Boogie Bots Performance for Gawad Kalinga

This past weekend, Boogie Bots performed at George Mason University for Gawad Kalinga Benefit show at George Mason University. LBurgos17 captured their act:

America's 8th Best Product Placement?

You may have been watching America's Best Dance Crew for the moves, but odds are you saw a lot more than that. According to Nielsen Company, ABDC ranked 8th for cable shows in the number of product placements shown from January-June 2008, with almost 4900 total placements. About 40% of the placements were for clothing; the rest were mostly food and drink. In comparison, American Idol had 4,636 product placements during the same time period.

But to put it in perspective -- American Chopper had more than 5 times as many placements, with a grand total of 26,794 placements. That's a lot of motorcycles, son.

Did you remember these placements during the show? I noticed the Dunkin Donuts and Vitamin Energy bottles, but they didn't bother me. Just made me a little hungry and thirsty.

Q&A with JabbaWockeeZ Kid Rainen

Denver's Westword posts a long interview with JabbaWockeeZ Kid Rainen. Click here to read all about it, including:

• his early influences;
  
• the various injuries he’s sustained, including a painful meniscus tear in his knee that he’s decided to ignore for the time being
• the way YouTube videos helped spread their reputation
• their initial disinterest in a Dance Crew offer by everyone except Gary Kendell
• why the dancing at the upcoming showcase will be more exciting than it was on TV.

Photocredit: photobucket.com

Mailbox: ABDC/So you think you can dance crossover, JC Chasez

Zap2It reports that a crew with Dominic and Hok from So You Think You Can Dance will be auditioning for ABDC Season 3. Further googling shows their crew is called QUEST (pictured above). Sounds like formidable competition!

More Bigger JC Chasez: The Hollywood Reporter writes that Chasez will portray a squadron pilots in Kerosene Cowboys, an action-thriller about a Navy attack squadron that has to deal with an international crisis at 40,000 feet. There's no release date yet.

DJ Virman with ASIID, Fanny Pak and Break Sk8

DJ Virman is the official DJ for America's Best Dance Crew Live tour. Here are two chat sessions from the road with guests ASIID, Fanny Pak and Break Sk8. Thanks to Honey with Sole for pointing out these chats!

MTV2 - Dance Lessons for ABDC Auditioners

For those of you auditioning for Season 3 (or just wishing you could): check out MTV2's videos breaking down the best moves from crews that tried out for Seasons 1 and 2. Click here for Season 1 lessons -- including signature and power moves -- introduced by the casting director for all 3 seasons of America's Best Dance Crew. Click here for the Season 2 dance lessons. Yeah, we know many of these crews didn't get into the show, but 1. this gives you an idea of what it takes and 2. you might learn something!

JabbaWockeeZ Limited edition tour Tshirt, Halloween Costume now available

As announced earlier, JBWKZ.com is now selling two exclusive items:

• A $25 Roadie Tshirt (shown here ) that will only be sold on their website and only during the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour. Click here to buy the women's shirt, and click here for the men's shirt
• A $50 Halloween costume consisting of JBWKZ shirt, hat, mask and gloves. They list it as a $75 value. It comes in 4 adult sizes. Click here to buy.
  

Win tickets to ABDC Live in San Diego

Urban Empire is offering a chance to win free tickets to the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour show in San Diego on October 18. To enter the contest, sign up here for a username. Then email your first name, last name and user name to info@urbanemptire.tv. The deadline is October 14. Good luck!

Awesome B-Boy show in New York -- Knucklehead Zoo in Rewind

Craving more break dance action during the break between America's Best Dance Crew seasons? Those of you in the NY area can go to "Rewind", a show featuring Knucklehead Zoo. The show is at the New Victory Theater from October 3-19. As many of you know, Super Cr3w's Mike and Ben are members of Knucklehead Zoo. Here's a short video from the show:

They are also two-time US Champions at the "Battle of the Year" competition and feature in the documentary "Planet B-Boy" which will be shown on MTV in 2009. "Rewind" is the first time that a B-boy group has starred in their own theatrical stage show. Click here for tickets.

More Ways to win tickets to ABDC Live tours!

• Oakland, CA (10/11)- Click here to upload an audition video for a change open for ABDC Live and to see the show.
• Everett, WA (10/13) - Click here for an on-line entry form to win tickets from MOViN 92.5
• Everett, WA (10/13) - Another radio contest for this show, this time from KUBE 93FM. Click here for details to win tickets and a chance to meet and greet the crews
  
• Los Angeles, CA (10/16) - Click here for places to meet Power 106 and win tickets and a chance to meet and greet the crews
  
• Phoenix, AZ (10/19) - Click here to a KRQ radio contest to win tickets

New Fanny Pak interviews

• Honolulu's Metromix talked to Fanny Pak's Cara Horibe about the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour and her favorite restaurants
• In The Flint Journal, Fanny Pak described their origins, the pressure of being on ABDC, and the contemporary hiphop scene.
  

Videos of SoReal Cru and Distorted X at Club Roxy

SoReal Cru threw a party at Club Roxy on October 2, with Distorted X as guest stars. Andstar8236 posted videos of their performance. Watch it here:

Here's Andstar8236's video of Distorted X at the party:

Super Cr3w News - Red Bull BC One, Blog TV

• Ronnie of Super Cr3w will be competing in the Red Bull BC One in Paris on November 5. This is one of the most important B-Boy competitions around the world, where 16 dancers compete to become "the one". Ronnie won it last year -- let's hope for a repeat. Click here for more information, to vote for Ronnie and to watch videos of Ronnie's interviews and Red Bull battles. Here's video of one of his battles at the 2006 event.

• Honey with Sole posts DoRag's chats on Super Cr3w's Blog TV Channel. He talks about the tour and answers some fan questions.
  

Randy Jackson Talks about America's Best Dance Crew

Randy Jackson talked to TV Guide about what he loves about America's Best Dance Crew.

Poll - What's your favorite part of the ABDC Live Tour?

Now that the tour has been on the road for a few weeks, it's time for a poll. We'll keep it open until the end of the tour, and you can vote for more than one choice. Send a message to the tour producers!

poll by twiigs.com

Fanny Pak Phil is blogging on ABDC Live for MTV Remote Control

After a LOONG hiatus, MTV Remote Control Daily is back. Fanny Pak's Phil Collins will be the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour blogger for them, with backstage looks, trivia, and updates. So, click here and check back often!

Dancer Universe review of ABDC Live Tour

Lindsay Live at Dancer Universe attended the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour performance in New York.

Her take: She had a lot of fun at the show. As a fan of classic hip-hip (and disappointed with recent commercial dance trends), she was thrilled to see there would be a Jacksons tribute and other 1980s choreography. However, she felt that the classic dances "looked slightly lethargic, lifeless, and well, kinda boring."
Read it here, and even if you don't agree with her, I think you'll enjoy her posted videos.

JabbaWockeeZ Kevin Brewer profiled on Dancer Universe

In Dancer Universe, JabbaWockeeZ Kevin Brewer talks about the crew and about his methods for teaching a hip-hop freestyle called Beat Kune Do. Read the article here. Highlights:

• His dedication to teaching and to Beat Kune Do, which he describes as “insights and ways to help you unlock your potential by getting you to be comfortable with your personal movement. A lot of our movements we do automatically without thinking. What I’m promoting is take some time and mental energy and control your movement. When you apply that to music, you’re better prepared as a dancer."
• His description of why JabbaWockeeZ seems more commercial now: "We realize that as dancer, we can't do this forever...Everything you could find for Hanna Montana, we want to do for Jabba."
  

Hip Hop Dance Championship 2008 Videos featuring Kaba Modern Now Available

For fans of Kaba Modern and great hip-hop: HipHop International is now selling videos of the 2008 Hip Hop Championships. Kaba Modern came in second in the US, and third in the International.The entire competition is fierce -- why doesn't some TV network run "World's Best Dance Crew?" Buy your copies here.

Keep up with SoReal Cru

SoReal Cru has a new blog. So, click here and bookmark this to keep up with their performance schedule, new pictures, and other developments. Upcoming events:

• October 2: Club Roxy in Houston TX, with Distorted X
• October 22: America's Best Dance Crew Live tour, Grand Prairie TX
• October 23: America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour, Houston TV
  

Video - Enigma Dance Cru at ABDC Live & with dweeby news crew

Enigma Dance Cru joined ABDC in Tampa. Here's some footage of their set from TampaTeresa:

While we were searching, we found this video of an Enigma interview with Fox TV.
Definitely must see TV!

Crew clothes: Autographed Fanny Pak shirts, JBWKZ meet-and-greet opportunity

• Fannypak.com is now selling Tshirts on-line. There is a limited edition Thunderbolt shirt (shown above) signed by all the crew members for $35, and unsigned shirts for $25

• JBWKZ clothing is busy promoting the brand. They will giving away 4 meet-and-greet passes at the 9/30 ABDC Live show in Atlantic City. Stop by their booth for details. They also created a new blog just for the clothing line!
  

Mailbox: Boogie Bots, JabbaWockeeZ, Another ABDC Live Review

• Boston.com reviews the ABDC show: "everything fans could want: fast-paced, high energy, hugely entertaining, and LOUD."
• Boogie Bots will perform at George Mason University on Saturday Oct. 4 as part of a benefit to bring awareness about the Filipino-American community. The show is from 6-9pm at the Harris Theater, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA. Call (703) 340-5902 for more details.
• BizBash covered the Macy's Passport Fashion Show that featured JabbaWockeeZ. Great pictures (though none of JabbaWockeeZ).They report that Macy’s will present this year’s fashion show in 27 movie theaters across the country on October 23. The film will feature edited segments from Thursday’s show, as well as a specially taped version, which incorporated performances from the Pussycat Dolls, Fall Out Boy, and Ne-Yo. Ticket sales will benefit local AIDS charities.
  
• HoneywithSole reports that a version of the Macy's Passport Fashion show will also air on NBC October 11 at 8pm.

Fan Report -- ABDC Live Tour in Atlantic City

A fan report on the America's Best Dance Crew Live tour: "Hey Nancy, It's Jon Jon giving you an update on my dance crew concert experience at Atlantic City, NJ. Just want to say it was the best show I've seen! Not only did I have floor seats but I got to bump into the JBWKZ and BREAKSK8 on the boardwalk! Both crews were really crew and even posed for some pictures with me."
Here's one of Jon Jon's Youtube videos from the show:

Here's a picture of some of the merchandise for sale at the event.
Click here for more of the awesome crew pictures. Thanks Jon Jon!

Cookin' with Boogie Bots!

Okay, this one is a bit unusual...but I wish I'd been there. ABDC's Boogie Bots, Distorted X, and Xtreme Dance Force appeared at the Young Chef's Academy in McAllen, TX on Sept. 29 to dance and... to cook. According to The Monitor, "Boogie Bots stayed in the spotlight for most of the event. The five dancers prepared a few dishes in front of the audience, including chicken salad sandwiches, ham and cheese roll-ups and mini apple tarts. They even danced a little, while chopping and mixing."

Miguel Almario of Boogie Bots did impressions of famous chefs while the others played with the food. The crews also answered audience questions, danced, and did backflips for the select audience. That's Robert Lewis of Xtreme Dance Force in the photo. Read all about it here.

We had no idea Boogie Bots was so multi-talented. They have an open invitation to my house anytime. I'll even clean up the dishes afterwards.

Photo credit: Alex Jones | ajones@themonitor.com

JabbaWockeeZ interview: Kevin Brewer

Kevin Brewer opened up to the Schenectady Daily Gazette. This one is a must-read for JabbaWockeeZ and ABDC fans, with detailed and really thoughtful answers on topics like the differences of being on America's Best Dance Crew Live vs. on the TV show, hip-hop culture, his love of freestyling and other dance styles, and his admiration for the other JabbaWockeez. Read it here. Favorite quotes:

• Why he dances: "It was about growing and understanding myself, physically articulating what I felt, hearing the music and seeing what could happen physically at the same time. There was always a wow factor and a deep connection to the music.”

• Hip-hop's repuration as a steppingstone to crime: "There is the dark side, but there is a dark side to everything. Hip-hop is not about street cred to be legitThe true essence of hip-hop is love and freely expressing yourself. If you express yourself honestly, people will respect you. There is a tapestry to hip-hop. The crew owns a piece of that. It’s a dope culture.”

JabbaWockeeZ interview: Phi Nguyen

JabbaWockeeZ Phi Nguyen talked to NguoiViet.com about the crew's beginnings, what they're up to, what it was like on ABDC and in the tour, and other topics. Read it here in NewAmerican Media (the original article is in Vietnamese). Our favorite bits:

• JabbaWockeeZ inspirations - life and cartoons
• Phil is afraid of the ocean and likes pho
  

Mailbox - JabbaWockeeZ Chatzy, Review of ABDC Live in Boston, JBWKZ retailers

• During the joint Blogging America's Best Dance Crew/Honey with Sole interview with JabbaWockeeZ at the ABDC Live rehearsals (read the full interview here), Donna talked to the guys about the Chatzy chatroom. Read about it at Honey with Sole then watch this:

"Chatzy Love" -- Jabbawockeez Exclusive Interview

• The Boston Herald reviewed America's Best Dance Crew Live and loved it. "If this is the result of Randy Jackson’s magic touch, he should consider waving his wand the next time the American Idols Live tour rolls around."
• JabbaWockeeZ member Saso posted the latest list of authorized dealers if you want to buy JBWKZ clothes. The list just keeps growing!
  

Favorite ABDC Live Tour Videos #3 - Super Cr3w

ComfortingLie007 got a closeup view of Super Cr3w at the NY ABDC Live Tour.

Dance, Meet & Greet Tonight with Boogie Bots, Xtreme Dance Force, Distorted X in Texas

At 7pm Sept. 27, Boogie Bots, Xtreme Dance Force and Distorted X will be dancing for a cause -- Easter Seals -- at Rock-It Cheer and Dance in McAllen, TX (2109 W. Nolana) .The event fee of $30 goes to charity. Fans can also attend a pre-show meet-and-greet with the crews ($15, benefitting Easter Seals). Call (956)212-8012 for more information.

Rocking the Vote Part II - Meet Lil Mama in NY today

Lil Mama will meet fans at the Youth Action Fair today, Sept. 27, to encourage people under 25 to register to vote and get involved in their communities. Read more here and join her at the School of the Future, 127 E. 22nd St. from 10am-2pm.

Rocking the Vote Part I - ABDC Live Tour will be be site of voter registration

According to a website supporting Barack Obama, the Newark ABDC Live Tour event will be also be the scene of voter registration.

"On Sept. 30th hoards of unregistered young voters will be lining up at NJ PAC: America's Best Dance Crew Live. O Voter Registration Swat Team will go with clipboards and register young voters as they're lined up for the event. Come register this treasure trove of young voters and help build the next generation of Democrats". Click here for more details.

This push makes sense to me.We know that America's Best Dance Crew fans like to vote. So, help get those fans voting for something that matters!

Mailbox: Kaba Modern, Supreme Soul, Team Millennia, Fysh N Chicks

• On 9/27, Mike Song and Jia Huang of Kaba Modern will help judge the World of Dance competition in Pleasanton, CA. Also, Kaba Modern, Fysh 'N Chicks, and Supreme Soul will perform in an industry showcase. Click here for information and tickets.
• ABDC Live Tour guest appearances: Oakland (10/11) - Supreme Soul. Los Angeles (10/12) - Kaba Modern and Fysh 'N Chicks
• Fitizen visits Team Millennia, which almost made it onto ABDC Season 2 and will be trying out for Season 3

Review - ABDC Live Tour Performance In New York

I attended the sold-out America’s Best Dance Crew Live show in New York on September 23, fourth stop in the 25-city tour. Kudos to the producers of America’s Best Dance Crew Live tour for translating solitary small-screen pleasures into a massive big-stage celebration.

Click here to read the whole review, see more pictures and hear an audio clip of the JabbaWockeeZ introduction.

Lil Mama and ICONic at the NYC ABDC Live Tour

Lil Mama and ICONic performed at the America's Best Dance Crew Live tour in New York. The best footage of it so far is from EZHOTVIDS.

ABDC - "Processing dance styles like Velveeta"?

Robert Johnson (a respected dance critic for the Newark Star Ledger) slams America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour. Read his review here; then read my critique of the critique. His criticism is worth reading because it articulates why some people shun ABDC as being inauthentic, derivative, and tamed for the masses and commercial gain.

My take:

• TV is not going to spotlight crews criticizing the establishment. That doesn't make the crews' dance moves any less athletic or artistic
• These crews ARE authentic -- they formed years before ABDC first aired in 2008. The crews honed their craft in both dance studios and on street corners. I've watched a lot of street-style dance over the years and believe that many of the ABDC crews are extending the form with innovative moves and combinations. Also, unlike all the other TV shows, these crews do their own choreography, which makes the show so much fresher than any other dance show around.
  
• Yeah, there are a lot of gimmicks and superficial identities on ABDC. That makes it fun. There's also solid dancing behind the masks and skates.
• I applaud MTV for exposing people to hip-hop dancing. I've talked to NY City street crews who are working it more now that more people are stopping and watching (and dropping coin). The exposure can also lead to a larger audience for more innovative and controversial choreographers.
  

What do you think?

ABDC Live Tour Meet & Greet in New York

Blogging America's Best Dance Crew was invited, along with 20 other lucky fans, to meet the dance crews after the ABDC Live Tour in New York on September 23. Though the crew members were obviously exhausted, they mingled for close to an hour, signing shirts and programs, posing for pictures, and talking with the fans. What we learned about their experiences:

• Downside: many are losing weight and sleep, while spending more time on buses than they could have imagined
• Upside: working and joking with the other crews, getting to perform live, seeing new places, and finding out just how many fans they've got!

Click here for more photos of JabbaWockeeZ, Super Cr3w, ASIID, and Fanny Pak from the meet and greet. And, tomorrow we'll talk about the show itself, complete with pictures and audio.

MySpace Video Interviews with ASIID, Break Sk8, Fanny Pak, Super Cr3w

Discovered by superblogger Honey with Sole: videos of rehearsals and interviews with ASIID, Break Sk8, Fanny Pak, and Super Cr3w as they prepare for the ABDC tour.
ABDC National Tour: Rehearsals with ASIID and Super Crew

ABDC National Tour: Rehearsals with BreakSk8 & Fanny Pak

Season 3 auditions - another way to enter!

As we've previously mentioned, auditions for Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew will run October 11-25 in 8 cities. The only way to make it on to the show is to attend one of these open casting calls. However, you can submit a 1-minute video of your crew performing your hottest routine and if your performance impresses the producers, they'll make sure your crew gets in front of the judges at one of the open auditions.

If you'd like to submit a video and get it to the judges, click here for the information at Gotcast.com. It's free and it couldn't hurt!

Mailbox: JabbawockeeZ Halloween, ABDC Tour Review, Shane Sparks, Lil Mama, Status Quo

• The MySpace JBWKZ site will sell JabbaWockeeZ Halloween costumes, complete with mask, gloves, shirt, and baseball cap. It'll come in kid and adult sizes. Read about it (and buy it soon) here.
  
• Read Aohitomi's description of the ABDC Live Tour. We think he captured it better than Rolling Stone.
• According to Creators.com, Shane Sparks wants to create a new type of dance video. "It's not going to be just an artist doing a video with choreography in it. I'm talking about real dance videos so the edit is based around the choreography and not the artist. I'm going to be the first to do that. It's going to be the biggest thing on Earth."
• The ABDC Live tour continues to have surprise guests. Lil Mama performed at the New York City show last night and Status Quo will perform tomorrow in Boston
  

Super Cr3w Video - Memorable Moments

During our interviews at the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour rehearsals, Super Cr3w members told us about some of the more memorable experiences on ABDC and rehearsing for the tour.

"Memorable Experiences" -- Super Cr3w ABDC Live Tour Rehearsals from Donna Nguyen on Vimeo.

Fanny Pak Live Chat on Stardoll

Fanny Pak spent an hour on-line with young fans from about 100 countries, doing a live chat on Stardoll.com. The questions ranged from the straightforward to the bizarre (do you prefer hot dogs or green beans??) and the answers ranged from straightforward to laugh-out loud funny. A few recurring themes:

• Fanny Pak favorites (movie, dog breed, animal to eat, ice cream, stars, books, etc)
• Forced choice preferences (Avril vs. Paris, half full vs. half empty, Boyzone vs. Take That, etc.)
• What it's like to be in Fanny Pak (what do crazy fans do, what do you guys do REALLY, what it's like being on tour, the funniest thing to happen to them)
• Will you perform in my country (Israel, Macedonia!)

Click here to read Part I of the transcript.
Click here to read part II of the transcript.

Favorite ABDC Live Tour Videos #2 - Super Cr3w

Icenaharry took 12 different videos of the America's Best Dance Crew Live tour stop in Atlanta. Watch them all here. One of our favorites: Super Cr3w:
.
Let us know your favorite Youtube videos from the tour. We'll link to the ones we like best.

Seven Surprises in the ABDC Live Tour

OMG lists seven reasons to see the ABDC tour:

1. New routines featuring all 5 crews
2. JabbaWockeez without their masks
3. ASIID's "magically growing hair"
4. Matt Cady of Fanny Pak directing the other crews
5. Break Sk8 without skates
6. Super Cr3w with skates
7. Guest appearances.

Read all about it here.

Favorite ABDC Live Tour videos #1 - JabbaWockeeZ Look Into the Future

There are a LOT of Youtube videos of America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour. We're going to go through them all and present our favorites during the course of the tour. First up: ooamyoo's video of JabbaWockeeZ Look into the Future.

If you want to nominate a video for us to feature on this blogsite, email us (bloggingbestdancecrew@gmail.com).

Review: Atlanta ABDC Live Tour

Access Atlanta reviews America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour as they stop in Atlanta. Read it here.(after their Emmys writeup). It sounds like the show stopper was Fanny Pak's reprise of Week 4 prom-gone-wrong, danced to "Touch my Body".

JabbaWockeeZ video - The Soup Cooler

We've got some videoclips of our Blogging America's Best Dance Crew/Honey with Sole interviews with at the tour rehearsals. Here's the conversation with JabbaWockeeZ about the next dance sensatin -- 'the soup cooler'.

"The Soup Cooler" -- Jabbawockeez ABDC Live Tour Rehearsals from Donna Nguyen on Vimeo.

Morning Mailbox: Fanny Pak Live Chat, ABDC Live tour report, Shane Sparks

• Fanny Pak will participate in a live chat on tween/teen website Stardoll.com Tuesday Sept.23. Chat time will be announced on their homepage soon.
  
• Liliananyappy writes in Live Journal about her experience at America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour in Atlanta
• Shane Sparks will perform and judge a dance contest at the "No Ho Scene" in Los Angeles on October 5. Click here for more information
  

Shane Sparks co-hosting Charity event on Sept.28

Shane Sparks will co-host the 7th annual "Stars, Stripes and Skates ICEtravaganza", honoring the memory of September 11 and benefitting the Heritage Foundation of 9/11. The show will take place on Sunday September 28 at 3pm at the Danbury Ice Arena in Danbury, CT. Click here to buy tickets.

The show will feature several of the world's most famous figures skaters, including 1994 Olympic Gold Medalist Oksana Baiul, three-time World Medalist Fumie Suguri, British ice Dance champions Sinead and John Kerr, and Bronze Medalist Ashley Wagner.

Click here to learn more about the Heritage Foundation of 9/11. And, if you can't go to the event, consider making a donation to this worthy cause supported by Sparks!

New Cities added for Season 3 Auditions

It has just been announced that 4 auditions cities have been added for America's Best Dance Crew Season 3, for a total of 8 cities. Click here for details. The new schedule is:

• Atlanta GA - Oct. 11
• Austin, TX - Oct 13
• Miami FL - Oct. 14
• St. Louis, MO - Oct 15
• Washington, DC. - Oct 16
• San Francisco, CA - Oct. 18
• New York, NY - Oct. 18
• Los Angeles, CA - Oct. 25

There will be 2 different groups handling the auditions, which is why San Francisco and NY are scheduled on the same day.

Yuri and Taeko Show - VMA Behind the Scenes and Before the ABDC Dance-off

The Yuri and Taeko show filmed Kaba Modern and Fanny Pak before the VMAs. Though this is old, it's cool because they take it into the dress rehearsal, dressing rooms, backlot, and other off-limits locations. Click here to watch.

Rolling Stone Review of ABDC Live Tour

Rolling Stone reviewed the kick-off performance of the America's Best Dance Crew Live tour in Miami. You can read it here. Highlights of the review:

• "the two-act show was a high-gloss, rapid-fire affair, full of flashing lights and screens."
• there were a lot of empty seats and the crowd is described as shrieky tweens
• Loudest cheers for JabbaWockeeZ, Super Cr3w, and Break Sk8

If you go to one of the shows, let us know what you think by emailing us at bloggingbestdancecrew@gmail.com. We'll try to post as many as we can

JabbaWockeeZ at Macy's Passport Show in San Francisco

This show was performed by the four members of the full JabbaWockeez crew who did not go on the ABDC Live tour, plus an unnamed new member of the crew.

Mailbox - Mario Lopez, Randy Jackson, Shane Sparks, Fanny Pak,and BreakDancing Ecards

• Shane Sparks will teach at Shock The Intensive's workshop in Charlotte, NC on October 19. Click here to learn more and sign up.
• Mario Lopez interviews Randy Jackson on Extra. There's no talk about America's Best Dance Crew, but lots of discussion about cologne and hula hoops.
  
• Fanny Pak talks to the Tampa Tribune about their newfound fame.
• JibJab offers a free personalize-able breakdancing card.
  

JabbaWockeeZ video interview

During our interview with the Jabbawockeez at the ABDC rehearsals, one of the guys got a little personal with our interviewer Honey with Sole, resulting in a fun and quite irregular interchange. Check it out:

More Ways to win tickets to ABDC Live tours!

You can still win tickets to the ABDC Live Tour. Click on each of these contests for details:

• TONIGHT (Sept. 18) Miami Dance Challenge
• TOMORROW (Sept. 19) Portland OR Zone Dance Challenge
• Atlantic City WAYV Give-away
  
• DanceJam's ABDC Live Tour contest is still accepting entries for tour dates after October 1. Click here for submission deadlines by city

Good luck. Let us know if you win!

Video from ABDC Tour Rehearsals - JabbawockeeZ rehearsing and talking

Leah D'Emilio of Mahalo Daily taped JabbaWockeeZ rehearsing and goofing off at the ABDC Live Tour rehearsals. She also talked to the crew about the tour rehearsal process and their favorite moves. Keep watching as she interviews choreographer Tabitha Dumo who gives advice on learning how to dance and teaches Leah how to crank.

Mario Lopez Coverup!

According to People Magazine, Mario Lopez is going to keep his shirt on in order to be taken more seriously. Said Mario, "My shirtless photo-shoot days are behind me."

Luckily, you have at least one more chance to see the award-winning pecs. Lopez will reprise his role as Dr. Mike Hamoui on "Nip/Tuck" and rest assured, he will lose his shirt.

Photo credit: Kadena Pix/ Bauer-Griffin

JabbaWockeeZ TV -- rehearsals and interview

JabbaWockeeZ MySpace page has video showing them rehearsing and talkiing about the America's Best Dance Crew Live tour. Watch it here now , check out our interviews with JabbawockeeZ and the other crews, and stay tuned for more coverage of the tour!
America's Best Dance Crew on Tour Interview: Jabbawockeez

Mailbox: Shane Sparks on Broadway, Boogie Bots in DC

Shane Sparks will be co-choreographing Dreamgirls for Broadway and a national tour. Auditions begin October 2. So, click here to read about your chance to perform on Broadway AND work with Shane Sparks!

Boogie Bots will appear in the ABDC Live tour, but only in Washington DC.

JabbaWockeeZ interview at the ABDC Live Tour Rehearsals

Donna of Honey with Sole concluded her series of interviews for Blogging America's Best Dance Crew (best field reporter ever!) by talking with the guys from JabbaWockeeZ. Though it's a long interview, listen to the whole thing -- she really got to know the men behind the mask. Not a whole lot of 'news' here (they have a LOT of contractual restraints on what they can say!) but you can get a good sense of the fun and comraderie here. Some of the intriguing bits from the tape and her interview:

• They really liked touring Hawaii, Guam, Malaysia and... New Jersey
• After the tour, they're taking their families on a cruise to Puerto Rico. No work, just fun
• Like all the other crews, they got NO free tickets for the tour for their family or friends
• At the time of the interview (only 7 days before the first show) they still didn't know what solo dance they'd be performing as their opening.
  
• They 'seem' to have a move called the Soup Cooler. Mmm...
• They like to play Frogger before rehearsals
  

Listen here:

Powered by Podbean.com

Click here for more JabbawockeeZ photos from the rehearsals.

JabbaWockeeZ videos- Life after ABDC

JBWZ bonus: video interview with JabbaWockeeZ member Rynan Paguio about life after America's Best Dance Crew, from Pacific Rim Photo Press.

JabbaWockeeZ in Leona Lewis Video

Leona Lewis' new video "Forgive Me" featuring JabbaWockeeZ has finally been released. All the Youtube versions are being pulled for copyright issues; so far this website seems to be a reliable source of videos. If this doesn't work, try MTV!

Leona Lewis - Forgive Me (Music Video)

America's Best Dance Crew -- more popular than Obama?

Curious factoid from the Wall Street Journal: when Barack Obama texted the message announcing Biden as vice-president, it went to a little less than 1 million cellphones in the campaign's database. In contrast, America's Best Dance Crew exchanged messages with about 1.5 million different individuals during Season 2. So, ABDC had 50% more active mobile fans than the Democratic nominee.

Super Cr3w Interview at ABDC Live Tour Rehearsals

Day 4 of the joint interview reporting between Blogging America's Best Dance Crew and Honey with Sole, covering the ABDC Live Tour rehearsals. Today, we've got the exclusive pictures of Super Cr3w. Check out the audio interview on Honey with Sole. Donna tells you what it was like to talk to Super Cr3w in rehearsal and posts the audio interview. Among the many revelations:

• Rockadile was sick this week and missed some of the rehearsals, but will definitely be ready for the first show in Miami
  
• For their tour intro, Super Cr3w will reprise (and improve) their dance to "Don't Touch Me" by Busta Rhymes, which they first performed in Week 6
  
• Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew will feature only 8 episodes, down from 10 in Season 2
• Super Cr3w will go back on tour after ABDC Live Tour ends. Dates and places are still being negotiated, but include shows in Hawaii, Canada, and Guam.
• Now that Super Cr3w is done with ABDC, Do Knock plans to keep the Super Cr3w name alive by setting aside time to talk with fans

Click here for more photos.
And, come back tomorrow for our interview with JabbaWockeeZ!

ABDC Tour News: Kaba Modern, Enigma, ICONic Added to Local Performances

Honey with Sole reports that crews have been added to the ABDC Live tour, but are only performing in limited cities:

• Enigma Dance Crew -- Tampa 9/19
• ICONic -- New York City 9/23
• Kaba Modern -- Los Angeles and San Diego 10/16, 10/18

Fanny Pak Interview at ABDC Live Tour rehearsals

On Sept. 11., Donna from Honey With Sole talked with Fanny Pak before the crew started the day's rehearsals for the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour. News: they're going to open the ABDC Live Tour with Bamboo Banga! In the interview, they also revealed why it's dangerous to be a Fanny Pak, which cities they can't wait to visit, and how the songs and choreography for the show are chosen and prepared. Visit Honey with Sole to see pictures from the interview, and listen to it right here:

Powered by Podbean.com

Come back tomorrow for an interview with Super Cr3w!
Photo credit: MTV

Atlanta -- Win free tickets to ABDC Live tour!

Gotta Dance Atlanta is giving away free tickets to the ABDC Live tour. To win, answer three questions and send answers to info@got2dance.net by Sept. 18. Write "America's Best Dance Crew Tickets" in the subject line.
Click here for the questions and our hints (we want you to win!)

ASIID Interview at ABDC Live Tour Rehearsals

Today, Honey with Sole and BABDC are sharing an interview and pictures of ASIID, taken during the ABDC Live Tour rehearsals in Los Angeles. We've got the pictures, and Honey with Sole has the audio and some details. As you can see (and hear), the tour is both much hard work but fun for the crews. ASIID will revive some of their iconic moves (remember Walk the Dog?) but pull out a lot of new moves for the tour. They also talk about working with the other crews and performing near their hometown.

Click here for more photos of ASIID.
And, tune in tomorrow for an interview and photos with Fanny Pak!

BreakSk8 Interview at the ABDC Live Rehearsals

Over the next few days, Blogging America's Best Dance Crew is teaming up with one of our favorite blogs -- Honey With Sole -- to share pictures, impressions, and interviews about the ABDC Live rehearsals this week. The deal: to get all the info, you have to visit both our sites. First up: an interview with BreakSk8. This time, BABDC's got the audio and here's Honey with Sole write-up and pictures. In this interview BreakSk8 talks about being on tour, some of their moves, favorite parts of the tour, and what it's like to work with the other crews. Listen here:

Powered by Podbean.com
Next up: Come back tomorrow for A.S.I.I.D.!
Photo credit: MTV

Hip Hop Jewelry Auction on October 1

Wanna be like Missy Elliott but ya can't dance and Can't rap? Don't matter. You can still feel part of the life by bidding in an auction of Hip Hop's Crown Jewels, to benefit Russell Simmons' Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network and the Diamond Empowerment Fund.

Key items include Missy Elliot's diamond, black diamond and gold turntable ring, Biz Markie's black and white diamond headphones pendant, Sean "Diddy" Combs' princess and baguette cut diamond and platinum bracelet and Pharrell Williams' Gucci link necklace dipped in multicolored pave diamonds. Signature hallmarks like Slick Rick's multicolor diamond-set eye patch and Lil' Jon's diamond and yellow diamond "Crunk Ain't Dead" pendant will also be up for grabs.
Click here for more information.

JabbaWockeeZ Joe and his JoeShmoeShow

Joe Larot of JabbaWockeeZ posts some wild videos on his JoeShmoeShow channel on Youtube. We subscribed so we could catch his latest freestyle sessions -- you should too. Here's a sample:

Watch this space: We're covering the ABDC Live Rehearsals!

A heads-up to our fans: today the media are invited to watch the rehearsals for the America's Best Dance Crew Live tour. We've got a field reporter there and are monitoring other press coverage. So in a few days, we'll provide you with everything we can get, including photos, interviews, and (we hope) some videos. Stay tuned!

Mailbox - Why You Should Try out for ABDC, Kaba Modern and The Reality Awards

• Buddy TV interviews America's Best Dance Crew creators describing the perks of ABDC exposure: money and success. Best factoids: JabbaWockeeZ got a $5 million contract with Nike; originally NBC was going to air ABDC but backed out.
• Kaba Modern will perform on Fox Reality Channel's "2008 Fox Reality Channel Really Awards" Saturday, October 11 at 10pm ET/PT. It looks like ABDC will have some nominations too. Here's more info.
  

Karmaloop Talks to JabbaWockeeZ

Karmaloop.com has launched KarmaloopTV, a video channel focused on today's fashion, culture, and music. I guarantee you'll find some original stuff to watch -- check them out here. Since this is an ABDC blog, we'll share their JabbaWockeeZ interview:

A New Old Role for JC Chasez?

JC Chasez may become a lot busier real soon. According to today's interview with Access Hollywood, Lance Bass says that "the odds are good" for an NSYNC Reunion. According to Bass, “We’ve always discussed it. It’s always a possibility and we still owe some records to the record companies.” At the ABDC finale, JC adamantly denied this rumor. So who are you going to believe -- JC or Lance? Click here to read the whole story.

Has Success Spoiled Fanny Pak?

Trick question to get your attention. Answer: they're a LOT better off than a few months ago-- Glenda Morales is no longer homeless, living with fellow FP-er Tiffani Grant. Adoring fans recognize the crew out on the street, and they'll be making real money from the ABDC tour and Fanny Pak clothing line. But, based on this Pacific Rim Photo Press video (shot just before the VMA challenge), they're far from blase about their newfound fame:

Win a Signed Super Cr3w shirt: Super Cr3w Tattoo Contest

More from Honey with Sole (ABDC fans should definitely bookmark her blog). Super Cr3w's Do-Knock posted on MySpace that he has a contest for fans: designing a tattoo for him. He writes that "it can be anything from a simple SC3 to anything to symbolize the crew and the three crews in Supercr3w...I'm sure you guys will make some dope designs."

The winner gets a Super Cr3w T shirt signed by the entire crew, plus the knowledge that your art is permanently on Do-Knock's skin. Deadline - September 20, 2008. Read the details at Honey with Sole's Blog, or on Do-Knock's MySpace Page (which is also where you send your entries). Thanks, HoneywithSole!

Super Cr3w's Ronnieboy interview: Proud to be from Guam

Here's an interview with Ronnie Abaldonado of Super Cr3w, talking about growing up in Guam and its influence on his dancing.

ABDC Live Tour will NOT postponed!

Contrary to an earlier report, the ABDC Live tour IS on as scheduled. No crew members were hurt and the show will go on in Miami and everywhere else! So, if you haven't done so already, buy your tickets while seats are still available.

You Be The Judge: Did Lil Mama Rock Fashion Rocks?

Lil Mama walked the red carpet at Fashion Rocks on September 5. What do you think? Should she go more mainstream 'pretty' or do you like her style? Would it be okay if she just lost the hat?

Photocredit: JustJared

Fanny Pak with Lindsay Lohan and Ciara at the VMAs

Photocredit: Film Magic

Here's Fanny Pak getting the adulation they deserve!
Click here for more VMA photos -- we've got Fanny Pak and Shane Sparks on the Red Carpet.

Kaba Modern Dance Classes in Costa Mesa

Yuri, Jia, Lawrence and Tony of Kaba Modern will teach classes at the Sweet Spot this weekend. Registration starts at 1pm.

If you want to publicize an ABDC-related event (class, performance, appearance), email us at bloggingbestdancecrew@gmail.com.

VMA Highlight #2: Fanny Pak Presents!

Fanny Pak won the America's Best Dance Crew VMA Challenge. I love Matt's run down the aisle and their goofy enthusiasm. Last night, I didn't even realize that they were the headless bodies 'presenting' the nominees; it took a second viewing to see their Fanny Paks. Watch for yourself:

VMA Highlight #1: The Dance-off

Last night, MTV devoted about 3 1/2 hours to the VMAs. There was A LOT of time used by an obscure British comic, and about 9 minutes of America's Best Dance Crew action. We'll fast forward it for you obsessive ABDC types. First, here's Fanny Pak dancing to "Damaged::


Click here to see Kaba Modern performing "Closer" in the pre-show.

VMA Preshow - Shane Sparks

The VMA pre-show did not have this clip of Shane looking super-spiffy:

Hey! VMA Play By Play

Dance-off time! In the the comments section, I'll post any and all America's Best Dance Crew references, sightings, dances, jokes, etc. If you can't watch or want to help, join me

Poll results for VMA Challenge --No contest!

Our readers have spoken. Tonight's contest should be a match-up between Fanny Pak and Kaba Modern. Reminder: we'll be here tonight by 8pm to provide play-by-play of the ABDC dance-off, then will watch the VMAs and announce who won (and what they're saying). Join us!

poll by twiigs.com

All about Fanny Pak's Cara Horibe

MidWeek Magazine profiled Fanny Pak's Cara Horibe a few weeks ago. Click here to read the article. My favorite revelations:

• She worked as a cruise ship dancer
• She trained at the same dance group as Janet Jackson's choreographer and a finalist for So You Think You Can Dance
  
• She almost gave up on dancing to work at her family's hair salon until she received a text message from Matt Cady about forming Fanny Pak and competing on Americas Best Dance Crew