Video: Kaba Modern's Mike Song's Nintendo Wii Tutting Routine

The cure for a blah day: a hilarious tutting routine from the Youtube Channel of Kaba Modern's Mike Song.

Video: Trailer for ABDC Season 4

Here's the trailer announcing America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 and showing some of the crews that auditioned. Thanks to MTV for sending us a copy.

Update: Halloween JabbaWockeeZ mask murder

On Halloween 2008, 12-year old Tony Darrisaw was killed when trick-or-treating in a JabbaWockeeZ mask. His mother, Daphne Grinnell, emailed us to say that that they are now in the process of going through Federal trials. She wants people to keep them in her prayers and encourages people to contact her at grinnelld@mwscorp.com or at her address: 40 Burkett Drive, Sumter SC 29150.

NY ABDC4 Audition Highlights: Bollywood Funk

America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 starts in less than 6 weeks! So, here are more videos of our personal favorites from the ABDC 4 auditions in NY. For NY, we will post both the audition and the choreography callback performance, if we think that both were standout. Important warning and disclaimer: I am NOT a judge, have nothing to do with the selection process, and have no insider information on who's going to be chosen for Season 4. I'm just lucky enough to attend the auditions.

Today's featured crew: Bollywood Funk from New York. MTV made it clear that they want to see some different types of dance on America's Best Dance Crew; we think this is one of the more successful approaches to that end. Their graceful moves pay tribute to Bollywood in the audition but, as you'll see in the callback, the group can incorporate other styles to keep it brisk and energizing.

Exclusive - New Quest Video -- upcoming projects and words of wisdom

Field reporters Mark and Courtney interviewed Quest during their dinner break after The Show in Dallas on June 13, 2009. The America's Best Dance Crew Season 3 winners talk about how hard it was to perform without Steve (who was sick with the flu), their upcoming projects, and some words of wisdom for aspiring dancers.

Thanks for the entertaining interview Mark, Courtney and QUEST!

MTV Remote Control: ABDC Michael Jackson Tributes, Season 4 NY auditions

MTV's Remote Control Blog has returned with:

• Tributes to Michael Jackson from Beat Freak's Rino, Quest's Hok, and Supreme Soul's Bionic
• Video coverage of the New York auditions. Their video profiles Fr3sh and Massive Monkees with interviews, footage from the street, Massive Monkees audition, and the choreography callback practice.

It's Official - ABDC 4 First Episode Airs August 9 at 9pm!

Tonight (June 29) at 11pm ET, the trailer for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 ran on MTV . As soon as there's an online version I'll post it. It shows a lot of new crews from all over the U.S. -- great footage! And, it announces the first episode as starting on Sunday August 9 at 9pm ET/PT.

ABDC 4 Trailer airs tonight at 11pm!

The trailer for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 will air on MTV tonight (June 29) immediately following Run's House. That works out to 11pm ET/PT.

Tell us if your crew auditioned for ABDC Season 4 -- ABDC survey ahead!

Reader ILogan came up with a great idea for this site: we want to run a survey with a list of many of the known crews that auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4, to see which ones our readers think will make the show (or SHOULD make the show).

My problem: I don't know all the crews that auditioned in Chicago, Orlando, or even LA. And, for a number of reasons, SemiToastySushi and I will not be posting most of our NY audition videos on Youtube.

So if your crew (or a friend's crew) auditioned for Season 4 AND you can direct me to the best video of ONE of your crew's performances in 2008-2009 -- please leave a comment or email me at bloggingbestdancecrew@gmail.com with the info. During the week of July 13, I'll post names of UP TO 64 of the auditioning crews (with video links to help readers choose), then run the surveys. Thanks for your help.

NY Audition Highlight: Vogue Evolution

We will post videos of some (not all) of our favorite NY auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4. When we think it's noteworthy, we'll also include the choreography callback performance (if the crew had one). REMEMBER: we have absolutely no inside information or influence on MTV or America's Best Dance Crew producers and judges. We just know what we like.

Today's featured crew: Vogue Evolution. I think they successfully meld voguing style with hip hop for a mesmerizing and distinctive style. One member, Leyomi, is already somewhat legendary in the underground dance world, with her moves emulated by many, including Beyonce and ABDC alums Fysh N Chicks. My question: is the MTV audience open to a crew with openly gay and transgender members? I certainly hope so.

The initial audition video comes courtesy of SemiToastySushi's Youtube channel (the group that also brings you Supercr3w.com). The callback performance video is ours.

Poreotics at Body Rock 2009

We keep getting questions about the Poreotics audition for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4. Our field reporter did not see it, and I do not know if it was taped by anyone else. So, to appease Poreotic fans, here's their performance at Body Rock from ArthurTong's Youtube Channel. It's a noteworthy routine because it shows how they can adapt their style to Top 40 rock, and even show a softer side. And yes, we still have more audition videos to share over the next several weeks.

Exclusive Video: Shane Sparks on ABDC 4 -- "I want to see something DIFFERENT!"

Instead of just showing highlights from the Season 4 auditions, I thought it would be worthwhile to hear how Shane Sparks (one of the judges for the America's Best Dance Crew auditions and the show) is viewing the audition process. In this interview with Salima Koroma, he talks about his desire to have ABDC showcase new styles, how dance is evolving, and how ABDC has helped its dancers become successes. He also says that he thinks ABDC could EASILY go on for another five to ten seasons!

Live in Color's Bianca in new Ciara video - Work

Bianca from Live in Color (America's Best Dance Crew Season 1) appears in Ciara's latest video -- Work. And, here's a picture of Bianca with Ciara. Thanks for the tip and the links, Danielle Ninja!

America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 WILL move to Sunday nights, starting early August

Several official sources at America's Best Dance Crew have confirmed to us that the show will move to Sunday nights for Season 4. They also stated that it will begin in early August, though the specific date is not yet confirmed.

LA Choreography callbacks, featuring Inside the Box and Beast Mode

The Yuri and Taeko show attended the America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 auditions in Los Angeles. Their first video contains an interview with one of the casting directors who mentions that ABDC will air on Sunday nights, and mentions that there might (or might not) be a casting show). This video has great footage of multiple crews preparing for the choreography callbacks, and shows the entire choreography callback performance by Inside the Box. The second video has an interview with Beast Mode, and their full callback dance. And, you can also watch their interviews (with no dancing) with Lost Kids and Knucklehead Zoo.

Beat Freaks and Michael Jackson - they were about to start rehearsing together this week

Several America's Best Dance Crew alums (including Beat Freaks and Ringmasters) had told us how watching Michael Jackson inspired them to take up dancing.In this first video (which aired on the Today Show) Rino and Maryss say that they were set to begin rehearsing with Michael Jackson, and Rino describes his influence on her life.Thanks to Skylerz on the MTV discussion boards for the link. Pacific Rim Video Press also prepared a montage of clips of the Beat Freaks talking about Michael Jackson, showing some Michael Jackson moves, and performing to Beat It.

Mailbox: Kaba Modern, Status Quo, Wrush, Pinoy Dance Competition

• MTV's Made - Hip Hop Battle debuting today (June 27) will feature E-Knock from Status Quo (America's Best Dance Crew finalist for Season 1) and Marcos Aguirre (co-choreographer of Wrush, a Boston crew that did an awesome job in their NY audition for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4).
• Thebeatworx.com danced with Kaba Modern and deejayed for the crew. This blog reminisces about his experiences and includes a soundfile with his first mix for them
• The search is on for Pinoy's Best Dance Crew. The contest is open to hip hop dance crews where at least 4 members are of Philippine descent, and where all are legal residents of the US or Canada. Click here for details.
  

Another LA Audition highlight: Inside the Box

Field reporter Salima Koroma attended part of the America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 auditions in Los Angeles, and sent in videos of some of her favorites. Crucial disclaimer: this site has NO inside information or influence with MTV or the America's Best Dance Crew judges. Our only qualification is that we are major fans of ABDC!

Today's featured crew: Inside the Box from Pomona California. What's in the name: Toybox (aka Jonathan Bronner) is the crew choreographer and the dance comes from inside Toybox's mind, through the talents of his crew, and out to us. The crew mixes housing (a style that has not been featured yet on ABDC) with hip hop choreography. Click here to watch an interview with Inside the Box conducted by Pacific Rim Video. Click here for Toybox's Youtube Channel to see more dance videos.

Inside the Box Audition for ABDC Season 4 on Vimeo.

Strikers Allstars performance at House of Blues

Strikers All-stars (minus Money Mike) appeared at the House of Blues in San Diego over Memorial Day Weekend. Video is courtesy of Tallielb's Youtube Channel.

Upcoming events - week of June 26

• Beat Freaks: June 26: Blue Label Lounge in Houston; June 27: 2 shows at Verizon Wireless Lounge in Houston
• JabbaWockeeZ continue on their tour with New Kids on the Block
• June 27: Mega Moves Dance Fest, with Ringmasters, Status Quo and some of the ABDC4 auditioning crews. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Super Cr3w will be unable to appear at this event. St. Joseph's College in Patchogue, NY. This is a benefit for the Cancer Center for Stony Brook University Medical Center. Click here for details and tickets.
• June 28: Super Cr3w's Mike Murda at Face Off II in Ft. Worth, TX
  

RIP: Michael Jackson

We just learned that Michael Jackson has died. We are sad that he died at such a young age, especially as he was preparing for a comeback tour. His contributions to dancing and pop culture will be remembered, admired, and emulated for a very long time.

NY ABDC Audition highlights: Point Blank

Over the next few weeks, we will be posting videos and information about some (not all) of our favorite crews from the New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4. In some (but not all) cases, we will include video of their choreography callback performance. Reminder: this website has absolutely no insider information or impact on MTV or the ABDC judges. We just know what we like.

Today's featured crew: Point Blank, from Philadelphia, PA. We liked their Season 3 audition, and think they've upped the energy while maintaining their humor and cool prop use. The audition video comes from Semitastysushi's Youtube channel (the girls who also bring you Supercr3w.com). The choreography callback video is all ours.

Beat Freaks Lindsey on SYTYCD tonight!

Lindsey (aka Out There) from Beat Freaks will perform with the Veronicas on So You Think You Can Dance on Thursday June 25-- tonight. Tune in to watch and to see if Karla (Boogie Bots) and Phillip (Marvelous Motion) make it through to the next round.

Super Cr3w featured in French Hip Hop Culture Magazine

Super Cr3w is profiled in the latest issue of Be Street, a French magazine devoted to hip hop culture. The article is only available in the newstand edition, not on-line. Thanks for the tip, SuperCr3w.com!

Click on the graphic above to expand and read the first page of the article. Then, click here to read page 2 (it's in both English and French) to learn how America's Best Dance Crew for Season 2 met, their favorite styles other than b-boying, the one word that describes each of them (guess which one is 'samurai'!), information about the girl in their crew.

LA ABDC Season 4 audition highlights: Flexible Flav (Flex Flav)

Field reporter Salima Koroma attended part of the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 on June 6, 2009. She taped some of her favorite crews' auditions. IMPORTANT: the choices on this website do not represent the opinions of MTV or America's Best Dance Crew judges, and have no impact on their choices. Our only qualification is our devotion to watching ABDC. Today's featured crew: Flexible Flav from Sacramento, CA. The crew formed in 1999 has has competed internationally. They are more traditionally b-boy than other auditioners, with nice formations and some wicked power moves. Read more about them on MySpace.

On America's Got Talent -- FootworKINGS

Can America's Got Talent trump America's Best Dance Crew in spotting hip hop dance talent? Here's their first try of the AGT Season 4 -- FootworKINGz from Chicago. They range in age from 16-24. They are part of a larger group, and I don't know if they auditioned for ABDC in Chicago this year. You can watch their act by clicking here, watching an ad and fast forwarding to 14:36.
Here's AmericasgotTalentHQ's Youtube Channel post of the video (This channel appears to be recognizing the NBC copyright and cooperating with them.) What do you think?

ICONic performance at World of Dance NY

ICONic from America's Best Dance Crew Season 1 performed and to interact with fans at a meet-and-greet session. Lately, it's been a rare treat to see them performing together like this!

More favorites from ABDC Season 4 NY Auditions: Fr3sh

Over the next several weeks, I'll post videos of some of my personal favorite crews from the America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 auditions in New York. For some (but not all) of these NY crews, I will post both their auditions and their choreography callback performances (but only when I think the callback performance is noteworthy!). Important warning and disclaimer: I am NOT a judge and have absolutely NO impact on the judges or MTV. My only qualifications is being a fan of the show.

Today's featured crew: Fr3sh. This is Fr3sh's third time auditioning for America's Best Dance Crew. When they tried out for Season 3, I loved their performance, but could see why others compared them to Kaba Modern. So what I love about this audition is that I think they've worked to demonstrate how they are distinctive and different from KM in their own entertaining fashion. They've incorporated numerous dance styles and change-ups in mood and tempo, all with fr3sh humor. Click here to learn more about Fr3sh on Myspace.

Boogie Bots at World of Dance New York

Boogie Bots rocked it at 2009 World of Dance New York both on stage as an exhibition crew and at a meet-and-greet with fans.

Karelix from Fly Khicks in Sean Kingston video

Fly Khicks haven't been performing as a group much, but they are still dancing. Karelix can be seen in Sean Kingston's video for Fire Burning. She's wearing a green shirt and a hat. Thanks for the tip, ThePrez (from the MTV bulletin board)!

LA Audition Highlights: Elektrolytes

Field reporter Salima Koroma attended about 4 hours of the America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 auditions in Los Angeles. She has an-depth interview with Shane Sparks, outside action with Randy Jackson and crews, and some of her favorite auditioners. We'll be sharing this (along with coverage of the NY auditions) over the next few weeks. Important caveat about our coverage: please remember that we are totally independent of MTV and have absolutely no inside knowledge of or influence on their choices for Season 4. Our only qualification is that we are huge fans of ABDC.

Today's highlighted crew: Elektrolytes from Arizona. They have a real swagger and tightness to their style, with a little theater thrown in. Click here to watch an interview with them from Pacific Rim Video Press. And, here's a video (from Kylemanjames Youtube Channel) of the performance that won them the title of 2009 Arizona's Best Dance Crew.

SoReal Cru at Body Rock

The larger SoReal Cru troupe tore up the stage at Body Rock 2009, with a set called "Politics as Usual" choreographed by America's Best Dance Crew alums Brian Puspos, Andrew Baterina, and Jackie Lautchang. This video comes from SoRealCru.com, the prime source of new for everything SoReal.

Field Report - The Show in Dallas with Quest Crew and Marvelous Motion

Blogging Best Dance Crew field reporters Mark and Courtney recently attended The Show hosted by Quest Crew and presented by Access Dallas at the Palladium Ballroom in Dallas, Texas on June 13, 2009. The event was a showcase of Southern talent aimed at bringing more attention and notoriety to acts from places other than the East and West Coast. It was also the first time that Quest Crew made an appearance in Texas.

The Show featured performances by Quest Crew, 2008's Urban Dance competition winner Marvelous Motion and all-girl crew Dallas Power House, a summer and denim fashion showcase by Diesel and live performances by Big Red Rooster, Kyndal, Peter P, and Tony Montano.

Be SURE you click here to read the rest of Mark and Courtney's report and view greatin-performance photos of Quest Crew and Marvelous Motion. We'll post their interview with Quest very soon! And here's a video at The Show of Marvelous Motion and their sub-crew The Next Level, from LdyLickem's Youtube Channel.

Video montage of NY auditioning crews

Melissa and Rachel from Supercr3w.com attended the New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4, and posted a montage of the performances on their semitoastysushi Youtube channel. Great compilation!

Hip Hop International - THE dance event for ABDC fans!

Hip Hop International will be taking over Las Vegas from July 27-August 1. Over 1700 dancers from over 30 countries will meet for workshops, hip hop dance championships, popping and locking battles, and b-boy battles. There is nothing like seeing LIVE dance and seeing it done by the best. And, if you're a dancer, there's nothing like learning from the best, including Matt Cady (Fanny Pak), Teresa Espinosa (Beat Freaks), Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo (America's Best Dance Crew choreographers), and Shane Sparks. America's Best Dance Crew alum teams Super Cr3w, Fanny Pak, and Beat Freaks will also perform in exhibition. I can't do the event justice in a short post, but I strongly urge you to go if you've got the taste for hip hop choreography. I know I'll be there! Click here for details and to buy tickets.

Highlights from the NY ABDC auditions: NIA

Over the next several weeks, I'll post videos of my personal favorite crews from the America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 Auditions in New York. For some of these NY crews, I will post both their auditions and their choreography callback performances, but only when I like the callback performances as much as the initial audition. Important warning and disclaimer: I am NOT a judge and have absolutely NO impact on the judges or MTV. My only qualification is being a huge fan of the show.

Today's featured crew: NIA from Roxbury, MA. They incorporate African influences into their style in a fresh way that fits with hip hop and is not at all gimmicky. I love their overall performances and their energy. The first part seconds of their routine didn't tape due to camera problems, and was also really dynamic and fun to watch. To learn more about NIA, you can visit their Myspace account. UPDATE: Here's a link to the Semitoastysushi video of their audition, which contains the full audition routine.

The Action outside the NY ABDC auditions

Some of the dance crews auditioning for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 in New York held a tumbling contest on the streets, while they waited for their turn before the judges. PeaceSignDawg caught the action that MTV (and I) missed, and posted it on Youtube.
In a message to me, PeaceSignDawg wrote: "Here, we have Trix and Primetime of Round One taking part in a flipping outbreak with other auditioning groups while outside waiting for the choreography segment of the day. This was Round One's third time auditioning; they're really showing their determination to make it."

Video -- Quest Practice Regimen

Here's an older video of Quest working together, filmed shortly after the crew won America's Best Dance Crew Season 3. In it, they discuss their method of practicing steps and routines, and show some skills. Thanks to QuestStreetteam.com for finding it and Alex for calling it to my attention.

ABDC Season 4 audition highlights: Massive Monkees

Over the next several weeks, I'll post videos of some of my personal favorite crews from the America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 auditions in New York. For some (but not all) of these crews, I will post both their auditions and their choreography callback performances (based on how much I liked their callbacks too!). Important warning and disclaimer: I am NOT a judge and have absolutely NO impact on the ABDC judges or MTV. My only qualification is being a huge fan of the show.

Today's featured crew: Massive Monkees from Seattle, Washington. They were unable to attend the LA auditions, so they flew to New York just to try out for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4. The group that audition is part of a larger group that formed in the mid-90s and has won multiple national and international b-boy competitions. Read more about them on Wikipedia and at their official website. I loved their original and audacious moves. I think you will too.

Favorite Crews from NY Season 3 Auditions -- Massive Monkees

Over the next several weeks, I'll post videos of my personal favorite crews from the America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 Auditions in New York. For these NY crews, I will post both their auditions and their choreography callback performances. Important warning and disclaimer: I am NOT a judge and have absolutely NO impact on the judges or MTV. My only qualification is being a huge fan of the show.

Today's featured crew: Massive Monkees from Seattle, Washington. They were too busy to attend the LA auditions, so they flew to NY just to try out for Season 4. The crew that auditioned in NY is part of a larger group that formed in the mid-90s and has won multiple national and international b-boy competitions. Read more about them on Wikipedia and at their official website. I loved this crew for their original and audacious moves; I think you will too.

Upcoming Events - Week of June 19

• June 19: Kaba Modern at the Vanguard in Los Angeles
• June 19: Quest at Center Stage in San Francisco
• June 19: Fanny Pak at Hawaii 51st State Fair in Aiea, HI
• June 20-21: Know Your Rank workshop in Union City, CA (Bay area) with Supreme Soul, Boxcuttuhz, and Fysh N Chicks
  
• June 20: JabbaWockeez perform at Virgin Festival in Montreal
• June 20: Super Cr3w's Ronnie Boy is in Orlando, Florida for 2 events. He'll attend an 8pm screening of Turn it Loose (the movie about the 2007 Red Bull BC One competition) at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. He's also a judge at the Who's Got the Props Dance Competition.
• Beat Freaks: June 19 at Debbie Reynolds showcase in Hollywood CA; June 20; Meet & Greet at Renegade Rockers in San Francisco; Jun 21 performance at Renegade Rockers, San Francisco
• June 22: Team Millennia Summer Intensive Camp begins
  

More Body Rock - Common Ground

Body Rock 2009's competition crews were top notch. We've already posted the winning performances from Choreo Cookies, The Company, and Kaba Modern. Interestingly, the dance we heard the MOST about in our mailbox and on-line reading is a lyrical performance by Common Ground. Here's the performance, filmed by iLLmIND:

NY Auditions - Media coverage

Several website reporters attended the New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4. Some reports:

• Asiance Magazine gives a teaser mentioning Bollywood Funk and MIT's Ridonkulous
• The Ride runs a longer piece about her impressions of the day, with quotes from ABDC Executive Producer Howard Schwartz and choreographer/audition judge Napoleon D'umo, and photos of some 'colorful' crews including Vogue Evolution (pictured here) and NIA.
  

Photocredit: C. Thompson

From LA Auditions - Beast Mode

Albert Lawrence of Talk of Fame attended the Los Angeles Auditions and posts a video of Beast Mode. According to the article, "their facial expressions and synced up choreography conveyed a gritty confidence that commanded everybody in the studio to sit up straight and take in their technique!" Click here to watch an interview with the crew by Pacific Rim Video and click here for an earlier performance video from the crew.

Audition Choreography Callbacks : an outstanding tool for picking ABDC Crews

America's Best Dance Crew incorporated choreography callbacks in the Season 4 audition process. The practice had been used in the Season 1 auditions, but dropped for Seasons 2 and 3. According to audition judges Napoleon D'umo and Michelle McNulty, the callbacks were reintroduced for several reasons:

• they allow MTV to see how crews respond to conditions similar to the ones in the actual show, where dancers must quickly learn steps from the ABDC choreographers, as well as creating and modifying their own dance routines under intense time pressure
  
• they show how crews can respond to 'challenges' while maintaining their distinctive styles and competencies
• they give crews a chance to correct problems cited by judges during their initial auditions (e.g., appearing too similar to prior ABDC competitors, not performing to the audience)
• the free-style section in the callbacks gives crews a chance to show other skills that aren't included in their 1-2 minute audition routines

How it worked: after each crew auditioned, they were told whether they would be asked to return later that day for the choreography callbacks. The invited crews returned en masse after all the initial auditions were completed. In NY, that translated to over 125 dancers assembled in the audition room. Then, Napoleon D'umo spent about 10 minutes teaching them a short and simple routine (aided in NY by some of the Boogie Bots). The same steps were taught in all 4 auditions. This video shows some highlights from the NY lesson:

After the lesson, crews were given one hour to put together a 1-3 minute routine. The first part of the dance had to incorporate D'umo's choreography, but adapted to the crew's own style. In the second part of the routine, every member of the crew had to free-style with a commando transition between dancers. After the hour, the judges brought back 5-8 crews at a time to the audition room. In those groups, each crew performed for each other and for the judges.

It felt like a really joyous dance-off, with incredibly high energy for groups that had worked hard over a very long day. The callbacks were also successful in providing judges with all the added information they sought. Napoleon told me, "When we did this in LA last week, at first I was wondering why we would go to all this trouble. Then I watched them perform and said to myself, 'THAT'S WHY!"

Judge for yourself. Here are two crews with 'classical' hip hop choreography (not tap dancing or other styles). They are R2D2 (a Boston crew led by Jamal from ABDC Season 1's Status Quo) and E3 (a Connecticut crew with a 'boy band' vibe). They both nailed the choreography section, and held true to their distinctive styles.

Video - Quest workshop at Marvelous Motion Studio

Quest taught a workshop at the Marvelous Motion Dance Studio in Houston on June 14. THEMarvelousMotionTV Youtube Channel taped the day.

Videos - World of Dance NY winners - Studio One, Project D, Rhythm City

World of Dance New York displayed the talents of over 30 different dance crews in competition or exhibition. First Prize went to Studio One from Orlando, Florida. Second place was Project D from New Jersey, and Rhythm City from Bronx, NY took third.

Judges for the America's Best Dance Crew auditions were in the audience, and urged many of the competitors to field smaller teams and attend the New York auditions the next day. Studio One couldn't audition because most of the members were underage; however, adults from the same studio auditioned in Orlando under a different name. Second place winner Project D came to try out the next day after being 'scouted' and personally invited by the judges. Both Project D and Rhythm City participated in the choreography callback round at the auditions.

Here's the winning performance from Studio One. Click here to watch the performances for Project D and Rhythm City.

Video: Boxcuttuhz at Body Rock 2009

Boxcuttuhz was one of the featured performers at Body Rock 2009 in San Diego on June 13, 2009. Here's their performance, courtesy of Taejun's Youtube channel.

ABDC nominated for Teen Choice Awards - vote now!

America's Best Dance Crew has three nominations for the 2009 Teen Choice Awards:

• Best Reality Competition (competing against Dancing with the Stars, American Idol, America's Next Top Model, and the Bachelor
• Best TV Personality - Lil Mama and Mario Lopez were both nominated (against Tyra Banks, Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell)

Click here to vote. If you're between 13-19, you can vote every day between now and the show, which will air on August 10, 2009.

BoogieZone University June 26-28: Get your Skills on with the best!

BoogieZone University is a massive 3-day Dance intensive to be held June 26-28 in Irvine, CA. It promises to have lessons for all level dancers, taught by 50 instructors in hip hop (old and new school) , contemporary, jazz funk, and salsa. Instructors include Tabitha and Napoleon D'umo (choreographers for America's Best Dance Crew and So You Think You can Dance;, Kaba Modern members Arnel Calvario, Mike Song, and Tony Tran; and Fanny Pak's Matt Cady. For all the details, visit boogiezone.com

Talk of Fame covers the LA auditions - first up is the A-team

Albert at Talk of Fame attended the Los Angeles auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 and is starting to share his videos. Like us, he'll be posting them periodically. Here's his video of A-Team from Las Vegas.

Quick report on the NY auditions

The New York auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 were intense! Crews performed from 11am until 11pm. The casting directors got what they wished for in quality and diversity, with 36 crews coming out to show their stuff. Casting judge Michelle McNulty called it the best NY audition that ABDC ever held.

We saw African-influence dancers, nationally ranked b-boy teams, Bollywood funk dancers, voguers, Beatyafeet-ers, ABDC alums, and MANY other types of hip hop choreography represented. And, after the regular auditions about half the crews were invites to participate in a choreography call-back which was one of the best dance events I've ever attended! Through it all, judges Michelle McNulty, Napoleon D'umo, and Howard Schwartz were funny, engaging, and constructive.

I promise I'll describe this better in the next few days. Today I want to start plowing my weekend videos and photos including 31 videos from World of Dance New York (another intense event this past weekend!) and 57 videos from the auditions, to make more sense of it all and get things ready to share.

Body Rock 2009 videos

At Body Rock 2009 in San Diego, Choreo Cookies took first place, with The Company in 2nd and Kaba Modern in third place. Congratulations to all! Here's the Choreo Cookies performance, from Rizacia's Youtube channel.
Click here to see Body Rock performances from The Company and Kaba Modern.

Lil Mama Singing - "No One" and "Just Fine" (with Mary Blige)

America's Best Dance Crew judge Lil Mama was nominated as best female hip hop artist for the BET 2009 awards. Here's two videos that prove that she deserves the nomination. First, here's her rendition of "No One".

Click here for the video of her performing "Just Fine" with Mary Blige.

Ringmasters dive off balcony at World of Dance!

World of Dance NY was an incredible night, with dozens of crew performances, people breaking dancing in the aisles, and meet-and-greets plus performances from America's Best Dance Crew alums Beat Freaks, Ringmasters, ICONic, and Boogie Bots. I'll have a full write-up soon, including videos of the competition winners and the ABDC crews. But I HAVE to share this video of Ringmasters from 8and9apparel. The whole routine is sick but pay particular attention around 8:08, where a crew member jumps off the balcony as part of the performance!

Mailbox: Layla Kayleigh news, Shane Sparks' SYTYCD Choreo

• Layla Kayleigh won't be her svelte self during the tapings of America's Best Dance Crew Season 4. According to People Magazine, Layla's pregnant, with the baby due in November. Congratulations!
• Shane Sparks choreographed the group number on this week's So You Think You Can Dance group number.

Coming Up in San Francisco: Sock Hop, featuring Kaba Modern

Funkanometry SF is hosting the Second Annual Sock Hop on July 18 in San Francisco. Featured acts will include Funkanometry SF, Kaba Modern, World Famous, Project EM, Fr3sh, De La Femme, The Odds, Funksters, BlackOut, Breed, PGN, Funk Beyond Control, and DeCadence. Here are the details and link for tickets.

Auditioning Crew - Tha Acadamee

Stylz Dance Studio sent Tha Acadamee to the America's Best Dance Crew Los Angeles auditions, and sent us a link to their rehearsal video. While we don't post most of the rehearsal videos we receive, we'll make an exception here since 1. we like this performance and 2. my reporter didn't get to see them at their LA audition. What do you think -- are they ready for Season 4?

Know Your Rank Workshops featuring Supreme Soul, Boxcuttuhz, Fysh N Chicks, Lost Kids

Some major workshops in Union City, CA (the Bay area) on June 20-21 taught by America's Best Dance Crew alums and auditioners. Instructors include Bionic, Slim, and RJ Koolraul from Supreme Soul; Lando and Rocko from Boxcuttuhz; Taeko from Fysh N Chicks; and Mikey C. from Lost Kids. Read more and sign-up here. But hurry -- two day passes are sold out, and one-day passes are almost gone!

Video: Kaba Modern in Edmonton

Danimay's Youtube Channel(filmed by Daniel Ilagan) shows a front-row view of America's Best Dance Crew Season 1 favorite Kaba Modern at Driven to Perform in Edmonton on June 6. Thanks for the tip, Michael!

New feature on ABDC auditions - choreography callbacks

The Chicago Tribune reports on the America's Best Dance Crew Chicago auditions and profiles a auditioning tapdance crew called M.A.D.D. Rhythms. The article also mentions a new feature for the auditions: "About half of the 20 crews that auditioned Tuesday made the end-of-day "callback" round: a crash-course of new moves taught by an "ABDC" choreographer, to be incorporated on-the-spot into new routines."

I'm intrigued by the choreography callbacks and wonder what they bode for Season 4. And, I'm also intrigued by M.A.D.D. Rhythms; here's a 2009 performance from NoraClark721's Youtube Channel.

Scenes from the Chicago ABDC auditions

Auditions for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 were held in Chicago on June 9. IMOKDILLA shot footage of the scene outside the tryouts, as well as the 'audition' for Chi-town's Finest Breakers. Though the four kids in the Chi-Town's Finest Breakers are too young for Season 4 (ranging from 6 to 11 years old), they've definitely got some good moves. They could be real contenders...in about a decade.

Congratulations Shannon -- You win the Battle I Kicks signed by Fanny Pak!

Thanks to everyone who entered our contest cosponsored by Milkshake NY for the Battle I Kicks signed by Fanny Pak. The winner is Shannon from IL. For those of you who didn't win: MOVMNT Magazine is also co-sponsoring a contest for signed Battle I Kicks, set to end June 14. Click here to enter.

Upcoming Events - Week of June 12: A bonanza across the US!

This is one crazy week for lovers of America's Best Dance Crew, with major events across the United States:

• June 12: Team Millennia performs at Social in Hollywood, CA
• June 13: World of Dance New York features Beat Freaks, Ringmasters, ICONic, and Boogie Bots and over 30 other crews
• June 13: The Show Dance Competition in Dallas stars Quest crew among its talent
• June 13: Body Rock in San Diego will show over a dozen crews in exhibition and competition, including Boxcuttuhz, the larger crews for SoReal Cru, Kaba Modern, and Team Millennia, with judges from Super Cr3w, JabbaWockeeZ and Kaba Modern
• June 14: Quest teaching a workshop at Marvelous Motion dance studio in Houston, TX
• June 14: Beat Freaks workshop at Don't Stop Dancin' in South Huntington, NY. 10am. Call 631-423-8277 (Dina) for details (thanks for the tip, Kara!)
  

Today's Best dance video: Voguin' & Screamin'

If America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 has a Madonna Challenge, here's a source for inspiration from Bour3.com

Today only: discounted tickets to World of Dance NY

Gendance is offering half-price tickets to the first 20 people to buy tickets to World of Dance NY who use their coupon code. Click here for the code and Gendance's writeup about WOD NY which will feature Beat Freaks, Ringmasters, ICONic, Boogie Bots and over 30 competition crews as we reported here. Deadline is midnight June 11.

Video: ASIID in Detroit

ASIID from America's Best Dance Crew Season 2 danced at Summer Jams 2009 in Detroit. Here's their performance, courtesy of MauriceMamii's Youtube channel:

MTVIggy - The art of Breaking with JabbaWockeeZ and Quest

MTViggy runs a special section all about break-dancing. Included are interviews, photos and videos with JabbaWockeeZ and Quest, a slideshow about the history of breaking, and an interview with the producer and director of Planet Bboy.
Photocredit: Dean Dremi/AFP/Getty Images

Mailbox: Kaba Modern classes, Beat Freaks review

• Kaba Modern's Yuri Tag and Mike Song will be teaching hip hop classes at Jimmie DeFore Dance Center in Costa Mesa, CA. Thanks for the tip, Michael!
• GuamPDN reviewed Beat Freak's show (calling one part "sickeningly mezmerizing") and talked to the crew about why they stay so humble despite their success on America's Best Dance Crew.
  

Last day to enter our contest for free kicks!

Reminder: our contest with Milkshake NY ends today. The prize: a pair of Battle I Kicks in your size, personally signed by Fanny Pak. Read about the contest here. So if you haven't entered yet (or really want these and need to enter again), click here to fill out the contest form. Make sure you enter OUR contest by clicking on contest type to select Blogging Best Dance Crew. (You can enter MOVMT's contest too, but it ends later). Good Luck!

LA Audition Video - FLIRT

For all of you eager to watch an audition video for Season 4: Indlydncr has a Youtube of FLIRT auditioning in Los Angeles. (Thanks for the tip, Patrick!) What do you think?

Soon, we'll post more videos from the LA and NY auditions. Our LA field reporter Salima attended the audition for about 4 hours (no, she didn't watch the Lost Kids audition), and I hope to stay the whole time in NY. When they're ready, we'll post some of our personal favorite auditions for you. As before, they will be our own choices and not reflect any input from MTV and the judges.

Quest in Hawaii videos: Extended Solos, radio hijinks

At Quest's show in Hawaii, they did about 10 minutes of solo moves, as captured by Bluestarlette21's Youtube channel. Thanks for the tips, Alex! Hawaii Bonus: some backstage Quest interviews from Power 104.3, Parts I and Part II, (hat tip, Cynthia!), and the crew guest-DJ-ing for the radio station.

Poll results: Diversity wouldn't win on ABDC, but they'd do well

poll by twiigs.com

Mailbox: Rino to choreograph SNSD

According to Omonatheydidn't, Beat Freaks member Rino Nakasone will help choreograph SNSD's next album. Rina did the choreography for SHINee's Juliette:

Videos - JabbaWockeeZ workshops

Michibeloved attended a workshop taught by JabbaWockeeZ at the Rock Center for dance, and shares some video of the experience. Go to Michibeloved's channel for videos of a short group performance, individual dances by Joe and Phi and a question and answer session from the champions of America's Best Dance Crew Season 1. Here's Kevin's dance. Thanks for the tip, Adobostreak!

LA Audition Photos including Lost Kids, Knucklehead Zoo

Asiance Magazine posts photos of 13 crews that auditioned for America's Best Dance Crew Season 4 in Los Angeles, noting they are "Hearing good things from South Georgia, Toy Box, The Lost Kids, A Team." The photo shows A Team -- visit Asiance to see the rest.
Photocredit: Pacific Rim Press

Video: Super Cr3w and Hypersquad performance

Super Cr3w performed with Hypersquad in Honolulu on May 29, producing something different that really brings out the talents of both groups.

Undivided - Supercr3w and Hypersquad performance from RandyTFK on Vimeo.

Quest and Shane Sparks share a Matrix Moment

MTV.com has a video of Quest and Shane Sparks going Matrix at the MTV Movie Awards. Unfortunately, no one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself. Whoa.

ABDC LA Audition Interviews Galore, from Pacific Rim Video

America's Best Dance Crew kicked off its Season 4 auditions in Los Angeles on June 6. Our field reporters attended for about 3 hours and watched 12 crews audition. Later in the week, they'll have video available of some of their favorite auditions, plus some surprise interviews.

In the meantime, Pacific Rim Video was there in force, interviewing dozens of auditioners, well-wishers, and ABDC personalities. For example: here's Layla Kayleigh talking about how she's like to see Britney Spears, Ciara, Justin Timberlake, Janet Jackson and others as guest judges.

ABDC Season 4 on Sundays?: Layla Kayleigh twitters

Layla Kayleigh twittered in response to a question from Donna Crawford. The message: @DawnACrawford ABDC Season 4 Airs in August and I think we're moving to Sunday nights instead of Thursdays. it's gonna be a good one.

MTV has not confirmed or denied this change yet, but we'll keep checking. Thanks for the tip, Alice!

Video - Quest members showing off b-boy skills to Girls on the Dance Floor

On Hawaii's KGMB News, Quest is interviewed about their weekend show. Afterwards, they danced to Girls on the Dance Floor (by Far East Movement) -- unlike most videos of recent performances, they perform individually, pulling out their best breakdance moves. Click here for a higher-quality version of the video.

Lil Mama -- looking good and doing good!

Lil Mama spent time off from America's Best Dance Crew in New York this week, helping out two worthy nonprofit groups. On June 4, she was a presenter (along with Usher, Akon, and Russell Simmons) at the Do Something Awards. Do Something is a great charity to get teens involved with worthy causes; click here to read more about it and do something yourself!

That same day, Lil Mama kicked off the summer reading program at the Brooklyn Public Library.

Photocredit: Nachofoto.com