The Popcorn Kids

The end is nigh! This week, the last 3 crews take on the Decades of Dance Challenge - a video mix was given featuring James Brown, Rock Steady Crew, Paula Abdul, Usher, and Lady Gaga, spanning 1960s to 2000’s. The 3 crew episode always have epic results, let’s see how this season rocks it.

In order of performance:

Afroborike -While I did call it, I would’ve preferred We Are Heroes’s routine from last week. The Usher Segment was ok, but I would’ve liked longer glides. The Lady Gaga section was a bit bland although the ladies wrapping around the guys highlighted something only they could do. The Rock Steady part seemed to be half work around and half copout, with a girl simulating Flares.

The Showdown

Massive Monkees - Rock Steady Crew is their element, although it may have worked against them because they focused a lot of the breakin’.

We Are Heroes - Wow, their Usher section had me in chills - Best one of Tonight. The Tutting during the Gaga Section was pretty sick when you account for the perspective.

Elimination - Massive Monkees’ Banner goes down. We Are Heroes go up against Afroborike for the Crown.

Final Round - Free control in this routine, Wardrobe, Choreo, Probs, Music.

Afroborike - Performance Name: Raises (too lazy to accent it :P)-  Different from what we’ve seen so far from them. This was definitely more of a cultural expression and it was very unique.

We Are Heroes -  Performance Name: Ichiban - Wow. From the intro ripples to the very intense to the rapid tutting at the end, they had my attention. The fire tricks was also something that was unexpected as well. They just won. Seriously! Although, I wish we could’ve seen this kind of swagger and style earlier.

Closing Thoughts - As good as these episodes are usually are, the last routine by WEH was the only one that set me off. As for this round, WEH came to win. Afroborike came to express themselves. I honestly don’t think either choked this season, but I can’t imagine many who could put Afroborike’s Raises over WEH’s Ichiban.

I might not be around to cover the finale as it happens, but I will share my thoughts on the results and look at this season as well. Have a good week!

Hey all, today’s episode is a VMA special, opening with a number using Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” in tribute, with crews reprising famous VMA performances to stay in the running… I know it’s wishful thinking, but maybe the prison uniforms was a subtle shout out to a certain group of dancers?

In order of Performance:

We Are Heroes - Performance and Song: Madonna’s “Vogue” - Can you say, “Irony?” The section with the tutting fans was pretty sick, overall a major solid opener that could make them safe next week. I must say, they seem to be getting sexier each show, which is an interesting evolution since their first week.

Afroborike - Performance and Song: “I’m a Slave 4 U” by Britney Spears - What I’m liking more about this crew is that they’re athletic in their own way, which leads to stunts unique to them - Hanging off chains, insane lifts, swinging, geeze! The snake was more of an iconic addition, but otherwise it’s mostly something that worked together well.

The Showdown

Massive Monkees - Performance and Song: NSYNC’s “Tearin’ Up My Heart” - It’s an easy and convenient match for this crew. This routine really flowed well, mixing the “Boy Band” moves with the “B Boy” moves fluidly and effortlessly. Will it be enough to topple…

Rhythm City - Performance and Song: “Wall 2 Wall” by Chris Brown - Dang, that’s an omen, isn’t it? Sick end pose, I love how their formations are always moving, but I can’t find anything remarkable otherwise. They’re pretty consistent with their work since the first episode, though.

Elimination Result - Rhythm City goes home. This season’s champion will be another West Coast Dance Crew.

Closing Thoughts: Man, I’m kinda disappointed that my personal pick to win this went home today; Rhythm City was one of the best East Coast Crews to compete in ABDC history. However, you can’t disagree that WAH and Massive Monkees stepped up this week in a big way, and RC did not. Next episode is always interesting because it always recalls the first season controversy, where Status Quo was voted safe over favorites Kaba Modern and JabbaWockees. At this point, I can see Afroborike getting immunity (which I can see happening), and Massive Monkees vs. We Are Heroes… and whoever winning that showdown to win it all.

The last five crews strive to be America’s Best Dance Crew! This week is a ABDC favorite Dance Challenge, where crews will integrate a popular dance move into their routine. Throwing a wrench into this season’s challenge is a built in trampoline area to use as well.

In order of performance:

Afroborike - Dance: Swag Surfing - Song: “Swag Surf” by Fast Life Yungstaz - For anyone who still questions if this crew should remain, this routine shows why they’re still here. The guys using the trampoline to jump on the women was definitely a sick move, and their swing dance-esque stunts give something new to the table. If there is any fault to this week, is that the dance move in question didn’t seem that integrated until the end pose, which was luke warm at best.

Massive Monkees - Dance: Ricky Bobby - Song: “Do The Ricky Bobby” by B Hamp - I’m still shocked that this was inspired by the movie Talledega Nights. Really? that comment asside, the Monkees also prove a great case on why they belong in the running, with a good mix of stunts, breakin, and dancing.They also integrated the Ricky Bobby very well in the routine.

Rhythm City - Dance: Jerkin’ - Song: “You’re a Jerk” by The New Boyz- These guys have been one of my favorites since the first episode. Their consistency in choreography, creativity, and athleticism has been one of the reasons why they haven’t been in a showdown yet. Let’s hope that that it doesn’t affect them negatively.

The Showdown

We Are Heroes - Dance: Stanky Legg - Song: “Stanky Legg” by GS Boys- Very interesting how they’re getting sexier and making use of every dancer’s capabilities, although not many of the dancers did use the trampoline. With another injured member on the roster, they definitely want to win.

Vogue Evolution - Dance: Halle Berry - Song: “Halle Berry” by Hurricane Chris - This dance move was overly simple, however VE definitely knocked it out the park. If there’s anything that could stop their run to the top, is how we’re seeing the same voguing moves in the routine.

Elimination Result - In what seems like a very close elimination, We Are Heroes continues on, and Vogue Evolution is treated to a retrospective video and their banner falls.

Closing Thoughts - This episode was fantastic, especially for anybody who doubted the quality of this season. While this was close showdown, we are pretty much back to the mainstream hip hop crews, Afroborike being the sole exception. Also, this elimination leaves Rhythm City as the last East Coast Crew in the Competition. Despite these facts, if you’ve been shying away from the series, you might want to start watching now. Everyone’s going to be going all out until the finale. Next week’s challenge is the VMA Performance Challenge, using performances from the past VMA Ceremonies. I predict Afroborike vs We Are Heroes, with We Are Heroes going home.

This weekend brings the Martial Arts Challenge to the remaining 7 Crews. Let’s see how well the crews handle this - Many of these crews have battled before so it might be a natural fit for many. Steve Terada from Quest Crew makes an appearance to demo and dispense the challenge.

In order of Performance:

Afroborike - Martial Art: Capoeira - Song: “I know you want me” by Pit Bull -Wow, I suppose culturally it’s a match, but it is also difficult to pull off for most other crews without maybe breaking experience. While the little triple flip move in the middle was OK, this week Afroborike seemed to have lacked intensity.

We Are Heroes - Martial Art: Karate - Song: “Starstrukk” by 3OH!3 - Not a flashy Martial Art. Good rotations and formations, stunts were pretty solid. I have to admit, using 3OH!3 and Justice have made this crew one of my favorites. Love their song choices!

Vogue Evolution - Marital Art: Kung Fu - Song: “Work” by - Ciara feat. Missy Elliot - They’ve done better, the “fighting” portion seemed a little too chaotic. However their use of formation as well as movement and popularity might be enough to keep them safe.

Massive Monkees - Martial Art: Extreme Martial Arts - Song: “Bounce” by - MSTRKRFT feat N.O.R.E. - Pretty generic Martial Art to be honest. Nonetheless, they certainly earned their spot next week. Sequence of stunts as well as the flipping were at the end were easy highlights, but good all around.

Beat Ya Feet Kings - Martial Art: Tae Kwon Do - Song: “Chillin’” by Wale feat. Lady Gaga - Interesting Match up, using a kick heavy Martial Art for a Step heavy crew. I enjoyed the battle segment at the end, and the Kings stepped up their game another notch.

The Showdown Battle commentary and Results:

Rhythm City - Martial Art: Muay Thai Kickboxing - Song - “La La La” by LMFAO - Up to this point, everyone had a good match up. Didn’t slow them down one bit. Appreciate the Kill Bill references in this one. I’m a little surprised that they were chosen as the bottom, because that certainly spells certain doom for…

Southern Movement - Martial Art: Kali - Song - “Ugly” by Bubba Sparxx - What. Didn’t expect this. Interestingly enough, the integration of the “Knee Slide” movement they chose worked pretty well in their routine. This one could knock out the other crews’ performances this week.

Elimination Result - With 2 Solid performances from both crews, Southern Movement was sent packing.

Closing Thoughts: The episode had potential, but for the most part, it fell flat on its face. The Showdown, however, was very decent, especially this early in the season. I’m shocked that Rhythm City was sent to the bottom, as they seem to really have the basic tools to keep them up top. Next Week’s Challenge is The Bollywood Challenge, so I fully expect someone to rock “Jai Ho” ad nauseam (and as a personal fan and nerd… can a crew use “Tunak Tunak Tun” by Daler Mehndi?) Predicting Afroborike and Vogue Evolution on the bottom, with Afroborike going home. Next Week’s Blog of ABDC will be a little late, but let’s deal with it later. Have a great week y’all!