Charles Nguyen (Poreotics) and Chris Trondsen interview Tamara "Cherry" Rapp (member of 8 Flavahz) backstage before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Rihanna Challenge.Tamara talks about how they're going to be on fire, Charles' flavor (strawberry), their reaction to Lil Mama's praise of the crew, and teaches Charles a Hawaiian word.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Exclusive: Ian Eastwood (Mos Wanted Crew) & Charles (Poreotics) sharing some love backstage at ABDC Rihanna Challenge
Backstage before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Rihanna Challenge, Ian Eastwood (Mos Wanted Crew) tells Charles Nguyen (Poreotics) why Ian looks so good every day. "Reunited and it feels so good"
Video: Latest episode of AXI, starring Jaja Vankova (IaMmE)
From the description: "In this episode the director takes you back before the fall of the Avenger Phillip "The Keyholder" played by PacMan (IaMmE). In Episode I "Eye of the Beholder", Phillip had just finished annihilating the Dark Army. Unfortunately he was infected and dragged off to die leaving his close friend JaJa alone in his house with "Klaws", one of the bitter remaining DayWalkers left from the dark army who has pledged revenge on the Avengers. JaJa is bitten and becomes a recluse in a nearby dark tunnel with hopes she can avoid the temptations to draw blood on the innocent. The Avengers are sent in to rescue her." Dancers: JaJa Vankova (IaMmE), Liz Anne Hewette, & Jason Anderson. From shawnwellingdance Youtube.
Photos from the ABDC Rihanna taping
News from ABDC's Rihanna Challenge: Playlist and crew challenges
Freeze provides preliminary non-spoiler information from the May 18 taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Rihanna Challenge (to air May 23 10pm ET/PT on MTV). UPDATE -- Modified list of challenges:
Opening Group Number -"We Found Love" - Subway Theme
Crew Songs and Challenges: (Alphabetical Order, not order of performance)
8 Flavahz - "Birthday Cake" - Use sparklers (those sticks with the firecracker tips)
Elektrolytes - "Where have you Been" - Use a microphone
Fanny Pak - "Talk that Talk" - Incorporate rifles
Mos Wanted Crew - "Cockiness" - incorporate jackets
RNG - "You da One" - incorporate hats
Opening Group Number -"We Found Love" - Subway Theme
Crew Songs and Challenges: (Alphabetical Order, not order of performance)
8 Flavahz - "Birthday Cake" - Use sparklers (those sticks with the firecracker tips)
Elektrolytes - "Where have you Been" - Use a microphone
Fanny Pak - "Talk that Talk" - Incorporate rifles
Mos Wanted Crew - "Cockiness" - incorporate jackets
RNG - "You da One" - incorporate hats
Review of ABDC Pitbull Challenge from iNSIGHT (a Bay area Dancer)
We post several reviews and recaps for America's Best Dance Crew each week, all coming from different experiences and sensibilities. Here's a fresh perspective from iNSIGHT:
Who am I, you may ask? I'm a dancer from the Bay Area with an eye for technique, talent, and potential. I'm so sick of seeing biased opinions of this ABDC7 on the internet and Youtube that I'd like to give you my input. My judgements are unbiased; I call it like it is. I do have my favorites on this season, but doesn't mean I wouldn't call them out when necessary. I've also watched every single episode of ABDC ever. I want to review the technical aspects of the performances --"JC style".
Click here to read iNSIGHT's review of ABDC's Pitbull Challenge. Thanks, iNSIGHT!
Friday, May 18, 2012
JuBaFilms Presents: Eye Of The Panda
Julien Bam & Gong Bao (JuBaFilms) have finally released their latest video. If you would like to see their earlier works, I would highly recommend subscribing to JuBaFilms channel.
They have always brought their unique brand of dance-fight choreography (with a pinch of humor), but I believe this is the first time they have ever had dialogue! Enjoy:
Let us know if you attend tonight's taping of ABDC Rihanna challenge!
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT -- NO SPOILERS. DO NOT TELL THE RESULTS FROM THE SHOW, INCLUDING WHICH CREWS WERE IN THE BOTTOM OR ELIMINATED!
Dance Hero JP Season 3, Episode 1 Recap
In furthering my love of things from Japan, I bring to you readers Japan's own version of ABDC, DanceHeroJP!
DanceHeroJP is on it's third season, and has some key differences from ABDC. First, no crews are eliminated. They simply receive points from the judges (who are actual dancers in the Japanese dance community) over 3 weeks, as well as points from who has the most views on various social media websites. Further, they also have longer routines (about 2 minutes each), and have no challenges, or limitations regarding music. Insert debate here of whether ABDC should adopt this format.
In any case, after 2 seasons with Time Machine and Beat Buddy Boi taking the crown, the performances from the first episode of Season 3 are up on the [DANCEHEROjp] Youtube Channel, along with all the routines from the first 2 seasons.
Click here to read the reviews and watch the videos. After you've watched these routines, let us know what you think of the show. Is there space for something like this format here in the States? Could ABDC benefit from a format change? How do you think these crews would do on the ABDC stage?
DanceHeroJP is on it's third season, and has some key differences from ABDC. First, no crews are eliminated. They simply receive points from the judges (who are actual dancers in the Japanese dance community) over 3 weeks, as well as points from who has the most views on various social media websites. Further, they also have longer routines (about 2 minutes each), and have no challenges, or limitations regarding music. Insert debate here of whether ABDC should adopt this format.
In any case, after 2 seasons with Time Machine and Beat Buddy Boi taking the crown, the performances from the first episode of Season 3 are up on the [DANCEHEROjp] Youtube Channel, along with all the routines from the first 2 seasons.
Click here to read the reviews and watch the videos. After you've watched these routines, let us know what you think of the show. Is there space for something like this format here in the States? Could ABDC benefit from a format change? How do you think these crews would do on the ABDC stage?
Byeynyn's review: ABDC Pitbull Challenge
Last week, six crews were challenged to get on the floor to the music of Jennifer Lopez. In a random development, three crews were placed in the bottom. RNG and Fanny Pak were saved, and Collizion Crew’s unique Southern style wasn’t enough to sway the judges. Five crews remain, all of them more or less representing the West. This week, they’re going to dance to Pitbull, who briefly showed up so he could generally confuse the crews, haha! I wasn’t aware Pitbull had his own songs, since he’s usually off somewhere rambling on other performing artists’ songs.
Click here to read the full review. Thanks Byeynyn!
Recaps (and rants) for ABDC Pitbull Challenge
- Daily Princetonian has a detailed time-line breakdown of the moves, passionate thoughts on the crews (loved RNG and 8 Flavahz, tired of Fanny Pak) and links to two of my favorite Bollywood dances -- "All cool boys, come on make some noise and say Om Shanti Om!"
- AV Club gives the episode a B+ and explains (with examples from ABDC2's Supreme Soul/Super Cr3w matchup and ABDC4's Rhythm City/Massive Monkees battle) that someone SHOULD have been eliminated this week.
- What's That Music Guy thinks this week had the strongest dancing yet but wants to get rid of the Super-star centrism
- Screen Invasion liked the opening number (even thought ICONic Boys were cute) and LOVED Elektrolytes
- AllVoices does a straight summary but redeems it with a charming computer dance image
- Ant M. has 2 videos this week: his review of the dances (shown below) and a complaint to the producers that they've destroyed the integrity of ABDC (click here to watch)
- AV Club gives the episode a B+ and explains (with examples from ABDC2's Supreme Soul/Super Cr3w matchup and ABDC4's Rhythm City/Massive Monkees battle) that someone SHOULD have been eliminated this week.
- What's That Music Guy thinks this week had the strongest dancing yet but wants to get rid of the Super-star centrism
- Screen Invasion liked the opening number (even thought ICONic Boys were cute) and LOVED Elektrolytes
- AllVoices does a straight summary but redeems it with a charming computer dance image
- Ant M. has 2 videos this week: his review of the dances (shown below) and a complaint to the producers that they've destroyed the integrity of ABDC (click here to watch)
Exclusive interview: Layla Kayleigh talks about the mood of the crews and the judges mid-season at ABDC
Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) and Chris Trondsen interview Layla Kayleigh "on the couch" backstage at the America's Best Dance Crew Pitbull challenge. They talk about what it will take for a crew to win Season 7, how the judges get bored really quickly, the crews' moods at this point in the season, how all the crews are so supportive this season, and her work for ABDC Insider.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Video: Ian Eastwood (Mos Wanted) - "Seduction"
After last night's episode of ABDC, Ian Eastwood of Mos Wanted Crew decided to upload a piece he recently taught in Miami. He also hints at what to expect from their Rihanna Challenge:
Want to change your vote for the ABDC Top 4 Contest? Enter again now!
Image credit: Motown
World Order | Aquarius
Japan has given us many awesome things. Ninjas. Anime. Ninjas. Hok. Ninjas. Shit Kings. Ninjas. One of these awesome things that happens to not be a ninja includes MMA-fighter-with-crazy-entrances-turned-Buddhist-turned-recording-artist-slash-dancer Genki Sudo. With his crew "World Order," they've regularly churned out high quality dance videos showcasing an other-worldly style of isolation and tutting. In this most recent video, they incorporate some martial arts, while giving their own World Order twist on it.
Enjoy!
Enjoy!
Exclusive interview: Myron Marten talks about Mos Wanted Crew's motivation and why fans shouldn't trash ANY crew!
Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) and Chris Trondsen interview World of Dance's Myron Marten (who was the creator for Mos Wanted Crew) backstage at America's Best Dance Crew's Pitbull Challenge. Myron talks about how Mos Wanted Crew is using feedback from ABDC judges and fans, how he helps keeps the crew motivated, how they're viewing the competition, what he feels is their biggest competition, fan's mistaken ideas about the crew, the need to not trash ANY crew, and the impact of negative feedback on dancers.
Time for your weekly ABDC Elimination Challenge entry - you gotta play every week to win!
To enter: Each week, we'll publish a new post for this contest. When the weekly post is up, leave a comment with the name of the bottom 2, specifying which one is eliminated. For example, in Season 6, a winning entry for the Rihanna Week Challenge would have read: "BOTTOM 2 WEEK 5 - Phunk Phenomenon, 787 Crew. Eliminated: 787 Crew." You will be awarded 1 point for each crew you name in the bottom 2 that week, and an extra point for identifying the eliminated crew, for a total of 3 possible points per week. The person with the highest cumulative score wins, and we'll figure out something if we need a tie-breaker.
This week's entries will be accepted from now until 6pm East Coast time on Friday May 18, so that nobody can use insider info from the tapings. .THIS WEEK'S CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED - NO MORE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. **IMPORTANT**:
- Create a user name you will use every week for the entire contest, and make it memorable (not just a common first name or word). NO EMAIL ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED
- MAKE SURE YOU INCLUDE THE WORDS 'BOTTOM 2' in the comment (so I can search for them easily).
- Only 1 entry per person per week, please. Good luck!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Vote now at MTV to save your favorite crews - here's the online, phone & text info!
If you want to phone or text instead, the numbers are: Phone: 1-855-4CREW + (0 +number): OR Text: 22444 then (number):
* Elektrolytes - 1 (so you would dial 855-4CREW01)
* 8 Flavahz - 2 (so you would dial 855-4CREW02)
* Mos Wanted Crew- 3 (so you would dial 855-4CREW03)
* Fanny Pak- 4 (so you would dial 855-4CREW04)
* RNG - 5 (so you would dial 855-4CREW05)
After you vote (or while you're obsessively voting all night long), join us back at the party room!
The ABDC Pitbull Party Room/Critics Corner is now open -- join us!
After the show is over: The party has just started, so stick around for more action, reaction, interaction, and satisfaction. How do you feel about tonight's dancers? Do you think the judges did the right thing? Should ABDC bring back more alums as guests? Does this season need anything else to make it more exciting? This is your party -- humor, conspiracy theory, nostalgia and almost everything else (except obscenity and abject disrespect) are expected and welcome!
Image credit: Tesakov
Join us now for Live Play-by-Play of ABDC's Pitbull Challenge
Del, TBone, Ninjaboi, NamesAreOverrated, Mike, and Nancy will be co-hosts of this live play-by-play of America's Best Dance Crew Season 7's Episode 6 -- the Pitbull Challenge. Feel free to follow along (particularly if you cannot watch it until later). Please be aware that your comments might not be posted immediately (or at all) as we have to moderate them, watch the show, and type at the same time. If you want to leave longer comments and be sure they're used, go to the Party Room (the post above this one).
Videos from Crews from Champions Tour: Tight Eyez (Street Kingdom), ReQuest Crew, Philippine Allstars
ReQuest Crew (America's Best Dance Crew Season 6) and Tight Eyez, founder of Street Kingdom (also ABDC Season 6), and Philippine Allstars performed at the 2012 Crews from Champions tour. There are multiple videos of these dancers as well as other worthy crews; check 4puzzle Youtube for the full set. Thanks for the tip,Your Name ___.
Exclusive interview with Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) on ABDC: why Beat Freaks lost - "The most consistent crew will win Season 7)
Chris Trondsen interviews Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) backstage at the America's Best Dance Crew Pitbull Challenge. Teresa talks about how Season 7 is different from all other ABDC seasons, how consistency is so important to winning ABDC, her feelings about not winning ABDC Season 3, how the other crews helped Beat Freaks by pushing them, her love of Fanny Pak, dismay over haters of Fanny Pak and Mos Wanted Crew, and her involvement with contract negotiations to protect dancers on dance videos (go to dancealliance.org for more information)
Video: Jabbawockeez superpower #1: KB
Jabbawockeez is starting a video series showing the superpowers of each member. First in the series: KB has the ability to articulate the texture of a sound. The power is explained and demonstrated in real-life and comic book line art. A nifty series -- can't wait to see more. From Youtube. Thanks for the tip Greg!
Tonight -- join us for ABDC Pitbull Challenge Party Room, Play-by-Play and more!
At 10pm ET, I will be doing live play-by-play while watching the show along with Del, NamesAreOverrated, Michael, and TBone (and maybe Ninjaboi), so feel free to tune in. As soon as the show is over, we'll post the information for you to vote to keep your favorite crews alive online at MTV, by phone or by text. Later that night, please vote in our polls on the best and worst performances. Tomorrow we hope to have reviews, a new round of the Top 4 Challenge and Elimination Challenge contests, and other coverage. Join us!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Ninjaboi's Better Late than Never Review of JLo week
Hey guys,
So long story short, I'm only able to post this abbreviated review just now because the real world happen. May not seem like an acceptable excuse to you denizens of the internet, but believe me, trying to find a house for your internship when you have less than a week till your start date can be pretty stressful. In any case, housing is secure, so here's the JLo challenge review. I'll only be writing a condensed summary for each crew (except for challenges, since I did have time the night this episode aired to write that section up for each crew), but please don't think that I BSed any of the numbers - I simply haven't had the time to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard. Whatever)
Shoutouts to Caesar Maxxann, Wing (for doing a better review than I could ever dream of writing), Molasses Gang, NancyT, Clarence, and to you the readers. Please do not misconstrue this as an official rankings, only the opinion of a college student dancer who's good with identifying what will usually be helpful for crews on ABDC, and has a pechant for numbers.
Click to read Ninjaboi's review of last week's performances while you wait for tonight's!
Video: Sneak peek for ABDC Pitbull Challenge - group number with ICONic Boyz
MTV posted their sneak peak video for the America's Best Dance Crew Pitbull Challenge. This week, they show a clip from the group number with all five remaining crews -- 8 Flavahz, Elektrolytes, Fanny Pak, Mos Wanted Crew, and RNG -- along with the special guests ICONic Boyz (from ABDC Season 6). If you can't watch on MTV for some reason, click here. Thanks for the tip, zomgwtfbbqxd!
Video: Reader David Sean Jason's dance tribute to his girlfriend
Reader David Sean Jason created his first concept dance video, a tribute to his girlfriend of six years. Thanks for sharing this! From JasonSeanDavid Youtube.
Exclusive interview: D-trix at ABDC Pitbull challenge: "Make a Statement!" + grooming and romance tips
Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) and Chris Trondsen interviewed ABDC judge D-trix before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Pitbull Challenge. D-trix talks about how being most memorable is so important in crew performance, how he grooms for ABDC, and how he prepares for romance
Video: Pacman (IaMmE) - "Sleepwalkers/Daydreamers"
The latest concept video from Phillip "Pacman" Chbeeb features him performing with Nicole McMaster in a stunning love story dance, with cameos from IaMmE members. On pacman Youtube. Thanks for the tip, Greg!
Video: the crews describe their Pitbull week's international challenges
DanceOn's coverage of America's Best Dance Crew this week shows the crews in their costumes describing the songs and challenges for the week:
- Fanny Pak - Bollywood
- RNG - "The Dance of 1000 Hands" from China
- 8 Flavahz - the Can Can
- Mos Wanted Crew - Russian dancing
- Elektrolytes - Brazilian capoeira
- Fanny Pak - Bollywood
- RNG - "The Dance of 1000 Hands" from China
- 8 Flavahz - the Can Can
- Mos Wanted Crew - Russian dancing
- Elektrolytes - Brazilian capoeira
Survey results for ABDC J-Lo Week: bottom 2 were the favorites!
Results are final for our surveys rating
performances for America's Best Dance Crew Jennifer Lopez Challenge. Click here for the details on the favorite performances and here for the least favorite. The voting was very split, with the bottom 2 crews RNG and Fanny Pak getting the most votes for favorite
- With almost 1800 votes cast, RNG was the favorite (28%) followed closely by Fanny Pak (27%) and 8 Flavahz (22%)
- Out of almost 1500 votes, the least favorite for the week was Mos Wanted Crew (26%) followed by Collizion Crew (19%) and Elektrolytes (19%)
Monday, May 14, 2012
Exclusive interview with ICONic Boyz at ABDC Pitbull Challenge - answering fan questions on tattoos, girls, weekends and more
Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) and Chris Trondsen interviewed ICONic Boyz before they appeared as guest performers on America's Best Dance Crew's Pitbull Challenge. They talk about the honor of being invited back to dance, They also answer fan questions on tattoos vs piercings vs hair dye, their favorite part about dating, their favorite weekend activities, and how long they rehearsed for this week's show.
Video: Loyalty Crew on tonight's America's Got Talent
America's Got Talent returns for a new season tonight on NBC at 8pm ET/PT. One of the first acts for this season will be Loyalty Crew, which auditioned in Los Angeles. Are they ready for primetime?
Playlist for ABDC Pitbull Challenge
From various sources, here's the playlist for America's Best Dance Crew's Pitbull Challenge:
- 8 Flavahz - "Hey Baby"
- Elektrolytes - "I know you want me"
- Fanny Pak - "International Love"
- Mos Wanted Crew - "Give me everything tonight"
-RNG - "Hotel Room Service"
- 8 Flavahz - "Hey Baby"
- Elektrolytes - "I know you want me"
- Fanny Pak - "International Love"
- Mos Wanted Crew - "Give me everything tonight"
-RNG - "Hotel Room Service"
Video: Battlefield America featurette, including members of RNG and 8 Flavahz
Battlefield America will premiere in theaters on June 1, 2012. They just released a video showing interviews with many choreographers and dancers, including members of RNG and Camren Bicondova (8 Flavahz). Click here to watch. Thanks for the tip, Bill!
Video: Jaja (IaMmE) solo in Philippines and Italy
IaMmE (America's Best Dance Crew Season 6 winners) recently completed an international tour, and Jaja Vankova filmed some of her solo work from that trip. From JAJAvankova Youtube. Thanks for the tip Greg!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Video: Behind the scenes at Mix'd Elements Vlado shoot
Mix'd Elements stepped from ABDC to a Vlado sponsorship. This video shows a preview of their dance video for the brand, as well as some characteristic goofing.
Mos Wanted Crew pre- ABDC Pitbull Challenge: ABDC bromance jokes, their creative process
Chris Trondsen and Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) interview Mos Wanted Crew before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Pitbull Challenge. They joke about fictional ABDC bromances, talk about how Ian Eastwood got involved with Mos Wanted Crew, talk about how their group creative process for the dance routines for ABDC, and tell Chris that he reminds them of the host of Ghost Hunters.
Wings reviews ABDC's J-Lo Challenge - everything but the dancing
Note- The following words, sentences, and other hieroglyphics should be read for entertainment purposes only. -- DON’T TAKE THIS SERIOUS --
So I am back with more ramble and babble. To start, I was informed that ABDC has a superstar theme in that each week all the crews dance to the same artist. Apparently this week’s artist was Leonardo DaVinci. Or Jay-Low. Something like that. If it were up to me though, I would have chosen a more popular singer like Jennifer Lopez, but whatever. I guess that would still shut down my conspiracies from the last review. If anyone knows how to dispose of $500 worth of spy gear let me know. Anyway, due to this new knowledge I will be changing one of my sections this week from “music” to “challenges.” Ya….so get ready for another saga of this week’s ratings. Bizinga!
Click here to read the full review. [From NancyT:Go on, click. Right Now. Don't delay.]
So I am back with more ramble and babble. To start, I was informed that ABDC has a superstar theme in that each week all the crews dance to the same artist. Apparently this week’s artist was Leonardo DaVinci. Or Jay-Low. Something like that. If it were up to me though, I would have chosen a more popular singer like Jennifer Lopez, but whatever. I guess that would still shut down my conspiracies from the last review. If anyone knows how to dispose of $500 worth of spy gear let me know. Anyway, due to this new knowledge I will be changing one of my sections this week from “music” to “challenges.” Ya….so get ready for another saga of this week’s ratings. Bizinga!
Click here to read the full review. [From NancyT:Go on, click. Right Now. Don't delay.]
Exclusive interview: RNG pre-ABDC Pitbull Challenge: ABDC life besides dancing: hanging with ICONic Boyz, days off & homework
Chris Trondsen and Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks) interviewed RNG before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Pitbull Challenge. They talk about how they used being in the bottom the previous week to improve, how they're enjoying the process of ABDC, what they do on their days off, Bailey hanging out with ICONic Boyz, getting them on twitter, and doing homework while on ABDC, and show their cheer.
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