Videos: Riquel Olander (We are Heroes) and Shane Sparks -- showing their non-dance skills!

What do talented dancers and choreographers do when they're not dancing? Here are videos showing another side of America's Best Dance Crew people:
- Riquel Olander (We are Heroes) gave the commencement speech at her old high school in Twin Falls, ID. KMVT-TV filmed a few clips of the event, as well as a workshop she held afterward

Shane Sparks (ex-judge on America's Best Dance Crew) appeared on The Kiya Show, talking about his work dancing, singing and designing clothing for dancers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Update on Shane Sparks: pleads no contest on one count, will serve jail time

According to the LA Times,  choreographer and former ABDC judge Shane Sparks entered a plea of no contest on one felony charge of having sex with a minor. At his trial on August 16, 2011, 7 other felony charges were dismissed in exchange for the plea bargain. Shane was sentenced to 270 days in a Los Angeles County jail (to be served sometime in the next year), and five years probation. In addition, he must attend sex-offender counseling and not "go near any female minors without an adult present".

Update on Shane Sparks: recent dance videos, upcoming trial

Shane Sparks has a trial date of August 16, 2011 on charges of rape and child molestation. If convicted on all charges, Sparks could face 14 years and eight months in prison.  Click here to read more about the charges.

Shane has been free on bail for many months. A recent project was helping prepare The View co-host Sherri Shepards for her upcoming wedding. Shane and Donyelle Jones (a member of America's Best Dance Crew Season 4' Artistry in Motion and contestant on So You Think You Can Dance) taught dance steps to members of the wedding party.

Byeynyn's review of ABDC6's Lil Wayne Challenge

You have no idea how much I’ve missed this show, probably because you don’t know who I am. But after a whole year, I’m pumped for Season Six. I’m so pumped that I’m going to provide my own recap of the episodes.

But let me get a few issues out of the way. I’m skeptical about this season’s music selection, and the challenges have gotten more ridiculous since the first season, and needlessly so. I suspect that a lot of these crews might be held back by both this season. Can you imagine krumping to Justin Bieber, or while performing a magic trick? I feel it’s like judging Paul McCartney based on how well he sings “Friday.” Second, D-Trix is the third judge who replaces Omarion (whom I do not miss). Despite his horn-dog tendencies, at least Shane Sparks provided the credibility of an articulate hip-hop choreographer, a unique perspective that won’t be offered by JC (not hip-hop), D-Trix (not a choreographer), or Lil Mama (not articulate). D-Trix does a passable job for now, but that void is still hard to fill.

Click here to read the rest of the review. Thanks, Byenyn!

Teldon's ABDC Rewatch - Season 4, Episode 1: Crew's Choice Challenge

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

So begins Season Four: the "diversity" season.  There were also some unique changes to this season.  Most notably was the time slot change to Sunday nights.  This allowed our Canadian friends to be able to watch the show at the same time as us and vote with us. Sadly, this is the season where DJ Rashida left the show and is the last season where Shane Sparks was a judge.  Also, as an added treat, they added in canned audience reactions so every routine now has cheering from beginning to end.  Many fans have called this the "weakest" season and the worst season out of the five. Sure, it starts slowly, but once it gets going it is really good.  Was the rage over certain crews being passed over to blame for this view, or was this actually that bad?  Time to suit up, tune in and find out. Watch the Crew's Choice Challenge here, then click here to read the Rewatch review. Tomorrow, Teldon reviews ABDC4's Beyonce Challenge.

Answer to ABDC Trivia Contest - JabbaWockeeZ' Kevin Brewer

This week's question was difficult -- even the person who submitted it got it wrong! The question: what dancer from which crew(s) had the most major roles in the most episodes of America's Best Dance Crew (including specials)? Answer: Kevin Brewer with 16 appearances. Many people named Kid Rainen, but I believe that he only has 14 appearances. 
I've pieced together many people's answers for this count, so here goes.  Both appeared on 13 airings for America's Best Dance Crew:

• 9 episodes of ABDC season 1
• Season 2 pre-season special "Walk it out with The JabbaWockeeZ" and Shane Sparks (thanks for reminding me of this one, Ninjaboi and Florian!)
• Season 2 VMA competition
• Season 5 Champions for Charity
• Top 10 "best of" countdown clip show

 Kevin also appeared on the Season 2 Live audition show, Season 3 Hip-Hop Decathlon episode and on the Season 5 NYC auditions (as a judge). That gives him 16 appearances total. Kid Rainen only appeared on one episode without the rest of JabbaWockeeZ, as a judge for the Season 3 Crew's Choice episode. Also, as DirtfaceX pointed out, Kid Rainen did not appear in Season 2 live audition show because he was injured.

So, I'll give 2 points to anyone who named Kevin and said that he appeared on 16 episodes. If you disagree with this solution and want to justify a different person or number or solution, email ABDCContest@gmail.com listing each of the episodes on which that person appeared.

I am preparing this post several days ahead (since I am away from my home computer), so I can't tell you how many people got how many points -- but it's low compared to other weeks. Please keep playing even if you didn't get both points this week -- I will be surprised if anyone gets all the answers to the questions in this contest!

Dancing ABDC Judges Video Part I: Shane Sparks teaches The Dougie

Former America's Best Dance Crew judge Shane Sparks teaches ESNews how to do the Dougie and gives his predictions on the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao bout. I am not sure of the date this video was shot (it might be new, it might be over a year old) but I am glad to see Shane dancing at all!  

Exclusive interview with Klaamation's Cornbread, featured dancer in this week's LXD

Cornbread (member of Klaamation) played one of the Umbras in this week's episode of The LXD. We spoke earlier this week about the making of this episode, how he got chosen to perform in it, some speculation about LXD Season 3, speculation on why Klaamation was not chosen for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 (Shane Sparks told me at the NY auditions that the crew was one of his favorites at the LA auditions), whether they might audition for a Season 6, the members of Klaamation who appeared in We Are Heroes and Heavy Impact, Baby Maation, and much more. Listen in!

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Shane Sparks news - arraignment set for November 15

Former ABDC judge Shane Sparks will be going to trial on child molestation charges later this month. According to the Beverly Hills Courier, Van Nuys Superior Court Judge Jessica Silvers found sufficient evidence to require Sparks to stand trial. Sparks is due back in Van Nuys Superior Court for arraignment Nov. 15." Click here for earlier information about the charges and arrest.

Enter Week 10 of ABDC Master Mix Contest now!

We're at Week 10 of our 12-week ABDC Master Mix Contest, completely created by Dirtface X, and we're down to 3-second clips! In this variant on Name that Tune, our video contains a sample of an ABDC Master Mix, followed by a judge's comment about the routine. Your challenge: identify the tune AND the crew who performed it. You can use the tune name announced by Mario Lopez, instead of trying to identify the name of the exact song in the clip.. The mixes were prepared by District78.com (though only the Season 5 mixes are currently on their website). Full episodes of the programs can be found on MTV.com. Whoever can correctly identify the most routines (crew and song title) will be the winner.  Click here for all the rules. NOTE: I'm only accepting the first answer you send in (no changes) so take your time to get it right the first time!

For those of you who have trouble watching the videos, here's the judge's comment.  Shane Sparks: "Everything was sexy..."

Please send all entries to ABDCContest@gmail.com. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS EVERY TIME SO I CAN TRACK AND SCORE YOUR ENTRIES PROPERLY! All entries for Week 10 must be received by midnight on September 19. 

Enter Week 7 of ABDC Master Mix Contest now!

We're at Week 7, halfway through the ABDC Master Mix Contest  completely created by Dirtface X. In this variant on Name that Tune, our video contains a sample of an ABDC Master Mix, followed by a judge's comment about the routine. Your challenge: identify the tune AND the crew who performed it. The mixes were prepared by District78.com (though only the Season 5 mixes are currently on their website). Full episodes of the programs can be found on MTV.com. Whoever can correctly identify the most routines (crew and song title) will be the winner.  Click here for all the rules.

For those of you who have trouble watching the videos, here's the judge's comment: Shane Sparks: "I love the fact that you got a lil' theatrical stuff goin' on".

Please send all entries to ABDCContest@gmail.com. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE SAME EMAIL ADDRESS EVERY TIME SO I CAN TRACK AND SCORE YOUR ENTRIES PROPERLY! All entries for Week 7 must be received by midnight on August 29.

Shane Sparks News: rapping with Filip Filipi

Former America's Best Dance Crew judge Shane Sparks  has teamed up with producer Filip Filipi for his debut rap song,  called 'Boom.' He performs the track he choreographed the routine for on the finale of So You Think You Can Dance Season 4 (watch it here) The song is on Filip Filipi's mixtape 'Design & Origin of Stars' which is currently available on iTunes.

Dominic Sandoval (aka Quest's Dtrix) picked for So You Think You Can Dance Allstars

Fox announced the Dominic Sandoval (known to ABDC fans as Dtrix in Quest Crew) has been chosen to compete on the So You Think You Can Dance All Stars show in Summer 2010. Here's a clip from his appearance on SYTYCD Season 3, dancing hiphop with that season's winner Sabra Johnson to Ne-Yo's 'Make it Work', which was choreographed by Shane Sparks. Thanks for the link, Khanh!

The winner of our ABDC Madness competition is: JC Chasez!

ABDC Madness is over!. Readers voted for their favorite America's Best Dance Crew judge quotes, choosing between 32 choice phrases by Lil Mama, JC Chasez, Omarion, and Shane Sparks. Click here to see the detail for all the rounds.  The results are in and the top phrase is JC Chasez' "Tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik."  JC -- you rule!

ABDC Madness FINALS: It's JC Chasez vs. Shane Sparks!

We are into the final round of our ABDC March/April Madness contest, pitting 32 primo quotes by Lil Mama, JC Chasez, Shane Sparks, and Lil Mama against each other to determine the 'Best ABDC Judge Comment EVER'.   Each day we'll give you 2 quotes; vote every day for your favorite. Click here for rules and explanation.  In an shocking upset move, Shane Sparks beat out Lil Mama in the semi-finals. So, we're down to JC Chasez vs. Shane -- who has the best judge quote? YOU DECIDE!

poll by twiigs.com

ABDC Madness Semifinals Round 2: Lil Mama vs Shane Sparks

We are into the Semi-finals round of our ABDC March/April Madness contest, pitting 32 primo quotes by Lil Mama, JC Chasez, Shane Sparks, and Lil Mama against each other to determine the 'Best ABDC Judge Comment EVER'.   Each day we'll give you 2 quotes; vote every day for your favorite. Click here for rules and explanation.  Today, you pick your favorite between 2 judges: Did Lil Mama win your hearts or do you miss Shane Sparks quotes like this one?  You decide:

poll by twiigs.com

ABDC Madness Semifinals Round 1: JC Chasez vs. Omarion

We are into the Semi-finals round of our ABDC March/April Madness contest, pitting 32 primo quotes by Lil Mama, JC Chasez, Shane Sparks, and Lil Mama against each other to determine the 'Best ABDC Judge Comment EVER'.   Each day we'll give you 2 quotes; vote every day for your favorite. Click here for rules and explanation.  Today, you pick your favorite between 2 judges: Did ABDC veteran judge JC Chasez give the iconic quote, or did the rookie Omarion sneak in there for a place in the finals. You decide:

poll by twiigs.com

ABDC Madness -- the contenders for best ABDC Judge Quote

We're taking a few days off from our March/April Madness contest now that Round 3 is over. In a few days, we'll pit the judges against each other Here's where we stand, with the best quotes from each:

• Lil Mama: "She held her legs apart -- so classy" (to Static Noyze) 
• JC Chasez: "Tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik tik" (to Poreotix)
• Omarion: "People might think you just go and eat" (to Heavy Impact)
• Shane Sparks: "I don't know if I can say this on TV...but ya'll just s*** on EVERYBODY!"

Any preferences on how we choose which judges to match up for the next round?

Round 3 of ABDC March/April Madness: Pick the best JC Chasez Quote!

We are up to the Round 3 in our ABDC March/April Madness (aka the Big Boy Challenge), pitting hard-hitting competition from 32 primo quotes by Lil Mama, JC Chasez, Shane Sparks, and Lil Mama against each other to determine the 'Best ABDC Judge Comment EVER'.   Each day we'll give you 2 quotes; vote every day for your favorite. Click here for rules and explanation.  Today, you pick your favorite to declare the winning-est quote from JC Chasez:

poll by twiigs.com