Survey: How well would Diversity (Britain's Got Talent Winners) do on America's Best Dance Crew?

Click here to watch their performance at the finale of Britain's Got Talent.

More Information about Diversity -- Britain's Got Talent Winners

Some intriguing information about Diversity, the dance crew that won 2009 Britain's Got Talent against incredibly tough talent, including nightingale/Youtube phenomenon Susan Boyle. These come from SlashGossip:

• Diversity formed in 2007 and won the UK National Street Competition that same year
• The leader, Ashley Banjo (great name!) is a physics student
• Of the 10 members (who range in age from 12-25), the ones who are not dancers work in IT solutions, telecom, and bathroom installation.
  

Yuri Tag Workshop Video from In the Spotlight

Another America's Best Dance Crew choreography workshop, this time from Kaba Modern's Yuri Tag. Credit: TishieHippo's Youtube Channel.

DIVERSITY WINS BRITAIN'S GOT TALENT, BEATING OUT SUSAN BOYLE!!

What an upset! Diversity dance crew beat out Susan Boyle (who came in second) to win Britain's Got Talent!! I watched the live streaming video this afternoon, and was also blown away by the crew. Here's the Youtube link to the video of their finale performance. Thanks Kiyy.
Photocredit: ITG

Video -- Quest's gymnastic + bboy + martial arts skills

From Hyec89's Youtube Channel -- Quest members Victor Kim, Steve Terada, and Ryan Feng showing off their gymnastic and tricks skills at UCLA. Thanks for the tip, Alex!

Mailbox: Win Dance Lessons with Shane Sparks!, Beat Freaks, Groovaloos News

• Shane Sparks is helping the Do Something Charity Auction by donating two dance lessons (in Los Angeles) to the winner. So, if you're in the LA area, help others, help yourself, and win this!
• GuamPDN talks to Beat Freaks about their upcoming visit and how they want to inspire people to follow their dreams
• In DancerUniverse, Groovaloos announce their new blog (Groovaloos.com) and a tour that will play The El Portal Theater August 21st - 30th in Los Angeles, and the Joyce Theater in New York City on September 15th - 27th

Super Cr3w Workshop tour to visit 6 US Cities

This week, Super Cr3w kicks off a workshop tour across the United States. Stops for America's Best Dance Crew of Season 2 include Guam; Portland, OR; McAllen, TX; Chicago, IL; Honolulu, HI; and New York. Some dance scholarships will be awarded at each stop! For more information, visit Supercr3w.com. If you plan to attend -- send us pictures!

DC Sleeps Video featuring Phillip Chbeeb and his Quest friends

Pacman of Marvelous Motion (who competed on So You Think You Can Dance and is competing again this year under his real name of Phillip Chbeeb) posts dance videos with his friends. Here, he dances with Quest's Dominic and Hok (also SYTYCD alums). Check out his channel for other performances, including one with Andrew Baterina from SoReal Cru.

This week's events - Beat Freaks, TM, Super Cr3w, Quest, Kaba Modern, Fysh N Chicks

This week, America's Best Dance Crew alums are mostly performing on the West Coast and overseas.

• Beat Freaks: May 29 - Costa Mesa, CA; May 29-30 - Undivided HipHop Festival in Honolulu; June 3-4 Guam workshop and performances
• May 30: Team Millennia 7 is teaching workshops, with a meet-and-greet for participants in Delano, CA. Details here
• Super Cr3w: May 29-30: Super Cr3w is also appearing (along with Beat Freaks) at the Undivided HipHop Festival in Honolulu; June 2: Ronnieboy and Jesse teaching workshop in Guam
• May 31: Quest meet-and-greet at Quest Learning Center in Artesia, CA
  
• June 1-2: Yuri from Kaba Modern and Taeko from Fysh N Chicks will teach a workshop in Melbourne, Australia. Details and tickets here.

If you know of other events for America's Best Dance Crew groups (or want to help promote future events, please email us at BloggingBestDanceCrew@gmail.com

Is America's Best Dance Crew Moving to Sunday night?

America's Best Dance Crew MIGHT be moving to Sunday nights for Season 4. This unconfirmed report comes from a tentative schedule posted on JC-source.net, with a link to a reliable trade website not open to the public. For us, that's a lot of tentative, unconfirmed, and third-party reporting, but still of interest.

If the info is true, the first show airs August 9 and the live finale will air on September 27 (on Yom Kippur, a major Jewish High Holy Day). We'll keep you posted as we learn more. Thanks for the tip, Steffy!

Win a Pair of Battle I Kicks - Sneakers signed by Fanny Pak!

You can win a pair of Battle I Kicks signed by Fanny Pak! Milkshake NYC is sponsoring this contest with us to help celebrate the release of the release of he Milkshake x Fanny Pak Battle Collection. Just fill out the contest form on Milkshake NY's website (the 'contest' link is at the bottom of their homepage). UPDATE: You can enter as often as you like, so if you want the shoes, please feel free to enter the contest several times! The winner will be announced on BloggingBestDanceCrew.com (here!) on June 11.

These shoes were designed in collaboration with Fanny Pak, and are the first of three to be released in 2009. You can see all of them on the Milkshake NYC site and buy the Battle I Kicks soon.

Good luck!

Exclusive video -- Fanny Pak's Matt and Megan's workshop

Fanny Pak members Megan Lawson and Matt Cady taught a dance workshop on May 10, 2009, teaching steps to Britney Spear's Phonography.

We shot this video in small steps, to try to give a feel for what it was like to attend the workshop (and to help those intrepid readers try to learn the steps. In this video, they demonstrate the entire routine. Then, the video shows the class progress every few minutes.

Stay tuned -- we've got more Fanny Pak news coming VERY soon!

The Show Dance Competition featuring Quest Crew: Dallas June 13

Another major dance competition on Saturday June 13: Access Dallas hosts The Show, featuring Quest and Marvelous Motion as exhibition performers. The show will host a dance competition and bboy dance off with great cash prizes. Tickets are $20, open to everyone. The main event will be held at the Palladium Ballroom, with an after-party at Club Purgatory. Click here for more details and click here to purchase tickets.

Beast Mode Crew, with Taeko (Fysh N Chicks) -- are they ready for ABDC 4?

Taeko from America's Best Dance Crew Season 1's Fysh n Chicks posted a video on the YuriandTaekoshow Youtube channel, about a crew called Beast Mode that plans to audition for Season 4. Taeko is not trying out with them, but she performed with them in this video. Do you think they're ready for prime time?

Thanks for the tip, Chunpreet!

YoMama Crew: freestyling Mike (KM), Victor (Quest), Anthony Lee (CADC)

Another fun configuration of hip hop talent -- Kaba Modern's Mike Song teams up with Victor Kim (Quest) and Anthony Lee (Culture Shock) for this freestyle session on Mike Song's Youtube channel. Thanks for the tip, Michael Tran!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NANCY T!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey there, friendos! This is Sarah R. Now, I'm sure you all marked this monumentous day on your calendars the second you bought them, but in case you haven't looked at the calendar yet, I'd like to remind you that it is Wednesday, May 27, 2009. And this means that it's Nancy T's birthday!

You may not realize it, but she loves each and every one of you, which is why she works so hard on this blog. So I think that today we should all get out our construction paper and crayons, prepare our world-famous cake recipes, choreograph some birthday jigs, and raise our hands to the sky with a world-wide song of "Happy Birthday." No matter where you are, you should leave a little love for Nancy on this day, her birthday.

As a party favor for reading this post, you get to learn a factoid about our beloved webmistress! The people in Nancy's closest circles (welcome to these circles!) know that her second and third loves -- after the hip hop dance community, of course! -- are anteaters and sloths! Therefore, you should take a little walk over to this website and this website and watch this video so you too can know about the beautiful creatures of Costa Rica. But do these after wishing Nancy a very happy birthday, because that comes first!

Happy birthday, mom! Love you! Sorry I'm taking up room on your blog!

Fanny Pak Exclusive Interview Part III -- Why ARE they called Fanny Pak anyway?

Fanny Pak conducted a question and answer session with participants of a workshop at Fr3sh Dance Studio in May 2009, and we were lucky enough to sit in. In this last segment of the session, they answer why the crew name is Fanny Pak, why their symbol is a lightning bolt and more about their experience on America's Best Dance Crew.

Body Rock - San Diego June 13: All-star event for lovers of ABDC and hip hop dance!

Tickets are available now for Body Rock 2009 in San Diego on June 13. Though the event is teeming with names familiar to America's Best Dance Crew fans, it showcases a LOT of less-familiar teams (both established and up-and-coming) equally worthy of your attention. The show features 7 exhibition teams including Boxcuttuhz and KM Legacy. There are about a dozen competitors including SoReal Cru, Kaba Modern, Team Millennia, and Choreo Cookies (winners at World of Dance Pomona 2009). Celebrity judges include Ronnieboy from Super Cr3w, Eddie from JabbaWockeeZ, and Mike Song from Kaba Modern. More info at their Myspace page. You can buy tickets at Ticketforce.com for $15 presale, $20 at the door.

Body Rock stands out as one of the earliest U.S. shows and competitions and was instrumental in sparking the dance showcase craze. Five women in San Diego held the first competition in 1990 to raise money for Culture Shock Dance Studio and to give hop hop dances a platform to express their talent. About 300 attended the first event; thousands have attended recent Body Rock shows. In 2006, JabbaWockeeZ battled Supreme Soul (aka Soul Sector) at the show. Who knows which teams will dominate this year?

The show is being held at the Rock Auditorium at the Rock Church (which also sponsors the event), and will also benefit San Pascual Academy (a foster home in San Diego where tickets are being given to their kids as a reward for raising their grades).

Thanks for the tip, Brian. From all fronts, this looks like a must-attend event for the Southern California area!

What Business Managers can learn from Lil Mama, JC Chasez, and Shane Sparks

According to Mary C. Schaefer - president of Artemis Path (a Human Resources and Organization Development consulting firm) - "JC Chasez,.. Shane Sparks and.. Lil Mama could teach a master class to workplace managers." What the America's Best Dance Crew judges do right:
- They pay atttention
- They note both the good and the bad parts of the performances
- They show they want to see the crews succeed and develop.
Read the details in Schaefer's Theadoptblog.

Flawless ALSO makes it to Britain's Got Talent finale - which would YOU vote for?

The finale of Britain's Got Talent will feature two dance crews among the 8 finalists. Flawless performed on the second part of the BGT semi-finals and earned their place in the finals. Teenage singer Shaun Smith and Youtube sweetheart Susan Boyle will also compete in Saturday's finale. So which dance crew would you vote for -- Diversity (shown in this earlier post) or Flawless (click here to watch)?

ABDC Inspiring Art Part II: JabbaWockeeZ Triptych

Boden created his second large-scale paintings using JabbaWockeeZ as inspiration. This triptych has hidden messages under the paint and is framed by velvet curtains to simulate the ABDC winners performing onstage.

ABDC Inspiring Art Part I: Super Cr3w

Las Vegas collaboration: Hometown b-boys and winners of America’s Best Dance Crew’s Season 2 Super Cr3w teamed up with Vegas-designed label Billionaire Mafia for a photo shoot and fashion campaign. You can see many of the photos (which will be in an upcoming look book) at Las Vegas Weekly.

Diversity Crew will compete in Britain's Got Talent Finale (against Susan Boyle)

Britain's Got Talent announced the 40 semi-finalists on May 23, 2009. Two hip hop crews -- Flawless and Diversity made the cut. Click here to watch of the semi-final performance for Diversity. Diversity placed second, just behind Susan Boyle and will participate in the BGT finale.

Fanny Pak workshop videos

From DNacho's channel (who also brings you Busog shirts) are two dance workshop videos taught by Fanny Pak.
First is Glenda teaching steps to Beyonce's Diva:

And, here's Cara and Phil teaching steps to Chopped and Skrewed (performed by TPain featuring Ludacris)

This week, I'll have even more Fanny Pak coverage -- more of their Q&A session, and my footage of a workshop taught by Phil and Megan.

Beat Freaks Clean Up Nicely for Dance Flick Premiere

I love seeing the tough side of Beat Freaks, but here's a rare view of them doing the red carpet scene.

Ringmaster style alert - flex dancers on So You Think You Can Dance

Episode one of So You Think You Can Dance brought out Hobgoblin and Storyboard P at the Brooklyn auditions. They both dance flex, similar to the style of Ringmasters in America's Best Dance Crew Season 3. They didn't make it to Las Vegas -- they were invited to compete in the choreography round but left early. More on them: StoryboardP participated in Lourds of Dance (as reported on back in April 2009). Here's a Youtube video of Storyboard P's battle with Rogue at Lourds of Dance:

Fanny Pak Q&A Part II: How ABDC and Youtube impacted their choregraphy

Fanny Pak conducted a question and answer session with participants of a workshop at Fr3sh Dance Studio in May 2009. In this segment the focus is on choreography: how America's Best Dance Crew changed their outlook on putting together dances, the impact of Youtube, and Matt Cady's process for choreographing a Fanny Pak performance.

Shane Sparks Podcast -- talking ABDC, SYTYCD, Dancing with the Stars, and Beyonce

Shane Sparks appeared on BlogRadio to discuss his involvement on America's Best Dance Crew and So You Think You Can Dance, his other projects, and his advice for aspiring dancers. The show is 30 minutes long and rambles a lot, but stick with it to hear how America's Best Dance Crew started as a dance competition and was originally intended for NBC, why Shane thinks Season 3 was the best season so far, what he expects from Season 4, and how he'd like to work with Ne-Yo, Lady Gaga, and Beyonce.

This week's upcoming performances: Beat Freaks, Quest, Super Cr3w,

• BEAT FREAKS will be in Southern California -- Hollywood, Encinita,Fullerton and San Diego May 22-24.
• QUEST CREW is touring Southern U.S.: 5/22: Jacksonville, FL; 5/23: Atlanta, GA; 5/24: Cornelius, NC. These events are all 18+/. In addition, Feng will teach a hip hop workshop in Artesia CA on May 27
  
• SUPER CR3W is in Richmond, VA on May 22 and Las Vegas NV May 23

If you know of other events with America's Best Dance Crew crews for the next several weeks, please email me at BloggingBestDanceCrew@gmail.com

Boogie Bots dancer appears in So You Think You Can Dance Promo

Boogie Bots member Karla Garcia is shown at 0:10 of the promotional ad for the new season of So You Think You Can Dance and at 0:57 of the longer intro on Fox's SYTYCD page (shown below). Karla is a full and accomplished member of Boogie Bots, though she didn't appear on America's Best Dance Crew. But you can watch here now -- So You Think You Can Dance starts tonight (May 21) -- tune in!

Quest's Victor Kim interview: Jerry Maguire got me into dancing, life after ABDC & more!

Victor Kim posted the following interview on his Facebook page: When and how did you first get into dancing? i first got into bboying after i saw a jerry maguire commercial. cuba gooding jr did a swipe to 1990 on the football field and right then and there, i knew it was for me. i was a freshman in high school in my hometown of sacramento, and i started in my living room.

What is it about dancing that has kept you interested and dedicated till this day? dancing has really changed the way i look at life. the simple concept of manifesting a thought into reality is so fascinating to me, and that is what dance is all about. for example, if i wanted to create a combination of moves, i would first have to see it in my mind. then i would have to physically condition my body through practice and repetition to actualize the desired outcome. now, you begin to see something that was just a thought become reality. im learning that you can apply this concept to not only dance, but anything you want to achieve in life. and that is what has kept me interested in dance.

What was your dancing life like before ABDC? before the show, i always wished for an opportunity like ABDC. so i suppose i was preparing.

As winner of the third season, how has America's Best Dance Crew affected your dancing life? What is your dancing life like now after ABDC? after being on ABDC, there are a lot more opportunities to share what i love to do with a wider audience, and also make a living. its been amazing being able to travel with my friends and perform all over the country, and that is definitely something that i dreamed about before the show. but one of my favorite parts is getting to meet people who believe in us, and have supported us on and off the show :)

After gaining popularity from America's Best Dance Crew, how would you describe your influence over younger aspiring dancers?its such a foreign thought to entertain that i even have influence over another dancer, but i would definitely say that it keeps me motivated. i see in them the hunger and passion that i had all those long nights in the garage when i would stay up to practice. its extremely encouraging to see people that have been inspired, and it makes me feel like i am doing something right !
Photcredit: MTV

Season Finale of SoReal Cru TV:

SoReal Cru ends their Youtube broadcast season with: "Andrew joins a Street Fighter Tournament, Jackie gets attacked by a sea monster, the war wages on between Brian VS Brian, all of the unseen footage for season 2." Sounds almost like the American Idol finale.

Behind the scenes at the Fanny Pak x Milkshake Photo shoot

Hot off the Youtube press, just in time for the release of the Battle I Sneaker from Milkshake Kicks -- here's a behind the scenes look at Fanny Pak's photo shoot to promote the new sneakers. The shoe is now available on-line at Milkshake Kicks.

Buy your pair now. AND, come back here next week for a special announcement and promotion for the shoes. I guarantee you'll like it.

Dtrix Interview, featuring Spam and Eggs

Relate Magazine talks to Quest's Dominic Sandoval, talking about the crew's style, theme song and advice. Their future plans: branding their name, movies, travelling the world.

My favorite quote: 'A bonus for Dtrix is "waking up to spam, eggs, and rice. Going to a show with the fellas, performing, then an after party at a club with lots of dance space; dancing with my favorite dancers then watching my crew get hit on by girls and Hok with doughnut."

Supreme Soul video from Soul Speak

More performances from the Soul Speak event in California: here's Supreme Soul's performance, courtesy of Geraldineejane's Youtube channel:

New DanceJam Contest: Dance with Ne-Yo at BET awards!

DanceJam has a new contest for you aspiring dancers. The prize: you appear onstage with Ne-Yo at the BET Awards. To enter, upload a 30-60 second video of you dancing to Miss Independent by Ne-Yo and send it to www.dancejam.com/contests/neyo by June 4, 2009.

Thirty semifinalists will be selected (five selected each Thursday between now and June 4 so it's better to enter early), then Ne-Yo will select 2 finalists to be flown to LA to rehearse with Ne-Yo's choreographer. The audience will vote to decide the Grand Prize winner. Read more about it here, and ENTER NOW!

Exclusive Fanny Pak Q&A Part I: how ABDC changed their lives

On May 10, we watched Fanny Pak conduct a workshop for the Fr3sh Dance studio. Afterwards, they held a question and answer session for the attendees, discussing their experiences as dancers and as America's Best Dance Crew contestants. We'll present most of the Q&A over 3 videos. In this first installment, they tell how being on America's Best Dance Crew affected their lives, and why their 'classical' dance background helped them on ABDC.

Fly Khicks Performance in Miami May 21

Fly Khicks will be making a rare appearance at Miami Jump Off FL on May 21. Location: Aerobar, Miami, FL. Doors open at 10pm. Minimum age: 21. Details and tickets here.

Clearasil Battle Blocker Results: CompleXion Crew wins

CompleXion Crew have been named the winners of the first ever Pimple Blocker Battle and the title of the Clearasil Dance Crew. The crew will be awarded with a $10,000 prize package and a year contract with Clearasil. More than 1 million total votes were cast, far surpassing expectations. To watch the winning performance, visit www.clearasil.us/pimpleblockerbattle.

Season 4 audition advice: Key Success Factors, What's different in Season 4?

Here's advice from America's Best Dance Crew audition judge Michelle McNulty for groups who plan to audition for Season 4. IMPORTANT CHANGE: All auditioning crews should plan to stay for the entire day. There may be some surprises in the auditioning process, and you need to be able to stick around after your initial audition!. KEY SUCCESS FACTORS FOR AUDITIONING CREWS:

• Brand yourself. Come in with distinctive styles and moves that make you stand out from crews in prior seasons. ABDC fans have already seen SoReal Cru, so show how you're different. Diversity and talent are both important in the judges' decision processes.
  
• Show versatility. Challenges vary weekly, so you should give a taste on how you can delight and surprise an audience week-to-week
• Stay true to yourself. Do what your crew does best, not what you think the judges want to see
• Engage the audience. Look up at them, stage the performance in a way that draws in the viewer, think about what you want to tell the judges.
  
• Be open, not defensive. I can tell you from watching last season's auditions that the judges work to make it a fun and constructive experience.

Click here for Michelle's advice from Season 3 auditions, and how to avoid the three most common mistakes that auditioning crews make.

UPDATE: ABDC Judge News: Lil Mama, Shane Sparks

• Shane Sparks will be back for the season 5 of So You Think You Can Dance. The news source: a Twitter from Nigel Lythgoe. UPDATE: just learned that Shane will be choreographing for the first studio show.

• Congratulations to Lil Mama! She's been nominated for Best Female Hip hop artist for the 2009 BET Awards. The show will air live on June 28; check your local listings.

Boxcuttuhz Monday: Performance at Soul Speak

Boxcuttuhz performed at Soul Speak in Santa Clara on May 16. Here's their performance, courtesy of SakuraB0x's Youtube Channel. Thanks for the tip, FannyBoxFan!

Boxcuttuhz Monday: Lando Wilkins Workshop performance

From TishieHippo's Youtube Channel -- Lando Wilkins (of Boxcuttuhz) demonstrating the choreography for "Sweet Dreams" at an Elevation Studios dance workshop. Other recent workshops taught by Lando can be seen at OuttheboxTV's channel.

An Oldie but Goodie: It's MILEY! with Super Cr3w and Beat Freaks!

For those of you who aren't among the 6 million views for this video (or just want to see it again): Here's M&M Cru (Miley Cyrus and Mandy Jiroux) dancing with Beat Freaks, Super Cr3w members, and a host of other talented folks.

News about Supreme Soul's second crew: Academy of Villains

I've been seeing more lately about Supreme Soul's second group, Academy of Villains. According to an article in the Contra Costa Times about their recent auditions, "AoV is distinctive because it is both a battle and choreography crew and brings together all the aspects of hip-hop dance."

I haven't found any choreography performance videos for the group, but here's a workshop (from AjeezyPaksteezy's Youtube channel) conducted by Pharside (member of Supreme Soul and founder of AoV), as well as AoV members AJ and Hai. Other views of the crew (including rehearsals and battling) can be seen on the Youtube channels for randomlyorganized, Kay0ss, and playapnoyx05. Given the crew description and early views, I hope Academy of Villains goes out for the America's Best Dance Crew auditions.

More of the Beat Freaks Interview: Super Heroes and Global Citizens

For those readers who didn't see the continuation of our Beat Freaks interview conducted on May 2, using reader questions:

This next question on being a global citizen was asked on behalf of Project Explorer, a charity that creates FREE educational videos and lessons to teach Kindergarten through High School students more about the culture and history in other countries.

JabbaWockeeZ: Dance in Your Pants

MTViggy did a photoshoot with JabbaWockeeZ during their trip to New York. Click here for the full photo album.

Freak the Fashion -- Beat Freaks as Fashion Icons

Freak the Fashion is a fansite dedicated to the "unique fashion stylings" of Beat Freaks. It's motto: "if you can't dance like them, dress like them." I think the site distinguishes itself from other fan sites by its thoroughness and real knowledge on the shoes, clothing, jewelry, and social causes.
Photo: Beat Freaks wearing Tokidoki (Photo by Cole Walliser)

This week: Ringmasters performance, ASIID workshop

• May 16: Ringmasters will perform at Hot Import Nights in Englishtown, NJ.
  
• May 22: ASIID Master Class workshop at Dance 411 Studios in Atlanta, BA.
  

Season 4 Audition advice from an ABDC audition judge: Who should try out?

Michelle McNulty and Napoleon D'umo have been audition judges for America's Best Dance Crew since its first season. They'll be back in that role for season 4, visiting 4 cities to pick the crews for the next round of ABDC. We spoke to Michelle about the Season 4 auditions. This post talks about the types of crews she would encourage to audition. In the next few days, we'll share her audition advice.

As you'd expect, your group should audition if you've got dance skills, a short performance that showcases your ability, a strong desire for broad exposure, and a distinctive style (more on that tomorrow). In addition, Michelle wants to encourage groups to come out that might not think they have a good shot at getting on ABDC. This includes:

• Crews that can bring something different. Season 3 showed us clogging, stepping, and contortion moves that fit well with traditional hip hop. For Season 4, the judges would love to see groups that can show prowess with other dance styles.
  
• Crews that have auditioned before. Ringmasters auditioned for Season 2. After they were rejected, they worked on their weaknesses and got on Season 3. Many promising groups did not make it to the final cut last season for a variety of reasons, but have a great shot for Season 4. So, the judges want you back!
  
• Crews that think of themselves as large-group competitors (more than 7 members). Find your best 7 (or less) dancers and come try out. Michelle and Napoleon attend the competitions and want to see some of those crew members on the show. Kaba Modern and SoReal Cru were originally scouted because they appeared at World of Dance.

MTViggy interview with JabbaWockeeZ

I know you know MTV, but you probably don't know MTViggy -- an international on-line edition of the network. They were able to interview JabbaWockeeZ during the crew's visit to New York last week, and asked some quick questions on influences, dance battles, their style, advice, and even their favorite words (skidoosh?).

Quest;'s Vancouver trip - photos and videos

Quest's website posted a report on their trip to Vancouver. Must viewing for Quest fans who like watching the guys' performing, hanging out or sleeping.

Exclusive Quest Interview Pt. III - Bleep!

We interviewed Quest on May 2, 2009 using questions from our readers. In this last part of our interview with Quest Crew, they talk about which TV shows they'd like do guest star on, their preferences for performing vs. teaching vs. battling, whether there's a leader of the crew, and what they do to relax. Never a dull moment! NOTE: Quest requested that I edit this video, so don't give me a hard time about it! And, don't assume you know what's been cut; you might be surprised (but I'm not telling).

Watch Beat Freaks' new performance on Jimmy Fallon Show

Beat Freaks appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on May 13, performing a new routine. There are no legal and enduring clips so here's a link to the full episode. Click here (despite the prompts, it WILL open on the correct show, which also featured Jane Krakowski and Jeff Probst), watch a commercial or two (sorry!), and click on the last 'tab' (around 38:55). The dance and effects are wonderful; it's too bad the camera didn't show all of Shorty's headspin.

SoReal Cru: performance at Warehouse Live; new Merchandise Launch

From GYEAiTSzAYESHA's Youtube Channel, here's a almost-front row view of SoReal Cru's performance at Warehouse Live in Houston, where they opened for Drake. Other SoReal Cru News: they will have new shirts and other merchandise on May 17 on SoRealCru.com

This Weekend: Performances from 8 different ABDC crews!

Some America's Best Dance Crew-related events this coming week:

• Beat Freaks: May 14-16: Eight different venues of workshops and performances in New York and New Jersey! - click here for all the details; May 17: performing at Dancin'4 aCause in North Hollywood, CA
• Super Cr3w: 5 different events all over the US - click here for details
  
• May 15 6:30-8pm: Meet Arnel Calvario (founder of Kaba Modern) at the Paragon Ballroom in Roselle Park, NJ. Call 732-546-7958 for details
• Boogie Bots: May 15 at DC Dance Collective Class;May 16, Culture Shock EC in Washington DC
  
• May 15: Quest Crew at Epic Nightclub in Minneapolis, MN
  
• May 16: Soul Speak with Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, and Boxcuttuhz in Santa Clara, CA
• May 16: Fanny Pak workshop at Montrose, NY
  
• May 17: Quest is appearing at NBA Nation in Universal City, CA

If you know other events or have upcoming performance calendars, please email me at BloggingBestDanceCrew@gmail.com

Exclusive Quest Interview Pt. II: the quest for godliness

In Part 2 (of 3) in our interview with Quest on May 2, 2009, they discuss who they would trade places with, what nation's style of dance they admire, and what they'd be doing if they weren't dancing. Thanks to all our readers who submitted questions, and sorry we couldn't use all of them (and modified a few that we did use).

Another Crew we'd like to see on ABDC: Poreotics

Jessica sent us this video of Poreotics. We agree with her that they would be prime for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4. One member (Dumbo) was formerly a member of Sickstep, as was Quest's Ryan Conferido. What's your view? Do you think Poreotics would stand out on ABDC?

UPDATED: Randy Jackson: Season 4 Begins August 6; MTV does NOT confirm date

Randy Jackson announced on both the Today Show and on The View this week that America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 will begin on Thursday August 6, 2009. UPDATE on May 22: MTV has informed us that this start date is NOT confirmed. So stay tuned for any further information

Exclusive Quest Interview Pt. I, including info on strange fans

We interviewed Quest Crew on May 2, 2009, using many of the questions submitted by our readers. As you'll see, they maintain their offbeat zaniness and outlook even under conditions of extreme sleep deprivation.

The interview was over 16 minutes long, so we've cut it into 3 parts. Today's installment addresses their role in the upcoming Chipmunks movie, what other fictional characters they'd like to battle, how America's Best Dance Crew has changed them, the strangest thing a fan has ever done, and how they'd deal with stalkers.

Boxcuttuhz Workshops in California this week

This is Boxcuttuhz Week at BoogieZone in 3 locations in California. Bam Martin, Lydia Paek, Lando Wilkins, and JP Goldstein will be teaching classes from May 11-14. Click here for details and more videos from earlier workshops. Here's the one they post of Lando teaching at Mayvn in March 2009.


Thanks for the tip, Alex!

Kaba Modern Workshop in Toronto

Kaba Modern members Tony Tran and Mike Song are teaching workshops in Toronto on May 16 and 17. Tickets for this limited admission event are almost sold out, so act now if you want to attend. Click here for more details.
Thanks for the tip, Michael!

Super Cr3w Jewelry

It's too late for Mother's Day, but surely you Super Cr3w fans can find other reasons to treat a loved one (or yourself) to Super Cr3w jewelry items (like these earrings) from Etsy.
There are only 5 items left at this point, the items only cost $10-12 each and it's not clear when they will be available again.This information comes courtesy of our friends at SuperCr3w.com; visit them for the latest on performances by America's Best Dance Crew of Season 2!

Beat Freaks Interview Pt. 2: Super heroes and what you DON'T know about them!

Beat Freaks met with us on May 2, 2009 before their Children's Chance Foundation Performance. They answered reader questions as they joked with each other. They had so much fun that it was tough getting the microphone back! My sincere apologies on the bad sound quality -- our new microphone has major issues that will be resolved before we use it again.

Here, they tell us some things that their fans don't know about them:

Click here to watch more interview highlights, including which super heroes best describes them, along with some thanks, shoutouts, and news.

More NY Beat Freaks and Fanny Pak workshops this week

Fanny Pak and Beat Freaks are holding dance workshops in New York City this week. Workshops are held at cost $20 each. RSVPs are strongly suggested as space is limited.

• May 13: Fanny Pak's Phil and Cara will teach at Roy Arias studios from 9-10:30.
• May 14: Beat Freaks' Keeley and Lindsey will teach at Stepping Out Studios from 3:00-5:30.
• May 15: Beat Freaks' Jules and Teresa will teach from 3:00 until 6:30 at Stepping Out Studios, with a meet-and-greet between session
  

In the Spotlight: Workshops with Boxcuttuhz and Kaba Modern

The people who brought you VIBE XIV are hosting workshops known as In The Spotlight all day long on Sunday, May 17th, 2009. The event runs from noon til 6 with a freestyle session at the end. Among the celebrity instructors from America's Best Dance Crew and beyond: Cindy Minowa (Kaba Modern), Lawrence Kao (Kaba Modern), Yuri Tag (Kaba Modern), Jaffar Smith (Boxcuttuhz), Lando Wilkins (Boxcuttuhz), Rick Rawk (America's Got Talent), Elm Pizarro (Founder of Boogiezone.com), and Janet Langer (Founder of Funkanometry). Details are on the poster.
And, to those of you attending: please email us photos, videos, and commentary!

This Week on Jimmy Fallon: Beat Freaks, Randy Jackson

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on NBC will have at least 2 shows of interest to America's Best Dance Crew fans:

• May 11: Randy Jackson is a guest. He'll probably talk about American Idol, but maybe will share some ABDC news. Soulja Boy will also perform.
  
• May 13: Beat Freaks stop by for a performance and guest appearance
  

Beat Freaks Interview Pt. I: Candy 'profile' & alternative careers

Beat Freaks met with us on May 2, 2009 before their Children's Chance Foundation Performance. They answered reader questions as they joked with each other. Believe me, it is FUN hanging out with them! This is the first of 2 posts with our interview questions. My sincere apologies on the bad sound quality -- our new microphone has major issues that will be resolved before we use it again.

One question they answered, but that we will print (rather than using the video): If you weren't dancing, what would you see yourself doing (question submitted by reader Stefni). Their answers: Lady Jules: A professor. If not that, then a rock climber or water rafter in Montana. Shorty: "No options, no options!!" Teresa: Playing the drums or makeup artist. Maryss: Cartoon animator. Lindsey: Writing and directing films. Keeley: Hair and makeup artist, missionary work, and singing (we have her singing on a video we'll post tomorrow). Rino: Kung Fu master!

Click here to watch more of the interview. And come back tomorrow for information on which super hero describes them best, what their fans DON'T know about them, and some news!

Benefit Show with Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, Boxcuttuhz & more

Soul Speak will be held on May 16 in Santa Clara, CA. The show -- which includes America's Best Dance Crew's Super Cr3w, Supreme Soul, and Box Cuttuhz -- is a benefit to raise funds for Darfur rescue efforts. Tickets are $20 general admission and $35 for VIP seats and Meet-and-greet access. Get more info and buy your tickets here.

Quest Crew in Minneapolis May 15

Quest will perform at Epic in Minneapolis on May 15. The America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 winners will also judge a dance competition and be available for photos and a meet-and-greet. Minimum age: 21. Click here for details

Quest Workshop Part II: stunts and Choreography

At the Quest Crew workshop on May 3, the America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 winners taught both 'tricks' and choreography to the dozens of attendees. They did a superb job of breaking down the routine's performance so that most of the crowd was able to follow and look almost as good as the pros. Here's the choreo part of their workshop. It shows the progression of the lesson, with the full routine at the end.

Click here to watch the stunt lessons from Dtrix.

Mailbox: Fly Khicks, Beat Freaks, Super Cr3w, SoReal Cru

• Fly Khicks danced at Club Bed in Miami in April, and here are the photos to prove it.
• Beat Freaks danced on Kovas' Wax On Wax Off video. So, they want you to help keep it in the top 10 at 106th and Park by voting for the video online. There's no limit to how often you can vote, so start clicking!
• Super Cr3w members Ronnie Boy and Ben will be judges at the Art of Wore dance competition in Las Vegas on May 15.
• SoReal Cru's Jackie Lautchang will be teaching a Master class at the Marvelous Motion studio in Houston on May 16. Details on the poster above.
  

ABDC Season 4 Audition Schedule - new and improved

As posted earlier this week, the New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 have been moved to Sunday June 14 so that the show producers can attend World of Dance NY. This flyer contains the amended information.

JabbaWockeeZ on the Today Show

JabbaWockeeZ and New Kids on the Block appeared on the Today Show on May 8, performing and talking about their collaboration. MTV has the story and the video:

JabbaWockeeZ and NKOTB Interview

MTV spoke to JabbaWockeeZ and New Kids on the Block about their tour. The video also shows a rehearsal snippet. The written article and video have some classic lines and quotes:

• New Kid Joey McIntyre about JabbaWockeeZ: "He thinks that working with a group of guys who are so green to fame and celebrity has made them understand how awesome it must be to be out there making girls scream"
• Also from Joey: "You can't get more team than wearing masks"
  

Team Millennia Summer Intensive Dance Day tomorrow!

Team Millennia hosts a dance camp every year in Fullerton, California. As a prelude, they are holding a Summer Intensive Dance Day on May 9 with workshops from your favorite TM members all day long. Signup information is on the poster.

Vote on your favorite Super Cr3w tattoo!

Super Cr3w will be producing washable tattoos for their fans to purchase at performances, and they want you to vote for your favorite. See them all and vote at SuperCr3w.com.
Voting runs until May 16.

JabbaWockeeZ, Fanny Pak workshops in NY area this weekend

Several dance studios in the New York/New Jersey area are presenting dance workshops with America's Best Dance Crew members as teachers:

• ICONic is working with other America's Best Dance Crew alums this weekend, presenting them in workshops at their ICONic Dance Complex in Englishtown NJ. JabbaWockeeZ are scheduled for Friday May 8 at 9pm. On Saturday May 9 at 9pm, Phil Collins of Fanny Pak will teach.Visit the ICONic website for details on the location.
• BoogieZone is presenting workshops with Fanny Pak's Phil and Beau on May 8 at 2 locations in New York City.Click here for full information.
• Fr3sh has 2 workshops on Sunday May 10 featuring Beau, Cara, Matt, and Megan. This will be followed by a meet-and-greet. These will start at 4:30pm at Arts in Motion in Matawan, NJ. Fanny Pak's website has the most complete info.
  

Quest Workshop Part I: Warmups and demonstrations

Quest and Beat Freaks conducted dance workshops in New Jersey on May 3, 2009. As might be expected, Quest's sessions had their non-serious moments. Today's videos spotlight Dtrix's warm-up, workshop rules, and a dance demonstration. Here's the warm-up:
Click here to watch the 'rules', and Dtrix's masked dance. You'll be glad you did!

JabbawockeeZ performance for Hennessy Black

JabbaWockeeZ performed at a party celebrating the launch of Hennessy Black Cognac. Nitrolicious.com reports on the party and posts this video:

New Performances from Dynamic Edition

13white13 posted three recent Dynamic Edition performances. Here's my favorite:

Thanks for the tip ABDC!

UPDATE: NY auditions for ABDC resheduled for June 14

This just in: America's Best Dance Crew is rescheduling its New York Season 4 auditions for Sunday June 14. This change is made to accommodate the dance crews competing in World of Dance New York on June 13, so that there can be full participation for BOTH dance events.

Video: Beat Freaks Workshop in New Jersey

On May 3, Beat Freaks and Quest taught workshops in New Jersey. Over 50 people attended, both to meet their favorite America's Best Dance Crews and to learn from the pros. The crews were excellent teachers, methodically breaking down the tricky steps until the students mastered them. Afterwards, the students and crews had an impromptu freestyle session, followed by photo session and autograph signing.

Today, we're showing the Beat Freaks second session. The video is sequential, showing how they taught many of the moves and culminating in the full routine.

Tomorrow, we'll post half of our Quest workshop videos (they did a lot more than just teaching!)

Boogie Bots Performance at University of Miami

Joesar posted this video of Boogie Bots performing on an outdoor stage on a beautiful sunny day in Miami. Wish I'd been there!

Quest Rehearsal and Sound Check videos

We watched Quest rehearse for their performance on May 2. While these rehearsals didn't include all the stunts that were used in the final performance, they gave a good sense on how Quest blocks the dance, works and plays together. And, we did get some close-up to view some major moves!

Click here to watch the rehearsal for their 'Toxic' routine.