez! - video, audition practice video (modified 1/20)
• Beta 010 -  video (added 1/14) 
• Blank Canvas - video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Blazin Starz 
• Block Rockas - video (added 1/28)
• Body Poets - Facebook, Twitter,  Youtube - Video  another video (mod. 1/26) CALLED BACK
• Bootz Crew Youtube Channel - Video  (mod. 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Boyz of Poison (added 1/5)
• Chi-town's Finest Breakers - video (added 12/23) CALLED BACK
• Childz Play (added 1/23)
• Collizion  - Youtube channel, video,  more video (mod. 1/24) CALLED BACK
• Crazy Swag Crew (added 1/18) 
• Crush on Arrival CALLED BACK
• D Code (Canada) (added 1/22) CALLED BACK
• Da Emperoz - video (added 12/12)
• DBA (Triple Threat) - Video, photo from auditions  CALLED BACK
• DeadPool Crew (added 1/31)
• Deadliest Combination (added 1/13) 
• Detroit Danz Zone (DDZ) - video (added 1/31) CALLED BACK
• Devastation Dance Crew (DDC) - video (added 1/28)
• Diamond Kobras (added 12/16) 
• Diamonds in the Rough (note: not confirmed by crew)  video(added 1/13) 
• Diversity (added 1/23)
• Double UP crew - video (added 1/16) 
• DV8 (added 1/23)
• Dynamic Dynasty - video (added 12/12)
• Electrical Fusion
• Elektrolytes (US winners at Hip Hop International) - video  CALLED BACK
• Elemental from Georgia (added 1/23)
• Elevation - Youtube Channel, video,   post-audition video (modified 1/26) CALLED BACK 
• Emperorz (added 1/21)
• Emphamoz Empz (added 1/21) CALLED BACK
• Empire the Crew (formerly Urban Empire Kids) -video, audition video (mod. 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Endo FX Crew (added 12/30) 
• Epic Crew (added 1/31) CALLED BACK
• Fallen Angelz
• Fallen Kingz - video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Fatally Unique - video from America's Got Talent (added 1/16) CALLED BACK
• Fever Crew (added 12/28)
• Finesse Crew - Youtube Channel
• FireQueenz 
• Flavahz - video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Flirt Dancers -  video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Floorteenth Street - video  (added 1/31)
• Fly High Crew (added 1/23) 
• Fortissimo Crew (added 1/25)
• Full Force Dance Company - video from HHI - news story (mod. 1/18)
• Fully Focused - video (added 1/23)
• Funk Beyond Control (FBC) - video from HHI (2nd place Varsity) (added 1/24) CALLED BACK
• Funkdation Crew, auditioning in Houston - video (added 1/14) CALLED BACK
• Fynul Destination - Video 
• G Crew (added 12/17)
• Generation X, auditioned in NY - video (added 1/22) CALLED BACK
• Ghost Crew, auditioned in Houston (1/15)
• GX Dance Crew from TX - video (added 12/22)
• Goodfellas Crew - new video (mod. 1/23) CALLED BACK
• GOP Girls - Video
• GX Crew (Houston)  (added 12/24)
• HeartBeatz 
• Heart Stopperz (added 2/1)
• Heart TriX Squad
• ICONic Girlz- video (added 12/23) CALLED BACK
• Illmatic Force (from NJ) - video (added 12/17) 
• Illmatik Phlow - video  CALLED BACK (revised 1/1) 
• Imperial Dynasty, from NJ (added 1/21) 
• Instant Bun from Australia - video from finals of Australia's Got Talent (added 1/29) CALLED BACK
• Irratik, from Canada - video (modified 1/23) CALLED BACK
• Iron Bred Kidz - video (added 1/17)
• Jungle Boogie (alum from ABDC5) (added 1/16)CALLED BACK
• In Da Clutch - video (added 1/16)
• Katalyst Dance Movement - Video 
• KG Dynasty - video (modified 1/25) 
• khz crew 
• Kid Kingdom (added 1/29)
• Kid Rhythm (added 1/23)
• Kingdom Crew - audition video (modified 1/10)
• Knucklehead Zoo - video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Kre8v (Chicago auditions) - (added 1/13) 
• Krush on Arrival from LA (added 1/24)
• Legacy All-stars (added 1/18)
• Lil Phunk - video (modified 1/23) CALLED BACK
• Little Ones (added 1/23)
• M.B.C. - video (added 12/25)
• Marvel Inc. - video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Massive Movement (added 1/16)
• Melodic Nocturne Dance Tribe - video (added 1/11) 
• Metamorphoz from France  - video (added 1/23) CALLED BACK
• MID Crew 
• Miniotics - video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• Misfits (added 1/28)
• MixitUp Crew from Louisiana, auditioned in Houston (added 1/15)
• Mixtape Crew from Puerto Rico (added 12/22) CALLED BACK
• Mix'd Elements 2.0 - video (added 12/23) CALLED BACK
• MOMZ N Da Hood - video (added 12/12)
• Monster Squad - video (modified 1/19)
• Muse Dance Crew (added 2/5)
• MVP7 - audition video (added 1/28)
• Natural State (added 1/29)
• Neon (added 1/29)
• Nkognito (in Chicago) - video (added 12/17)
•  Nu Groove from Vancouver (added 1/23) CALLED BACK
• Oasis (added 1/23) 
• Persona Dance Crew, Facebook,  audition video (added 1/31)
• Physical Poets - video (added 1/31)
• Plague (British crew, winners of Hip Hop International - Video (added 1/24)
• Point Blank - video dance reel (added 1/8) 
• Praise Team from Canada - video (added 1/24)
• Precious Kidz (added 1/23)
• Preconceived Notion from Austin, TX - video (added 1/11) CALLED BACK
• Prototype (added 1/23)
• Puzzle Peace Crew - video (added 1/5) 
• RNG - Latest concept video, Youtube channel  CALLED BACK
• Roast Beast Facebook ,Youtube (founded by Neyon:Royal Flush ABDC5) (mod. 12/26) CALLED BACK
• Robot Legacy (added 12/15)
• RockStarz (added 12/15) 
• Rockwell Family - video (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• R'sin (added 1/15)
• S.H.M.O.B Squad- Youtube, video (mod 1/31) CALLED BACK
• Show Off Dolls (added 1/29) CALLED BACK
• Skittleheadz 2012 (added 1/11) CALLED BACK
• Skool Rascals (members of Acad. of Hype, Acad. of Villains, Swagg, + others (added 1/28) CALLED BACK
• S.O.S. (Surviving on Sound)  - video and crew trailer video (modified 1/5) CALLED BACK
• So Random Impact (NJ) (added 12/17) 
• STACKed 
• Stepboys (one of Dtrix's ex-crews) (added 1/28)  CALLED BACK
• Stereo Beat Crew  from Puerto Rico- Video (mod. 2/6) CALLED BACK
• Stereo Junkies - Facebook, Twitter,  video (mod. 1/20) CALLED BACK
• Stereography Crew (added 12/20) 
• Street Kingdom (ABDC6 alum) - video (added 1/29) CALLED BACK
• Stryke Force - video (added 1/20) CALLED BACK
• Suede Laces Crew (Orlando) (Added 12/16) CALLED BACK
• Supreme Flow (added 12/28)
• Supreme Team (added 1/31)
• Swagg Crew (added 1/28)
• Swagger Gurlz
• Swag Sistas (added 12/17)
• T Squad (added 1/31)
• The Midas Touch (aka TMT) - video (added 1/23) CALLED BACK  
• Third Dimension (added 1/31)
• T.O.Y.S. (Turn on Your Soul) - auditioning in NY - video  & video & more video (mod. 1/3)
• TrafficJam Krew  - video (modified 1/20)
• Transformers (added 1/23)
• Ultra Freaks (added 12/29)
• Unique Freaks (added 12/15)
• United Beats (added 1/23) 
• Urban Academy (added 1/28)
• Urban Dance Alliance - video (added 1/23) CALLED BACK
• Urban Image Dance Crew (from TX) - video (added 1/2)
• V.H.I.T.L Crew (Village Hidden in the Lightning) - video of some members (added 12/26)
• ViZion - Facebook, Twitter - video (mod. 1/28)
• Wild Style (added 1/16) CALLED BACK
• Wrecking Clowns crew from Billings, MT - news video (added 1/12) 
• WRT - video (added 1/23) CALLED BACK
• Young Justice Crew - Youtube Channel  (added 12/16)
• Young Motion (added 12/15)
• Young Swag Kids (added 12/15)

Video: Interview with Moon & Emilio (IaMmE), Jet Li & Dumbo (Poreotics)

Chris Trondsen interviews Moon  and Emilio (IaMmE) and Jet Li and Dumbo (Poreotics) at the Steelo 44 Fundraiser. They talk about the possibility of an IaMmE/Poreotics collaboration, their admiration for Steelo, their busy tour schedules, Step 4 taping, and other video and public appearances. and how to follow them on Twitter.  

Video: Collab between 2 Choreo Cookies and SGBM members - "Tightrope"

Chris Martin (Choreo Cookies) and Yukio Nakamura (Super Galactic Beat Manipulators) team up to dance Janelle Monae's "Tightrope". From YNCAYNJP Youtube.