Mailbox: SoReal Cru, St. Maarten Dance Crew, JabbaWockeeZ x Fingerbangerz

• SoReal Cru performed at Jingle Jam in Houston, along with David Archuleta, Chris Brown, Colbie Caillat, Rihanna, and Gavin DeGraw. Here's the Houston Chronicle review.
• News about St. Maarten's Top Dance Crew TV show: all-girl crew Top Secret was eliminated because they didn't show up for the taping. Their no-show may have been the result of negative judge's comments the week before, including "Too Much Whining" and "Not enough choreography." Their elimination saved the two groups who received even fewer viewer votes. I wish I could show video on this!. Read more here.
  
• For your viewing pleasure: a video documenting the history of the JabbaWockeeZ and Fingerbangerz collaboration

Message from MTV on ABDC Audition Decisions and Calls

For the crews who have not yet heard from MTV (and all the rest of you who are curious): I just received the following email from MTV:
"Nancy, can you tell them that crews have not been contacted either way, but they will be shortly. I'm following up with our casting directors to see when they're going to log calls to ALL crews, yeas and nays. I'll let you know when we hear back on that."

To me, this means that there are still decisions to be made and that the crews that have not yet been contacted still have a chance to make it to Season 3. So, good luck to all and hold on tight!

To all Season 3 auditioners that haven't heard back yet: Email me and we'll try to help!

There are still a few crews who auditioned for Season 3 but have not yet heard a response. My media contact at MTV emailed me to ask for your crew names. Once I send them to her, she will forward them to Casting and ask them to help get you information.

So, if you are still waiting for a response, please EMAIL your crew name and where you auditioned to me at: bloggingbestdancecrew@gmail.com.

Photo of the day: Fanny Pak in Guam

This was posted by Kabbawockeez. Feel free to leave in an appropriate caption in the comments.

Better late than never #2: Yuri & Taeko backstage at ABDC Live Tour

Yuri (from Kaba Modern) and Taeko (from Fysh N Chicks) released new videos this weekend. My favorite is their unique coverage of the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour in Los Angeles. They have front-row dancing scenes and never-before-shown views of the backstage set-up and the crews running around pre-performance.

Are ABDC Voters Racist?

Thuy-Ann posted an academic analysis on her blog, examining whether there is a racist element to the voting in America's Best Dance Crew. Specifically, she looks at the performances of Xtreme Dance Force, and makes the case that they only lasted on ABDC as they did because white female voters favored their good looks over more talented minority groups. Read her post here.

What do you think? Do YOU vote right, basing your choice on the dance crew's performance? How much do you and your friends factor in racial/ethnic pride (or prejudice) in your voting decisions? Do you think that, in general, racism is a big issue in ABDC voting? Please comment!

Be honest and constructive. Warning: let's keep this respectful -- I will edit or delete comments that I consider rude.

Karmaloop Sale on Super Cr3w and JabbawockeeZ shirts

Karmaloop.com is running a 25% off site-wide sale. Their stock includes several Super Cr3w and JabbaWockeeZ shirts, as well as a warehouse of shirts, shoes, hoodies and other apparel. The discount code I received is MANIAC (they know me); it looks like FROST will work too.

Better Late than Never #1:JabbaWockeeZ interview from ABDC Live Tour

Want to spend half an hour with JabbaWockeeZ and other crews? Here's the video from a live broadcast conducted during the America's Best Dance Crew Live tour. JabbaWockeeZ takes the lead, talking about how the crew formed, answering assorted viewer questions, singing (ouch), showing a nose freeze move, and interviewing Fanny Pak, ASIID. an Super Cr3w. By the end, the crews are interviewing each other on inter-crew crushes. So find 30 minutes and listen in.

Sign up now for American Street Dance Championship V

The American Street Dance Championship V is coming January 25, 2009 to The Los Angeles Convention Center. There will be $5000 in cash and prizes for competitors. Master street dance classes in locking, popping, b-boying and hip-hop will also be offered. All ages are welcome. Shane Sparks will be one of the special guests and judges. For registration and Info: www.streetdance.net For Tickets: www.thefitexpo.com

Competition categories include:
BBoy and BGirl (crews only)
Locking and Popping (solo, teams and crews)
Hip-Hop and Freestyle (solo, teams and crews)
Capoeira and Martial Arts (solo, teams and crews)
Junior Skills (Age (7 to 17) - Any Dance Style)

You MUST submit a performance video to be considered for the competition. Upload your video to YouTube and email the link to: asdc5@streetdance.net Or you can send a DVD, Mini-DV or VHS to: Wardance Entertainment, 369 S. Doheny Dr., #1135, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

Interesting crew from Atlanta auditions: GOP

Over the last few weeks, we've showcased crews that auditioned for Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew. In some cases, we've highlighted crews that we didn't personally watch at the auditions but have numerous and loyal fans clamoring for us to show their videos. If we love the videos, we'll post them to let our readers make their own decisions.

So, for your consideration: GOP, from Puerto Rico. They are members of a dance school and have worked together many years. The name GOP stands for Group of Peace, as they're working with kids to provide an alternative to 'street life.' Unfortunately, they did not get picked for Season 3, though they still hold out some hope that ABDC could change their decision.

I think GOP has some wicked moves, and I hope that they will eventually make it to ABDC. UPDATE: The older video was removed; here's another.

From NY Auditions: Organic, crew for the Future?

At the New York auditions of America's Best Dance Crew, one crew especially caught our fancy. Organic is a girl's crew from New York City. They have some nice moves, but what made them stand out was their stand-in. Because one of the members was ill, 15-year old Shorty filled in. Shorty is a phenom -- a super dancer AND the crew's choreographer!

Because of the age restrictions for ABDC (and the idea that the choreographer should be an active crew member), we aren't confident that Organic made the cut (and we dont' know!) but think this is definitely a crew for the future.

Mailbox: Outside gigs for Mario Lopez and Shane Sparks

• Mario Lopez is in negotiations to once again host the Miss America pageant. I see this as a problem -- last time he was prettier than some of the contestants.
• "Boogie Town", the hip hop film with dance scenes choreographed by Shane Sparks, has been acquired by Vivendi Entertainment and will be released summer 2009. Set in a near-future New York where dancing is outlawed, "Boogie Town" follows the rise of illegal "battle dancing" in the underground world of the title. I haven't found any pictures or clips from the movie -- leave a comment if you've got a lead.
  

Automatic Response and Enigma Dance Crew: Life after ABDC

Truman Index -- the student paper for the Truman State University in Missouri -- profiles Automatic Response and Enigma Dance Kru, two groups from Season 1 of America's Best Dance Crew. I especially like this article because it covers how ABDC helped two strong crews that didn't stay a long time on the show.

According to the article, ABDC helped Enigma Dance Kru get sponsorship for their tours. Automatic Response has had success in their goal of bringing a hiphop dance scene to their home town of Phoenix Arizona and to help local charities. The profile also describes the crews' backgrounds and styles.

Read all about it here. Photocredit: Truman Index.

JabbaWockeeZ Tshirts on sale til Xmas -- new stock added

Armory Hiphop restocked all their JabbaWockeeZ shirts for you holiday shoppers, so there are a lot of choices available in all sizes. Here's their shiny gold and silver foil shirt. And, you can get everything in the store 20% off buy using the discount code NEWSHIRTS when ordering.

Hint: once you've made your JabbaWockeeZ gear decisions, look at their other shirts and hats. They have some original designs that are CRAZY -- I'm going to order some for myself.

SoReal Cru in the Bay Area -- video minidocumentary

SoReal Cru posted a 10-minute video of their visit to San Francisco and San Jose. It's got dancing, back-stage pranks, tons of fan interaction, tour bus action, a shout-out from L0st Kids, a fashion shoot, and much much more. This is a must-watch for anyone who's wondered (or fantasized) about the life of some of the more successful America's Best Dance Crew contestants.

Upcoming Performances: Kaba Modern in Hawaii, Yuri & Taeko in LA

Kaba Modern appearances and workshops in Hon0lulu:
- 12/5: Kallusive Release Party. Location Special Edition Shangri La at W Honolulu.
- 12/6, Honolulu: The Cause Workshop. Jia Huang will teach a session from 4-6:30. Diverse Arts Center, 1030 Queen Street. Tickets are available at Word of Life, New Hope, Honolulu Dance Center, Studio 808 and YMCA

Yuri & Taeko: One of L.A.'s prominent Asian-American performing troupes, Lodestone Theatre Ensemble, has announced that it is closing its doors at the end of 2009. To get there, however, the company is throwing a fundraiser from December 11-14 2008 called Lodestone After Dark: The Beginning of the End. Kaba Modern's Yuri Tag and Fysh N' Chicks' Taeko Collins will appear at one performance. Location: GTC, 1111-B West Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA. For more information call 323-993-7245.

Another Favorite from the Season 3 Auditions - Mixed Elements Video

Many readers have been asking to see video of Mixed Elements, a crew that auditioned for Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew. We don't know of anyone (besides MTV) that taped the audition, but Mixed Elements themselves uploaded a video to Youtube today, showing their performance at the Dance Unlimited Halloween Show. Thanks for the tip, Paul.

What do you think? Do you want to see them on ABDC?

Charity Auction: 4 passes to ABDC taping + Lil Mama meet & greet

Want to attend a taping of Season 3's America's Best Dance Crew with your friends? We understand that it's gotten MUCH harder to get ticket passes, due to the show's popularity. Here's your chance to get tickets, meet Lil Mama, and help Dosomething.org, a charity that helps teens get involved in projects to improve the world. This is a great gift that gives back.

From now until December 10, visit Charity Buzz to bid on 4 passes to an ABDC taping plus the meet and greet with Lil Mama. Airfare is not included, and the minimum bid is $250.
Click here to bid.

Photocredit: MTV

Quest audition video + more coverage of LA auditions

Dance Channel TV just posted a video of the Los Angeles Season 3 auditions for America's Best Dance Crew. It contains a sample of Quest's audition (the crew with alums from So You Think You Can Dance) from 3:15 until the end. Dance Channel also interviewed Transitions, Head Hunters, Street Vibe and Quest about how they prepared for the auditions and what they'd do with the prize winnings. There's also footage of ABDC creator Howard Schwartz and judge Shane Sparks talking about what it takes to make it onto ABDC.

Click here to watch the video. Thanks for the tip, Kendrick!

Straight information about ABDC Season 3

Some info, straight from a conversation with an MTV rep, regarding Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew:

• As earlier announced, there will be no audition special with eliminations. So, the crews that are picked now will be the crews that perform on the first show
  
• Final decisions on the 9 crews that will compete in Season 3 should be made VERY soon (nothing more specific!)
  
• Current plans are to announce the names of the 9 crews to the public sometime late in December 2008, though this could change
  
• In the meantime, please do not reveal the name of a crew that has been picked for Season 3. It doesn't matter if you're the crew member or a friend, relative, or acquaintance. It doesn't matter if it's on Youtube, Facebook, Myspace, or other on-line site or anywhere else in the media. Let MTV make the announcement please!
  
• If your crew has not been chosen, feel free to share the information and any comments or insights. There are dozens of amazingly talented crews that won't appear on ABDC this season, so you shouldn't be disrespected for it.

ABDC Holiday gift survey - What do YOU want?

It's December -- time to give and get for the holidays. World peace would be terrific but it looks easier for each of us to address domestic problems by stimulating the economy, focusing on visions of America's Best Dance Crew and related purchases.

What do YOU want? What would you give to your favorite ABDC fan? Please leave comments on some specific suggestions of great gifts.

poll by twiigs.com

SoReal Cru in Philly -- Video and photos

Jon Jon attended the SoReal Cru show at the Solo Nightclub in Philadelphia on November 26, and gives us a front-row view of the whole SoReal Show. Part I, from mrjtde, his Youtube videochannel:

Part II:

He also met with crew members from SoReal Cru and Phresh Select. Click here to view more photos with the two crews. Jon Jon -- thanks for sharing with us!

Photo of the Day -- Kaba Modern Legacy on the Catwalk

Sarah Lee took this photo of Kaba Modern Legacy at the 13 Minutes Magazine 3rd Annual Fashion Show on October 13, 2008. I'd like to see more action like this in the Bryant Park tents at Fashion Week!

India's Best Dance Crew on MTV!

Buried in this strange newspost about the skincare regimen of MTV India VJ Anusha Dandekar is a some real ABDC news: there’s a new show called MTV Dance Crew to be aired soon. “In my new show, I get to shake a leg with the participants. That’s great, since I love dancing."

I haven't found any other information on this show yet. But I did hear from ABDC co-creator Howard Schwartz at the Season 3 auditions that Best Dance Crew was going international. All this is a great development for hiphop, and a prelude (I hope) to World's Best Dance Crew. And, I hope that MTV will post the episodes so we all can watch.

What country do you think is next?

Photocredit for VJ Anusha Dandekar: Glamsham.com

Watch Dance4Life live connection today!

Today (November 29), go to Dance4Life.com to watch the life satellite broadcast of the International Dance4Life event.

50,000 people in 19 countries will be dancing to celebrate achievements in fighting AIDS. Boogie Bots will be one of the U.S. performers, and some top dance crews in other countries are expected to perform. So, if you've got the time please watch and contribute to Dance4Life!

St. Maarten's Best Dance Crew -- new TV show!

It was bound to happen, given the success and popularity of America's Best Dance Crew. The first non-US "Best Dance Crew" TV show will be filmed in -- St. Maarten!. Here's the story in More Baccanal.

Six crews will be dancing each week, and the show will air on French St. Martin TV. The format and voting are pretty much the same as for ABDC. The top prize is $3000 and the title of St. Maarten's Best Dance Crew.

According to the article, "Organizers are limiting the crews only in what they can wear and how “vulgar” their styles can be. Besides that, it’s really no-holds-barred for this competition."

The six crews are: HOT, Hydrolics, Low Rydahs, LTL, Top Secret and The Spotlight. Please comment here if you've watched any of them in performance.

If this show becomes available on-line, you bet we'll post it. Good luck to all!

Click here to see pictures of the other crews in contention for St. Maarten's Best Dance Crew.

Kaba Modern Performing at the Expo

On November 22, 2008, LA was the site for The Expo - A Charitable Event Benefitting Culture Shock. Guests included Kaba Modern, Super Cr3w, Fanny Pak, and Fysh N Chick. Pacific Rim Video taped the Kaba Modern performance:

ABDC Merch #2: Fanny Pak Fanny Packs

On this Black Friday, we're featuring some shopping choices for those of you who can't deal with bricks-and-mortar stores.

Fanny Pak is now selling Fanny Packs for $15 on their website.

I'm really looking forward to the Fanny Pak shoes that will be available from Milkshake Kicks in February 2009. I saw Milkshake Kicks on crew members at ABDC Live in NY and I want them now.Right now, this website has some unique FP shirts and non-FP shoes.

ABDC Merch #1: the Kaba Modern Never Duplicated Shirt

On this Black Friday, we're featuring some shopping choices for those of you who can't deal with bricks-and-mortar stores.

America's Best Dance Crew Marathon on MTV2

For those of you with hundreds of cable stations: MTV is running an America's Best Dance Crew Marathon today and tonight. Just the thing to give thanks for.

Supreme Soul Performances in Toronto

From a few months ago, but still worth watching: Supreme Soul danced at Freshman Week at Ryerson University in Toronto. Honanie taped these performances:

San Diego & LA ABDC Appearances: Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul

Super Cr3w: appearing in LA at Club Tatou on November 29. Adults only show. Call (213)482-2000 for details. Thanks for the tip, Raquel!

Super Cr3w will also appear at the Armory Survival Gear Store (1539 Garnet Avenue location) on November 30. Call 858-274-7300 for details. From Friday through Sunday, the stores will be selling all their merchandise at 20-50% off. You can also shop on-line at Armoryhiphop.com and get a 20% discount on all their clothing by entering BLACKFRIDAY as the promo code.

Supreme Soul: December 9, San Diego State University. This poster has the info.

More audition videos: The Hype

At the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew, Pacific Rim Video filmed The Hype, from Hawaii. Here's the audition:

And their interview, talking about the sacrifices and challenges of deciding to audition:

Good luck to The Hype!

SoReal Cru and PhreshSelect in Philadelphia tonight

On Thanksgiving Eve (November 26), SoReal Cru and Phresh Select will perform at the Solo Nightclub with Sinthesis, Xclusive, Remedy, Flipside & multiple students' organizations from Drexel, University of Pennsylvania, Temple and Villanova for the biggest dance party of the year. There will be an autograph session from 9-10pm and giveaways all night long.

MUSIC: DJ Wreckless, Art, and DJ Goodlyfe

Limited Advance tickets will be available at Abakus Store (227 N 10th St.) or you can contact college organizations.

Mailbox: Reviews and Images from last week's shows

On November 24, the TASA (Taiwanese American Student Association) Freestyle Competition was held by RAPS (Rutgers Association of Philippine Students). Here's a picture of the winners - RDT -- posing with Boogie Bots after their win.

Some reviews of Break Sk8 and the San Francisco Hip Hop DanceFest:

• Voice of Dance loved the show, including Break Sk8: "To watch this quintet do something like entrechats on skates is to have seen almost everything."
• SFGate thought the show was "sick, buck, dope, stupid." Of Break Sk8, they wrote: "They do tight, hard-hitting moves that most crews would kill to pull off with their feet on the ground. Then they do more."

Photo credit: John Richard Pena/RAPS Media Crew

Reminder: Far East Movement On-Line Release Party tonight

Don't forget -- at 9-10pm West Coast Time, tune in to Far East Movement FM TV for the the first ever live, streaming on-line release party for their new album Animal.

The album (produced by Far East Moement which includes DJ Virman from the America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour) features the next generation of rising artists and sounds featuring guest appearances by many rising stars including Def Jam’s One Block Radius, Warner recording artists Wiz Khalifa and Jah Free along with Latin music legends Lil Rob and Baby Bash.

Planet B-Boy on Youtube Live -- WATCH THIS NOW!

We've been following Knucklehead Zoo because of their ties to America's Best Dance Crew through Super Cr3w, their Broadway show, and their members' audition (as The Zoo) for ABDC Season 3. Now, some KZ's Yust and Freaky are part of a Planet B-Boy crew for Youtube Live, to help promote the Planet B-boy movie. This video is just sick.

Shane Sparks - Talk of Fame Interview

Talk of Fame talked to Shane Sparks at the LA Auditions of America's Best Dance Crew. He talks about all his upcoming projects including the "Boogietown" movie and the "Dream Girls" theatrical revival. And, he thinks that Broadway should be in the future for some ABDC crew members!

One more favorite LA Auditioning Crew: Essence

Over the past few weeks, we've been posting videos of auditioning crews that our LA field reporters Brooke and Rebecca watched and really liked. As always, we'll remind you that they didn't see all the LA auditioners and that Blogging America's Best Dance Crew has no insider information or influence with the ABDC judges.

Here's one more crew for you to watch: Essence. We like their creativity with movements and props. While they showed no tricky moves, they had good detail and humor. We said the same thing about Fanny Pak when we watched the audition special from Season 2. So, maybe this girl crew has the goods for Season 3. What do you think?

Canada Tour with Super Cr3w, SoReal Cru, Fanny Pak, Supreme Soul

On the heels of JabbaWockeeZ' successful Canada tour -- the Best Dance Canada tour. The show will feature Fanny Pak, SoReal Cru, Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, and DJ Wish One from JabbaWockeeZ.

The schedule:
12/13: Toronto Click for tickets
12/15: Winnipeg Click for tickets
12/16: Saskatoon Click for tickets
12/17: Calgary Click for tickets
12/18: Edmonton Click for tickets
12/19: Vancouver Click for tickets

Interviews with Super Cr3w, Kaba Modern, and Fanny Pak at Expo Benefit for CSLA

Pacific Rim Video talked to Kaba Modern, Fanny Pak, and Super Cr3w at the Expo Benefit in Los Angeles on November 22, as they prepared booths to meet fans and sell some crew merchandise. Click here to visit Pacific Rim's Youtube channel and watch all of them. Here's Super Cr3w's Do Knock talking about the crew and their webcam show:

Season 3 Auditioners -- Has MTV Contacted You Yet?

We've heard that MTV has started contacted auditioning crews as to whether they made it to Season 3. For those of you who get bad news -- try out next season! We know that the competition was fierce and many many great crews won't make the cut. Feel free to comment here if you were contacted by MTV, to let us know what they said and what you think. We welcome comments from anyone who auditioned for Season 3. IMPORTANT:

• Do not write anything that would violate your legal signed agreement with MTV. For example, if MTV told the Season 3 crews not to identify themselves publicly, leave a comment but don't give your name or your crew name.
• Don't lie or misrepresent yourself.
  

Stage View of ABDC Live's Last Show

DJ Virman provides the backstage view of ABDC Live's final show, showing the crews taking their bows:


Don't forget to tune in to FM TV next week --November 25 at 9pm West Coast time -- for the live streaming release party for Animal, the new album for DJ Virman's group Far East Movement.

Bay Area Hip Hop Weekend -- SoReal Cru, DanceFest with BreakSk8

1. SoReal Cru appears for shows and meet and greets in the Bay Area this weekend.

• San Francisco: meet the Cru in San Francisco at Fatlace (1630 Post Street) from on Saturday 11/22 from3-5pm.
• San Jose: watch SoReal perform at Club Vivid on Saturday 11/22. Call 408-279-4444 for details. Then meet them at Sole on Ice (475 W. San Carlos St.) on Sunday 11/23 from 3-5pm

2. This weekend is also the 10th Annual San Francisco Hip-Hop Dance Fest, featuring 22 crews from around the world performing, holding master classes, and partying. Break Sk8 will perform along with notable crews like Soul Sector, OTI, Flawless, and Plaque. Click here for details and tickets.

ABDC Audition Judge Napoleon D'umo : Rock the Reception!

America's Best Dance Crew fans may know Napoleon D'umo mainly as one of the audition judges for ABDC, appearing on the MTV audition specials. But he and his wife Tabitha are involved in much much much more, including handling auditions, choreography and judging for So You Think You Can Dance; teaching for Masters of Hip Hop; choreographing special events; selling their own line of street wear called NappyTabs; and appearing in their own TLC program called "Rock the Reception" (helping engaged couples prepare for the first dance at their wedding receptions).

You can read all about it in this article in Movment Magazine. And you can catch up and watch Rock the Reception on TLC or the TLC website.

Super Cr3w Video -- Florida Performance

On November 15, Super Cr3w performed in Arlington, FL at the Aqua Nightclub. We love Jabbawockeez904's video -- almost feels like we're at the show.

More Favorite Crews from ABDC 3 LA Auditions: Trendsetters

We have videos and interviews for two more favorite crews from the LA auditions. Remember that the Blogging America's Best Dance Crew field reporters Rebecca and Brooke were not able to watch all the crews and that our blog has no insider information or influence on the ABDC judges.

Today's video and interview: Trendsetters from North Hollywood

• Why the name Trendsetters: Because they ARE trendsetters, especially the choreographer Brooklyn Jai
• Crew members: Angel, Brooklyn Jai, Todd Flanagan, Trevor Kent, Anja, Melissa Miles, and Deidre Maldanado
• How long performing as a group: 7 years
• Style of dance: Hip Pop
• Why they're auditioning: they feel it's their year to shine, they are talented fresh and new, and all have individual talents
• Favorite crew from past seasons: Fanny Pak
• What they'd do if they won the $100,000: they want to produce their own show and invest the money in their careers.

Here's the video and interview from Talk of Fame:

Mailbox: Olsen Twins go Jabbawockeez, plus Boogie Bots & Live In Color

• Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (and friends) donned JabbaWockeeZ masks to conceal their identies at a friend's wedding. Somehow I don't think they busted any major moves at the reception. Read the report here.

• The Lantern (the student newspaper for Ohio State) covered Boogies Bots and Live In Color's performance at "Step it Up and Dance"

More JC Chasez Videos: JC and Justin Timberlake at TFL, Advice for Season 3

JC Chasez made the rounds during Total Finale Live. First, he and Justin Timberlake appeared with Carson Daly, reminiscing about their odd hair, outfits and behavior during the early years of TRL:

Next, he spoke to MTV Remote Control, with his guidance for Season 3's crews:

ABDC Crew Shirts -- sale on Jabbawockeez & Super Cr3w, or buy the latest JBWZ styles

• Armory Survival Gear is holding a Holiday sale on all merchandise purchased on-line, including JabbaWockeeZ shirts, Super Cr3w shirts and lots more. Click here to start shopping. The discount code is ARMORYHOLIDAY.
  
• JabbaWockeeZ added some new shirts styles. Things tend to sell out fast, so get that holiday present NOW for your favorite JabbaWockeeZ fan (or for yourself). You can get them at Shiekh stores or Shiekhshoes.com. They're also available at fancasa.com.

Kaba Modern, Fanny Pak, and Boogie Bots in Guam - Interview and Make-A-Wish!

Saipan Tribune provides some novel coverage of the Music, Dance & Wishes II show in Guam:

• They interviewed Kaba Modern when the crew served as judges for CNMI's best dance crew competition. The crew had such an outstanding reception that they've promised to return to Saipan sometime in the future.
• They went backstage as Kaba Modern, Fanny Pak, and Boogie Bots greeted Franklin Ebuen. Franklin is a 13-year old with a life-threatening condition whose request to Make-A-Wish was to attend the concert and meet the crews. Each crew gave Franklin a special gift. That's Franklin in the picture during his private meet-and-greet.
  

JC Chasez interview from Total Finale Live

JC Chasez was one of the guests at Total Finale Live, the last gasp of TRL. Watch the America's Best Dance Crew judge describe his experience to MTV's Buzzworthy:

Boogie Bots at Dance4Life - Watch video for chance to win computer or CDs!

On November 29, Boogie Bots will perform for Dance4Life at the 9:30 Club in Washington D.c.. Dance4Life is a nonprofit that fights AIDS through Dance Initiatives. Click here if you want register for the show or to volunteer and it for free.

And watch this video for more info on Dance4Life. BTW -- if we get the most viewers of this video on our site and win something, we'll hold a contest to give it away to one of our readers! (It loads slowly, so please be patient!)

More Favorite Crews from ABDC 3 LA Auditions: World Famous

We still have a few more audition videos to share with you. Our disclaimer: our ace Blogging America's Best Dance Crew field reporters Brooke and Rebecca only attended 4 hours of the L.A. auditions, so they did not see every crew. We also have absolutely no influence on the judges' decisions.

Another favorite of ours: World Famous. This girl group auditioned unsuccessfully for Season 2 but returned, better than ever for Season 3 auditions. Belle, one of the crew members, is the wife of Rainan Paguio of JabbaWockeeZ.

We're using Talk of Fame's video of the audition, so you can see their interview as well.

Mailbox: Why Filipino crews rule, plus cute Super Cr3w fan pix

• BakitWhy attended the NY auditions for ABDC season 3, focusing on the strength of Filipino dance crews. To quote the article and Howard Schwartz (co-Creator of America's Best Dance Crew): "I don't know what it is about Filipinos, and what comes inside you to make you dance the way you do." BakitWhy talks to and profiles the NY Filipino crews that tried out, including Sour Logic, Point Blank, and Fr3sh -- 3 crews that we highlighted as some of our favorite auditioners. Read the insightful post here.

• We see lots of fan pictures, but we thought these photos of Super Cr3w (including the one above) were especially cute. Thanks for sharing, Arianne-Izzzle!
  

Exclusive Podcast with DJ Virman, DJ on America's Best Dance Crew Live Tour!

This week, DJ Virman spoke with Blogging America's Best Dance Crew about how he got involved in the ABDC live tour, his favorite parts of the show, what they did between shows, complete with stories about crew 'drama', getting into trouble, friendships, shoe shopping, and meeting fans on the street. Here's the podcast:

As mentioned in the podcast, DJ Virman and his group Far East Movement are releasing an album called "Animal". You can join the live streaming release party on November 25 at 9pm (WestCoast time) at FarEastMovement.com. There will be performances, surprise guests, and prizes.

Randy Jackson at the ABDC Auditions - "This is what the Dawg Wanted"

Talk of Fame met with Randy Jackson at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew. He's coy about the surprises in store but announces "This is what the Dawg wanted." And if the Dawg wants it, the Dawg's gonna get it. so stay tuned.

And stay tuned for more Talk of Fame links over the next week or so . They've got some new angles on ABDC's personalities and crews and I'm looking forward to watching and sharing.

JabbaWockeeZ in Winnipeg -- videos and pictures

Access Winnipeg attended the Reprezent show on November 11, which featured JabbaWockeeZ. They'll review the boys soon, but in the meantime, they posted lots of pictures and videos from JabbaWockeez' performance, final bows, and backstage. Click here for their JabbaWockeeZ report.
Here's my favorite of the batch, with some dances that I hadn't seen before:

Shane Sparks: ABDC's Impact, Forecasts & How ABDC can kick SYTYCD's butt

Blogging America's Best Dance Crew field reporters met with Shane Sparks at the Season 3 auditions in Los Angeles. Here's some more Sparks scoop about the new season, ABDC's impact, what it takes to win, and the differences between ABDC and So You think you Can Dance:

How will Season 3 be different from prior seasons?" I'd like to see more female groups and more break dancing groups. The Season 3 crews need to be ready to break more records each week, just like JabbaWockeeZ did, and step it up."

What do you think it takes to be a winning crew for Season 3?"The winning crew will have a bit of Fanny Pak, Super Cr3w, and JabbawockeeZ, while bringing something else completely different to the stage.

Do you think America's Best Dance Crew has had an impact on America's perception of hip hop dancing?"Yes. It's given these kids in the street the opportunity to get off the streets. It gives them something to look forward to every week. It gives them something to work on and perfect so they can try out for Season 4."

What are the main differences between So You Think You can Dance and America's Best Dance Crew? " The dance crews are more self-taught talent and offer better dances. They do their own choreography. They are totally individual."

kaba Modern on VH1's "Real Chance of Love" on Nov. 17

Kaba Modern's Cindy Minowa and Jia Huang will appear on VH1's "Real Chance of Love on November 17. They'll be splitting up the show's contestants into two crwes and serving as team captains for a dance face-off. Thanks for the tip, Michael Tran!

Here's the preview:

• VH1 TV Shows
• Music Videos
• Celebrity Photos
• News & Gossip

Upcoming Performances: Boogie Bots, Kaba Modern, Knucklehead Zoo

• Tonight (November 14), Roselle Park, NJ: Joesar Alva of Boogie Bots will be teaching and performing at the Paragon Ballroom. Click here for details.
• November 21, Los Angeles: Kaba Modern will be one of the performers at the KoreAm Journal Achievement awards. Click here for details
• November 22, 8Pm ET, everywhere!: Knucklehead Zoo will be hyping "Planet B-boy" at a Youtube Live event. Other guests include Akon, Katy Perry and Mythbusters. Here's the info.

More LA audition coverage complete with teaser video

Talk of Fame also attended the LA auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 3, and have issued a teaser video. It includes interview clips with Randy Jackson, Shane Sparks, Quest, World Famous, Head Hunters, Body Poets, and Trendsetters, as well as audition clips from World Famous and Trendsetters. Here's their write-up.

Here's their video. As soon they post again, we'll bring it to you. And, BABDC still has a few more crew audition videos coming up soon.

Mailbox: Planet B-Boy Video release, Mario Lopez Behind-the-Scenes, JabbawockeeZ PR

• Planet B-Boy has been released on video. Watch Knucklehead Zoo and some of the best crews in the world. Order it here.
  
• For those fans who cannot get enough of Mario Lopez (I know you're out there), "Extra" Raw stalked him through the streets of NY
• Another sign that JabbaWockeeZ has made it legit: The crew is now being handled by "It" Girl Public Relations, PR firm to Nelly and Backstreet Boys. "The publicity firm will be working with JabbaWockeeZ as they prepare to break in the entertainment industry in addition to launching their hip trendy men's street wear clothing line." Let's hope they keep it real.
  

Another ABDC Season 3 Contender -- Tripl3 Threat

Another hot crew for your consideration: Tripl3 Threat auditioned in San Francisco for Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew. We bring them to your attention because 1. they won the opening dance-off for ABDC Live in Oakland (and got loads of love!), 2. have a member (Frost) who's an alum of Supreme Soul, and 3. they've got precision and some fresh moves.

Judge for yourself. Here's Tripl3 Threat's performance at ABDC Live in Oakland:

Here they are at World of Dance:

Do you think they've got what it takes for Season 3?

NSYNC Redux -- ABDC Tour bus tribute, and Final Request Live

NSYNC may be out of the picture (for now, at least!) but Americas' Best Dance Crew is still in the tribute business:

• JC Chasez will appear with Justin Timberlake (as well as Christina Aguilera, Kid Rock, Ludacris, Fall Out Boy and a ridiculous and growing A-list of performers) on "Total Finale Live". The show airs on MTV Sunday November 18 at 8PM ET/PT. Click here to read the latest. Hey, if Backstreet Boys can appear, why not an impromptu NSYNC reunion -- you've already got 2 of the members present!
• On the ABDC tour bus, the crews and DJ Virman got down with NSYNC videos.

Meet Kaba Modern, Fysh N Chicks, Fanny Pak and More at LA's Expo!

On Saturday November 22, The Expo will be sponsoring a charitable event to benefit Culture Shock's hiphop dance education programs in Los Angeles. Kaba Modern will be performing. The meet and greet will include America's Best Dance Crew alums Kaba Modern, members of Fysh N Chicks and Fanny Pak, and as well as Ryan (from Quest Dance Crew and So You Think You Can Dance) and dancers from Step it Up and Dance and America's Got Talent.
Click here for more information and buy tickets.

Interview with Quest Crew at ABDC Auditions

Pacific Rim Video and Seattle PI Blog interviewed the members of the Quest Crew when they auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 3. Three members -- Ryan Conferido, Dominic Sandoval, and Hok Konishi-- competed on So You Think You can Dance. Here's their interview, talking about Quest's style, what they've given up to compete, and their goals.

For those who missed it, here's the Quest Dance Crew performance from the June 26 SYTYCD.

Upcoming performances: Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, XTreme Dance Force

• Super Cr3w: November 14, Atlanta GA: Emory University and Studio 72. November 15, Jacksonville, FL: Super Cr3w at Aqua Night Club. 18+ only.
  
• November 19, San Jose, CA: Supreme Soul at San Jose Improv. Click here for details and tickets.
• December 8 Oshkosh Wisconsin: Xtreme Dance Force is part of "Christmas in the Air" at the Airventure Museum. Click here for more information.

Exclusive Interview with Howard Schwartz, Co-creator of America's Best Dance Crew

I had the privilege of talking with Howard Schwartz, Co-Creator and Executive Producer of America's Best Dance Crew at the Season 3 auditions in New York. Howard, along with Karen Schwartz, is also co-creator of the USA & World Hip Hop Dance Championships, and an all-round creative, inspirational person. Listen in as we discuss changes for Season 3 and the plans to make Best Dance Crew an international phenomenon.

Boogie Bots, Fanny Pak and Kaba Modern in Guam-- Press Videos, Photos, and Reviews

Guam PDN posts a rave review of the performances of Fanny Pak, Boogie Bots, and Kaba Modern, describing the audience as mesmerized, breathless, pumped up and crazy. Good photos too!

Buddy TV talked to Fanny Pak's Matt Cady and Tony Anderson (the show's MC).

Pacific News Center attended a press conference with the crews, with quotes on their unexpected success and on advice for aspiring crews.

Photocredit: Mike G. Santos for Pacific Sunday News

Super Cr3w performance in Las Vegas

Raw Vegas TV caught Super Cr3w when they performed at the Jet Nightclub in the Las Vegas Mirage. Here's a video interview and performance.

Interview with JabbaWockeeZ Chris Gatdula

Saskatoon Radio Station C95 interviewed JabbaWockeeZ member Chris Gatdula about his plans before America's Best Dance Crew, the crew's success, the reason for the masks, and his dream gigs -- Chris Brown and Wu-tang Clan. Click here to listen.

Photocredit: MTV

Fanny Pak, Kaba Modern, Boogie Bots performances in Guam

Shara attended the Music Dance & Wishes II show, and taped performances of America's Best Dance Crew favorites Fanny Pak, Kaba Modern, and Boogie Bots. Click here to visit Shara's Multiply site and read her commentary. Thanks, Shara!



Kaba Modern

Click here to see the Fanny Pak and Boogie Bots videos.