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Holla! America’s Best Dance Crew is back with Episode 3!

Mario Lopez brings all Crews on stage for a lil’ introduction, looking cool and casual in his jeans and hoody, slicked back hair and perfect complexion. Hey-o! Proactiv much?

So this week the Dance Crews had to bring their own flavour to a recent dance craze - along with a surprise challenge.

Part 1 - Live in Color

Dance Craze: DJ Unk’s “2 Step” from the Dirty South.

Challenge: During your routine, your crew must exhange clothing.

Once again, Live in Color bring it OUT! 2 Steppin’, krumping, and even a little ballet, this high energy crew pulled out all the stops. And the switchin’ of the clothin’?! Hold up - that was sick. (woah - did Shane Sparks just take over my fingers…?) Speaking of Shane Sparks, here is what the judges had to say:

Shane: “Y’all just represent.”
JC: “I thought it was OK.”
Lil Mama: “Make sure everything is tight.”
Mario: “I thought y’all looked tight.”

Um, Mario - we only need one Shane Sparks, thank you very much.

Part 2 - Jabbawockeez

Dance Craze: The song that started the Southern snap movement that is now sweeping the Nation - Dem Franchize Boyz’ “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.”

Challenge: You must create the illusion you can defy gravity, but according to one astute member, “we’re human - how are we supposed to fly?” Well if it was easy, it wouldn’t be called a “challenge” now would it… geez, stick to dancing buddy…

But OH MY GOD! WHAAAT?! Jabbawockeez do not disappoint! Catching bandannas whilst breakdancing, crazy creepy costumes, “tight” choreography - I personally believe these boys are the ones to beat. But what do the actually paid judges think, huh?

Lil Mama: “Crazy! Cra-zy!”
JC: “Bit of a rollercoaster for me. I like what you do, but you can’t get lazy.”
Shane: “Y’all the sickest group I’ve ever seen in my life. That Superman thing at the end? Murder. I’m done.”

Part 3 - BreakSk8 & Kaba Modern

First up: BreakSk8

Dance Craze: Cupid’s “Cupid Shuffle,” Louisiana’s version of a hip-hop line dance.

Challenge: During a section of the “Cupid Shuffle” you must all join together and become physically connected. Connected? On skates? I’m sensing some serious spills coming up… Roller Derby, anyone?

BreakSk8 take to the stage and I can’t help but just feel a little bit “meh.” I mean, they are good, but I fear “good” isn’t “good” enough… Kapeesh? Step it up, BreakSk8… step it up. [pun obviously intended]

JC: “I was worried at first, but you did it well.”
Shane: “Y’all have to be perfect. Good job but watch it.”
Lil Mama: “Y’all got to bring it. It’s sloppy so you gotta bring it. Just listen to what I say and make it happen.”

See? I should be a judge, no?

Then there’s Kaba Modern…

Dance Craze: Lil Mama’s new school take on the old electric slide with “G-Slide,” which one Kaba member calls “Electric Slide version 2.0.” Nerd alert!

Challenge: Each crew member must partner up and perform a lift.

Holy crapola, I love this group’s isolations. I know they do it everytime and it’s what they are good at, but damn - it’s so fun to watch. But only one simple lift? I want to see up over the head lifts! Dirty Dancing-style! Kaba kaba kaba… you are one of my faves, but step it up a notch, no?

Lil Mama: “This group is so hot. I love when people keep who they are but still bring something new to the table.”
Shane: “I don’t think nobody really understand how intricate y’all choreography is. But next time you get a task, take it to the limit.”
JC: “I like that you have a girl/guy battle, but the guys didn’t really do anything! The girls whooped them.”

Speaking of girls, all-female group Fysh n Chicks is next.

Part 4 - Fysh n Chicks

Dance Craze: Yung Joc’s “It’s Goin’ Down” which is known for its signature move “the motorcycle” originating in Atlanta, Georgia. One “Fysh” explains, “It’s just about the shoulders and wrists - it’s pretty basic.” Hey! Don’t get cocky now…

Challenge: You must perform some of the steps in reverse.

I like these girls, but why they gotta be so sloppy? Last week’s “Freak em Dress” was stellar but this…? In a blatant attempt at being punny, I believe that they might actually be “goin’ down.” Ha! Get it! It’s the name of the song! “It’s Goin’ Down!” So are they! Ha! …I kill me. Judges?

Shane: “I like what ya’ll did. The reverse was dope.”
Lil Mama: “It was sick. The ending was crazy.”
JC: “It was cute - the theatrics were cute. And the rewind? I know Shane thought it was cool - it was a touch sloppy.”

Thank you JC, for seeing what I’m seeing, you see?

Part 5 - Status Quo & Iconic

In the fight for who’s staying in the game, Status Quo is up first.

Dance Craze: Soulja Boy’s “Crank Dat,” a Southern snap dance that became a phenomenon on the internet.

Challenge: At some point you must perform the moves upside down.

This challenge turns out to be great for the injured member who is under doc’s orders to stay off his ankle. Can he pull it together…? Wow - pretty impressive. I have to admit, I’ve never been a big Status Quo fan, but upside down moves, human skipping ropes and flips galore, they have definitely won me over. Although every time ankle-injury-boy does a flip, I can’t help but cringe in pain.

Iconic takes the stage to defend their honour of all things jiggy…

Dance Craze: Webster’s “Chicken Noodle Soup” - a new symbol of the New York club scene.

Challenge: At some point in your routine you must perform on your backs.

There is something about Iconic that makes me laugh. Looking on them, they don’t seem like your typical gang of dance crew members, but throw them up on stage, they really deliver. Their choreography is creative and their moves are together. They don’t have the stunts that Status Quo do, but they definitely are equally talented. I think the judges will have a hard time deciding…

Now this is the part of the show I hate. The judges get all diplomatic: JC loved Status Quo’s stunts and dancing, Shane loved the Iconic’s “Chicken Noodle Soup” on the floor, and Lil Mama thinks both groups did it so well, it makes it hard for them. Oh you guys… way to NOT pick a favourite. Geez.

But hold up! Who is actually safe…? STATUS QUO!

That means Iconic’s banner must fall… along with their dignity. Awwww.

Until next week, suck-ahs!

Posted on Monday, February 25th, 2008 at 1:38 pm by danielb and is filed under We <3 TV.

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