MuchMusic.com | Blog

AC Slater Mario Lopez and his personal Dance Crew of Judges (Shane Sparks, Lil Mama & JC Chasez) were back for episode 2 of America’s Best Dance Crew. Things got off to a dramatic start as Lopez announced that Kaba Modern was in the Top 4, meaning Fysh n Chicks were in the Bottom 4. (Noooo!!!! Fysh n Chicks are favourites of mine, so hopefully they stick around).

The theme of the week was to recreate the moves of some famous dance videos, with the flair of your own style. Kaba Modern was first up with Chris Brown’s “Wall to Wall.” The clan was hesitant at first, since the dance style in the video was so different than their own, but in the end, they successfully merged both styles. At points they resorted to the isolations that Kaba Modern is known for, but they looked tight. Shane Sparks said, “Y’all can dance,” JC said they “did it well,” and Lil Mama said they “pulled it together.” Smiles all around.

Then: MORE DRAMA(!) as Lopez announced that Live In Color was in the Top 4, placing Iconic in the dreaded Bottom 4 - then it was time for Live in Color to strut their stuff. The video they had to emulate was the frenetic “Hey Mama” from the Black Eyed Peas, but Live In Color didn’t think it was frenetic enough! The tempo of the song is slower than what their usual quick moves allow, but when they unleashed their fury on stage, most were thrilled.

Lil’ Mama said, “You did it better than the video,” JC called it “a bit theatrical and that was smart,” while Sparks was quick to point out that it was the “first time you were a little sloppy.” Oh, snap!

DRAMA DRAMA! Lopez announced that Jabbawockeez, along with BreakSk8, were in the Top 4, meaning that both Femme 5 and Status Quo were in the Bottom 4. But the energy picked right up again as the always interesting Jabbawockeez took the stage. With their trademark masks, they performed a stunning rendition of Omarion’s “Ice Box.” The judges were nothing but warm.

Sparks stated that it was “the best performance on this show from y’all,” JC observed that they “keep performing at a high level and fly under the radar,” and Lil’ Mama proclaimed, “I. Love. Jabbawockeez!”

Next? Crowd favourites: BreakSk8, doing Ciara’s sexually-charged “Get Up” routine. But whaaaat? It turned out one of the roller-clad guys had hurt his knee and the choreography required a lot of humping and grinding - can you hump with a bum knee? It turns out you can! BreakSk8 provided the goods.

Lil Mama reassured them that they were “masculine” but then said, “make sure your arms are always strong.” Sparks said, “y’all was creative,” while JC went on to talk about one of their moves being called a “Nutcracker.” Yes, a rollerskate to the crotch is never good.

We were then teased with the possibility of a Status Quo ankle injury… DRAMA!

But next up was the Bottom 4… who was going to be the Bottom 2?! Iconic was known for their Broadway style, but could it be their curtain call? Femme 5’s previous slip-ups could cost them the competition - did the viewer’s agree? Fish n Chicks had sloppy moves last week - did the audience also catch their mistakes? And Status Quo were one of the judges’ favourties, but it seemed liked America may have felt differently…

After much stalling, it was announced that Femme 5 and Fish n Chicks were the Bottom 2, meaning Status Quo and Iconic were safe. So naturally, it was time for more dancin’!

Iconic took the stage with Chris Brown’s “Kiss Kiss.” They ditched their trademark Broadway stylings for a little more urban flavour and it was well-received. Sparks called it “perfect” and “beautiful,” JC called it one of their “better routines,” and Lil Mama offered some advice (while plugging the new Step Up movie perhaps..?) by saying, “Take it to the streets more.”

Status Quo were up! And yes, there WAS an ankle injury. Tears were shed, confidence ran low, and then it may have shown in their performance of MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” since Lil Mama was left “confused.” She thought the “energy was great, the stunts were ridiculous, but a little disappointed as a group.” She then went on to warn them to “pick it up. I’m watching you.” Wow - who knew that little 18-year old Lil Mama could be so aggressive?

Then JC rambled a bit about God-knows-what, only to be cut off by Lil Mama who wanted to show a slow-mo replay of the dance. Sparks put an end to that nonsense by stating that he was “let down” and that dancing with an ankle injury is not an excuse because he “has a friend who would dance with nubs.” I don’t know what that means, but I’m sure it puts BreakSk8 to shame. And then finally JC got his words back (written by Paula Abdul, I’m sure) stating, “Reach into your hearts. Show how great you are.”

Then EVEN MORE DRAMA! It was the girls versus the girls as Fish n Chicks and Femme 5 took to the stage. Fish n Chick’s version of Beyonce’s “Freak em Dress” was much more captivating than Femme 5’s version of Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” - thus giving Femme 5 the boot, who then had to take their final walk as their banner fell (in slow motion) from the ceiling.

Yay, Fish n Chicks!

Who will get thrown back to the streets next time? Stay tuned.

Wait - did you just read this entire recap?! So silly! Just watch it all for yourself on MuchAXS!

Posted on Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 at 4:18 pm by danielb and is filed under We <3 TV.

Related Articles:

• Dance Crew Episode 5 Recap
• Dance Crew Episode 8 - Finale Recap
• Dance Crew Episode 3 Recap
• Dance Crew Episode 4 Recap
• America’s Best Dance Crew And You