Video: ASIID's Della dancing with Jonas Brothers at Magic Kingdom Parade taping

From Milkdidmybodygood's Youtube Channel: the Jonas Brothers performing for a Magic Kingdom Christmas Parade, featuring ASIID's Della Hamby.

More LA audition interviews: Beast Mode, Neverland, L2D, Pandoras Myth, LCZ

More interviews and introductions to crews that auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew 5 in Los Angeles, from Pacific Rim Video. Interviews include Beast Mode, Pandoras Myth, L2D, and Loyal Citizens of Zamunda. Two bonuses: rapping from Beast Mode and a cute member introduction from Neverland.

Videos: Denver ABDC auditioners Ground Zero battles with Super Cr3w, other bboys

Ground Zero is a crew that auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 in Denver, and has attracted major attention from this site's bboy fans. So, here's some of their work -- should they make it to the next show over other great bboy groups like Knucklehead Zoo? The demo video (from pryzmab's Youtube channel)was created in 2009 from various events. The battle between Ground Zero and Super Cr3w happened in 2003 -- Super Cr3w was disqualified after Ben's move at 4:37. Thanks for the tips, Dance and Artillery!

America's Best Dance Crew 5 premieres Jan.28, Moves back to Thursday nights

It's official: America's Best Dance Crew will return for its fifth season on Thursday January 28, 2010. It will move back to Thursday night at 10 pm ET/PT

Perform a Random Act of Kindness to Win a Present from Quest Crew (maybe)

From the Quest website - a challenge with rewards:
"In the generous spirit of the season, we here at questcrew.com want to take a minute to be grateful for all that we have. And one of the best ways to show gratitude is to share your blessings with others. And now we want to know how you share YOUR blessings!

1. Perform an random act of kindness (examples described in the post)
   
2. Questify it - make it creative
3. Document it and send the documentation to questmas@questcrew.com by December 23, 2009
4. Check back on Questcrew.com. The most creative and inspirational story will win a prize from Quest Crew"
   

Pacific Rim Interviews LA Crews: Molodi 5, The Hype, Sacramento King Breakers, Heavy Hitters

Pacific Rim Video hung out with crews in Los Angeles on the first day of ABDC auditions. They posted interviews with 4 more crews that reportedly did well during their tryouts: Sacramento King Breakers, Heavy Hitters, The Hype, and Molodi 5 (who also demonstrated their stepping/percussion style):

Artistry in Motion do photoshoot for Nappytabs

Artistry in Motion (America's Best Dance Crew Season 4) were tapped for a photoshoot to promote Nappytabs, the clothing line for ABDC and SYTYCD choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo. Click here to see more photos and click here to buy some merchandise!

From LA Auditions - News on a few more crews

Our interviewers Chris Trondsen and Glenda Morales assured me that they had a wonderful time at the LA ABDC auditions and will have some interviews and even some audition videos to share soon! In the meantime, some news on the LA crews gathered from the internet and our comments section:

• Molodi 5, a Las Vegas based "extreme band of body percussionists" did well in the callbacks
• Inside the Box unfortunately had a tough time at the callbacks and will not be moving on. We'll have more on them soon anyway. Thanks for the tip, KM.
  
• VIP SJ also is out of the running. From Krisuan in our comments: "ABDC said we looked too young for television & that our performance was so high, it didn't go anywhere. If you're already high, you can't get any higher. We took it as something good. They even said "Your Staging was AMAZING!" Haha! But we had fun auditioning and for only being out for a year, it was a good experience"
• Instant Noodles, a b-boy crew from Taiwan, made it to the callbacks and were interviewed by Pacific Rim Video:

Detailed report on the Denver ABDC auditions

A reader who attended the Denver auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 sent in a detailed report on the two days of tryouts. It's a marvelous picture of the initial audition and the callbacks (including a challenge involving a prop and cheerleading music), as well as great information on some crews we might see on MTV soon!

"ABDC 5 Auditions in Denver were held at the beautiful facilities of the Colorado Ballet. 8Am on Friday morning dancers started lining up outside in below zero weather. Toes frozen, muscles cramping...not the best start to a long day of dancing. Lucky for the dancers... ABDC had a warm dance studio for them to warm up in and hang out in while they waited to perform for the first set of auditions. There was about 15 crews that participated this weekend."

Click here to read about Electrolytes, BreakEFX, Illmatic Krew, Bandits, Motion Underground, True 2 Form, Rocky Mountain Rockstars, Boom Unit, The Damsels, the judges (one of whom was a no-show!) and more!

We are Heroes perform and get key to city in Hercules, CA!

ABDC4 winners We Are Heroes performed "Single Ladies" at the tree-lighting ceremony in Hercules, CA in December 2009. Afterwards, they were given the key to the city. Video courtesy of IPAUILO's Youtube Channel. Thanks for the tip abdc!

Boston ABDC Audition Location: The Loft

Boston auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 will be held at The Loft, 319A Street on Friday, December 11. Let us know if you attend!

Tweets from the LA ABDC Auditions

Later this week, we'll have some interviews from the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5. Right now, the best news is coming through Twitter. We found that auditioning crews included Poreotics, Knucklehead Zoo, The Hype, Neverland, Sheroes, Beast Mode, Inside the Box, Flex Flav, Pandoras Myth, Soul Project, Capital Iggz, XPosed Dance, King Breakers, Klaamation, and VIP San Jose.

The on-location twitpics were taken by aghouston86, abdcinsider, and the_real_winson, respectively.

Video report on Denver auditions from Team Firefox

Team Fire Fox went to the America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 auditions in Denver. Self-description on the application form: “It’s like, they’re the people I work with and our job is being popular and s**t!” Based on their description, I doubt we'll be seeing them soon on MTV, but they might look into Comedy Central.

Video: Vogue Evolution performing on World AIDS Day

TheLunaShowNY Youtube Channel taped events on World AIDS Day in New York, including a performance by Vogue Evolution.

Report on ABDC Auditions in Houston

Dance Houston reports on the America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 auditions in Houston. Most of the crews were auditioning for the first time, and "many of Houston’s own popular dance crews did not show up for the audition as we expected." Among the crews spotlighted in the post:

• Second to None - They are from San Antonio and many were members of Streetbeats. Styles: Hip hop, volgan, break, trick, and pop
• Foot Soulgerz Krew - From Dallas. Styles: krunk, tut, break, and pop
• Dirty South Crew (pictured above) - From Tyler, TX. Style: sexy hip hop
• Austin City Dance Crew - From Austin, members of Austin City Showgirls. Experience includes ballet, tap, Latin, and cheerleading
• Soraya and La Zambra - From Houston. Mixed styles with strong bellydancing skills. Their audition routine was Gypsy Fusion.

Photo credit: Anusha Patel

West Coast Crews: Let us Know if you audition!

This weekend, the America's Best Dance Crew audition judges head out to Denver and Los Angeles. If you audition, drop us a line about your experience. What crew do you represent? What was it like to audition? Did you make it to the callbacks? Will the West dominate yet again? Photos and videos welcome too!

Watch Glenda (Fanny Pak) on NBC's The Office!

Glenda Morales -- member of ABDC Season 2's Fanny Pak and this site's eminent ABDC reporter -- appeared on NBC's The Office on December 3, 2009. The segment lasts from 7:31 to 14:58, with interruption for another plot line. Glenda played a student, with some dancing. Watch it here: Glenda's frequently on camera and in close-up during the classroom sequence and has a line at 13:22 - "'EXCUSE ME??" Way to go Glenda!

Video: Porche (Beat Ya Feet Kings) slow dancing

From the queenpbyfk Youtube Channel, here's Porche from Beat Ya Feet Kings (America's Best Dance Crew Season 4) practices some slow dancing at the studio.

Upcoming Events - Week of December 4

• 12/4: America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 auditions in Denver, CO
  
• 12/4: Artistry in Motion to perform at Des Plains, IL holiday tree-lighting ceremony
• 12/5: America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 auditions in Los Angeles, CA
• 12/5: Matt Cady (Fanny Pak) workshop in Dallas, TX
  
• Bionic (Supreme Soul) in Hawaii: 12/5 performing at Mighty 4 Hawaii in Honolulu; 12/6 teaching workshops at Hypersquad Dance Studio in Waipahu. for more information, contact 808-676-HYPE.
• 12/6: Leiomy (Vogue Evolution) to host and perform at National Talent Search USA taping in Charlotte, North Carolina
• Kemmian Beard (Southern Movement): 12/7 teaching master class at Jenkins School of Dance in Gate City, VA; 12/9 Millington School of Dance, Memphis, TN
  
• 12/7: Brian Hirano (Quest) on Carrie Underwood TV Special on Fox TV, 8PM ET/PT
• All week: Groovaloo Freestyle in New York
  

WATCH: Legion of Extraordinary Dancers on So You Think You Can Dance

I like many of the dancers on this season's So You Think You Can Dance, and I enjoyed watching Quest with Snoop Dogg. But, for me, THE HIGHLIGHT of the December 2 SYTYCD was The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers (LXD) performing to "Yellow". Click here to watch LXD's second trailer and click here for an earlier post about LXD with their first trailer.

Boogie Bots post an audition video for ABDC Season 5

Magic Mike from Boogie Bots posted a new video on his Youtube channel with the description: "my friends and I decided to turn in a video for season 5 of abdc. this is the set we came up with. enjoy." Indeed -- I did enjoy it!

Video: Mike Murda (Super Cr3w) in new DJ Hero Lifestyle Trailer

Thanks for the tip, Supercr3w.com!

Video: Quest and Snoop Dogg on So You Think You Can Dance

Dogg performed his latest song "I Wanna Rock" on So You Think You Can Dance December 2, 2009. As Adobostreak said in his comment on it, "It's like it was almost like a QUEST performance, with Snoop Dogg as the background singer/rapper." Thanks for the link, Adobostreak!

Quest's Feng - advice for dancers

After Ryan Feng (member of ABDC 3's Quest) taught a challenging workshop, he imparted some advice to the class. I especially like this clip since 1. Feng really connects with this audience and 2. the spirit his advice can and should be applied for all sorts of learning situations.

Fr3sh 'miniseries' - Behind the scenes for ABDC, Part I

Fr3shDanceTroupeLLC just posted the first installment in a Youtube miniseries about Fr3sh's experience at America's Best Dance Crew Season 4, showing behind the scenes footage about the MTV show. This first episode introduces the crew members to you as they work their way from New Jersey to Los Angeles. Next episode promises to show some backstage material. Stay tuned!

Video: Rhythm City partying and dancing at Welcome Home Party

Rhythm City may have been unhappy at leaving America's Best Dance Crew Season 4, but they partied when they returned home. From smileey7's Youtube Channel, filmed by Butta Productions:

ABDC auditioners -- send us your videos!

It appears that the press will probably not be allowed to film audition performances for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5, though we will be tape interviews with some crews and judges. Obviously, we're disappointed, but we still want to bring together auditioning crews and ABDC audience even before Season 5 begins.

SO -- if you audition for ABDC Season 5 ANYWHERE and have a recent performance or competition video of your crew, send us your video links (via the comments section or by email to BloggingBestDanceCrew@gmail.com). Also, tell us

• the crew's name
• something about the group (background, where you're from, where you've competed, if you auditioned for ABDC before, anything else you think is interesting)w
• where you auditioned
  
• if you made it to the call-back round.
  

We'll try to post as many as we can. Please realize that the readers here can be a really harsh audience, so only share if you're okay with getting tough feedback!

Vogue Evolution to perform tonight in NY in World AIDS Day rally

December 1 is World AIDS Day, to raise awareness and funds for HIV and AIDS projects across the world. Gay Mens Health Crisis (GMHC) planned several events today to encourage New Yorkers to "Fight AIDS. Love Life." Of particular interest to this site: Vogue Evolution (ABDC Season 4) and other groups will perform and speak at Broadway United Church of Christ in NY starting at 7pm. Read more about the event here. Learn more about how you can help at WorldAIDSDay.org.

TiVo Alert: Quest and Snoop Dogg on 12/2 So You Think You Can Dance

According to Questcrew.com, Quest Crew and Snoop Dogg will appear together on Fox's “So You Think You Can Dance” Wednesday, December 2, 2009. They will probably perform Snoop Dogg's latest hit "I Wanna Rock". Thanks for the tip, Snoop Redtube D0ggystyle!

On this episode of SYTYCD, D-trix will also be working outside the TV studio, interacting with audience members. The first time he played 'Sidewalk Correspondent", Dtrix challenged people to perform specific dance steps. What do you think he'll do this time?

Afroborike show in Puerto Rico - report and video

A reader named Alexis attended Afroborike's show in Puerto Rico on November 29 and left this report in our comments: "It was very good... people were screaming and clapping, etc. They came out to the public coming from under the stage... Nobody was expecting that. It was a very good entrance. They did like 8-10 dances, including 3 that they didn't do at the show... At the end of the show they came out through the back of the theater and they took pictures with the audience that were waiting for them on the outside of the theater. I got my picture with all of them. They are really sweet and very enthusiastic with all of us. I was very impressed by their sexyness and after watching the live performances I could understand why people (mostly in this blog) were criticizing them. They do dance VERY SEXY and PROVOCATIVE but is not because they were offending with their moves or trying to be about "Sex"; is just that we in Puerto Rico do dance like that, with alot of sexual connotations. Like dancing as an expression using sex as an art, Not sex as just sex in a dance." Thanks Alexis!

Here's video from another performance in Puerto Rico given on November 14, 2009. From R0dolfoMedinaLopez Youtube Channel.

Videos: Soul Train Music Awards featuring Swagger Crew and Karelix (Fly Khicks)

The BET Soul Train Music Awards aired on November 29, 2009. Karelix of Fly Khicks (America's Best Dance Crew Season 3) and a few members of Swagger Crew (a Southern Crew that did made it to the callbacks for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5), were backup dancers for some of the performances. Swagger Crew members backed up Trey Songz; Keri Hilson; Ryan Leslie; and Charlie Wilson and Ginuwine (which also featured Karelix). You can watch all the clips at UrbanMusicDirect.com. Thanks, Caba!

Photos - Quest Crew performance at Dizzy Feet Gala

Photos by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Dizzy Feet Foundation)

Beat Freaks at Dizzy Feet: Photos and review

From The Beat Freaks Website: The Beat Freaks performed today at the Dizzy Feet Foundation's "Celebration of Dance" Fundraising Gala at the Kodak Theater. Cat Deeley introduced the Beat Freaks, "These next dancers prove that anything boys can do, girls can do better." Immediately, everyone knew she was talking about the Beat Freaks. The brand new routine started with the first special guest, The Magic Ball, and went into Dirty Money's 'Love Come Down' choreography... Next, they started dancing to Sheila E.'s 'The Glamorous Life' and were soon joined on stage by the legend, herself. Each Beat Freak had their moment to shine with their individual, signature freestyle. The set ended with one of BGirl Shorty's incredible headspins. The crowd loved it and were on their feet screaming. The Beat Freaks definitely went above and beyond in every aspect; the new choreography, dancing, music, fashion, production, and of course Sheila E!
The website has many more photos of Beat Freaks at the event.
Show Photocredit: Getty Images

Videos: Interviews with Quest and Beat Freaks at Dizzy Feet Gala

Quest Crew (minus Feng) and Beat Freaks were among the myriad featured performers at the Dizzy Feet Foundation gala in Los Angeles on November 29. Performance videos are not available yet, but Pacific Rim was there to interview the crews about their Dizzy Feet and upcoming plans. In addition, here are interviews with Groovaloos and a separate talk with Quest's Ryan Conferido.

Video: Jed Florano (Team Millennia) choreographs at Choreographer's Carnival

From the jeddyboi Youtube Channel, Jed Florano of Team Millennia choreographed this performance for the Choreographer's Carnival in LA on November 25, 2009. Thanks for the link, cool!

Video: Lando Wilkins (Boxcuttuhz) teaching workshop

Lando Wilkins (Boxcuttuhz) taught a workshop at Stylz Dance Studio in Covina, CA on November 21, 2009.

Video: Fanny Pak Dance at Rock Romance Runway Show

Fanny Pak in black and in fine form at the Rock Romance Runway show in Hollywood on November 20, 2009. Thanks for the link, abdc!

Shirtless Brian Hirano (Quest) featured in Carrie Underwood Promo Ad

Brian Hirano (a member of ABDC 3 Champions Quest) will appear on Carrie Underwood's Christmas Special, to air on Fox December 7 8ET/PT. He also appears on the show's promotional ad. Thanks for the link, Shay and Snoop Redtube D0ggystyle!

Mailbox: Lil Mama Thanksgiving, Mario Lopez Cartoon

• Lil Mama volunteered at a New York City Rescue mission, serving food for the homeless on Thanksgiving.
• On Sunday November 29, The Dog Who Saved Christmas stars Mario Lopez as the voice of a mischievous dog left home alone while his family is out and about. It airs on ABC Family at 8PM ET/PT. Sounds like Canine Home Alone.

Video: Full Super Cr3w performance on For the Love of Ray J 2

Super Cr3w appeared on the third episode of VH1's For the Love of Ray J 2, to teach the women how to move. Here's their full performance:

Video: Glenda Morales (Fanny Pak) dances to Lady Gaga Mashup at Choreographers Carnival

Dejan Tubic created an arresting Lady Gaga mash-up featuring Fanny Pak's Glenda Morales. From iDejAnce's Youtube channel. Thanks for the link, abdc!

Adam Lambert vs. Afroborike: How much is too much?

The Examiner and other media are asking if there is gender or anti-gay bias in the protests against Adam Lambert's racy performance on the American Music Awards. The argument: Afroborike got away with simulated oral sex on America's Best Dance Crew and there were similar moves between heterosexuals on Dancing with the Stars. But, when Adam Lambert's performance included simulated sex and kissing between males on the AMAs, the Parents Television Council called it 'tasteless and vulgar' and Good Morning America cancelled his appearance.

What do you think? Did Adam Lambert push the limits further than Afroborike? Or is there something different about the forum, the dance, or the context that makes one more acceptable than the other?

Video: Ryan Conferido (Quest) dancing with Whitney Houston on Dancing with the Stars

Ryan Conferido appeared with Whitney Houston, who performed "Million Dollar Bill" on the Dancing with the Stars Season Finale on November 24, 2009. Thanks Shay and Snoop Redtube D0ggystyle!

Upcoming Events - Week of November 27

• 11/29: Dizzy Feet Gala with Quest, Beat Freaks, Alvin Ailey Dance Troupe, stars from So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars and more, in Los Angels
• 11/29: Adrian Causing (Fr3sh) workshop at Arts in Motion Dance Studio in Matawan, NJ
• 12/1-3: Do-Knock (Super Cr3w) in Groovaloo Freestyle, New York City
• 12/2: Oakland, CA is giving We are Heroes the Key to the City!
• Kemmian Beard (Southern Movement) teaching master classes in Jackson, Tennessee: 12/2 at Pat Brown School of Dancing 12/3 at Valarie Spragins School of Dance
  
• 12/3: B-Girl Movie Advance Screening in Atlanta
• Alonzo Williams (Rhythm City) teaching workshops in NY: 11/27, 12/3 and 12/4 at Broadway Dance Center; 12/28 and 12/5 at Steps on Broadway
  

Video: Snoop Dogg's "I Wanna Rock", featuring Quest

The new Snoop Dogg video "I Wanna Rock", featuring Quest (America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 winners) debuted today. According to the Far East Movement website, "Earlier in November we were invited to make a cameo at a music video shoot for Snoop Dogg called “I WANNA ROCK”. They were also looking for a fresh dance crew for the video so we called our homies Quest Crew (America’s Best Dance Crew) and they came up with a sick routine for the video." Thanks for the link, Adobostreak!

Beat Freaks and Super Cr3w in Jamaica - POSTPONED

UPDATE: Beat Freaks and Super Cr3w will be part of an all-star lineup at Urban Alley in Jamaica. Details here. This event has been postponed; we'll repost when the new date is set.

Silly Walks for Hunger videos: group dance, interview with Frost (Supreme Soul)

Silly Walks for Hunger was a charity event organized by dancers on November 19, 2009 in Los Angeles. Crew members from Beat Freaks and Supreme Soul were among the participants. Here are Pacific Rim interviews with Frost (Supreme Soul) and Rich and Tone (choreographers of the group dance shown below).

You can still contribute to the cause: text "FEED" to 909-99 and your phone company will donate $5.00 on your behalf to the organization. And, visit sillywalksforhunger.com for more info.

Our Thanksgiving video: On-stage Marriage proposal at Hip Hop International

Something zesty and sweet for your Thanksgiving: the on-stage marriage proposal at Hip Hop International earlier this year. After Physical Funk (from Germany) competed in the 2009 World Hip Hop Dance Championships, one member made a surprise announcement -- an on-stage marriage proposal. Definitely not a turkey! I hope your Thanksgiving is also full of pleasing surprises.

Video: Massive Monkees "Beat It' at Soccer Finals Halftime

At the Guitar Hero Michael Jackson Halftime tribute show at the MLS Cup Finals game on November 22 2009, Massive Monkees (America's Best Dance Crew Season 4) danced to Michael Jackson's 'Beat It'. At the same time, Jimmy Conrad of the Kansas City Wizards faced off against Fredy Montero of the Seattle Sounders in Guitar Hero. Video courtesy of MassiveMonkees TV Youtube Channel.

More audition news and video from auditioners and readers

Here's some of the latest news in our reader comments about the auditions:

• The Sacramento Kings Breakers not only decided to audition in Los Angeles on December 5 -- they sent out a press release about it! Thanks for the tip Elise10!
  
• Marvelous Motion is definitely not auditioning for Season 5. Reasons given (but not verified) include waiting for Phillip Chbeeb to be eligible again for TV competition, solo ventures, and injuries by other members
  
• Swagger Crew and their fans have been very vocal in our comments. UPDATED: Here's their most recent performance at DTJ XVII, an annual Southeastern dance competition put on by Filipino Student Association of University of Florida. More available at The Swagger Crew Youtube Channel.
  

Video: Beat Freaks Shorty at Demi Lovato's Birthday party

Shorty from Beat Freaks is one of the featured dancers at Demi Lovato's 17th birthday party. Thanks Ravoo!

Video: Artistry in Motion perform with Trey Songz

Artistry in Motion (America's Best Dance Crew Season 4) opened for Trey Songz at an AIDS charity event in San Bernadino on November 21, 2009. Click here to watch video of the performance. Thanks for the link abdc!

Photo and video: Mario Lopez is "King of the Throne" at Charmin toilet unveiling

ABDC host Mario Lopez cut the ribbon and gave a ceremonial first flush for the Charmin toilets in Times Square on November 23, 2009. There's even video with Mario and the ambassadors chosen to work at the restrooms for $10,000 and blog about the experience. Ah, that Empire State of Mind.

More on Atlanta auditions from Royal Flush and Xternal Technique

Here's a more on what it felt like to participate in the Atlanta auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5, excerpted from comments left on this site. Thanks for sharing, Fratboy and Ben10! And, we'd love to hear from crews in Houston!

Fratboy (Royal Flush):You can def tell that MTV is taking this season a little more serious than the past seasons!! You can tell a difference between the first audition day and the callback day because in Atlanta only half the crews were invited back for the challenge piece, so the judges are not playing this time!! They do more in depth interviews with the crews this time too, which shows that they are going to show more "about" the crews besides their dancing this season..When you're in front of the judges you get more of an American Idol feel in the room which was too much fun. For the challenge piece(callback) my crew(Royal Flush) STAYED up all night making the piece up and making sure it was perfect for the next morning!! So all crews be prepared to get no sleep..the challenge was crazy..lol..not gonna give it away but make sure y'all are original..oh yea and I'm add this:::Expect the South to come strong this time around everybody..TRUST ME!!! ;) SEASON 5 SHOULD BE THE BEST ONE YET I THINK. Much love to all the crews

Ben10 (Xternal Technique): like, it was crazy. I had 2 hours of sleep during the entire audition process. I was so drained by the end of Saturday i slept 14 hours lol. Thanks to Royal Flush, we had a place to stay for the weekend. helping each other out and providing advice and whatnot. Yeah but seriously, they are taking these auditions to the heart. They tore us apart the first night, but still let us go thru to the next day to blow their minds. Michelle McNulty was so impressed in the immediate change over night. it shows u can work under pressure... Its a crazy process, but its super tough, so for crews to audition, be ready. be VERY READY.

Mailbox: ASIID's Meme at AMAs, Cloud in Gap Ad, Phresh Select

• Click here to watch Shakira's performance of Give It Up to Me at the American Music Awards, with Meme from ASIID as a backup dancer. Thanks for the tip abdc!
  
• A member of Phresh Select is teaching hip hop classes at DK Dance Factory in Valley Village, CA
• RedBull BC One finalist Cloud is featured in the Gap's winter holiday ad:

Houston auditions photos: SoReal Cru, Hok, Lil Mama, JC Chasez

This photo of SoReal Cru and ABDC audition judges Hok (Quest) and Lil Mama was shot at the SoReal Cru studio in Houston on November 22. Picture from Brian Puspos' Twitpics.

JCGallery.org posts also posts Houston audition photos including this one:

More audition coverage: Ben10 (Xternal Technique) report from Atlanta

Ben10 from Xternal Technique wrote in our comments about his experiences at the Atlanta auditions and callbacks:

"I had soo much fun in Atlanta auditioning. ) lol let me tell YOUUUU guys. sh** was crazy in Atlanta...the mix they gave us to work on sick as hell. What happens is if they like you, they send you to call backs the next day. They give you a CD with about 30 something seconds of music to dance to, and a minute to freestyle. i think each region will have different music, because ours was definitely Southern. Performing in front of Hok, JC, and Lil Mama was very comforting.

I thought I was gonna be nervous as hell but it felt natural, and it was a fun experience. I'm back in Orlando now and im very happy with how they critiqued us. thats all I'll say tho.

btw, Lil' Mama is beautiful in person. lol I thought she was ugly but when u see her LIVE, its like wtf!?! she wore a weird red hat with like squigglies running to the back of her head like a mohawk. lol."

Thanks Ben10 and good luck to Xternal Technique!

Strange news: Mario Lopez is Ceremonial First Flusher of Times Square toilets

Today, the Charmin Restrooms returns to Times Square for the fourth consecutive year, giving tourists and local New Yorkers a free, clean and family friendly place to "enjoy the go." America's Best Dance Crew host Mario Lopez will perform the ceremonial first flush and announce "The Go Team" - the lucky five Charmin Ambassadors chosen to work in the Restrooms for a $10,000 salary this holiday season.

"I am excited to conduct the annual first flush and assume the role as 'King of the Throne'," said Lopez. "From my time spent in New York City while working in 'A Chorus Line,' I know firsthand how difficult it is to find a decent public restroom in Time Square. This is a great way for me to be part of an effort that not only provides a premium bathroom experience during the holiday rush, but has also given five people a fun and lucrative job opportunity in a down economy."

Click here for more information on the 'event' and here for more on the toilets.

Afroborike Interview: Most votes in ABDC History!

EFE interviewed Afroborike during their tour in Puerto Rico. If you can read Spanish, you can read the interview here. Some translated highlights:

• "One of the producers of the competition told us that we are the group that had the most votes in history"
• The group formed when they danced at the Hotel Sahara, though all but one had also danced at the same Puerto Rican dance school
• Members have been approached by a producer of Broadway's "In the Heights"
  

Ninja Assassin Red Carpet: Quest, We Are Heroes, Beat Freaks

Pacific Rim Video caught up with America's Best Dance Crew finalists and winners Quest, We Are Heroes and Beat Freaks at the red carpet for the Ninja Assassins premiere. Thanks Den!

They also have an interview with Quest's Feng about hanging out with Lisa Ling and seeubg Rain at the Ninja Assassins after-party.

ABDC5 auditions - Twitter Photos of JC Chasez and other judges, and Atlanta crews

Some photos from the America's Best Dance Crew auditions:
From Bvivares Twitter - JC Chasez getting ready for the camera



From ABDC5 Twitter:Associate producer Karen Schwartz and choreographer Chonique at the judges table, and Atlanta crews

ABDC5 Auditions: Tweets and posts Part I

We haven't received any real reports on the America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 auditions yet. But, here are some tidbits we've found in our searches:

• Members of Strikers All-Stars (ABDC 3) watched the first day of auditions in Atlanta
• Status Quo is preparing to audition in Boston
• Xternal Technique auditioned in Atlanta and got to the call-back round. UPDATE: Swagger Crew, Royal Flush, StilletoZ, Motion Sickness, and Jungle Boogies also made it to the callback round in Atlanta. Thanks AjayeofSwag!
• Some crews and their friends tweeted that they've made it to the Southern regional finals. I'm not reporting their names because it could disqualify them. Read the contract guys! MTV searches Twitter too!

If you have other news, post it here in the comments or send an email to bloggingbestdancecrew.com. Tell us if your crew is auditioning and where, if you made the callbacks, your anonymous impressions of performing in front of the judges or the scene at the auditions. Link any pictures or videos you took at the scene and we'll credit you in a post. But remember -- if there's positive news beyond making the callbacks -- keep it anonymous or you risk incurring the wrath of MTV!

Groovaloo Show extended in NY

After a successful run at the Joyce Theater, the GROOVALOO show has been invited back to NYC for a full-month run at the Union Theater from December 1 - January 3.It is based on the life stories of several B-GIRL stars, including Lady Jules, Flipz, Steelo, and Kid Rainen. A bunch of B-GIRL stars will also be dancing in the show during the NYC tour. Click here for our review of the Joyce Theater show. Click here for tickets. And, if you go, stick around after the show for chances to meet the cast!

To entice you, here's a few dance highlights from the show including The Battle with RedBull BC One finalist Cloud), and this Robot routine featuring Lindsey from Beat Freaks:

Quality hip hop from Japan: S**t Kingz

Though S**t Kingz from Japan are not eligible for America's Best Dance Crew, this is an example of what we'd like to see in Season 5. Thanks for the link, theEmp!

ONE MILLION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAHHHHHHHH

OMG THIS SITE JUST PASSED A MILLION PAGE VIEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hi, this is Sarah. I'm not usually this enthusiastic; that's Nancy's job. But WE GOT A MILLION HITSSSSS. Keep visiting BloggingBestDanceCrew.com. Well done. The force is with you. THANKS A BUNDLE.

Watch Janet Jackson's "Make Me" video, featuring Fanny Pak's Cara

Janet Jackson's new video "Make Me" premiered on ABC TV's 20/20 on November 20, 2009. Fanny Pak's Cara Horibe is one of the background dancers. Watch it here.

We Are Heroes shirts now available on-line

Wildchild Nation has a new partnership with We Are Heroes, champions of season four of MTV's hit show, "America's Best Dance Crew." Wildchild Nation will provide online distribution of We Are Heroes' collection of garments and products as part of Threader, the first online urban clothing marketplace for the dance and entertainment industries.

Wildchild Nation co-founder, Luam, commented, "As the first all-female crew to win ABDC, We Are Heroes has a unique opportunity to be able to inspire and positively affect the lives of all their fans. Helping them create streetwear and market it through Threader gives their fans a way to take a tangible piece of the crew home." Click here to buy We Are Heroes merchandise.

Video: Post-ABDC Afroborike Performance

From RudolphoMedinaLopez' Youtube Channel, a video of Afroborike's performance in Puerto Rico in November 2009. This is one of their first public performances since they came in second on America's Best Dance Crew Season 4.

Watch Redbull BC1 finalist Cloud in Shakira video

The latest Shakira video - "Did It Again" -- features RedBull BC One Finalist Cloud dancing across a bed with Shakira. Watch it here. Thanks, Karen Chu!

Video: Beat Ya Feet Kings performance and interview on Fox News

Beat Ya Feet Kings were guests on Fox 5 Morning News on November 17. They talk about repping DC, how the crew formed, and their plans for trying to get into videos and movies. Then, they demonstrated some of their America's Best Dance Crew routine moves.

Upcoming Events - Week of November 20

• 11/20: America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 auditions in Atlanta
• 11/20: Fanny Pak performing in FG Magazine benefit for LA Medical Center Foundation in Los Angeles
  
• 11/21: America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 auditions in Houston
  
• 11/21: Boxcuttuhz Workshop in Covina, CA
• 11/21: Fr3sh performance at AAA CultureSHOCK event at Columbia University in New York
• 11/21: Artistry in Motion opening for Trey Songz in San Bernadino, CA
  
• 11/22: Dtrix (Quest) workshop in Nashville, TN
• 11/22: Massive Monkees perform at half-time of the Major League Soccer Cup Championship Game in Seattle
• 11/22: Groovaloos performing at Golden Goggle Awards in Los Angeles
• 11/22: Pride 2 Dance Competition at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ. Scheduled competitors include Fr3sh, Project D, and EPIC Motion
  

Let us know if you go to the ABDC 5 auditions!

Auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 5 start this weekend with stops in Atlanta and Houston. If you go -- as an auditioner, friend, press, or on-looker -- let us know!

Send us your impressions, travel diary, photos, videos, whatever, SO LONG AS IT DOESN'T VIOLATE ANY OF THE MTV AUDITION CONTRACT RULES! You can post links here or email them to BloggingBestDanceCrew@gmail.com. And, good luck to all auditioners!

Video: Learn how to tut

In honor of their new exhibit on Egyptian art, the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) asked professional dance artist Mark Cabuena (from the Toronto dance crews Grand Illusion and For the Funk of It) to create a "How to Tut" video. The AGO will be hosting a special Tutting Day on February 28, 2010, where they invite everyone to perform Mark’s Tut routine with them and help get into the Guinness World Book of Records.

More RedBull BC One videos including Ronnieboy & the finals

More Redbull BC One videos have been posted now including Morris (Flexible Flav) vs. defending champion Wing, a short solo from Ronnieboy (Super Cr3w, RedBull BC One 2007 winner):
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And, the final battle between Lilou and Cloud. Thanks for the links Adobostreak and Karen Chu!

Congratulations to Lilou, Winner of RedBull BC One!

Lilou (from France and pictured above) beat out Cloud (from Los Angeles) in the Finals at RedBull BC One in New York on November 18. This was Cloud's first RedBull Competition. Lilou is a Redbull Veteran and also won in 2005. There's no video up yet for the finals, but here's Cloud battling Neguin (from Brazil) in the semi-finals (note: the video's title is incorrect; it is NOT the final battle!).

Video: Maryss from Beat Freaks on Silly Walks for Hunger Nov. 19

Silly Walks for Hunger will be held at City Walk in Los Angeles today (November 19) to help fight hunger. Legendary BGirl Asia One invites everyone to come out to a special event at City Walk where professional dancers and amateur dancers come together for a special surprise event to raise funds to fight hunger. You can help by attending and bringing canned goods or donating $5 by texting 90999. Various dancers including Maryss from Paris and Rino of Beat Freaks will be joining in the fun. Watch this video with Maryss and Peter Gonzaga (Pacific Rim) to learn more.

Videos: Quest and Far East Movement, onstage and on ABC TV

At the Far East Movement show in Los Angeles on November 7, Quest was onstage jumping and dancing to "Go Ape", an unreleased FM song. Read more about it on the FM blog.

Quest was also shown dancing to FM's "Dance like Michael Jackson" on ABC's Lincoln Heights.

Video: Clothing Ad with Rino (Beat Freaks), Victor (Quest), Lando (Boxcuttuhz), Twitch

This video is an long-form ad for The Other Duck clothing. It stars Rino Nakasone (Beat Freaks), Victor Kim (Quest), Lando Wilkins (Boxcuttuhz) and Twitch (So You Think You Can Dance). The clothing should be available soon at theotherduck.com. Thanks for the tip Jessica!

Field Report: Elements X, including Rhythm City, SoReal Cru, Neverland and Fr3sh

Melissa, webmaster for SuperCr3w.com, attended Elements X in Boston on November 14 and files this report. Thanks for the news, Melissa!

BACKGROUND: Well, the Elements show was pretty amazing. There were 12 crews competing for a chance to win $1,000. Out of the competing crews, there were a lot of familiar dance crews that hit the stage. Majority of the crews were from colleges' dance teams, such as Boston College’s Synergy, Boston Uni’s Unofficial Project, or Northeastern’s Kinematix. You may have already seen them auditioning for Season 4 of America’s Best Dance Crew such as 8 Count, Point Blank, Ridonkulous, etc. All in all, it was enjoyable to see the high level of talent displayed from everyone.

THE HIGHLIGHT of the night in my opinion belonged to Neverland. Who doesn’t like a throw back to glee? It was a funny and smooth adaption. +9000 points for using “Don’t Stop Believing” and performing it better then Finn and Rachel.

Click here to read the rest of her report, including reviews of Rhythm City, Fr3sh, SoReal Cru, Lil Phunk and the other competitors, and the event as a whole. And view the full set of videos at Semitoastysushi's Youtube Channel.

Video: ClawsOut battle between Inglorious Ladies (incl. Beat Freak Lady Jules) vs. Squadron/Disciples

At the Claws Out event on November 14, Inglorious Ladies -- Lady Jules (Beat Freaks), Peppa (Syrenz), and Jessfx -- battled Squadron/Disciples in preliminaries. Squadron/Disciples won that battle and were the ultimate winners in the Claws Out competition. In the video, you can see other Beat Freaks members on stage supporting Lady Jules. This video is from Bgirlpeppa's Youtube Channel. Thanks Adobostreak and Cherry!

Advice for auditioning crews - "Bigger, Stronger, Better"

America's Best Dance Crew audition judge Michelle McNulty has advice for crews auditioning for ABDC Season 5. The goal is to be "Bigger, stronger, and better":

• Key success factors are the same as earlier seasons: branding, versatility, being true to yourself, engaging the audience, staying non-defensive. Details here.
• Who should audition: Diversity is still important. They encourage larger crews to come (and can even bring up to 10 members PROVIDED IT IS CLEARED AHEAD OF TIME by contacting MTV), and welcome crews that auditioned for earlier seasons. Details here.
• Advice to new crews: If you are forming a new crew, make sure that all performers are at the same high level. One weaker dancer can pull down the entire crew
• Show something new! Traditional hip hop styles are welcome -- they want the b-boys and choreo crews to come out to audition. But crews have to show something different than what's already appeared on the show. Example: since Ringmasters were successful in Season 3, several crews auditioned for Season 4 showing similar bone-breaking moves. MISTAKE!
• NO BYTING of other crews' signature moves, whether or not the original appeared on ABDC!
  
• Common mistakes: here are three common problems with audition routines that should be avoided
  

Video: Fanny Pak at Pop Goes the World

Fanny Pak performs at Pop Goes The World event to benefit Lifeworks Program of the Gay and Lesbian Center of Los Angeles on November 11, 2009. Video from Pacific Rim

Video: Rhythm City performs at Elements X

Rhythm City performed as an exhibition crew at Elements X in Boston on November 14. Melissa at SuperCr3w.com shot this video and many more at the semitoastysushi Youtube Channel. We'll have her field report on the event posted tomorrow.

More NY BBoy events this week - RedBull After-Party, Ft. Apache battles

Good week for NY-area B-Boy fans:

• On November 18, after the RedBull BC One event , there's an official RedBull BC One after party open to everyone at M2 Ultra Lounge featuring DJ legend Grand Master Theodore.
  
• On November 19, Jazzy Ivy and Floorlords are hosting the Fort Apache bboy batle at the Sky BallroomLounge in the Bronx.