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!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
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.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Blogging Best Dance Crew Information Cloud!
Reader Scarlett S. created two information clouds for BloggingBestDanceCrew -- one for the site and one for my twitterfeed. Later this week, I'll put them on the side so you can check them out whenever you want to see what's hot here. But, I wanted to introduce them front and center. Thanks Scarlett!
The cloud for this website:
The cloud for our tweets:
ABDC Alum news: Parris (ReQuest) choreographing for JLo, FootWorKINGz in documentary;We are Heroes photos
- Parris Goebel (dancer and choreographer for ABDC6's ReQuest Crew) has a busy summer ahead. According to TE News, She was just hired by Jennifer Lopez to choreograph for J-Lo's upcoming world tour. After that, she will teach workshops in Rome, followed by a return to Hip Hop International.
- We are Heroes (ABDC4 winners) did a new photospread for The Bull Magazine
- Fortune and Bang reports that members of FootworKINGz (ABDC6) are featured in a new documentary called "Underground" about street dancing. Here's the trailer:
- We are Heroes (ABDC4 winners) did a new photospread for The Bull Magazine
- Fortune and Bang reports that members of FootworKINGz (ABDC6) are featured in a new documentary called "Underground" about street dancing. Here's the trailer:
Video: JabbaWockeeZ perform at Drake's Birthday Party
JabbaWockeeZ return with a new "Behind the Mask" episode. This time, they dance a new set at Drake's birthday party. Fromthewockeez Youtube. Thanks for the link Greg!
Friday, May 11, 2012
Now for something completely different: Listen to my appearance on NPR's "Ask Me Another"
This has little or nothing to do with ABDC (unless you count Beyonce references). Nevertheless, something to divert you while waiting to hear about this week's taping -- I recently attended a taping of NPR's newest radio show "Ask Me Another" and competed in a contest called "Pen it Like Porter", where audience members were asked to rewrite the words to "You're the Top" to make it contemporary. I was thrilled to have my lyrics performed by Jonathan Coulton (who among MANY other accomplishments wrote the songs for Portal 1 and Portal 2). Listen in below, and click here for the full funny program. OMG.
Let us know if you attend tonight's taping of ABDC Pitbull challenge!
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT -- NO SPOILERS. DO NOT TELL THE RESULTS FROM THE SHOW, INCLUDING WHICH CREWS WERE IN THE BOTTOM OR ELIMINATED!
Lessons from ABDC Alum
Even if MTV has billed Mos Wanted Crew as the crew of teachers, they by no means have the monopoly on teaching dance. Here are two events for anyone in California featuring ABDC alumni.
Fresh off from their unfortunately early elimination this season, Mix'd Elements will be teaching a Boogiezone series on their signature Flotvity, from May 14th to 17th. Check out the flyer below or on the Mixd Elements Facebook page for details
Fresh off from their unfortunately early elimination this season, Mix'd Elements will be teaching a Boogiezone series on their signature Flotvity, from May 14th to 17th. Check out the flyer below or on the Mixd Elements Facebook page for details
Also, Instant Noodles will be teaching every Monday at Quest Studios, as part of Instant Noodle Mondays of May! Rob already taught last Monday, but Geo, Mike and Chuck will be teaching in the coming Mondays. Be sure to check out the details below or on the Quest Studio Facebook page.
Recaps galore for ABDC's J-Lo Challenge!
- Daily Princetonian deftly blends reviews with judges' comments, tweets (@chachigonzales: Did I totally meet Pauly D?? YUP! And guess who he did the fist pump with…ME!! Hahaha) and related stuff around the interwebs (someone really reads my play-by-play?!?)
- AV Club gives the episode an A, mostly because they sat in the audience for the taping. They have insights on the editing process, what really happened during the taping, and why Collizion should have stayed. Tears of joy?
- All Voices summarizes the action and has no photo gallery this week. I'm very disappointed in you!
- Screen Invasion is worried about Fanny Pak's ABDC trajectory and thinks Elektrolytes won the night
- We'll Fix it In catches up on the ABDC Season -- They've got reviews of both JLo week and Drake week. To quote them, "There's always room for J-Lo".
- Ant M. has his weekly Youtube review. I love listening to him. And check out his ABDC Funk Bracket competition
- AV Club gives the episode an A, mostly because they sat in the audience for the taping. They have insights on the editing process, what really happened during the taping, and why Collizion should have stayed. Tears of joy?
- All Voices summarizes the action and has no photo gallery this week. I'm very disappointed in you!
- Screen Invasion is worried about Fanny Pak's ABDC trajectory and thinks Elektrolytes won the night
- We'll Fix it In catches up on the ABDC Season -- They've got reviews of both JLo week and Drake week. To quote them, "There's always room for J-Lo".
- Ant M. has his weekly Youtube review. I love listening to him. And check out his ABDC Funk Bracket competition
Byeynyn's review of ABDC's JLo Challenge
Last week, seven crews performed routines to Drake. With Fanny Pak and Stepboys as the Bottom Two, both crews put forth their best performances of the season to date, and Stepboys was sent home as D-Trix silently wept. This week, the six crews are to honor Jennifer Lopez- famous singer, dancer, and “actress.” Her choreographer/make-out partner, Casper Smart showed up to work with the six remaining crews to help out but also give them additional challenges.
Much like last season’s Rihanna Week and Season 4’s Bollywood Week, having a seasoned choreographer come over on this show generally improves the quality of dancing for all the crews. That being said, the crews still have a lot of work to do in making sure they meet their specific challenges and do J. Lo’s music justice. Also, blah blah Pauly D something something DJ. I don’t watch Jersey Shore.
Click here to read the full review. Thanks Byeynyn!Much like last season’s Rihanna Week and Season 4’s Bollywood Week, having a seasoned choreographer come over on this show generally improves the quality of dancing for all the crews. That being said, the crews still have a lot of work to do in making sure they meet their specific challenges and do J. Lo’s music justice. Also, blah blah Pauly D something something DJ. I don’t watch Jersey Shore.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Exclusive interview: Layla Kayleigh after ABDC JLo Challenge: Backstage scoop on the crews this week
Chris Trondsen talks 'on the couch' with Layla Kayleigh after the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Jennifer Lopez Challenge. She talks about meeting with Pauly D on the show (and why wouldn't he dance?), how the JLo challenges were easier for girls, what it was like for Angel and 8 Flavahz this week (after the death of Angel's mother), why RNG and Fanny Pak might have been in the bottom, what they think will happen next on the show, nd how Collizion handled being eliminated.
Want to change your vote for the ABDC Top 4 Contest? Enter again now!
Time again to predict next week's bottom 2 in our Elimination Challenge contest
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 noon (East Coast time) on Friday May 4, so that nobody can use insider info from the tapings. .**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!
Video Inbox: Tut-orial, Keone Madrid
While ABDC7 goes on, the rest of the dance world does not stop. To prove it, here are three videos that you definitely have to watch
First, we have Keone Madrid dancing to David Guetta's "Without You." (I wonder if whichever crew gets that song this season, if any do, will do as well). Chris Martin (BreakEFX ABDC5) and Vinh Nguyen (SGBM) back him up.
In contrast -- this may not be a routine set, but Can of Poreotics has a tutorial for tutting (a tut-orial if you will).
First, we have Keone Madrid dancing to David Guetta's "Without You." (I wonder if whichever crew gets that song this season, if any do, will do as well). Chris Martin (BreakEFX ABDC5) and Vinh Nguyen (SGBM) back him up.
In contrast -- this may not be a routine set, but Can of Poreotics has a tutorial for tutting (a tut-orial if you will).
Send some love to Collizion Crew!
Watch their exit interview with Layla Kayleigh:
This post is only for positive comments about Collizion. If you want to say anything else, please post it on our Party Room/Critics Corner.
Photocredit: MTV
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Vote now to save your favorite ABDC crews -- here's the MTV voting info!
If you want to phone or text instead, the numbers are: Phone: 1-855-4CREW + (0 +number): OR Text: 22444 then (number):
* 8 Flavahz- 1 (so you would dial 855-4CREW01)
* Mos Wanted Crew- 2 (so you would dial 855-4CREW02)
* Elektrolytes- 3 (so you would dial 855-4CREW03)
* RNG- 4 (so you would dial 855-4CREW04)
* Fanny Pak- 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!
VOTING IS NOW CLOSED
The ABDC J-Lo Challenge Party Room/Critics Corner is now open -- Come on in!
After the show is over: The party has just started, so stick around for more action, reaction, and interaction, love and hate. Are the right crews left? What are your predictions for the endgame? If you could bring back one crew from this season, who would it be? This is your party -- snark, humor, recriminations, nostalgia and almost everything else (except obscenity and abject disrespect) are expected and welcome!
Join us now - Live Play-by-Play blogging of ABDC J-Lo 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 5 -- the J-Lo 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).
787 crew to appear on America's Got Talent, Cirque du Soleil audition, HHI dreams
787 Crew (America's Best Dance Crew Season 6) is busy. Judging from this teaser for the new season of America's Got Talent, they will appear on the show and may be one of the most legitimate acts:
Video: Anthony Lee (Kinjas) ft members of Poreotics, Kaba Modern, Quest -"Somebody that I used to Know"
The latest video choreographed and danced by Anthony Lee of Kinjaz features Law and Charles from Poreotics & Lawrence and Josh from Kaba Modern, with a cameo from Quest's Victor Kim. The song: "Somebody that I used to Know" by Gotye. In the description, Lee mentions that he had the song stuck in his head; it's now my earworm of the day too. From anflowny Youtube. Thanks for the tip, Greg!
Join us tonight for ABDC J-Lo Challenge - Live Play-by-Play, party room, MTV voting info & 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 8, 2012
Video: ABDC Behind The Mastermix: Drake
"Ay yo, it's District 78!" The guys are back with another episode of ABDC Behind The Mastermix: Drake Edition. In this episode, they go in depth of the homemade orchestra section for Fanny Pak's master mix, the sound effects for Collizion and RNG's mixes, and the rest of the great tracks from the last show.
Also, In Case U Missed It, here's the Madonna episode from two weeks ago.
Also, In Case U Missed It, here's the Madonna episode from two weeks ago.
Spikey Mikey and Chris talk to ABDC & HHI Creator 'Howie' Schwartz - "We'll be back at HHI!, the Olympics of Dance"
Spikey Mikey Fusco (ICONic Boyz) and Chris Trondsen interviewed America's Best Dance Crew Creator and Co-producer (and Hip Hop International creator) Howard 'Howie' Schwartz before the taping of ABDC's Drake Challenge. Mikey talks about his experience at Hip Hop International and how it's one of the best places for young dancers., and Howard talks about how HHI can be a life-changing experience and what's in store for 2012 (including workshops with Chachi, Matt Cady, Brian Puspos; and competitors like 8 Flavahz and Elektrolytes), and how to find out more about HHI.
Video: The Chinatown adventures of Jet Li (Poreotics)
World of Dance has a new video of Jet Li Valles (Poreotics) soloing at locations in Los Angeles Chinatown. Thanks for the tip, Greg!
Survey results for ABDC Drake Challenge: Fanny Pak was the favorite!
Results are in for our surveys rating
performances for America's Best Dance Crew Drake Challenge. Click here
for the details on the favorite performances and here for the least favorite. The voting was polarized, with one of the favorites among some being the least favorite among others. Highlights:
- With almost 1600 votes cast, Fanny Pak was the favorite (32%) followed by RNG (25%)
- Out of 1252 votes, the least favorite for the week was RNG (25%) followed by Collizion Crew (19%) and 8 Flavahz (18%)
Monday, May 7, 2012
Candid photos of the ABDC crews off-stage and around Los Angeles!
Click here to see many more photos, including 8 Flavahz, Mos Wanted Crew, Elektrolytes, RNG, Collizion Crew, Fanny Pak, Stepboys, Chachi, and more!
Spikey Mikey (ICONic Boyz) at ABDC taping answers fan questions & calls a fan!
Chris Trondsen interviews Spikey Mikey Fusco from the ICONic Boyz, backstage at the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. This week, Mikey was our guest interviewer. He answers fan questions including what it's like to be back at ABDC, what he wanted to ask the other kid crews (who weren't available for backstage interviews this week), talks about his single swag, how he feels about Justin Bieber, favorite foods, and what he wants to tell the world. And, they call a fan who wants to talk to Mikey.
Video: Jay Battle (Southern Movement) & Tyrone Foster (Royal Flush) collabo and tour
Jay Battle (Southern Movement Season 4) & Tyrone "Neyon" Foster (Royal Flush Season 5) are touring the country with the UniverSoul Circus, check them out in a city near you at universoulcircus.com. Here is the most recent project we've worked on while in Washington DC
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Wings reviews ABDC's Drake Challenge - everything but the dancing!
Note- The following words, sentences, and other hieroglyphics should be read as 100% intended sarcasm .
~~~~~~
Each week I read enough reviews of each crew’s performances that I have begun to wonder if anyone truly understands dance anymore. Some of the topics that the crews are evaluated off of in these reviews are, “difficulty, challenge, and moments”. Seriously? How do those topics even moderately represent a crew? Hopefully this review will set the other reviews straight and explain exactly what people should look for each week. No longer will excuses such as “choreography is important” be tolerated. Take a step back and open up your mind; I am about to explain how true dance crews should be rated.
~~~~~~
Each week I read enough reviews of each crew’s performances that I have begun to wonder if anyone truly understands dance anymore. Some of the topics that the crews are evaluated off of in these reviews are, “difficulty, challenge, and moments”. Seriously? How do those topics even moderately represent a crew? Hopefully this review will set the other reviews straight and explain exactly what people should look for each week. No longer will excuses such as “choreography is important” be tolerated. Take a step back and open up your mind; I am about to explain how true dance crews should be rated.
As most other reviewers do, I have categories that each crew will be judged off of. There are five categories and each section has a scoring range of 0-10. A perfect performance will score 50 points and anything less is mortal. The categories are: Stunts, Cuteness, Clothes, Music, and Who they remind me of.
Click here to read more about the categories and Wings' deep analysis. Thanks Wings -- I've never seen anything quite like this!
Reminder to readers - No spoilers here or anywhere else please!
It's been called to my attention that one frequent BBDC commenter has tweeted ABDC spoilers. This is an extremely serious violation of the policy of this website and could easily result in our losing the ability to work with MTV. While this spoiler did NOT appear here, the tweet could create the perception that we are publishing spoilers. If you are the person responsible for this tweet, please remove it immediately and don't do it again.
To make things totally clear: if you want to be part of our community, DO NOT POST SPOILERS HERE OR ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE INTERNET!! Don't spoil our fun for everyone else!
To make things totally clear: if you want to be part of our community, DO NOT POST SPOILERS HERE OR ANYWHERE ELSE ON THE INTERNET!! Don't spoil our fun for everyone else!
Electrolytes pre-ABDC J-Lo Challenge - watch for some sexy stuff!
Chris Trondsen and Spikey Mikey Fusco (ICONic Boyz) interviewed 3 of the Electrolytes before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Jennifer Lopez Challenge. They talk about how Elektrolytes got together and how they'll get more votes.
Exclusive interview: Collizion Crew before ABDC J-Lo Challenge: we're the rawest!
Spikey Mikey Fusco (ICONic Boyz) and Chris Trondsen interviewed Collizion Crew before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's J-Lo Challenge. They talk about what they'll do to win over the audience, how they're different from the other crews by being the rawest this season and how it felt being in the bottom 3.
ABDC J-Lo Superstar week - Playlist and challenges
Based on reports from several people who attended the America's Best Dance Crew Jennifer Lopez challenge, here's the songlist and challenges for the crews. Note: the crews are listed in alphabetical order, not in the order they performed. Thanks for the tips and updates, Freeze, lookingout4u, Sassy, tricky, Tyreek, and others!
- 8 Flavahz - Song: "Let's Get Loud". Challenge: bring
a Miami flavor. Note: Angel didn't perform that night because of her mother's death but was in the audience during the taping.
- Collizion Crew - Song: "Jenny from the Block". Challenge: incorporate b-boy
moves.
- Elektrolytez - Song: "Get Right". Challenge: build a subway and use canes
- Fanny Pak - Song: "Waiting for Tonight". Challenge: change clothes during
routine. They also got the crowd to chant their name
- Mos Wanted Crew - Song: "On the Floor". Challenge: do choreo on the floor like lying down and get the audience to dance a part of their routine along with them
- Rated Next Generation (RNG) - Song: "Feelin' So Good". Challenge: do 90s dance crazes.
- Mos Wanted Crew - Song: "On the Floor". Challenge: do choreo on the floor like lying down and get the audience to dance a part of their routine along with them
- Rated Next Generation (RNG) - Song: "Feelin' So Good". Challenge: do 90s dance crazes.
Ant M's video review of ABDC Drake Challenge
Reader Ant M. has been reviewing this season's ABDC episodes via Youtube. Click here to watch this week's installment
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Mikey (ICONic Boyz) & Chris talk to Chachi - rapid fire questions, choreo, memories
Chris Trondsen and 'Spiky' Mikey Fusco (ICONic Boyz) interviewed Chachi from IaMmE before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's JLo Challenge. Chachi talks about how she creates chroreography, her fondest memory after ABDC, which crews she particularly likes, and rapid-fire questions on favorites (e.g,, hairstyle, shoes, lip gloss flavors, movies, favorite foods).
Mikey (ICOnic Boyz) & Chris interview Fanny Pak before ABDC JLo Challenge: reader questions, their slogan & 'the word game'
Chris Trondsen and 'Spiky' Mikey Fusco (ICONic Boyz) interviewed Fanny Pak before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's JLo Challenge. The crew members talk about how they are preparing after being in the bottom 2 during the Drake Challenge, how they've progressed since Season 2, what their "Be You" slogan means, and how they come up with their choreography with the 'word game'. And they show their best 'dance' faces.
Mikey (ICONic Boyz) & Chris interview Mos Wanted Crew pre-ABDC JLo taping: creative process, inspirations & imitations!
Chris Trondsen and 'Spiky' Mikey Fusco (ICONic Boyz) interviewed Mos Wanted Crew before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's JLo Challenge.The crew members talk about who inspired them to dance, and talk about how they come up with their choreography each week. The crew members also imitate the other members of the crew
Video: Freestyle by Nick Mara (ICONic Boyz)
Most of our coverage of ICONic Boyz's dance highlights their group efforts, but the members have done solid solo work too. This video from Nick Mara was self-produced and self-choreographed. From nicholicious1997, Youtube, which has more of Nick's work.
Byenyn's Review of ABDC Drake Challenge
Last week, nine crews expressed themselves to the songs of Madonna. The voting public decided it really didn’t like Canadians, Mexicans, or crews named after car crashes. The judges saved Collizion, leaving Funkdation and Irratik to simultaneously walk it out. Presumably to their native countries, never to return to the US again. So now the seven remaining American crews will perform to the music of rapper and former child actor, Aubrey “Drake” Graham.
In addition, their challenge is to take a significant lyric from their selected Drake song and “bring it to life.” I don’t really GET Drake’s songs since they all pretty much talk about being famous, so this challenge should provide some much needed spice. If nothing else, this is going to be an interesting episode to study. The musical shift from Madonna to Drake is significant, and it’s going to be a challenge to see which crews will keep up. So what happened this week?
Click here to read the rest. Thanks Byenyn!
In addition, their challenge is to take a significant lyric from their selected Drake song and “bring it to life.” I don’t really GET Drake’s songs since they all pretty much talk about being famous, so this challenge should provide some much needed spice. If nothing else, this is going to be an interesting episode to study. The musical shift from Madonna to Drake is significant, and it’s going to be a challenge to see which crews will keep up. So what happened this week?
Click here to read the rest. Thanks Byenyn!
Videos from World of Dance Dallas: Mike Song, Chachi, Architeks, Poreotics & winners of competition!!
World of Dance hit Dallas on April 28, 2012. Many performances worth watching and rewatching from the event including
- In exhibition: solos by Chachi, Mike Song; Poreotics; and Architeks
- Competition - congratulations to the winners (click here to watch all).: Upper Division: First Place - Redefined Dance Company; Second Place Wyldstyle; Third Place - GX Dance crew. Youth Division: First Place - Riot Squad; Second Place - Sand Lot ; Third Place - NSD Hip Hop Crew.
- In exhibition: solos by Chachi, Mike Song; Poreotics; and Architeks
- Competition - congratulations to the winners (click here to watch all).: Upper Division: First Place - Redefined Dance Company; Second Place Wyldstyle; Third Place - GX Dance crew. Youth Division: First Place - Riot Squad; Second Place - Sand Lot ; Third Place - NSD Hip Hop Crew.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Let us know if you attend tonight's taping of the ABDC JLo Challenge!
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT -- NO SPOILERS. DO NOT TELL THE RESULTS FROM THE SHOW, INCLUDING WHICH CREWS WERE IN THE BOTTOM OR ELIMINATED!
From the archives: Lady Jules (Beat Freaks) Jolly Rancher ad
On the Facebook page for Judy Urich (aka Lady Jules) of ABDC3's Beat Freaks was her TV ad for Jolly Ranchers, filmed in 2003.
Drake recaps around the net
- Daily Princetonian explains why this week was a game changer and cites all kinds of sources, including tweets from Lando and Dtrix
- AV Club liked Elektrolytes the best and observed that "Lil Mama drops her pen with “unh” for emphasis after a particularly judging a good performance."
- All Voices summarizes the action with no commentary, but has a weird photo gallery of Lil Mamas including a squirrel.
- Ology is all about assigning grades, and there's no inflation -- Elektrolytes gets a B+ for the best of the night
- Screen Invasion thinks Stepboys was robbed if you base elimination decisions only on this night's performances
- We'll Fix it In is a week behind (in case you're nostalgic for Madonna Challenge Week, but always trenchant
- AV Club liked Elektrolytes the best and observed that "Lil Mama drops her pen with “unh” for emphasis after a particularly judging a good performance."
- All Voices summarizes the action with no commentary, but has a weird photo gallery of Lil Mamas including a squirrel.
- Ology is all about assigning grades, and there's no inflation -- Elektrolytes gets a B+ for the best of the night
- Screen Invasion thinks Stepboys was robbed if you base elimination decisions only on this night's performances
- We'll Fix it In is a week behind (in case you're nostalgic for Madonna Challenge Week, but always trenchant
Ninjaboi's Review of ABDC Drake Challenge
Ayo, it’s Ninjaboi’s Review (shoutout to District 78). I’m here right after my finals for the school year, and just before going to go watch the Avengers movie (ASSEMBLE!), and I’m really excited to do this review, in what was probably the best episode of the season, as well as the most emotional (what with Angel’s mother, CLZ’s car flashbacks, and Chris’s return). I’ve got my review right here, focusing on the technical aspects of the crews performances. None of the crews did badly this week at all, although some really work with Drake’s music better than others, in one way or another, be it story telling, raw musicality, or energy. I will say this review was exceptionally easy to write, as if each critique almost wrote themselves. I guess that’s what you get when A) you don’t want to study for finals, and B) every crew gives such great routines to an actual danceable artist.
Just as a note, this is my own personal review that I am thankful to Nancy for letting me put and post on this site. These numbers are my way of trying to make dance more accessible to those who otherwise don’t dance, in a way that can be more easily and intuitively understood. That said, this is not an official review of any sort, just the musings of a college kid who loves street dance, and who’s analytical enough to pinpoint trends among successful ABDC crews in the past.
Click Here to read Ninjaboi’s review of the Drake episode, with a quantitative breakdown of different elements of each routine.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Layla Kayleigh 'on the couch' at ABDC Drake Challenge taping: emotions and fan impact
Chris Trondsen talked to Layla Kayleigh at the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. They talk about the sadness at 8 Flavahz performance dedicated to Angel's mother, what it takes for lesser known crews to surge to the front of the pack, and fan vs. judges in determining the outcome of ABDC .
Want to change your vote for the ABDC Top 4 Contest? Enter again now!
'Dance's' Review of ABDC Drake Challenge
This week the crews finally got a Hip Hop Artist to dance to Drake! It was a high energy episode with great music. In my review, I ranked the crews this week from best to worst, so let me know how you think the crews did in the comments section!
Also, a charity that Drake supports is the National MS Society. If you can, go to their website and click on the donate icon, so hopefully a cure for MS can be found one day!
Click here to read the full review. Thanks, Dance!
Time to predict next week's bottom 2 in our Elimination Challenge contest
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 noon (East Coast time) on Friday May 4, so that nobody can use insider info from the tapings. THIS ROUND IS NOW CLOSED; NO MORE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL NEXT WEEK.**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!
Send some love to Stepboys!
To get some perspective on what the crew is really like behind their mask of a clown, watch their exit interview with Layla Kayleigh.
This post is only for positive comments about Stepboys. If you want to say anything else, please post it on our Party Room/Critics Corner.
Photocredit: MTV
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Vote now to save your favorite ABDC crews -- here's the MTV voting info!
The online voting is now open from now until 6:00am Eastern time. If you want to protect your favorite crew, act now! Click here to vote online at MTV.com. Performance videos will probably be online after 11:00pm West Coast time, to aid in your choices. If you want to phone or text instead, the numbers are: Phone: 1-855-4CREW + (0 +number): OR Text: 22444 then (number):
* RNG- 1 (so you would dial 855-4CREW01)
* Mos Wanted Crew- 2 (so you would dial 855-4CREW02)
* 8 Flavahz- 3 (so you would dial 855-4CREW03)
* Collizion Crew- 4 (so you would dial 855-4CREW04)
* Elektrolytes- 5 (so you would dial 855-4CREW05)
* Fanny Pak - 6 (so you would dial 855-4CREW06)
After you vote (or while you're obsessively texting votes all night long), join us back at the party room! VOTING IS NOW CLOSED
The ABDC Drake Challenge Party Room/Critics Corner is now open -- Come on in!
After the show is over: The party has just started, so stick around for more action, reaction, and interaction, love and hate. Are you hooked on the crews and superstars, or getting bored? Why are the ratings down from Season 6? Which crews have changed, and for better or worse? This is your party -- snark, humor, recriminations, nostalgia and almost everything else (except obscenity and abject disrespect) are expected and welcome!
Photocredit: Neurotech software
Join us now - Live Play-by-Play blogging of ABDC Drake 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 4 -- the Drake 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).
Video: Layla Kayleigh interviews all 7 crews before the Drake Challenge
On ABDCInsider, Layla Kayleigh talks to all 7 crews before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. All the crews open up to Layla, and some highlights are Layla dancing with Elektrolytes and Stepboys talking about getting more serious.
Exclusive interview with Emilio and Jaja (IaMmE) at ABDC Drake taping - "I'm glad I'm not on Season 7!"
Chris Trondsen interviews IaMmE's Emilio Dosal and Jaja backstage at America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. They talk about what it's like to come back to ABDC as an observer, what they're excited to see, whether they'd want to be on this season (instead of their winning Season 6), their trip to the Philippines, and what's next for IaMmE.
Exclusive interview backstage at ABDC Drake Taping - Shorty (Beat Freaks) talks about ABDC7, Beat Freaks, Britney tour & more
Emilio Dosal (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interviewed BGirl Shorty (member of ABDC3' Beat Freaks) backstage at the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. She talks about having fun conducting crew interviews, what's coming up for her and for Beat Freaks (including Shake It Up), touring with Britney Spears, and why she loves ABDC Season 7
Video: Sneak peak of Stepboy performance on ABDC's Drake Challenge
Celebuzz has a clip of Stepboy's performance on America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge.
Video: Steelo and the Groovaloos on Dancing With the Stars
As we reported a few days ago, Richard "Steelo" Vazquez, of the LXD, Groovaloos, and Killa4nia just performed with the Groovaloos on Dancing with the Stars. In one of the greatest comeback/recovery stories of this year, after spending 6 months in the hospital, and many more in physical therapy, he's dancing for the first time publicly. Even if it's a while to go before he returns to full form, it definitely is one of the greatest feel-good stories of the year. Best of luck to him and his family as he continues to recover.
Click here, here, and here for past BBDC coverage of Steelo's recovery, and the remarkable response by the dance community to help him and his family. If you are interested in in donating financially, please click here.
Skip to 2:55 for the Groovaloos performance, and just try to stop yourself from either cheering/bursting into tears of joy when he gets on stage. I dare you. No shame if you do.
Click here, here, and here for past BBDC coverage of Steelo's recovery, and the remarkable response by the dance community to help him and his family. If you are interested in in donating financially, please click here.
Skip to 2:55 for the Groovaloos performance, and just try to stop yourself from either cheering/bursting into tears of joy when he gets on stage. I dare you. No shame if you do.
Join us tonight for ABDC Drake Party Room/Critics Corner, Live Play-by-Play, MTV vote info & More
Watch America's Best Dance Crew Madonna Challenge with us tonight. The Party Room/Critics Corner opens at 9:45 ET and stays open as long as you want, so that everyone can comment on anything remotely related to ABDC.
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. 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 1, 2012
Tight Eyez Single: "Wype Nyggaz Out"
Tight Eyez is not only the founder of krump and the leader of ABDC6 crew Steet Kingdom, he is also a music producer, specializing in extra buck tracks (naturally). Check out his latest single and the accompanying music video from his album "Mansanity 2: Tha SoundTrack"
Better Late Than Never: Ninjaboi's Madonna Week Analysis
Hey all Ninjaboi here. Sorry this is a bit late...
I gotta keep this short, as due to finals weeks, a bad week
for allergies, and my interviewing of Poreotics on Friday, I don’t have as much
time to go in depth into the reviews as I usually would, so I’ll have to do a
quick abbreviated version of my analysis for each review. If you guys feel that
there is something missing/wrong from my review, hopefully I can come back in a
couple of days or so and address that in the comments. This means I won’t have
crew advice, or power rankings aside from simply listing the totals over these
few weeks.
Disclaimer: This review is the product of my own personal
analysis from a combination of being a dancer (primarily in street styles), and
from watching ABDC and picking up on trends of what does/doesn’t work well on
the show. By no means do I claim to be
an expert in all dance styles, nor do I claim to represent any sort of
“official” review.
Exclusive interview: DTrix advice to ABDC crews at Drake Challenge taping: "Be yourself and be weird"
Emilio Dosal (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interviewed America's Best Dance Crew judge D-trix (Dominic Sandoval) before the taping of the ABDC Drake Challenge. Dtrix talks about Season 7 as going back to dance (rather than mostly tricks), advice for crews to get more votes, what it's like to judge young crews vs the most professional crews, and how hard it is to judge crews he knew before ABDC
Chupaka's Spoiler-free preview of the ABDC Drake Challenge
Chupaka attended the taping of Americas' Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. Click here to read an edited version of some things to look for on the episode. Thanks, Chupaka!
Results from our Madonna Challenge surveys: 8 Flavahz wins the night!
Results are in for our surveys rating
performances for America's Best Dance Crew Madonna Challenge. Click here
for the details on the favorite performances and here for the least favorite. Highlights:
- With almost 1500 votes cast, 8 Flavahz was the favorite (37%) followed by Mos Wanted Crew (31%)
- Out of 1067 votes, the least favorite for the week was Stepboys (47%)
Monday, April 30, 2012
The REAL Playlist for ABDC Drake Challenge!
DanceOn has the Drake Challenge playlist, as well as their weekly short interview video with the crews. Here are the crews' picks (listed in alphabetical order, not the order they appear on the show):
- 8 Flavahz - "Find Your Love"
- Collizion Crew - "Over"
- Elektrolytes - "Headlines"
- Fanny Pak - "Make Me Proud"
- Mos Wanted Crew - "The Motto"
- Rated Next Generation (RNG Crew) - "HYFR"
- Stepboys - "Best I Ever Had"
New Videos from old ABDC competitors: Lawrence Kao (Kaba Modern), Instant Noodles, Hype 5-0, Street Kingdom
ABDC alumni continue to show their stuff via Youtube. Some standouts for this week:
Lawrence Kao (Kaba Modern) dancing to "Midas Touch". Thanks for the tip Greg!
Lawrence Kao (Kaba Modern) dancing to "Midas Touch". Thanks for the tip Greg!
Instant Noodles battling Del Fuego at Brown University on April 22, 2012:
Hype 5-0 at Crewz Control in Fort Collins, CO
Street Kingdom at Virtual Dance Battle
Exclusive interivew: Elektrolytes before Drake Challenge: martial arts demo with IaMmE's Emilio, Elektro fight call!
Emilio Dosal (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview Elektrolytes before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. They talk about using momentum from Madonna week week to the Drake Challenge. Chris talks about this injury during Week 1 and coming back for this week, how they want to build a fanbase using Youtube and Facebook. And they demonstrat martial arts expertise with Emilio and do their pre-show fight call for us
RNG before ABDC Drake Challenge: birthdays, inspirations, & the secret to big feet!
Emilio Dosal (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview Rated Next Generation (RNG) before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge. They show their best military salutes, go through military pushups, tell their shoe sizes, Bailey tells the secret to big feet, tell their birthdays, describe their inspirations, and show their dance faces. And Bailey talks about his newfound fan group and lack of having a girlfriend. Sorry for the sound problems on the video -- we'll have it fixed by next week!
Exclusive interview with Stepboys before Drake Challenge: this week we'll do something never before seen on ABDC
Emilio Dosal (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview Stepboys before the taping of America's Best Dance Crew's Drake Challenge.They talk about bringing something new to this week's episode and whether they're funnier onstage or offstage
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Our condolences to Angel Gibbs of 8 Flavahz on her mother's passing
Carolyn Gibbs, the mother of Angel Gibbs (member of America's Best Dance Crew's 8 Flavahz) passed away today from cancer. Our deepest condolences to Angel and her family.
Please leave positive comments for Angel. Anything else left here will be deleted.
Please leave positive comments for Angel. Anything else left here will be deleted.
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