Exclusive Quest Interview Pt. I, including info on strange fans

We interviewed Quest Crew on May 2, 2009, using many of the questions submitted by our readers. As you'll see, they maintain their offbeat zaniness and outlook even under conditions of extreme sleep deprivation.

The interview was over 16 minutes long, so we've cut it into 3 parts. Today's installment addresses their role in the upcoming Chipmunks movie, what other fictional characters they'd like to battle, how America's Best Dance Crew has changed them, the strangest thing a fan has ever done, and how they'd deal with stalkers.

Boxcuttuhz Workshops in California this week

This is Boxcuttuhz Week at BoogieZone in 3 locations in California. Bam Martin, Lydia Paek, Lando Wilkins, and JP Goldstein will be teaching classes from May 11-14. Click here for details and more videos from earlier workshops. Here's the one they post of Lando teaching at Mayvn in March 2009.


Thanks for the tip, Alex!

Kaba Modern Workshop in Toronto

Kaba Modern members Tony Tran and Mike Song are teaching workshops in Toronto on May 16 and 17. Tickets for this limited admission event are almost sold out, so act now if you want to attend. Click here for more details.
Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Super Cr3w Jewelry

It's too late for Mother's Day, but surely you Super Cr3w fans can find other reasons to treat a loved one (or yourself) to Super Cr3w jewelry items (like these earrings) from Etsy.
There are only 5 items left at this point, the items only cost $10-12 each and it's not clear when they will be available again.This information comes courtesy of our friends at SuperCr3w.com; visit them for the latest on performances by America's Best Dance Crew of Season 2!

Beat Freaks Interview Pt. 2: Super heroes and what you DON'T know about them!

Beat Freaks met with us on May 2, 2009 before their Children's Chance Foundation Performance. They answered reader questions as they joked with each other. They had so much fun that it was tough getting the microphone back! My sincere apologies on the bad sound quality -- our new microphone has major issues that will be resolved before we use it again.

Here, they tell us some things that their fans don't know about them:

Click here to watch more interview highlights, including which super heroes best describes them, along with some thanks, shoutouts, and news.

More NY Beat Freaks and Fanny Pak workshops this week

Fanny Pak and Beat Freaks are holding dance workshops in New York City this week. Workshops are held at cost $20 each. RSVPs are strongly suggested as space is limited.

• May 13: Fanny Pak's Phil and Cara will teach at Roy Arias studios from 9-10:30.
• May 14: Beat Freaks' Keeley and Lindsey will teach at Stepping Out Studios from 3:00-5:30.
• May 15: Beat Freaks' Jules and Teresa will teach from 3:00 until 6:30 at Stepping Out Studios, with a meet-and-greet between session
  

In the Spotlight: Workshops with Boxcuttuhz and Kaba Modern

The people who brought you VIBE XIV are hosting workshops known as In The Spotlight all day long on Sunday, May 17th, 2009. The event runs from noon til 6 with a freestyle session at the end. Among the celebrity instructors from America's Best Dance Crew and beyond: Cindy Minowa (Kaba Modern), Lawrence Kao (Kaba Modern), Yuri Tag (Kaba Modern), Jaffar Smith (Boxcuttuhz), Lando Wilkins (Boxcuttuhz), Rick Rawk (America's Got Talent), Elm Pizarro (Founder of Boogiezone.com), and Janet Langer (Founder of Funkanometry). Details are on the poster.
And, to those of you attending: please email us photos, videos, and commentary!

This Week on Jimmy Fallon: Beat Freaks, Randy Jackson

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC will have at least 2 shows of interest to America's Best Dance Crew fans:

• May 11: Randy Jackson is a guest. He'll probably talk about American Idol, but maybe will share some ABDC news. Soulja Boy will also perform.
  
• May 13: Beat Freaks stop by for a performance and guest appearance
  

Beat Freaks Interview Pt. I: Candy 'profile' & alternative careers

Beat Freaks met with us on May 2, 2009 before their Children's Chance Foundation Performance. They answered reader questions as they joked with each other. Believe me, it is FUN hanging out with them! This is the first of 2 posts with our interview questions. My sincere apologies on the bad sound quality -- our new microphone has major issues that will be resolved before we use it again.

One question they answered, but that we will print (rather than using the video): If you weren't dancing, what would you see yourself doing (question submitted by reader Stefni). Their answers: Lady Jules: A professor. If not that, then a rock climber or water rafter in Montana. Shorty: "No options, no options!!" Teresa: Playing the drums or makeup artist. Maryss: Cartoon animator. Lindsey: Writing and directing films. Keeley: Hair and makeup artist, missionary work, and singing (we have her singing on a video we'll post tomorrow). Rino: Kung Fu master!

Click here to watch more of the interview. And come back tomorrow for information on which super hero describes them best, what their fans DON'T know about them, and some news!

Benefit Show with Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, Boxcuttuhz & more

Soul Speak will be held on May 16 in Santa Clara, CA. The show -- which includes America's Best Dance Crew's Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, and Box Cuttuhz -- is a benefit to raise funds for Darfur rescue efforts. Tickets are $20 general admission and $35 for VIP seats and Meet-and-greet access. Get more info and buy your tickets here.

Quest Crew in Minneapolis May 15

Quest will perform at Epic in Minneapolis on May 15. The America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 winners will also judge a dance competition and be available for photos and a meet-and-greet. Minimum age: 21. Click here for details

Quest Workshop Part II: stunts and Choreography

At the Quest Crew workshop on May 3, the America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 winners taught both 'tricks' and choreography to the dozens of attendees. They did a superb job of breaking down the routine's performance so that most of the crowd was able to follow and look almost as good as the pros. Here's the choreo part of their workshop. It shows the progression of the lesson, with the full routine at the end.

Click here to watch the stunt lessons from Dtrix.

Mailbox: Fly Khicks, Beat Freaks, Super Cr3w, SoReal Cru

• Fly Khicks danced at Club Bed in Miami in April, and here are the photos to prove it.
• Beat Freaks danced on Kovas' Wax On Wax Off video. So, they want you to help keep it in the top 10 at 106th and Park by voting for the video online. There's no limit to how often you can vote, so start clicking!
• Super Cr3w members Ronnie Boy and Ben will be judges at the Art of Wore dance competition in Las Vegas on May 15.
• SoReal Cru's Jackie Lautchang will be teaching a Master class at the Marvelous Motion studio in Houston on May 16. Details on the poster above.
  

ABDC Season 4 Audition Schedule - new and improved

As posted earlier this week, the New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 have been moved to Sunday June 14 so that the show producers can attend World of Dance NY. This flyer contains the amended information.

JabbaWockeeZ on the Today Show

JabbaWockeeZ and New Kids on the Block appeared on the Today Show on May 8, performing and talking about their collaboration. MTV has the story and the video:

JabbaWockeeZ and NKOTB Interview

MTV spoke to JabbaWockeeZ and New Kids on the Block about their tour. The video also shows a rehearsal snippet. The written article and video have some classic lines and quotes:

• New Kid Joey McIntyre about JabbaWockeeZ: "He thinks that working with a group of guys who are so green to fame and celebrity has made them understand how awesome it must be to be out there making girls scream"
• Also from Joey: "You can't get more team than wearing masks"
  

Team Millennia Summer Intensive Dance Day tomorrow!

Team Millennia hosts a dance camp every year in Fullerton, California. As a prelude, they are holding a Summer Intensive Dance Day on May 9 with workshops from your favorite TM members all day long. Signup information is on the poster.

Vote on your favorite Super Cr3w tattoo!

Super Cr3w will be producing washable tattoos for their fans to purchase at performances, and they want you to vote for your favorite. See them all and vote at SuperCr3w.com.
Voting runs until May 16.

JabbaWockeeZ, Fanny Pak workshops in NY area this weekend

Several dance studios in the New York/New Jersey area are presenting dance workshops with America's Best Dance Crew members as teachers:

• ICONic is working with other America's Best Dance Crew alums this weekend, presenting them in workshops at their ICONic Dance Complex in Englishtown NJ. JabbaWockeeZ are scheduled for Friday May 8 at 9pm. On Saturday May 9 at 9pm, Phil Collins of Fanny Pak will teach.Visit the ICONic website for details on the location.
• BoogieZone is presenting workshops with Fanny Pak's Phil and Beau on May 8 at 2 locations in New York City.Click here for full information.
• Fr3sh has 2 workshops on Sunday May 10 featuring Beau, Cara, Matt, and Megan. This will be followed by a meet-and-greet. These will start at 4:30pm at Arts in Motion in Matawan, NJ. Fanny Pak's website has the most complete info.
  

Quest Workshop Part I: Warmups and demonstrations

Quest and Beat Freaks conducted dance workshops in New Jersey on May 3, 2009. As might be expected, Quest's sessions had their non-serious moments. Today's videos spotlight Dtrix's warm-up, workshop rules, and a dance demonstration. Here's the warm-up:
Click here to watch the 'rules', and Dtrix's masked dance. You'll be glad you did!

JabbawockeeZ performance for Hennessy Black

JabbaWockeeZ performed at a party celebrating the launch of Hennessy Black Cognac. Nitrolicious.com reports on the party and posts this video:

New Performances from Dynamic Edition

13white13 posted three recent Dynamic Edition performances. Here's my favorite:

Thanks for the tip ABDC!

UPDATE: NY auditions for ABDC resheduled for June 14

This just in: America's Best Dance Crew is rescheduling its New York Season 4 auditions for Sunday June 14. This change is made to accommodate the dance crews competing in World of Dance New York on June 13, so that there can be full participation for BOTH dance events.

Video: Beat Freaks Workshop in New Jersey

On May 3, Beat Freaks and Quest taught workshops in New Jersey. Over 50 people attended, both to meet their favorite America's Best Dance Crews and to learn from the pros. The crews were excellent teachers, methodically breaking down the tricky steps until the students mastered them. Afterwards, the students and crews had an impromptu freestyle session, followed by photo session and autograph signing.

Today, we're showing the Beat Freaks second session. The video is sequential, showing how they taught many of the moves and culminating in the full routine.

Tomorrow, we'll post half of our Quest workshop videos (they did a lot more than just teaching!)

Boogie Bots Performance at University of Miami

Joesar posted this video of Boogie Bots performing on an outdoor stage on a beautiful sunny day in Miami. Wish I'd been there!

Quest Rehearsal and Sound Check videos

We watched Quest rehearse for their performance on May 2. While these rehearsals didn't include all the stunts that were used in the final performance, they gave a good sense on how Quest blocks the dance, works and plays together. And, we did get some close-up to view some major moves!

Click here to watch the rehearsal for their 'Toxic' routine.

Beat Freaks Rehearsal and Sound Check

We hung out at the Ritz Theater most of the afternoon of May 2, in order to interview Beat Freaks and Quest and watch the performances. We were able to tape their rehearsals and sound checks. What these performances lack in crowd uproar and flashy costumes, they more than make up for in watching the crew working together. AND, we were upclose for Shorty's AMAZING headspin!

Tips for dating a Quest Crew member!

Asiance Magazine attended the Quest and Beat Freaks show in New Jersey on May 2, and interviewed Quest. They had the nerve to do something that I haven't done (but many of you have asked for) -- they asked each member of the America's Best Dance Crew what types of girls they like. Here's the scoop.

I've got videos of Quest and Beat Freaks answering questions submitted by Blogging Best Dance Crew readers. Unfortunately, my editing software crashed this morning mid-edit, so you'll have to wait a few days.

SoReal Cru "24/7"

SoReal Cru is still quite active and SoRealcruTV has been posting strong choreo videos, in addition to some of their videoblog entries. Here's their "24/7" rehearsal video.

First report from the East Coast Beat Freaks and Quest performance

Last night's show with Beat Freaks and Quest in New Jersey was amazing. Besides the America's Best Dance Crew stars, the show featured Fr3sh, VEN15, Point Blank, and Project D. I promise to provide full coverage over the next week, including rehearsal videos and extended interviews with Beat Freaks and Quest. But, I'm off to the workshops, so it'll have to wait a few days. If you went, please comment and let us know what you thought.

In the meantime, here's the video of Beat Freaks' show, from Triciaaaxd's Youtube channel:

Britains got dancing talent too!

With all the attention bestowed upon Susan Boyle, it's unlikely that other acts will win on Britain's Got Talent. But some dance crews are giving stellar performances on the show as well. Simon Cowell called Flawless 'one of the best things he had ever seen in his life'; watch their video here.

Another Britain's Got Talent Crew worth watching is Diversity.

Boogie Bots Workshop videos

One of the great things about the America's Best Dance Crews is that they are teaching skills at workshops to anyone who is interested in getting better. I don't see a lot of other reality-TV (except for So You Think You Can Dance) people getting involved with their fans like that. Example: Boogie Bots taught a workshop hosted by Fusion dance crew, and the results are pretty compelling.

Mailbox: Quest on dancing, Randy Jackson & Lil Mama on Season 4, Inside Edition

• MyCentralJersey.com talked to Quest about the charity dance event tonight. Favorite quote was from D-Trix:"It won't mean a thing if there's no musicality.. Our guys can slide on their heads and they'll still be on the beat and still dancing."
• People.com confirms ABDC Season 4, with quotes from Randy Jackson and Lil Mama. Best quote was from Lil Mama (of course!): "Basically, for cloggers to come out for the first time, it's gonna inspire other cloggers and tap dancers to want to come out and actually take it up a notch."
• Inside Edition's story about Quest was "Trapped in an Elevator". Unfortunately, there's no way to bookmark their teaser -- it hints at 'amazing' moves or other chicanery...I'm guessing cannibalism.
  

Team Millennia Part II - Most memorable ABDC moments and fan actions

In part II of our interview with Team Millennia on April 25, they talked about their most memorable moments of being on America's Bet Dance Crew, their other passions, and the most surprising things that fans have done for them. Apologies for some sound problems.

America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 begins casting June 6

According to this press release, America's Best Dance Crew will begin casting in June as follows:

• Los Angeles - June 6
• Chicago - June 9
  
• Orlando - June 11
• New York - June 13

For updates on Season 4 "Dance Crew" auditions including cities, locations and requirements, log onto dancecrew.MTV.com, myspace.com/dancecrewcasting, and http://www.mtv.com/ontv/castingcall.

Quest to Battle Alvin and the Chipmunks

Sorry this site sometimes resembles the Quest fan club, but those guys are BUSY. The latest: in this interview with Halo Halo TV, Quest members describe how they will appear in the next Chipmunks movie, battling the rodents. They also talk about the reasons it's good to be Asian-American. Thanks for the tip, Asians4Quest!

America's Best Dance Crew goes to court -- Soul Sector vs. MTV

As described in this SFWeekly article and this court document, a dancer from Soul Sector brought a lawsuit against MTV and other defendants claiming his dance crew's name, reputation, and distinctive varsity jackets were unfairly appropriated when Supreme Soul competed on America's Best Dance Crew during Season 2.

Click here to read the full story.

Photocredit: MTV

Beat Freaks in Wax On Wax off Video

Here's the new Kovas Video of Wax On Wax Off, featuring Beat Freaks.

Beat Freaks in Wax On Wax off -- airing tonight

This just in The Kovas - "Wax On Wax Off" video featuring Beat Freaks will be airing on BET at 6 PM EST/PST. So be sure to tune in and check it out on 106 & Park.

Team Millennia Interview Part I: Favorite dance songs, ABDC challenges and more

We interviewed Team Millennia at Prelude EC, using questions submitted by our readers. Here's part I of the interview, where they discuss East Coast vs. West Coast crews, what TM's been up to since America's Best Dance Crew, how dancing has helped them grow, their favorite songs to dance to, and what ABDC challenges THEY would have created. Sorry for picture and sound problems -- we just got new equipment the day before and hadn't resolved some tech issues.

Come back tomorrow for Part II.

Take Beat Freak's Maryss from Paris to your Prom!

Beat Freaks member Maryss from Paris has never had the prom experience. So, she and the other Beat Freaks are holding a contest. First prize: the Beat Freaks at your prom. Watch this for the details:

Get in FREE: Quest and Beat Freaks Club appearance May 1!

FusioNYC Presents Quest Crew and Beat Freaks at Retreat in New York this Friday, May 1. Doors open at 10pm and the America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 crews will be available for photos and autographs between midnight and 2am. And -- mention JON JON at the door and get in free!

Attire: Must be "Sleek and Sexy". No hats, sneakers, tank tops. Minimum age: 21.

Quest Performance at East West Players Gala

Quest Crew was given the Breakout Award at the East West Players 43rd Anniversary Visionary Award Dinner on April 27, 2009. In this Youtube video (from Stephaniiemtz' channel), the crew dances for their dinner, demonstrating why they deserve the award. Thanks for the tip, xOoXxAlex!

UPDATE: Quest on Inside Edition May 1

UPDATED INFO:
Set your TIVO: Quest members Hok and Steve were interviewed by Inside Edition and the show is expected to air on Friday May 1. It can't be any more uncomfortable than being trapped in an elevator...

Prelude EC -- Team Millennia and TM7 performances

Team Millennia were the organizers and hosts of Prelude EC in New York on April 25, 2009. We filmed the performances for TM7 (the group that performed on America's Best Dance Crew Seasons 2 and 3) as well as the full Team Millennia. Here's TM7:
Click here for the Team Millennia performance video. And come back tomorrow to watch our exclusive interview with TM using questions from our readers.

Are Dance and Competition Natural Enemies?

Dance Doc's Think Tank analyzes the impact of competition on dancing: "does competition necessarily engender athleticism at the expense of aestheticism?" The argument against competition: it forces standardization and rewards virtuousity over subtlety. The writer defends America's Best Dance Crew as a forum "that leaves room for for innovation and individual expression as well as advanced technical skill." She cites Dynamic Edition's appearance on America's Best Dance Crew as an example of how competitions can help further the art.

Favorite quote: "On the final night of the competition, Dynamic Edition, Quest Crew, and Strikers All-Stars created a large group choreography that incorporated clogging with hip hop and stepping. And it was as exciting a moment as I have seen in modern choreography."

Three signs: MTV will DEFINITELY bring back ABDC for Season 4!

In the last week, I've seen three indications that MTV will bring back America's Best Dance Crew. There are still no details, but I think it's safe to say that Season 4 will be a reality:

• At Prelude EC, the emcee announced that ABDC will soon announce casting auditions for Season 4
  
• At the Hip Hop International Website (which is affiliated with Howard Schwartz, co-creator and Executive Producer of ABDC), the homepage says "news about Season 4 coming soon"
• The press release about MTV programming includes America's Best Dance Crew as a returning show.
  

From Prelude EC: Choreo Cookies and Brian East Project

Four dance teams performed in exhibition at the Prelude EC dance tournament in New York on April 25: Choreo Cookies, Brian East Project (a dance group assembled by Boogie Bot's Brian East), TM7 (the Team Millennia that performed on America's Best Dance Crew Seasons 2 and 3), and the full Team Millennia. Here's Choreo Cookies, who've won 5 dance competitions in the last year.

Click here to watch the Brian East Project Performance. And, I'll have the TM7 and Team Millennia videos posted by tomorrow morning.

Weird video of the day - Fanny Pak announces contest winner

Fanny Pak held a contest asking people to name what was in the fanny pak on Matt Cady's shoe. Here's the answer. I hope I don't have nightmares about this.

Fanny Pak will have a shoe release party at Level 3 in Hollywood on April 30 from 11pm-2am. Special guests include Supreme Soul and Lil Mama. Click here for details.

JabbaWockeeZ to perform for Hennessy Black Cognac

JabbaWockeeZ and Swizz Beatz will help introduce a new Hennessy cognac blend called Hennessy Black. On May 5, JabbaWockeeZ will perform live at a 'black carpet' launch in New York City, joining Swizz Beatz onstage to perform the original song "When I Step in the Club" for the brand. Here's the song:
In the past few weeks, professional dancers have performed 'UP/DOWN' dances to go with the song. In the next few weeks, consumers will be encouraged by Hennessy to create and tape their own UP/DOWN dance for "When I Step in the Club" and send it to Hennessy to be uploaded on Youtube. Creators/dancers of the most popular videos will be flown to Los Angeles, where they'll be taped for a new version of the video. We'll keep you informed on the details.

Report on Prelude EC -- The Competition

We attended Prelude EC on April 25 in New York City. Twenty-three dance groups from all over the East Coast, Chicago, and Canada competed for a highly enthusiastic audience in the packed theater. There were also exhibition performances from Team Millennia (the full group), TM7 (the crew that competed as Team Millennia on America's Best Dance Crew Seasons 2 and 3), Choreo Cookies, and the Brian East Project (Brian East is a member of Boogie Bots).

Even though the East Coast is underrepresented on ABDC, there's no lack of talent here. We were impressed by the levels of skill, artistry, and originality from the competing groups. First place went to Rhythm City from NY, which also won The Main Event in February, and auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 3. Second place was captured by Rhythmology from NJ, and third place by 8 Count from Montreal. Other standouts for us included Phunk Phenomenon (from MA), Erratik (from Montreal), Fresh Off the Beat (from FL), Ridonkulous (MIT students!), Hip Hop Theory (from NY), and Capital Funk (from DC/MD).

Because of space limitation for our camera, we only filmed a few of the competitors. Here's Rhythm City's winning performance. It's all the more impressive in that they had to stop their first try after about 3 minutes the first time because of audio problems, then come back 10 minutes later and try again.

Click here to see more performances from Prelude EC competitors, including Phunk Phenomenon and Ridonkulous. We'll post exhibition videos tomorrow. And, we'll have an exclusive interview with TM soon!

GOP Dance Crew on Jackass World

On Jackass World (the new MTV Jackass show), Nitro Circus challenges GOP Dance Crew from America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 to a dance-off. Click here to watch. I think it's pretty clear who wins!

B-boy video from from 19th Century!

From the MTV Discussion Boards: Samson found an 1898 street performer doing a walk over and head spin. The performance was originally filmed by Thomas Edison. I wonder if the performer made many tips from this.



Skylerz, a commenter in the same thread, pointed out an 1894 video showing a backflip move.

Freestyling contest with Ringmasters and Strikers

Here's some off-the-ABDC set footage from the JmarTheAsian Youtube Channel of Ringmasters and Strikers All-Stars, as they show some freestyling skills with Jaimar.

Mailbox: Ringmasters are represented!

Ringmasters have been signed to GoodGirlPR, a public relations firm. According to the first press release, "With moves called "bone breaking," "pauzing" and "glytching," the Ringmasters are destined to change dance as an art form" They've come a long way from Brooklyn Street! Congratulations, guys!

JabbaWockeeZ perform at Billboard Latin Music Awards

Reggaetton star Daddy Yankee performed "Pose" with America's Best Dance Crew Season 1 winners Jabbawockeez at the Billboard Latin Music Awards on April 23.

Merchandise - Kaba Modern, Supreme Soul

• Kaba Modern has a nifty anime crew shirt available from Rhythmrockerz.
• There's a new source for Supreme Soul merchandise, including the Know your Rank Shirt. KnowYourMerch has a broad selection of styles, sizes, and colors.
  

New Quest Video -- Trapped in the elevator!

Quest's road manager was documenting their visit to San Diego State University on April 22. So, when they got trapped in the elevator for an hour, it became Youtube fodder. And no, this is not a publicity stunt or a tribute to R. Kelly's Trapped in the Closet. They look genuinely uncomfortable but kept their cool enough to joke about cannibalism, Twitter, Ashton Kutcher, bodily functions, and other elevator conversation. For more coverage of the SDSU trip, visit the blog on QuestCrew.com

Matt Cady & D-trix to teach dance camp! Apply for scholarship now!

Dominic Sandoval (D-Trix) from Quest and Matt Cady from Fanny Pak will be among the teachers at Off the Ground Dance Camp in August 2009. Deadline for applying for scholarships is May 2. Click here for more details or watch this video:

Beat Freaks -- workshop, performance, B-Girl the Movie sneak preview party

Before Beat Freaks comes to the East Coast, they've got a lot going on:

• Today (April 24) they teach a workshop in San Diego at Studio FX
• April 25, they perform in Long Beach at V20. 21+
  
• April 28:Watch a sneak preview of B-Girl the Movie ( the movie Lady Jules stars in) and meet the Beat Freaks and party with them. The location is a secret. There are a certain amount of tickets allotted to Beat Freaks fans! Limited Seats Available. If interested, RSVP at rsvp@bgirlmovie.com

What questions would YOU ask Team Millennia, Quest, and Beat Freaks?

In the next 10 days, Team Millennia, Quest, and Beat Freaks will all visit the East Coast. We're planning to interview each of them. The crews have all been interviewed extensively, but we know there are still many unanswered fan questions. What would you like to know about the crews? Leave a comment and we'll include some of them in our interviews. Make it creative because we don't want to bore them!

SoReal Cru's 'Lost Tape' -- What it's like to compete on ABDC

SoReal Cru TV just posted a video of their last week on America's Best Dance Crew Season 2, preparing for the VMA challenge. I love how it shows a very different angle from what the audience sees, including the backstage areas and contrasting SoReal Cru's practice to the MTV footage.

Kaba Modern Day Pt. 2: South Africa performances

Kaba Modern travelled to South Africa to perform as a closing act in 'Dance to Las Vegas' competition. D2LV is South Africa's competition to see who will represent the country in this year's Hip Hop International. Allison Vincencio (aka Allibons) is a member of Kaba Modern and posted several videos of their South Africa experience. Here's their performance on finals of the competition (Mike Song and Arnel Calvario were performing elsewhere, so there are only 5 Kaba Modern members in this set):

Click here to watch another performance and the crew's appearance on a South African kid TV show. And thanks for the tip, Michael Tran!

Kaba Modern Day Pt. 1: Asian or Pacific Islanders?

Many analyses of America's Best Dance Crew and other hip hop dance competitions talk about the proficiency of Asian crews. This characterization may be unnecessarily sweeping and insensitive. Witness this question to Kaba Modern members -- do the Filipino dancers feel they are Asians or Pacific Islanders? Click for the video responses (taped by BooboosFan1) from Yuri Tag and Kuya Carlin and from Lawrence Kao, Cindy Minowa, and Tony Tran.

Does it matter? I personally don't care where they're from, as long as they keep dancing. But, I don't mind being enlightened about this, particularly if it's a sore point for some Filipinos.

Male on Sunday on April 26 - featuring Boxcuttuhz Jaffar Smith

Male on Sunday -- the Heavy Hitters Edition will be held this Sunday April 26 in Torrance, CA. Jaffar Smith from Boxcuttuhz and Kyle Hanagami from Lost Kids are two of the all-star teachers. Click here to register.

The Male on Sunday workshops feature some of the best male hip hop choreographers in America teaching at different locations in California. Click to see some video from precious workshops with Tony Tran from Kaba Modern and Brian Puspos and Andrew Baterina of SoReal Cru.

JC Chasez: America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 is confirmed!

MTV has a video interview with JC Chasez confirming that there will be a Season 4 for America's Best Dance Crew. He gives no other details. Thanks for the tip, Vix M!

MTV Shows

On-line concert with Lil Mama, Fanny Pak, Supreme Soul, Ringmasters: April 30

MyHDTVClub.com will present a live pay-per-view concert on April 30 starring Lil Mama and featuring Fanny Pak, Supreme Soul, and Ringmasters. It's scheduled for 10pm ET/7pm PT. Sign up ahead of time to make sure you have the right software. Price: $3.99.

World of Dance Highlight: Marvelous Motion (including props from Quest!)

Marvelous Motion competed at the Pomona World of Dance show and placed third. Here's the video from MarvelousMotionTV, complete with an endorsement from Quest.

Does Youtube hurt or help the dance crews?

On the MTV discussion boards for America's Best Dance Crew, a few posters think that ticket sales for the dance crews' shows are hurt by all the Youtube videos. Some of their reasoning: people get tired of seeing the same performances, and since they can see it for free, they won't pay.

I disagree with this. To me, it's like the difference of listening to the radio vs. going to a concert. Yes I'm familiar with the material (and do sometimes get tired of songs), but am usually electrified by the live experience. I may not pay to see a totally unknown band or dance crew; I'm happier to pay to see one of my favorites.

What do you think? Should we lay off the Youtube, or does it actually help the crews?

Boxcuttuhz performance at Ken-ya Dance

On April 18, several America's Best Dance Crew performers appeared at Ken-ya Dance in San Jose -- Super Cr3w, Fanny Pak, Supreme Soul, Ringmasters, and Boxcuttuhz. I have mixed feelings about posting the videos since people were not supposed to bring cameras to the event. But I MISS seeing Boxcuttuhz performing, and -- unlike some of the others who have had many more performances post-ABDC -- there are very few recent videos of them dancing . So, here's Boxcuttuhz. If many of you object to having this up, I'll delete the post.

Interview with Beat Freak's Lock 'n Key

Keeley (Lock'nKey) from Beat Freaks talked to Civil Clothing about how she got started with street dancing, what she thinks about the other Beat Freaks, her experience on America's Best Dance Crew, and advice for other female dancers. Read the full article here.

Strikers All Stars Master Class in Hollywood April 24

Strikers All-Stars will be back in Los Angeles soon! The group from America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 will teach a master class at the International Dance Academy (IDA) in Hollywood on April 24. Go to IDAHollywood.com for more details.

Quest performances and rehearsals from World of Dance Post-Celebration

On April 17, Level 3 Club held a post-World of Dance Celebration party. Since Quest was there, so was Pacific Rim Video. They've got 4 new videos up: the boys of Quest rehearsing for the show with Lando from Boxcuttuhz, Dtrix fooling around with a dancer pole, Victor being interviewed with his friend and fellow dancer Lizzy Richardson, and the performance itself which includes Lydia Paek (who danced with Boxcuttuhz during America's Best Dance Crew Season 3):

Straight information about ABDC Season 4

I emailed my contact at MTV/Warner Bros. to see if there was any more information about Season 4 of America's Best Dance Crew. The answer: "no news to share." And, there is no legitimate basis to the Wikipedia entry that Season 4 will begin in August 2009.

Sorry to disappoint all of you. As soon as we learn ANYTHING, we'll let you know.

New GOP Dance Crew Video!

We barely got to see what GOP Dance Crew could do during Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew. Here's another chance: GOP Crew member Michael " AV Caribbean Heat" Aviles stars in the video called "AV is Coming." And the GOP Video channel has other group and individual GOP perfomances..

West Coast weekend events -- Supreme Soul, Team Millennia

• April 18: ABDC Season 2 crew Supreme Soul will perform"throughout the night" at the Street Fighter IV US National Championship Finals in at Fort Mason in San Francisco. The event will also feature 16 national "SFIV" finalists, who will battle it out for the Grand Prize, before moving on to the International Exhibition to represent the US against champs from Japan and Korea. Click here for details
• April 19: Team Millennia will be one of the competitors at the 10th annual FUSION Hip-Hop Dance Competition. The event will be held at UCSD's RIMAC Arena at 6 p.m. Other competitors include Choreo Cookies and NSU Modern. Here are the details from La Jolla Light.
• April 20: Team Millennia will judge the first dance competition at Cal State Fullerton. The competition is at noon, and TM will sell merchandise and hold a meet and greet afterwards. Here's the full story from The Daily Titan (CSUF's student newspaper).
  

ABDC Winners Mug - a collectible for the ABDC fanatic

This America's Best Dance Crew Winners mug was shown on the blog for Attic stores. It shows a caricature of JabbaWockeeZ, Super Cr3w, and Quest, the winners for Seasons 1,2, and 3. I checked with Attic (a great clothing and shoe store) to see if it's available for sale. No luck -- it was a gift from Kara Saun, the wardrobe director for ABDC (and finalist on the first season of Project Runway).

If you know where someone can buy this mug (or other merchandise that uses this image), let us know!

Supreme Soul performance at API: Smash Show

Supreme Soul performed during the API: S.M.A.S.H. concert showcase hosted by San Francisco State University's Asian Student Union and Manalo Movement on April 13, 2009. Here's the video from BlazingOneVo1ce's channel:

MTV India Dance Crew: More Bollywood steps for Singh is KinngMoves part III

MTV India ran a 3-part series to teach some Bollywood dance moves from the movie Singh is Kinng. We've posted part II here. Part I is not available online but is summarized in Part II. So, here's the conclusion, in 6 videos:

• In Part I, Anusha introduces Uma, who will teach some Bollywood footwork, including a cheat move and a cool move
• Part II suggests that you give your moves fun names to help you remember them
• Part III shows clips of Shahid Kapur (an India movie and dance star) as well as more lessons
• Part IV is the trial run
• Part V shows dance video along with kick moves and a reverse googly action
• Part VI puts it all together and suggests you sing along

A Day in the Life of Kaba Modern

New University (the student paper for UC Irvine) publishes a photo essay about the full Kaba Modern (not just the group that competed on America's Best Dance Crew. It includes shots of the auditions, rehearsals, fundraising, and the full group.

Report from the Clearasil Pimple Blocker Battle

On April 7, five teenage crews danced on the stage of Planet Hollywood in Times Square in the Clearasil Pimple Blocker Battle. Their mission: Fame (becoming representatives for Clearasil and getting a chance to show their skills), Fortune ($10,000 prize), and a day off from school. One of the dancers from Spot Stompers (pictured above) was definitely too young to need Clearasil (not to mention the crotch grab move).

All five of the crews adapted their names and styles to the challenge with names like Complexion Cru, Spot Stompers, Beat Blockerz, and Cheerasil, and props like glowing red 'spots' and mirrors. The dance styles were mixed, with hip hop predominating, but with cheerleading, stepping, and ballet thrown in. The judges included GEO from ICONic (America's Best Dance Crew Season 1), Drew Lachey (winner of Dancing with the Stars Season 2) and Alyson Stoner (a teen who has danced with Missy Elliot). Good clean fun and a cool idea to promote the product.

Go to the Clearasil Pimple Blocker Battle to vote for your favorite of the 3 crews who made it to the finals. The site also has a link to their Youtube channel containing HUNDREDS of videos of the crews preparing, talking, and dancing.

Click here to see more photos and our own video of the dance-off battle. And may the best crew win -- you be the judge on whether 'best' means best dancers or best product representatives.

Quest & Beat Freaks in NY area: even more appearances, workshops, meet & greet

Here's the latest information on the Quest and Beat Freaks appearance in New York and New Jersey from May 1-3. They are now scheduled to appear:

• May 1: nightclub appearance in New York (location to be announced, probably 18+)
• May 2: Benefit for Childrens Chance Foundation on May 2 at the Ritz Theater in Elizabeth, NJ (all ages)
• May 3: workshops and meet & greet sessions at St. Paul's Elementary School in Jersey City (all ages)
  

Go to scatproductionsnyc.com to buy tickets for the benefit and sign up in advance for the workshops.
We'll be there and hope to meet some of our readers too!

This week's ABDC events: Quest, Super Cr3w, Boxcuttuhz, Fanny Pak, SoReal Cru

• Quest-- April 15: Dtrix will be guest teaching at the Quest Learning Center. Click here for details. April 16: performance at Level 3 Nightclub in Hollywood (18+).
• Super Cr3w-- April 17: LAVSH fashion show in Las Vegas.
  
• Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, Boxcuttuhz, Fanny Pak, Ringmasters-- April 18: Ken-Ya Dream Dance Show in San Jose, CA
• SoReal Cru-- April 18: University of Colorado. April 19: Heartbreakers Showcase in Katy, TX.
• Kaba Modern (the full group, not just the America's Best Dance Crew dancers) -- April 18, UC Irvine. Click here for details.
  

Boxcuttuhz Lando Wilkins in Brazil: interview and dancing

From a pre-America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 event, but just released on Youtube: Lando Wilkins -- Boxcuttuhz dancer and choreographer -- at the Festival International de Hip Hop in Brazil. The video (from Oocctavio's Youtube channel) shows Lando dancing and teaching in a large workshop, and being interviewed. You can hear his answers (in English) to questions (in Portuguese) about his style and goals. Thanks for the tip, Fannyboxfan!

Boogie Bots to teach workshop in Boston April 19

Boogie Bots members Mike Arellano, Miguel Almario, Bryan East, and Karla Garcia will teach at a workshop in Boston on April 19. This event is sponsored by Fusion, a Boston University Hip Hop Dance Troupe. The poster has the details.

Beat Freaks and Quest Dance at She Cares Benefit

Quest Crew and Beat Freaks performed at She Cares Celebrity Basketball Event at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA on April 11, 2009. Pacific Rim Youtube Channel caught the action. What do you think about these performances?

World of Dance Pomona Highlight: Knucklehead Zoo vs. Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kicks

While World of Dance Pomona had more than its share of exhibition dancing from America's Best Dance Crew alums, that was not nearly the only game in town.

Here's video from Snowflakemizu of the semifinal battle between Knucklehead Zoo (one of the three crews whose members who formed Super Cr3w) and Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kicks (made up of members of Skill Methodz and Havikoro). Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kicks won this battle. Skill Methodz was the final winner at WOD, but I've been unable to find video of the final battle. Hat tip: Samson#2 on the MTV discussion boards.

Beat Freaks and...Avril Lavigne? Michael Jackson?

Beat Freaks members can be famous in their own right, but have or want some other celebrity connections:

• Just Jared runs a photo of Avril Lavigne with Beat Freaks member LindseyB "Outthere" taken at Myhouse nightclub in Los Angeles.Thanks for the tip XOJaded720OX!
• In this SolefulGrooversENT video, the America's Best Dance Crew runners up talk about their Beatfreaks.ning petition to work with Michael Jackson

Beat Freaks and Quest interviews at She Cares Foundation event

Pacific Rim is back in force, posting 8 new interview videos (so far!) with Quest and Beat Freaks America's Best Dance Crew Season 3. I am running several Beat Freaks items today and tomorrow, so some equal time for the guys: here's one of the Quest interviews, where they talk about including Aris in their half-time show and when Lydia Paek will perform with Quest again.