Welcome to Something for Nothing

I’m very happy at this moment! In fact, I’m patting myself on the back while doing the happy dance. Super Cr3w has been my favorite crew since the auditions. WOOOHOOO!

Ok, enough happy dancing, the room’s spinning now. I’ve been watching so many dance shows this summer; I convinced myself that I can dance. Maybe I’ll stick to watching for now.

Speaking of dancing, here’s the link to get all the information you’ll need if you want to be crowned America’s Best Dance Crew for Season 3.

Audition Info

My favorite Super Cr3w routine:

I do think it’s interesting that Randy Jackson said he thought Super Cr3w could take the whole thing from their first audition.

Challenge #1: World Dance Challenge

Using a video given to the crews as reference, the final two crews created a 2 minute routine that included different forms of world dance ranging from Latin Music, to the Caribbean, to Bollywood, to African Music.
Mas Que Nada by Sergio Mendes ft Black Eyed Peas

- Original Music Video
We Be Burnin’ by Sean Paul

The Anthem by Pitbull ft Lil Jon

Mundian To Bach Ke by Panjabi MC ft Twista

Challenge #2: Dance Craze Challenge 2.0

Instead of dancing to a dance craze, crews will create their own dance craze, both in the form of the actual music and the dance steps. All of this combined to create a dance routine.
Super Cr3w - “S To The Chest”
SoReal Cru - “Smash It Up”

Final Challenge: Your Last Word Challenge

Crews will created a routine that showed why they should be crowned “America’s Best Dance Crew”
Super Cr3w danced to the song Give It Up or Turn It Loose by James Brown

SoReal Cru danced to the song A Milli by Lil Wayne

Check out the list of all the America’s Best Dance Crew music.

Tonight SoReal Cru and Super Cr3w went head to head. Emotions were high as the two crews had to dance three routines each.

Challenge one: Music from around the world.
Super Crew: I loved this routine. They incorporated 4-5 dance styles into one short routine. The choreography was excellent while hanging onto the B-Boy styles. I agree with J.C. that the ending was smart. They ended honoring African influence which is how they began the routine.

So Real Cru: I liked their routine; it looked like something you’d see a group of friends doing at a party. Lil Mama felt they struggled through the whole routine, which disappointed her at this point in the competition. Shane felt that they looked lost and showed that they did not have the true rhythm real dancers should have. J.C. was kinder and said they did shine in moments but it was not one of their best performances.

My first thought after these critiques was that we were heading for another Boogie Bots situation. Why would you tell a crew of dancers with two more challenges to perform, that they just proved that they didn’t have what it takes to be in this competition? Not a promising start to what should be an exciting show.

Challenge two: Start a dance craze by designing original music, lyrics and choreography.
Super Crew: They wanted to show the history of Super Cr3w and create a dance with their style that anyone could learn to do easily. Their track was called-S to the chest.

I really liked it. The S to the chest and S to the sky was easy to do and catchy. It was really funny when the camera would scan the crowd and show them trying to follow along. Talk about people with no rhythm. J.C. felt it might have represented Super Cr3w’s style a bit too much in the dancing moves but was identifiable. He said it was ok. Lil Mama thought it was fun but it wasn’t a great performance. She said they needed to stop thinking about the routines and start performing them because fans are still waiting for a great performance. Shane said it had what it needed to be a hit song and dance but he didn’t really like the performance. In fact, he thought it was one of their weakest performances so far.

SoReal Cru: They wanted to represent the dirty south. Their track was called Smash It Up.
I really liked the track and enjoyed the routine but it did border on too simple. I think it’d be a hit in the clubs though. Lil Mama, of course, didn’t find it exciting but did say she enjoyed it. Shane thought it was hot, something straight out of the hood. J.C. liked the track and thought the routine was well executed.

I agree with J.C. that the battle was now one win for each crew at this point. So now who brought it for the final challenge?

Challenge three: Last chance to prove why each crew was in the finale and should win the $100,000 prize.
Before each crew performed we saw a sympathy video with lots of crying about how much this win means to the dancers. I’ve become kind of jaded with TV editing these days and usually feel that I am being manipulated so I don’t really feel for them the way I should.

Super Cr3w: Danced to James Brown
Loved it. Lots of B-Boy moves, energy and great choreography. Just what I wanted from my favorite crew.

SoReal Cru: Danced to Lil Wayne
Loved it. Not only did they have their smooth groove but it seemed harder. It really felt like a battle everyone wanted to win.

If people were only voting for this show performance, picking a winner would be very hard. They both had good points and bad points but proved that they deserved to be in the final showdown.

VOTING INFO:
For the first time, text and phone voting will continue from last week and remain open until this Saturday, August 16th at 9am. So vote if you can!

For SoReal Cru - 1-887-RJCREW1
Text 1-22444

For Super Cr3w - 1-887-RJCREW2
Text 2-22444

Go to:
online voting

VOTING IS OPEN. Cast your vote for the hottest dance crew before polls close on Thursday, Aug 21 at 9:00 a.m. ET.

I can’t wait until next week to find out who wins!
I’ll be happy either way but my fingers are crossed for Super Cr3w.

Tonight, the remaining top two crews had to create a dance crazy from the bottom up. They had to design original music, lyrics and choreography that could be hot and start a dance craze, right now.

You be the judge.

Super Cr3w:
Song: S to the Chest

SoReal Cru:
Song: Smash It Up

Watch the people in the audience trying to do the moves.

NOTE: This will open a new window, taking you to MTV’s official site. The videos for Super Cr3w and SoReal Cru will begin after a few commercials.

In my previous ABDC Music post, it looks like I missed a few other music items from that episode of ABDC. Here it is now:

Like the “Dance Craze Challenge” from Season 1, crews were given a physical challenge to complete during their routine.
Dance Crew Dance Physical Challenge
Super Cr3w The Humpty Dance Perform the move with only 4 feet on the floor
SoReal Cru Kid N’ Play Create a chain reaction during the routine
Fanny Pak Vanilla Ice Perform the move horizontally

Challenge #2: Dance Movie Challenge

Crews must create a routine that incorporates elements of an 80s dance movie. Similar to the “Broadway Challenge” from Season 1, crews were given remixed versions of the songs from their respective movies:
SoReal Cru danced to the song Electro Beats from the movie Breakin’

Super Cr3w danced to the song Footloose from the movie Footloose

Fanny Pak danced to the song Maniac from the movie Flashdance

Round 1: July 24th
The judges of America’s Best Dance Crew found themselves facing two crews that they felt were the best on the show. It was announced, B-boys Super Cr3w and Supreme Soul were dancing for their lives. The angry judges lashed out in frustration at the voters, strongly suggesting that America start voting right. Their eyes added an ‘or else’ feel to the message. After deliberations, Supreme Soul was sent home but not forgotten.

Round 2: July 31st
The judges had their chance for payback when Boogie Bot fans could not keep them out of eliminations. Earlier in the season, Lil Mama told Supreme Soul they needed to go harder, really stab the heart of the chicken. The judges united to do just that. Boogie Bots were verbally abused before being dismissed without any positive feedback. It was the first time in the history of the show that an eliminated crew was not given some love to soften the blow.

Voters were not amused.

Round 3: August 7
Voters united, voting relentlessly for SoReal Cru to force judges to once again face sending home one of their favorites. SoReal Cru became the biggest vote getter and was guaranteed a spot in the final battle. You could see that the judges were frustrated, as they had to choose between Super Crew and Fanny Pak. Earlier in the night, Shane said he felt that Fanny Pak was going to win this season. I’m sure it hurt for him to have to tell them that it was time to go home.

So what now?

Is the fighting over or just beginning?

Can the show producers trust America to vote right without manipulation?

Will the judges be sent to professional judging school so they can make sense?

Can the voting system be changed so that one person can only cast one vote? Will it?

Can, and more importantly, will America learn to vote right?

Finally, what is the definition of a right vote in a popularity contest?

I can’t believe how fast this season went by! Only one week left. I hope America voted my way right - Go Super Cr3w!!

Fanny Pak danced to the following songs:
Word Up by Cameo

- Original Music Video
Now that We’ve Found Love by Heavy D and the Boyz

Ice, Ice Baby by Vanilla Ice

- Original Music Video
SoReal Cru danced to the following songs:
Bust a Move by Young MC

- Original Music Video
Lean on Me by Club Nouveau

Every Little Step by Bobby Brown

- Original Music Video
Super Cr3w
Humpty Dance by Digital Underground

New Jack Swing by Wreckx n Effects

Poison by Bel Biv Devoe

Check out the previous ABDC music.

The elimination of the Boogie Bots this week was brutal and calculated. It was a message from the producers and judges to the voters showing what will happen if we do not vote the way they tell us too. They tore the Boogie Bots to shreds, showing no mercy. This was the first time of both seasons that a crew was eliminated without some positive comments to soften the blow. They were pretty much told they did not belong on the show, especially in the final four.

Most people knew the Bots would be going home this week, but how it was done was tactless and petty. If producers want to control the order that crews are eliminated in, they need to do away with public voting. Otherwise, they can suck it up like the rest of us and just deal with the results as they happen. We all have a favorite crew that leaves before we think they should. We get snarly about it, but we move on. That’s what the judges should have done this week.

The elimination segment pretty much overshadowed the other performances, and that’s a shame. I had to rewatch the show to remember the first two performances.

This week really defined each of the four remaining crews.

Super Cr3w gave us the wow.

SoReal Cru gave us the groove.

Fanny Pak gave us the cool.

Boogie Bots gave us the smooth.

The Boogie Bots lacked real energy in their performance and were sent home.

Super Cr3w and Fanny Pak were amazing from beginning to end.

SoReal Cru was great but not up to par with the other two performances this week. That worries me for the upcoming elimination round. Lil Mama and J.C. have not been overly supportive of SoReal, especially in comparison to Fanny Pak. On top that, this coming weeks music challenge will be 80’s themed, which means Fanny Pak will be in their element. Are we looking at a showdown between Super Cr3w and Fanny Pak?

I am still hoping for a Super Cr3w ending!

Missy Elliott and choreographer Hi Hat helped the various crews learn some Missy Elliott music and dance moves on this episode of America’s Best Dance crew. Below you’ll find all the Missy Elliott music that they used for the show. You can also check out all the ABDC music from previous shows. Enjoy!

SoReal Cru danced to the Missy Elliott song One Minute Man

- Original Music Video
Super Cr3w danced to the Missy Elliott song We Run This

Boogie Bots danced to the Missy Elliott song Work It

Fanny Pak danced to the Missy Elliott song Get Ur Freak On

Ok, that was actually just a dream I had, but it’s what everyone has been demanding since last season. I’m personally offended at her lack of professional tact last night. I mean, I understand being upset that your favorite is in the bottom two but to insult another dance crew that you still have to judge is uncalled for. But thanks to her rude comment, the Boogie Bots will just get more sympathy votes. They might even win. Way to go, Lil Mama.

The jist of what Lil Mama said:
“America, are y’all serious!?!” “I do not get excited when I see the Boogie Bots!” “What are y’all doing? This is supposed to be the final show.”

So, did America’s Best Dance Crew just end the season early?

The tension in the air was thick with anticipation as Super Cr3w and Supreme Soul took to the stage to dance for their lives. The crews faced off, pulling out all the stops. They wowed us with creativity, mind blowing stunts, and lots of personality. Everything you’d expect the season finale to showcase. Only it wasn’t the finale.

So now what?

Supreme Soul has never been in my top three favorites this season, but I recognized their talent and expected them to battle all the way to the end. I’d like to point out that Supreme Soul has never had the voters behind them. They have been in or near the bottom two all season. Tonight was nothing new.

Super Cr3w is and has always been my choice for America’s BEST dance crew of season two. They always get my votes.

SoReal Cru has always been my number two favorite dance crew. I happen to like their slow grooving style, even though others may not. I feel like they have the perfect blend of dancing, creativity and sexiness. Apparently other voters agree because this crew has never been in the bottom two.

I love Fanny Paks quirkiness and enjoy having them on the show, for an entertaining twist. But I do not see them being successful beyond this show without some major changes. I was fine with them leaving this week or next.

Same with the Boogie Bots. I can’t really tell you why I loved them from the very first show. Something about them just makes me want to root for them. They have a fun style but without the wow factor of Super Cr3w and the sexiness of SoReal Cru. Deep down, I know they’re not the best dance Crew on the show. But I think they’re still a young crew and have the potential to be much more than they are now. To all the haters out there; I do not apologize for liking the Boogie Bots nor do I apologize for not voting for Supreme Soul. It’s my choice!

The voting:

Maybe we need a specific criterion for what MTV’s ‘best’ dance crew should mean. You don’t have to be the best technical dancer(s) to be entertaining. In fact, I’ve noticed that technique by itself can be somewhat boring. The audience has to relate to the dancers or the dance to be entertained. Ultimately, I think it’s a personal preference and that makes competitions open for public voting, complicated. Both for the competitors AND the viewers. We’re all using a different scale to judge and it can become difficult for everyone to get on the same page. This means few people are truly happy with the final outcome.

One change that would help with this is to only allow one vote per phone number or email address. That way a small group can’t become the majority through volume voting.

Ok, so back to the show:

The challenge this week was the worst of both seasons. I vote that the person coming up with challenge ideas this season should be sent home. As Shane would say, these challenges have been whack! What do band/sporting props have to do with hip hop dancing? Nothing! This season has been way too gimmicky for a dance style that is supposed to be street.

What a disappointing show.

Review:
Fanny Pak - Met the challenge. Chaotic mess, didn’t like it.
SoReal Cru - Met the challenge. Liked it, didn’t love it.
Boogie Bots - Same as the above

BOTTOM TWO: Best performances of the night

I will admit that I’m disappointed that the finale happened before it’s time. I’d like to wish Supreme Soul the best of luck. I know that being so competitive, the timing of this elimination must have been a real disappointment. Keep your heads up and learn from this experience. I’m sure we’ll be seeing you again.