ICONic Boyz videos including workshop footage and a lot of interviews with Chris Trondsen.

Pacific Rim Video fully covered the ICONic Boyz when their tour stopped in Sacramento on February 25 and 26, 2012. Chris Trondsen (who became friends with the crew during America's Best Dance Crew Season 6) interviewed Mikey and Madison, and had the boys answer fan questions (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3). And, here's a section of their NRG workshop.

Video: RNG - "Da Rockwilder"

RNG's latest: Kolanie Marks choreographs the group to Methodman and Red Man's "Da Rockwilder." From RNGDancers Youtube.

Video: Massive Monkees vs 1312 in 206 Zulu 8th Anniversary Battles

Massive Monkees (America's Best Dance Crew Season 4) made it to the finals in the 206 Zulu, held in Seattle on February 18, 2012.  BboyNetwork Youtubehas videos of the quarterfinals, semifinals, and this final battle between Massive Monkees and 1312:

District 78 - Audition Callback Mixes

For those of you following the ABDC auditions, here are the mastermixes used in the callbacks at auditions this season. 
-West - Sexy and I Know It - LMFAO
-South - Rain Me Over - Pitbull
-Midwest - N*ggas in Paris - Kanye ft. Jay-Z
-East - T.H.E. - will.i.am & Jennifer Lopez

Check them at District 78's site by clicking here
As a bonus, for you K-pop fans out there, District 78 also has a Girls Generation remix of their song "The Boys." Maybe we'll see a K-pop week this season? Check out this mix by clicking here.

Yeah, but can dance crews sing? -- here's American Idol's Top 24 dancing (video)!

I'm not sure why American Idol has a recent tradition of forcing their top singers to show how they dance, but it makes for interesting videos. Here's the latest: the boys look particularly uncomfortable but there's one girl (Haley Johnson) who might be able to cross over to ABDC judging by her flip. Anyone here you'd like to follow for their singing (or dancing) career?

Video: Ricky Cole (Kinjas, MWC) - "LotusFlowerBomb"

Ricky Cole - dancer with Kinjas and Mos Wanted Crew -- created this smooth dance for Soul Fresh Clothing.

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NAOTV Episode 16: Brian Puspos "Acura Integurl"

What is up BBDC? This week's episode features the newest upload to Brian Puspos' YouTube channel. In this video, Brian performs a moving tribute to his late grandfather. The beauty of this choreography really shows us why he won choreographer of the year at the World of Dance Industry Awards.

Tomorrow (2/25): Kaba Modern Inspir3 Showcase to celebrate 20th anniversary (plus teaser videos!)

Kaba Modern celebrates their 20th Anniversary with a showcase of amazing performances called Inspir3 "Unwritten", which will uphold their mission to "inspire and cross all boundaries within diverse communities through artistic expression, humility, constant growth, and respect for all people.”

Performances by: Kreative, Kaba Modern, KM Legacy, ThatOneCompany, Surreal, Beach Boys, Mischief Makers, PrimeD, Common Ground, TMB, PB&J and many others. Click here for more info and for tickets.
The event will be held on Saturday February 25 at Mira Costa High School, 1402 Artesia Blvd, Manhattan Beach,CA 90278. Doors open at 6pm, show starts at 7pm. Pre-sale tickets are $12 amnd $15 at the door.  Half of the proceeds will be donated to the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange.

If you're not yet convinced, click here for a shoutout from IaMmE's Chachi and watch this teaser from Kaba Modern:

Video: Rhythm City members dance in Tal's new music video

Members of Rhythm City (ABDC Season 4) dance with French superstar singer Tal in her new music video "Le Sens de la Vie".

Choreometry Promo video for Gulf Coast workshops

Choreometry created a short video showing their dancing and explaining their mission to create a cohesive dance scene in the Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama gulf coast region. The video also promotes the crew's upcoming gulf coast workshops by describing the value of dance to dance newbies and the styles of dance to be taught. The next workshops are March 18 in Ocean Springs, MS and April 14 in Mobile, AL, with more to be announced. Go to Choreometry's Facebook page for more info. Video from ChoreometryDanceCrew Youtube.

Video: IaMmE dances for SCOODIE

IaMmE has an original dance routine for SCOODIE, the makers of hoodies with detachable scarves. And, watch to the end of the video, where they give a promo code (IAMME)  for purchases at SCOODIE.com (though the coupon apparently doesn't kick in until February 27)

Video: Maryss from Paris (Beat Freaks) freestyle

There's no information about time and place, but here's a sample of freestyle moves by Marie 'Maryss from Paris' Courchinoux (Beat Freaks, Geminiz). From MaryssfromParis Youtube.

From Honey 2: Bonus Footage of Quest

Honey 2 was released on DVD and BluRay this week. The movie features some of America's Best Dance Crew's top alums, including Quest Crew, Beat Freaks, Strikers All-Stars, Super Cr3w, and Fanny Pak .Bonus footage of Quest has been released to Youtube:

Video: Audacity Cru - "My Name is Skrillex"

Audacity Cru performed to "My Name is Skrillex" at 2011 World of Dance Seattle and recently filmed the choreography outside the group's studio . From EdwinAzurinJr Youtube.

Video: Pacman freestyling at Moscow workshop

This short video of Phillip 'Pacman' Chbeeb (member of ABDC6's IaMmE) shows him freestyling without music at a recent workshop in Moscow.  Wow. From ParfaitUsher Youtube.

Video: Lil BIGz (Empire Crew) workshop:"On the the Next One"

Ysabelle 'Lil BIGZ' Capitule, the youngest member of Empire the Crew (a crew that auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7) taught at Funkanometry Company Class in San Francisco in January 2012. From tcapitule Youtube.

LMFAO's newest video with Quest members: "Sorry for Party Rocking"

LMFAO is back with a self-referential new song "Sorry for Party Rocking". Some good dancing including Moon of IaMmE, Beat Freaks, and Quest members around the 5:00 mark. At this point, it is exclusive to EOnline -- watch it here.

Video: Mix'd Elements and Boogiezone's Breed performances at World of Dance Industry Awards

Pacific Rim filmed some of the performances at the 2012 World of Dance Industry Awards. Here's Mix'd Elements and Boogiezone's Breed:

Video: Charles (Poreotics) & Anthony Lee (Kinjaz) - "Feel so Close"

This dance to Calvin Harris's "Feel so Close" is the first collaboration between Charles Nguyen (Poreotics) and Anthony Lee (Kinjaz). From anflowny Youtube. Thanks for the tip, PerezOverride!

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World of Dance Industry Awards 2012: Congratulations to all these amazing dancers, choreographers, & events

World of Dance held its second annual awards on February 19, 2012. Click here to read their report; and congratulations to these winners:
-HALL OF FAME 2012 INDUCTEE: Elm Pizarro 
-2012 DECADE OF DANCE AWARD RECIPIENT: Napoleon & Tabitha Dumo
-TEAM OF THE YEAR: Choreo Cookies
-DANCER OF THE YEAR: Daniel Cloud Campos
-FEMALE CHOREOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Parris Goebel
-MALE CHOREOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Brian Puspos
-BEST YOUTH TEAM: IDK
-BEST COMPETITION TEAM: Super Galactic Beat Manipulators
-BBOY OF THE YEAR: Roxrite
-BEST DANCE COMPETITION: Hip Hop International
-BBOY CREW OF THE YEAR: Battle Born
-BBOY EVENT OF THE YEAR: Red Bull BC One
-BGIRL OF THE YEAR: Bonita
-TV DANCE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: JabbaWockeeZ
-LIVE EVENT DANCE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR: Poreotics
-BEST JUNIOR TEAM: Chi-Town's Finest Breakers
-TEEN CHOREOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR: Chachi Gonzales

Video: IaMmE dances at 2012 KenYa Dance

KenYa Dance is an annual event featuring some of the top groups in Northern California. I'll post more from the event as quality video comes in, but here's a stunner from StrifeTV: the performance by ABDC6 winners IaMmE. Thanks for the tip PerezOverride!

TiVO Alert: ICONic Boyz on Disney's Shake It Up tonight (February 19)

Big night for ICONic Boyz fans: the ABDC6 crew will appear on tonight's episode of Disney's Shake it Up, scheduled for 8:30 ET/PT. The episode is called "Copy Kat it Up" and though Disney has no official previews online, there are many bootlegs on Youtube including this one:

Video: Can (Poreotics) - "Trap Door"

A short and sweet solo from Poreotics' Can Nguyen, danced to Feed Me's "Trap Door"

Videos: H4 Battles including Instant Noodles

Bboysnoopy18 Youtube posted many of the recent H4 bboy and bgirl battles. A sampling:
The battle between Instant Noodles and Rion & Matt Nasty:

The final battle between Moon Patrol Crew vs. Knuckle Breakers:

Video: Dumbo (Poreotics) - "Saigon Dep Lam"

What's better than watching Dumbo dance by himself (or with his ABDC group Poreotics?) Watching multiple Dumbos! A delightful video from PoreoticsHD Youtube

Video: Jungle Boogie teach crank

Here's Jungle Boogie at a recent choreo workshop in Atlanta.

Video: auditions for In Living Color Fly Girls

DanceOn covers the dance auditions for the In Living Color reboot, as executive producer Keenen Ivory Wayans and choreographers Napoleon & Tabitha Dumo search for a new troupe of the iconic Fly Girls. The return of the 1990’s sketch comedy series is set to premiere on FOX. According to DanceOn insiders, many ABDC alumni were at the auditions; you can see Cindy (Kaba Modern) being interviewed

NAOTV Episode 15: "Booty Work"

Hey there! I know a bunch of you are going to love this week's video, as it features Aye Hasegawa, Chachi Gonzalez, and Ellen Kim performing Ellen's choreo to "Booty Work". These three lovely ladies are widely recognized for their swagger. They definitely bring it here.

Video: Pacman & Moon (IaMmE) & Hok (Quest) - "iTUT"

A tribute to Steve Jobs from IaMmE members Pacman & Moon and Quest member Hok. Thanks for the tip, PerezOverride!

Video: In da Clutch featured in Yak Video & Step x Step Dance

You can read about and watch upcoming crew In Da Clutch at Step X Step Dance, where they interview the crew and link to 4 videos including this recent one from Yak Films

Video: Diversity performs on Got To Dance Semi Final

Diversity was a special performing act on the semi finals for UK's Got to Dance

Video: John Chu presents the winner of the Coke Zero Dance Challenge

Coke Zero ran a contest late last year to find a dancer to star in their next commercial. Director John Chu worked with them and picked a winner: Keemo from Paris. Here's the announcement and some of Keemo's video performance.

Video: Dumbo (Poreotics) teaching at BoogieZone Utopia

Dumbo (from ABDC5's Poreotics) teaches at BoogieZone Utopia in Torrance, CA every Wednesday. This video is a promotion for his class -- let us know if you attend the next one!

Video: Adrien Causing & Community Artistry NJ - "We Found Love"

Adrien Causing was the leader and choreographer for Fr3sh, a crew that appeared on ABDC Season 4 and went home far too soon. Fr3sh has disbanded, but Adrien is still active in the East Coast dance community. This video shows a preview of a routine he plans to show at Prelude DMV, danced  to Rihanna's "We Found Love" by him and Community Artistry NJ. From CommunityArtistry Youtube.

Posting will be lighter this week, but bear with us!

I'm having surgery later this morning for a torn tendon in my elbow. Because of that, I will be doing very little posting (except for a few videos which I've loaded this morning to be released tomorrow) and am not sure how much will posted by our other contributors who are currently swamped with school and work. So, please be patient if we are late in posting hot new info/videos or responding to your questions or tips. In the meantime, if you're bored, check out some of the America's Best Dance Crew auditioners and vote in our ABDC7 Top 8 contest!

Trailer: "You Got Served Battlefield America" - RNG, Baby Maation, PG Family ++

"You Got Served Battlefield America" is a look at the seamy side of youth battle culture in Long Beach California. The movie, which is scheduled to be released in June 2012, includes some great kid crews (including members of Baby Maation, RNG, PG Family and others) as well as krumper Russell Ferguson (winner of So You Think You Can Dance). So, for those adults who are skeptics about the kid dancers-- check this out!

Video: Brandon (IaMmE) - "Devastating Stereo"

Brandon '747' Harrell of ABDC6's IaMmE dances to "Devastating Stereo" as a tribute to JabbaWockeeZ. On showoff747 Youtube. Thanks for the tip, Greg!

Latest video from Klaamation - why we won't be on ABDC, news on KMT & Baby Maation, dance highlights

Klaamation just created a new video talking about changes in the group (one new member, one departure for awhile), why they are not going to audition for America's Best Dance Crew again, the  projects that the members are appearing in (including working with Rihanna and in films), and information about Baby Maation (though there's no news on whether the kid crew was chosen for ABDC). And the video ends with highlights from other videos, where Klaamation choreographed or was part of the dancing. Klaamation has always been exceptional among crews, and I think it's a loss to the public that we won't see them on ABDC.

Video: ICONic Boyz on Disney's Shake it Up

ICONic Boyz (America's Best Dance Crew Season 6) will appear on the February 19, 2012 episode of Disney's Shake It Up. Here's a preview of their performance.

Videos: Chachi (IaMmE) on the ABDC7 auditions & an announcement! + speed round on boys, pizza, dance styles & more

We were so fortunate to have Chachi join Chris Trondsen in conducting interviews at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7. She has charming, funny, and really engaged the nervous auditioners. At the end of the day, Chris interviewed her about the experience, and she announces that she and Dtrix have scheduled a dance battle. And he conducted a 'lightning round' of quick questions on topics like: dance style she wants to learn, what she wants on her pizza, what kind of boys she likes, how long it takes her to do her hair, what birthday gift she wants for her birthday, her cellphone, favorite place to sing, dance clothes vs. dressing up. And she ends with a message to her fans. Thanks Chachi and Chris!

Video: Jaja and Pacman (IaMmE) in Moscow - "Shake Up the World"

The latest from a subset of ABDC6's IaMmE: Jaja and Phillip 'Pacman' "Shake up the World" during a recent trip to Moscow. The video is part dance, part interviews, and part travelogue. From IaMmECrew Youtube.

New Contest: Enter our ABDC7 top 8 contest now!

Who will compete on America's Best Dance Crew Season 7?  We don't know, and but we want to know what you think.  So, here's a contest to let you 'cast' which crews you think will make it to ABDC7 Top 8. The top 8 are the crews that appear on the first episode of ABDC7 to be aired April 11, 2012, OR the last 8 remaining crews if ABDC chooses more than that number.   IMPORTANT: This website is NOT MTV, and your entry here will NOT influence who gets picked for the show!! Prize: Tshirt (value up to $30) or $30 iTunes gift card/certificate.  RULES: 

• Pick up to 8 crews from our list of auditioners (click here). Be mindful that our info on callbacks is very incomplete -- many of the crews who got callbacks may not have 'callback' on their listings here!   If you pick more, I will only count the first 8 listed.
• Send your answers to ABDCContest@gmail.com or leave a comment below using a recognizable and distinctive name (i.e, not Guest or just a first name). I will NOT count the answers listed on any other post, or comments without a distinctive name!
• Please do not enter more than once a week! 
• There are also many more posts on this site about the auditioning crews -- just click the many links in the Recent Posts to help you pick your favorites
• Please don't enter this if you work for MTV or Viacom
  
• Contest ends as soon as MTV announces the names of ANY crews competing on the show
• The winner is the person who accurately picked the highest number of the final 8 crews that appear on the show. If there is a tie, the prize will go to the entry with the earliest email 'postmark'
• The winner will be announced on this site after I am sure of the correct answer -- either after the formal announcement, after ABDC7 Episode 1 show airs, or after only 8 crews are left on ABDC7.

World of Dance 2012 Industry Awards

World of Dance is hosting its second annual Industry Awards Ceremony, and there are a ton of familiar names on the list. 


Check the nominees here!


Click here for the facebook event and ticket purchasing information!

Video: Final round at Break LA: Physical Poets vs. Killafornia

Pacific Rim got a front-row angle on the Break LA final battle between Physical Poets and Killafornia. Spoiler - Killafornia took the title and the $1500 prize, but it was a hard-fought battle.
Bonus clip - they interviewed Steelo, who is a well-known member of Killafornia sidelined by a brain aneurysm; this is his first appearance at a battle event since he began his recuperation.

Video: The Midas Touch (TMT) dancing with Rhythm City on BET's 106th and Park

On February 8, 2012, Rhythm City (America's Best Dance Crew Season 4) returned to the stage of BET's 106th and Park. This time, they brought The Midas Touch (TMT) with them to perform. TMT is one of the kid crews that did well at the New York auditions for Season 7 of ABDC. I don't know how MTV is going to choose between all the talented younger groups this time!

NAOTV Episode 14: "Find"

What's up BBDC Fam? This week, NAOTV brings you the second installment of Keone Madrid and Mariel Martin's video series-"The Meeting". In this video, Mariel portrays her own battle with self-confidence through dance. Her choreography to Alicia Keys' "Superwoman" is full of emotion and displays the gradual emergence of her inner confidence.

Can't wait to see the final installment of this amazing series. That's not all for this week though. Check out this playlist here or scroll down for the rest of this week's videos.

---Other Dope Videos from This Week---

Bam Martin - "I'm Busy" - Bam returns from his knee injury with a bang! (or possibly a Bam? I'm so punny.) He is back and better than ever! He brings his usual explosiveness and throws in an insane sense of musicality by hitting multiple, quick, successive snares at the end.

Brian Puspos - "Rise and Shine" - Brian Puspos also started off his new year with a bang. Kub Skoutz, mL studio, and J Cole make for an incredible combination.

Street Kingdom free-style demo & interview (w/Chachi & Chris) at LA ABDC auditions for Season 7

Chachi (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interviewed Street Kingdom at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7. As we've reported earlier, we've heard from many sources -- including an anonymous observer of all the LA auditions as well as We Are Heroe's Riquel -- that Street Kingdom had one of the best auditions in LA this season. 

Tight Eyez and Chachi reminisce about their time together on ABDC6. Tight Eyez and the crew talk about auditioning again for ABDC after appearing on ABDC Season 6, how they've modified and cleaned up  their krump style for Season 7, the potential of a Chachi-Tight Eyez battle, Tight Eyez undeserved reputation as a scary guy, and the idea of an ABDC alum season. Thanks to MOVeMEDIAproductions.com for all the filming and production.

Riquel Olander (We are Heroes) at ABDC7 auditions w/Chachi: impressions of the auditions

Chachi (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview Riquel Olander (member of ABDC4 winning crew We are Heroes) at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew. Riquel watched many of the LA auditions and raves about how much she loved some of the crews -- especially Street Kingdom! She talks about both of We Are Heroes' auditions for ABDC, what We are Heroes is up to now, and how to reach her.Thanks to MOVeMEDIAproductions.com for all the filming and production.

Video: Blueprint Crew in Kristina Maria's "Co-pilot"

Kristina Maria's "Co-pilot" music video was choreographed by Blueprint Crew's Steve Bolton and Lorena Liebman, and features dancing from the crew members.

ABDC audition coverage w/ Chachi & Chris: Body Poets interview & freestyle demos

Chris Trondsen, Chachi (of ABDC6's IaMmE), and Scott Yoshimoto (MOVeMEDIAProductions.com) stayed almost all day at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7, and we've got a LOT of crews for you to meet. In all cases, they demonstrate part of their audition routine or do some free-style, so you can see what they might bring to ABDC, as well as talking and showing their personalities.  Today's crew is Body Poets from San Diego.

Josh & Will (Hype 5-0) at ABDC7 auditions:interview with Chachi & Chris

Chachi (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview Will and Josh from Hype 5-0 at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew. They talk about advising Skool Rascals about the auditions (a kid crew with members from their home studio), talk about how they'll prepare the girls for their callbacks, whether to move to LA (with advice from Chachi), and reminisce a little about their time on ABDC.

Help Alonzo Williams (Rhythm City) with Kickstarter project to make music video

Alonzo Williams, leader of Rhythm City (ABDC Season 4) just posted on Kickstarter. He is trying to raise money for a music video for DOMO (a Rhythm City member), that would feature dancing by the crew: "I'm trying to shoot my first OFFICIAL Music Video and possibly launch it on any major network that will have me. But of course it has to be on a MAINSTREAM LEVEL. And this takes a lot of money that I don't have :(  I only have 30 Days to make my goal, if not then i get NO MONEY AT ALL :(

We need to hire a director, dancers, choreographer, costumes, wardrobe, locations, rental, equipment for the set, cameras, lighting etc... Its a lot! Also I'm giving away SOME REALLY great stuff if you make a DONATION!!! :) --- Click here to read more about the project and to donate.

Video: Brian Puspos - "Rise and Shine"

Brian Puspos is back for 2012. Here is his first video of the year, with his fellow Kub Skoutz Jun Quemado, Ian Eastwood, & Nick DeMoura. Subcribe to his Youtube Channel for more of his work:

ABDC audition coverage w/ Chachi & Chris: interviews, dance demos- Stepboys, Crush on Arrival, Puzzle Peace

Chris Trondsen, Chachi (of ABDC6's IaMmE), and Scott Yoshimoto (MOVeMEDIAProductions.com) stayed almost all day at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7, and we've got a LOT of crews for you to meet. In all cases, they demonstrate part of their audition routine or do some free-style, so you can see what they might bring to ABDC, as well as talking and showing their personalities. 

Today's set of interview videos includes D-trix's old crew called StepBoys (and click here to watch StepBoys turn the tables and tease/interview Chachi and Chris!) and click here to see the interviews and dance demos from Crush on Arrival (a group that includes Dellalicious from ABDC2's ASIID) and Puzzle Peace (an electro crew, which is a dance form that audition judge Michelle McNulty specifically mentioned wanting to see in this round).

Video: Bam Martin - "I'm Busy"

Damn, Bam Martin (Boxcuttuhz/ Mos Wanted) is finally back from his knee injury, and it looks like he's stronger than ever. This video was taken from his class at the Young Lions Workshop in Chicago. See the rest of his work at his official Youtube Channel. Expect big things from him this year!

Warning: Explicit Lyrics

Steelo's recuperation - videos of him relearning how to break

As we've reported earlier, Bboy Steelo of the Groovaloos, LXD, and Killa4nia and one of the most respected names in bboying, underwent surgery for a ruptured brain aneurysm in May 2011.  In December 2011, a fundraising event was held to raise money for his family and his recuperation.

Some great news: his wife Penelope posted two short videos of his recuperation, relearning how to break. Click here and here to watch. He and his family have a hard road still ahead and you can continue to help with a further donation at Steelo444.com

Video: Turning the table on us - Stepboys mock interview Chito/Chachi (IaMmE) and Chris at ABDC auditions

The BloggingBestDanceCrew team of Chachi (IaMmE), Chris Trondsen, and Scott Yoshimoto filmed dozens of interviews at the Los Angeles auditions for ABDC7. Here's one of my favorites: after the Stepboys interview (which I'll post later today), the crew turned the camera on us with a mock interview of Chito and Chris.  Imbookie!

More new videos from ABDC auditioner: WRT's audition routine, Wylde Style promo video

Several of the crews who auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7 followed up with videos showing their recent work (demo reels), their audition routines, or their 'road to ABDC'. I have no inside information, but most of these crews did make callbacks at the recent auditions. Today's featured crews: WRT and Wylde Style. Click here to watch both.

ABDC 7: Michelle Mcnulty talks Casting + D-Trix as Judge

Here's another interview with ABDC's Casting Director, Michelle Mcnulty. She talks about what to expect from this new season of ABDC:

ABDC audition coverage w/ Chachi & Chris: interviews, audition routine demos- Blank Canvas, Bootz Crew, Flavahz Crew

Chris Trondsen, Chachi (of ABDC6's IaMmE), and Scott Yoshimoto (MOVeMEDIAProductions.com) stayed almost all day at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7, and we've got a LOT of crews for you to meet. In all cases, they demonstrate part of their audition routine or do some free-style, so you can see what they might bring to ABDC, as well as talking and showing their personalities. 

Today's set displays three crews that definitely made it to the callback rounds: Blank Canvas; and click here to watch Bootz Crew (founded by Supreme Soul member Antoine Troupe) and Flavahz Crew.

Napoleon Dumo & Chachi talk at ABDC auditions: personal lives (family, motocross!), projects

Chachi (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview choreographer Napoleon Dumo at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew. It's a long interview but contains revelations for fans of Chachi and the Dumos:
-In the first part, Napoleon talks about working on MOBBED, hoping to work on ABDC as well as American Idol this spring, his contact with the ABDC producers and Pacman (IaMmE) during ABDC Season 6, and the challenges for choreographing for multiple cameras
-The second half of the interview focuses on personal lives of Napoleon and Chachi: Napoleon being a father-to-be (and wanting a son!), family size, their mutual interest and involvement in Motocross. Thanks to MOVeMEDIAproductions.com for all the filming and production. 

More on ABDC auditioners: TMT on BET Feb. 8; DBA's 'Journey to ABDC auditions' video

- TMT (The Midas Touch) will be dancing on BET's 106th and Park which is scheduled to air February 8 at 6-8pm. This is another chance to see what Rhythm City's kid crew could bring to ABDC.
- DBA posted their "Journey to ABDC7 auditions' video of the crew dancing and free-styling in different venues. The all-girl kid crew is less well-known than other auditioners, but show some real talent and personality. From DBAcrewTV Youtube.

Video: Parris (ReQuest) - "My Hero"

Parris Goebel (member of ABDC6's ReQuest) dedicates an expressive solo dance to her late aunt Vania. From BGPOPA Youtube. Thanks for the tip, Yowzahful!

ABDC audition coverage w/ Chachi & Chris: kid crews dance/talk- Miniotics, Empire Crew, Chi-Town's Finest Breakers

Chris Trondsen, Chachi (of ABDC6's IaMmE), and Scott Yoshimoto (MOVeMEDIAProductions.com) stayed almost all day at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7, and we've got a LOT of crews for you to meet. In all cases, they demonstrate part of their audition routine or do some free-style, so you can see what they might bring to ABDC, as well as talking and showing their personalities. 

Today's set displays three better-known kid crews: Miniotics (the kid crew formed by Poreotics); and click here to watch Empire the Crew (formerly called Urban Empire Kidz), and Chi-Town's Finest Breakers (semi-finalists on Live to Dance).

Victor Kim interview at ABDC7 auditions:remembering Quest's auditions & did JabbaWockeeZ replace Quest Season 1?

Chachi (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview and joke with Victor Kim (Quest Crew) at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew. Among the topics: memories of their Quest auditions for Seasons 1 and 3, how Quest might have been partially instrumental in JabbaWockeeZ appearing on ABDC Season 1, his years-long friendship with Chachi, his support for Fallen Kings who are auditioning for ABDC Season 7, and his work to help a cancer victim (more info at @save Janet on Twitter). And Dumbo (Poreotics) sneaks in. Thanks to MOVeMEDIAproductions.com for all the filming and production.

Video: Madonna's Superbowl half-time show with LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and Cee Lo Green, ft Pockemon Crew

The Superbowl half-time show was almost controversy free this year, with Madonna, LMFAO, and Nicki Minaj playing it PG and Cee Lo playing it Liberace. The only naughty bit was a lewd gesture from M.I.A. While the known stars performed admirably,  the multitudes of unnamed back-up dancers, gladiators, marching band, and choir members really made the show memorable for me.

Of special note, are the bboys that appear at the 3:37-5:59 mark. They are Pockemon Crew from France, crew of Lilou, 2005 and 2009 Redbull BC One champion

ABDC audition coverage w/ Chachi & Chris: interviews, dance demos- Praise Team, Knucklehead Zoo, Persona, Muse

Chris Trondsen, Chachi (of ABDC6's IaMmE), and Scott Yoshimoto (MOVeMEDIAProductions.com) stayed almost all day at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7, and we've got a LOT of crews for you to meet. In all cases, they demonstrate part of their audition routine or do some free-style, so you can see what they might bring to ABDC, as well as talking and showing their personalities. Here's our next set:
Praise Team and click here to watch Knucklehead Zoo, Persona, and Muse 

Chachi & Chris interview Ryan Higa at ABDC auditions: Best Crew, rooming with D-trix, IaMmE collabo?

Chachi (IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen interview Ryan Higa (creator and star of nigahiga Youtube) at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7. They talk about how Best Crew can't compete since there's only one member, and how he taught Miniotics everything they know. He also talks about rooming with D-trix and what D-trix is like in the morning, shows a few signature moves (similar to Scooby Doo), does his impersonation of Quest's Victor, describes his video strategy and what's next for him including a possible collaboration with IaMmE. Thanks to MOVeMEDIAproductions.com for all the filming and production.  

Video: Jaja (IaMmE) locking freestyle

Jaja (from ABDC6's IaMmE) has a new video focusing on her locking skills. From JaJAvankova Youtube. Thanks for the tip, Greg!

ABDC audition coverage w/ Chachi: interviews, dance demos- Elektrolytes, Fortissimo, Heart Stopperz, Floorteenth St.

Chris Trondsen, Chachi (of ABDC6's IaMmE), and Scott Yoshimoto (MOVeMEDIAProductions.com) stayed almost all day at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7, and we've got a LOT of crews for you to meet. In all cases, they demonstrate part of their audition routine or do some free-style, so you can see what they might bring to ABDC, as well as talking and showing their personalities. Here's our next set:
Elektrolytes (USA winners for 2011 Hip Hop International) and click here to watch  Floorteenth Street, Fortissimo, and Heart Stopperz. 

More new videos from auditioners: Elevation, Mix'd Elements

Several of the crews who auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7 followed up with videos showing their recent work (demo reels), their audition routines, or their 'road to ABDC'. I have no inside information, but most of these crews did make callbacks at the recent auditions. Today's featured crews: Mix'd Elements and Elevation.
Mix'd Elements

Elevation: Leave a comment if you have others for crews that have not already been covered.

Video: Academy of Villains - Dubsidia-Elekktroshockk

Straight from their strong showing at VIBE XVII, Academy of Villains made a powerful new video called 'Dubsidia-Elekktroshock'. The dance is choreographed and led by AOV's founder Chris 'Pharside' Jennings (member of ABDC2's Supreme Soul) . On Pharside Youtube

Guidelines for Commenting during Auditions

Hi guys,
School may have claimed me over the last semester, but I'm back, and I'm ready for ABDC 7. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Ninjaboi, and I'm supposedly one of the moderators of this site. I've been MIA with real life, but hopefully I'll be around more during the season!

Anyway, I'd just like to take some time to review site policy for commenters, especially as audition season ramps up for ABDC 7.
-Spamming. We know you guys are excited about the crews you love and that you want to hype up. At the same time, there are fans who take it to the extreme, and cause everyone else to hate their crew with their spamming of links and comments that don't add anything new to the conversation. There is a smart way and a bad way to market your crew to everyone else. Also, if no one's mentioning a particular topic and you randomly bring it up with no relationship at all (or even a stretched connection), you're not going to be well recevied and seen as annoying.
-Ad hominem attacks. We like to create an atmosphere here on BBDC where everyone is welcome to share their opinions. Discussion and debate are wonderful things we like to have going on. At the same time, if debate turns to mudslinging and insult trading, we'll promptly show you the door.
-Aliases. You're perfectly welcome to be anonymous. It is the internet after all. Just be aware that moderators can see your IP addresses, so you're not fooling anyone if you change your name to make spam look like many people supporting one idea when it's just you.
-Common courtesy. Be polite. Crews do read this site, and so while you may have something negative to say about them, keep it reasonable, the more encouraging them to get better and come back, the better. The less OMG YOU'RE SO WACK GO DIE IN A PIT, the better.
-Try to keep it readable. Your comment is more likely to be well received if it's well written, with good spelling, capitalization, punctuation, etc. Keeping it concise also helps.

That's it for now. Hopefully we don't have any problems with trolls or other issues this season!

If you want to read a more comprehensive list of rules from last season, click here.

NAOTV Episode 13: Competition Week

Ayo, it's NAOTV! And this week, we're (and by we, I mean I) bringing you the best from two major dance competitions from this past weekend. First up, we have Choreo Cookies' winning performance from Vibe XVII. Always facing increasingly stiffer competition every year, Choreo Cookies seem to be forever a cut above the rest as they won yet another incredible competition. Their incredible choreography mixed together with creative concepts and masterful staging result in showcases that never cease to amaze.

Next we head on over to the East Coast, where FUSiON hosted Elements XII. Here, we see another first place finish by UFP, who continue to establish themselves as a dominant force in the East Coast dance scene.

All in all, it was a great weekend for dance competitions. For other dope videos from this week, check out this playlist here or follow me after the break.

---Other Dope Videos from This Week---

Pat Lam "Beat It Up" - The Alpha Beta Ninjas recently filmed a video featuring Pat Lam's choreo to "Beat It Up" by J. Valentine. Their smooth rnb moves are followed up by some goofing around at the end. Check it.

Empire The Crew Audition Routine - Guam's Empire gave its second shot at the ABDC stage with another high intensity routine to "Why Stop Now" by Busta Rhymes featuring Chris Brown. In my opinion, this crew should be a heavy favorite for the upcoming season.

"We're All Biters" - This video by B-boy ManOfGod shows how breaking has been historically inspired by other dance styles. It is one of a few videos StrifeTV has uploaded recently on the subject of biting in the bboy world. It's interesting to see the roots of the original and purest form of hip hop dance.

More Chachi/Chris at LA audition w/ Instant Bun, Goodfellas, SHMOB Squad, Wrecking Clowns (great dance demos!)

Chris Trondsen, Chachi (of ABDC6's IaMmE), and Scott Yoshimoto (MOVeMEDIAProductions.com) stayed almost all day at the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7, and we've got a LOT of crews for you to meet. In all cases, they demonstrate part of their audition routine or do some free-style, so you can see what they might bring to ABDC, as well as talking and showing their personalities. Here's our next set:
Instant Bun from Australia (Chachi clearly loves the Aussies!); and click here to watch Goodfellas, SHMOB Squad and Wrecking Clowns. Many of these crews moved on to callbacks, so you might be seeing them on MTV in April.

Chachi & Chris' LA audition interviews: 9-1 Pact, Mix'd Elements - 2 incredible free-style demos!

More of our coverage from the Los Angeles ABDC auditions: Chachi (from IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen talk to 9-1 Pact from France and Mix'd Elements. Both crews show outstanding free-style demos along with their interviews. And Chachi shows Chris how to communicate with the French crew! Thanks to MOVeMEDIAproductions.com for all the tech help!

LA Times' coverage of ABDC7 auditions, with video interviews of D-trix and Rosario McCoy

LA Times visited the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7. The story includes interviews with audition judge Rosario McCoy who talks about judging almost all the auditions since the beginning and his favorite audition ever -- Quest Crew. They also talked to D-trix (ex-Quest Crew, now an ABDC judge) who talks about what it's like to move "across the table" after having danced on the show, and mentions that this season has the potential to "Not just America's Best Dance Crew" but the World's Best dance Crew, with people of all ages.

Favorite line from the article was a quote from Randy Jackson: "When asked if he could ever see the day when "ABDC" might somehow merge or cross paths with "American  Idol," he said "You never know, man. Stranger things have happened.""

Video: Feng (Quest) and Moon (IaMmE) "It's On"

An unusual and well-matched pairiing: Feng (from ABDC3's Quest Crew) dances with Moon (ABDC6's IaMmE) to "It's On". From QuestDanceCrew Youtube.

Chachi & Chris' LA audition interviews (with dance/free-style demos): Block Rockas, Physical Poets

More video interviews from the LA auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7: Chachi (from ABDC6 winners IaMmE) and Chris Trondsen talk to Block Rockas and Physical Poets, and get them to demonstrate free-style skills and parts of their audition routines. Thanks to MOVeMEDIAproductions.com!

ABDC auditions w/ Chachi (IaMmE) & Chris Trondsen: interviews, dance demos & freestyles from Skool Rascals, MVP

Chachi (IaMmE), Chris Trondsen, and Scott Yoshimoto covered the Los Angeles ABDC7 auditions for us. They taped a LOT of crews, and we'll get them posted in the next few days. Most of the videos will include questions from Chris and Chachi, crew introductions, an 8-count dance demonstration from the crew, and some free-style. Thanks for MOVeMEDIAproductions.com for all the camera and production help!

Video: Marquese Scott dubsteps for Audio-Technica

Audio-Technica, maker of some of the world's best headphones, tapped Marquese Scott to promote its wares with more of his incredible dancing. 

Video from Blueprint Cru workshops, including Chachi (IaMmE), Jet Li (Poreotics), Janik (Irratik/BP)

Blueprint Cru (runners-up in America's Best Dance Crew Season 5) hold regular workshops in Quebec, taught by members of Blueprint and some guest dance instructors. This video shows highlights from some of the workshops, including sessions taught by Chachi (ABDC6's IaMmE), Jet Li (ABDC5's Poreotics) and Janik (member of Blueprint and ABDC7 auditioning crew Irratik. From 8CountDance Youtube.

More Crew ABDC audition routine videos: Funk Beyond Control, Skool Rascals

Every day, more crews are posting videos of their America's Best Dance Crew Season 7 audition routines in practice. Today's batch:
- Funk Beyond Control from San Francisco, who received a callback
- Skool Rascals from Hawaii (part of the Hype dynasty), who also received a callback
Click here to watch. Leave a comment if you know of other ABDC7 audition videos that we haven't yet posted.

Video: Russell Ferguson (SYTYCD6 winner) - Krump Fu

Russell Ferguson, winner of So You Think You Can Dance Season 6, demonstrates his krumping skills in a new video called "Krump Fu - The Drunken Master". 

Videos from Elements XII: winners UFP, Project D, Static Noyze; exhibition crews Rhythm City, Mischief Makers

Elements XII, one of the biggest dance competitions on the East Coast.  was held at Boston University on January 28, 2011. The winners of the event: 1st Place: UFP, 2nd Place: Project D, Third Place: Static Noyze. Click here to watch the performances from Project D and Static Noyze, as well as Rhythm City and Mischief Makers (both of which performed in exhibition). All videos from BUFusion Youtube.

TiVO Alert: Nappytabs, FORMALity on MOBBED tonight (video preview)

Tonight's episode of MOBBED has the usual components: overwrought emotional story and great dancing. FORMALity is featured this week. The episode airs on Fox at 9pm ET/PT. This video is a preview of the dance action; click here to watch another clip on the hazards of open calls for flash mob dances.

More ABDC auditioner videos: Funkdation, MVP, All-Star Crew, Persona, Blank Canvas

The auditions for ABDC Season 7 have ended, but we have some more looks at segments of the audition routines for several crews:
- Funkdation from Mexico, on FunkdationTV Youtube
- MVP from San Jose, CA, on vipsj Youtube.
-All-Star Crew from Puerto Rico.
-Persona from Las Vegas made callbacks at the LA auditions
-Blank Canvas showed some of their routine outside the LA auditions, taped by Dancer21 Youtube.
Click here to watch the routines. 

Step Up 4: Exclusive Announcement Trailer

Straight from the DanceOn Youtube channel, we have our first Official Trailer for Step Up 4. We already know this movie is going to be packed full of famous dance stars, including members of IaMmE, Poreotics, Phunk Phenomenon, Street Kingdom, and Kaba Modern. Stay tuned for more information:

More video of cyphers at Chicago ABDC auditions

Dance Grind TV released a video taken at the Chicago auditions for ABDC Season 7 that focuses on the cyphers, and introducing a few crews from the day -- Stereo Junkies, Vhital, Fatally Unique, Third Dimension, DeadPool, and R'sin.

Vibe XVII: Choreo Cookies, AOV & Kaori Alive Performances

This past Sunday, Vibe 17 Dance Competition took place. These are the results for the Top 3:

1st Place - Choreo Cookies, 2nd Place - Academy of Villains, 3rd Place - Kaori Alive. Shoutout to all the other crews that performed! More videos will be posted here, as soon as we can get a hold of them. Click here to read a review of the acts from the Daily Princetonian.
Click here to watch the performances from Academy of Villains and Kaori Alive.

More LA ABDC audition coverage from DanceOn: Dtrix, judges, crews, cyphers!

DanceOn posted a video with dozens of short clips from their footage at the LA auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7. They talk to the audition judges about how Los Angeles is different from other cities and how season 7 will differ from last season. They introduce several crews including Full Force, Misfits, Persona, and Neon, and show crews free-styling outside the audition studio.

Week 3: Name the ABDC7 Superstars contest - predict the musical superstars to win!

UPDATE: I'm ending the contest as of now, since there seem to be a lot of spoilers online about the superstars. The winner will be announced at the end of the season.

MTV announced that America's Best Dance Crew Season 7 will again be a "season of the superstar". Who are the musical superstars that will be featured this time? We don't know, but we want to know what you think.  So, here's a contest to let you forecast MTV's picks for the second "Season of the Superstars".  Prize: Tshirt (value up to $30) or $30 iTunes gift card/certificate.  RULES: 

• Pick up to 8 'superstar' performers.  If you pick more, I will only count the first 8 listed
• This is the second round of the contest: the first round of the Contest ended once auditions began. The second round begins NOW and ends once MTV announces the Superstars (probably some time before  ABDC7 starts).  For this second round: every superstar used in ABDC7 audition callback CDs or in 3 (possibly) spoiler videos is worth 1 point, and all other picks are worth 2 points (for a possible total of 12 points). The superstars worth only one point in this round: Far East Movement, JayZ, Kanye West, Chris Brown, Trey Songz. Every other correct guess is worth 2 points!
• List your answers in the comments, or send your answers to ABDCContest@gmail.com. If you list in comments, please make sure you use a distinct name (not "guest" or just a first name).
• Please do not enter more than once a week!
• Please don't enter this if you work for MTV or Viacom
  
• The winner is the person who accurately picked the most superstars featured on ABDC Season 7. If there is a tie, the prize will go to the entry with the earliest entry
• The winner will be announced on this site after I am sure of the correct answer  

Good luck and start guessing!

Videos: 9 Non-US crews who might make it to ABDC Season 7

America's Best Dance Crew might want to consider changing its name. Some of the top auditioners are not from the United States, and several are not from anywhere in the Americas. Puerto Ricans -- please note that I consider Puerto Rico as an unincorporated US territory, so don't protest this post!!  Here's our short list of foreign crews to look out for:
- Canada: Irratik, a sister crew of Blueprint that has won awards in Canada and at Hip Hop International 
- Canada: Rockwell Family, a crew that has won at World of Dance and also done well at HHI
- France: 9-1 Pact, which received raves at the LA auditions and has competed on a French dance show
- France: Metamorphoz, which won awards at several European street dance competitions in 2011
- Japan: Baby-Maation (aka Baby-mation), a kid crew which was one of the favorites at the Chicago ABDC auditions
- United Kingdom: Plague  won first place at Hip Hop International twice
UPDATE: Adding more non-US crews to the list, based on commenter suggestions:
- Canada: PraiseTeam, whose megateam came in third at 2011 Hip Hop International 
- Mexico: Funkdation
- Australia: Instant Bun, who won several international competitions and were semi-finalists for Australia's Got Talent

Click here to watch recent videos of all these crews. Which would you pick? And, do you think a non-US crew can overcome problems faced by ReQuest (ABDC6) in getting US votes?

2012 World of Dance schedule: 12 cities across US and Canada

World of Dance just posted their calendar for 2012, including shows in Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, New York, Montreal, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, San Diego, Boston, Chicago, and Hawaii. Their events always have the best local crews and dancers in exhibition and competition, as well as nationally and internationally recognized groups. Click here for info on submitting a video audition, if you'd like to compete at their events, and click here for dates and tickets.

Video: Poreotics -- is reality TV in their future

Poreotics (ABDC5 winners) imagine what they might do for a reality show, with a little dancing in this new video on their PoreoticsHDTV Youtube Channel. Some of their possibilities: "Pimp My Guy", "Guys Gone Mild", and "Can You Dance? I Think So". I think Poreotics should go for it -- any show of theirs would be funnier and with better dancing than anything else around.

First Round of PacRim video Interviews from LA auditions

Pacific Rim Video has always provided excellent coverage of ABDC, from auditions to finale, and this year is no exception. Here are all the interviews they've released so far, with more on the way.
-Long time auditioners Elektrolytes (ft Hazmat and Will from Hype 5-0


-Skool Rascals hailing from Hawaii (ft Hazmat, Will and Ramones from Hype 5-0)

More videos:
-World Famous Bboys Knucklehead Zoo, Instant Bun (from Australia),  Fallen Kings, Step Boys, Krush on Arrival,  Kid KINGdom (with a 6 year old), Supreme Flow, Neon, -Artistic Drift (from Alaska)

We'll definitely update all you guys with more interview videos as they come out!

Field report from INSIDE the LA ABDC Audition Room - which crews stood out and why!

A trusted anonymous source sat in the audition room, with the judges, at the Los Angeles America's Best Dance Crew Season 7 tryouts on January 28, 2012. Here's the inside scoop:

--As expected, an awesome turn out of talented crews.

--Things started a little slow but the Elektrolytes woke up the room with their audition and got the room hyped.
--Most improved crew award goes to Street Kingdom 2.0. Tight Eyez and his new members have shown so much growth and they got a lot of compliments on how they "figured it out" and now have a version of Krump that is accessible and appealing to everyone. They blew the room away so much that even D-Trix and Riquel (HEROES) had to weigh in and they weren't even judging the competition.
--Surprising amount of kid crews showed up and we can have another Hype 5-0/Poreotix showdown with Josh's School of Rascals crew (the sweetest looking girls but they go hard) and Dumbo's Miniotics (perfect name. like the Poreotix were left in the dryer for too long and shrunk).
--Ridiculous crew from France, 9-1 Pact, insane audition!!
--Best sweat pants award goes to Flavahz Crew (click here to see their audition costumes)
--Knucklehead Zoo had a strong audition. Casting was really impressed with the level of growth and how they were still able to stay true to their b-boy roots.
--Funniest crew award goes to Step Boys, their energy and spirit had the room cracking up non stop.

--Instant Bun's audition turned into a Thunder in Down Under strip tease moment to "Its raining men."
--Lot of great crews coming back for callbacks. Will have to see which crews can make the adjustments to their audition routine as well as come up with a dope routine for the challenge music: "N*ggas in Paris" master mix by District 78

Thanks, Anonymous!!

We're still updating our ABDC audition master list- please help us improve it with additions, links, callback info

We've been compiling a list of the crews who auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 7. To recognize and honor the crews, we've included recent performance videos as well as links to Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, or web pages. And, since the auditions began, we've tried to include info on who received a callback, though this information is incomplete.  Here's the list, updated as of the LA auditions.

So far, we've listed 162 crews! But we know there are more, and we know there is better info on many of them. So, please leave a comment or email us at BloggingABDC@gmail.com with information or links on any crew that auditioned for this season or sent in an audition video. Thanks!

More photos from LA ABDC auditions

- The above photo was on a Twitter link from Ro Studios with the caption: "My favorite crew at the LA auditions 2day!! From France:)!!!!! Watch out 4 these boys!!"The group: 9-1 Pact
-The motherlode of  photos from the America's Best Dance Crew Season 7 LA auditions can be found at Pacific Rim Photopress -- 65 photos in all of crews, judges, and ABDC alums
- ShanEvangeline tweeted - "Our minis got the ABDC callback -- so proud" referring to Miniotics with this photo
- Randy Jackson showed up for the auditions and for interviews. Source - Yo_Randy Jackson Twitter
- Chris Trondsen has a fierce photo of ABDC6's Street Kingdom. The krumpers made it to today's callback round.
Leave a comment and link if you want to share other photos or news about the LA auditions

Video: Beat Freaks on "Shake it Up"

Beat Freaks (America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 runners up) appeared on the latest episode of  Disney Channel's "Shake it Up". Click here to watch the full episode.