ABDC: Season 6 Episode 10 Finale!

The finale is upon us and it is time to learn who will be our winner. But first a performance from the top two crews, I.aM.Me and Iconic Boyz. (I defy anyone to say that the better technical dancers on the stage are the Iconic Boyz.)

Over 50 million votes came in last week (comparable to American Idol actually, that’s impressive) to decide the winner but before we find out the results, we will be seeing the five winning crews perform (So You Think You Can Dance, consider this–bring the winners back for an all star dance!)

Poreotics comes up first and put on a performance that sort of reminds me of I.aM.mE with all the shapes and pictures. Ha and they turned “Friday” into an ax murderer story. Very nice. JC loves their humor.

We Are Heroes, the only all-female group to ever win is up next. (Interestingly, getting the recaps of their season reminds us that crazy props was common then and completely absent this season.) There are some impressively fast moments with this crew. Lil Mama loves their passion and heart.

Season Three winners Quest Crew (which D-Trix is part of) is up next. Will the resident judges be performing with them? It doesn’t look like it. Even so the performance is fun and exciting. D-Trix tells his crew that they’re his favorite crew, “not that he’s biased or anything.” He gets all teary about how much he loves them and their brotherhood.

Super Crew of season two are some of the best b-boys in the world. As expected, the crew has a number of pretty exciting stunts. Lil Mama (who is in a weird superhero outfit this week) says they HIT and are inspiring.

Lastly, we have the first winners of the show, the Jabbawockeez, who now have a show in Vegas (pretty awesome for a bunch of dancers really). Was this crew always so huge? I absolutely hate the camera angles during this performance, it makes it really hard to watch, but the crew itself is pretty much as awesome as always though perhaps not as stunt heavy as we have seen them at times. The fast part at the end is particularly impressive. And who is the mini-jabbawockee? So cute. JC finds them captivating. The mini is a little girl.

Iconic Boyz have one last hurrah before the winner is announced. It is a fun performance that, for the first time, gives each member a bit of a solo piece.

I.aM.mE are next and from the very start we get their big pictures and fun tricks.

The judges have some final thoughts:
D-Trix is so proud of the crews. The Boyz have probably grown the most.
Lil Mama feels that the youf (not youth, youf) has made a statement this season.
JC thinks both crews were excellent. The Boyz were a great surprise. I.aM.mE is intelligent and impassioned.

There can only be one winner and the crew that reigns supreme is…I.aM.mE! (I can’t tell if the audience is only cheering for I.aM.mE or if their name is just easier to hear over the Boyz, but I.aM.mE has continuous, obvious chanting throughout all of Mario Lopez’s speech.)

Randy Jackson graces us with his presence to present the winners with their trophy (how helpful is it to give six people a single trophy?) and announce that they will take home $100,000. (The poor Boyz aren’t old enough to know how you have to smile for the winner despite being sad about losing.)

I think you know how I feel about the winners. What do you think? Did the right crew win?

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 9

The final battle starts now. I.aM.mE and Iconic Boyz face off one last time in an attempt to secure America’s votes to become America’s Best Dance Crew.

The judges select a challenging performance for each of the crews to recreate.

For I.aM.mE, the judges choose to have them recreate Rihanna’s “S&M”. I don’t really remember the specific details of the original performance to compare, but this one is just as excellent.
Judges’ Say:
JC: Wonderful job of elevating the routine and expanding the concept.
Lil Mama: You made it relatable to everyone. Creative.
D-Trix: I could watch you guys over and over again.

Funny to hear Phillip Chbeeb say this is one of the most emotional things he has been through, considering that he did SYTYCD too. The crew likes to videotape themselves to help build their performances.

Iconic Boyz are asked to redo Justin Bieber’s “Baby”. (It seems unfair that the judges chose their weaker performance while they chose the other crews’ strongest performance but maybe it will give them more to work with.) They definitely improved on a few moments but of the two performances, I.aM.mE definitely felt stronger.
Judges’ Say:
Lil Mama: Likes their attitude. Likes how they added stunts and new elements.
D-Trix: They have made their own names now. They made the choreography more advanced.
JC: You are balancing your schoolwork with your dancing (as does Chachi but no one else). You changed the routine not just added to it.

The Boyz joke around a lot and are getting on each others’ nerves a bit.

The Boyz start off the battle which is a little funny because they are so tiny compared to the I.aM.mE. They have no good answer to Phillip’s craziness but neither side is crazy impressive otherwise. I must digress though, to point out Lil Mama’s dinosaur pajamas. She and Lady Gaga should discuss.

Final thought: Iconic Boyz are talented but they never brain bang the way I.aM.mE does.

Who are you rooting for?

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 8

We’re down to the final three this week (Theme: Kanye West) and only one group will be safe. This means that two will have to battle it out for a spot in the finals. Who will it be?

But first a group number, I wonder who choreographs these. I also think it is interesting to see how much better the crews choreograph routines then whoever did this bigger number (whereas on So You Think You Can Dance, the weakest performances almost always come from the solos). Not that it is bad, it is just not quite as impressive as the things we have seen on the show.

The first and only crew that is safe this week is…Iconic Boyz. Really? They have improved a lot, but better than I.aM.mE? Ok, if you say so Mario. Instead of the single challenge, last season’s winners, Poreotix demonstrates three different styles which they must incorporate in some way–the Dougie, Boogaloos, and Isos. The Boyz are not used to these styles and have a tough time in practice but by performance time they seem all right. They do the challenge in fairly typical fashion (which is to say, straight out with no frills) with the exception of the Dougie. After a few particularly strong weeks, I think this is one of their weaker performances.
Judges’ Say:
D-Trix: Had some good moments but a little sketchy with the movement at times.
Lil Mama: Wants to establish that they’re not just cute (stop yelling Mama!)
JC: Entertaining but not your best. Don’t lose cleanliness.

Phunk Phenomenon must fight for a place in next week’s finale. Like the Boyz, they struggle with the isos but are familiar with the music. Solid opening, frame stunts well. (Deserve the finale more than the Boyz.)
Judges’ Say:
Lil Mama: Amazing. You are the underdogs.
JC: Fantastic performance. You threw some nitro into your tank.
D-Trix: This routine had zero downtime.

I.aM.mE is last to fight for the finale. They have a harder time with the Dougie than anything else. They are as exciting and interesting and surprising as ever. The crowd is screaming for them.
Judges’ Say:
JC: I could not ask for more. Outstanding creativity. Nothing you do is expected.
D-Trix: ……..temporarily struck dumb. Every move was yours. You’re supposed to be all out of tricks. Brain banging.
Lil Mama: Shout shout shout I agree shout shout.

The judges have decided and not surprisingly, I.aM.mE is moving on while Phunk Phenomenon is headed home. Now we get one more performance from the finalists to help America make their final decisions. There are no challenges here, they get to choose their own music and moves, with a big theme.

Iconic Boyz aim for “The Boyz in Hollywood” theme which is cute if not unexpected. it opens with them walking the red carpet which is maybe a waste of a few seconds but not entirely detrimental considering how much time they have. They do a good job but again their moves are somewhat repetitive with few shapes/pictures/formations, etc.

I. aM.mE has gone a different route, creating their own superhero routine using the elements–fire, water, earth, wind, electricity, and machine. Wait, machine is not an element. Neither is electricity but at least that is not manufactured. They also create their own music (at least in part) for the routine. The interesting thing here is they showcase each member’s unique dance style, creating their usual unique shapes but still doing something new. The judges actually give them a standing ovation (allowing us to see the ridiculousness that is Lil Mama’s outfit) with JC clapping about as enthusiastically as he can manage. And he’s usually the serious judge.

I would be surprised if I.aM.mE did not win. What do you think? Are you happy with the finalists?

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 7

The Final Four crews are given the task of performing to Nicki Minaj’s music. (I’m not sure I consider her a superstar but ok. Let’s get some N*SYNC in the house! Or Backstreet Boys. I would even take NKOTBSB.) She at least deigned to show her presence to the crews instead of those lame video messages. Before we get to that though we have a pretty awesome group number. Perfect for our krumpers and it felt like this was the first time where viewers could Really get what krump is all about. Is anyone else wishing the judges would get onstage for a performance of some sort?

Over three million votes came in (which could seem like a lot until you consider Idol’s 95 million+ votes) and put I.aM.mE in the number one spot. They have to recreate a childhood game within their routine to the song “Moments Alive”. They struggle because they have a number of different nationalities on the squad and I feel the need to point out that this is AMERICA’S Best Dance Crew so they should do something Americans will get. They opt for some hopscotch, the limbo, leapfrog, wack-a-mole, and a swing. Great choices. This might be the winning crew. They’re solid every week and always exciting.
Judges’ Comments:
JC: This is a group of professionals. Sometimes we could see you thinking about the next move.
D-Trix: I was trying to look for mistakes but didn’t see any.
Lil Mama:You had these moments in between the choreography.

The net crew safe is Iconic Boyz. America, I know they are cute, but really. They’re tasked with becoming living dolls and be marionettes while dancing to “Check It Out”. They really are a bunch of Justin Biebers. I think this is their best performance yet.
Judges’ Comments:
D-Trix: You used all the elements to create a good show.
Lil Mama: You’re expanding on the show.
JC: I see you evolving but you need to frame things a bit.

Phunk Phenomenon and Street Kingdom need to duke it out for their spot in the finale.

Phunk Phenomenon must do belly dancing with rolls and hip isolation, to the song “My Chick Bad”. They’re fun and entertaining but I like the SYTYCD dance from Nappy-Tabs better.
Judges’ Comments:
D-Trix: That is how you fight.
Lil Mama: You had such funny moments.
JC: There were fast and slow moments just like Nicki.

Street Kingdom battles last. They have to do military drills to “Get It On”. Strong opening. This is a tough competition. They’re IN IT TO WIN IT.
Judges’ Comments:
Lil Mama: You guys broke out but started slow.
JC: You wasted the beginning but it got nice.
D-Trix: So buck once you got there.

It is time for the judges to decide who will be going through? Phunk Phenomenon. I guess Street Kingdom was just in the bottom one time too many.

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 6

Tonight is the Justin Bieber challenge (did everyone hear that he was egged in a recent performance?)

The first crew safe is…Iconic Boyz. There is no more appropriate group for this challenge than this group. Their challenge is to use some basketball moves in their routine, danced to “Baby.” This might actually be their strongest performance yet and for once I have no real complaints.
Judges Say-
JC: The problem I had is that it was simple and easy.
Lil Mama: I got it. You guys were on. Step it up more.
D-Trix: I thought you guys brought the heat.

The second crew to be safe is...I.aM.Me. I am just surprised they weren’t first. Their challenge is to do the Usher Glide to “Somebody to Love.” As always, this crew is awesome despite having no fancy tricks or big flips. (I’m going to assume they didn’t notice the swastika they formed early on.)
Judges Say-
Lil Mama: I’m impressed with this crew. When you get a challenge you really take it on.
D-Trix: I love it. Brilliant entertainers.
JC: You spent a lot of time in the middle but your opening was so tough and clean.

The last crew safe is…Phunk Phenomenon. They have to create an intricate beat using step (which works because their only girl captained a step team). They dance to the song “Eenie Meenie.” It didn’t really feel like they accomplished the step part of the challenge but the actual dance was pretty impressive.
Judges Say-
D-Trix: You did a great job with the stepping. Be careful not to repeat too many backflips.
JC: There was a great balance of stepping and cuteness in the showmanship. You handles the tempo change well.
Lil Mama: I love all your different styles of dance.

Street Kingdom and Instant Noodle must fight for a spot in next week’s competition.

Instant Noodles is up first. They challenged to use a chair (specifically, to lift it up and flip it around) while dancing to “What Do I Love.” this hardly seems fair. Everything always seems cooler when you add a chair to the mix.

Street Kingdom should have an interesting time meshing their krump with Bieber. They are challenged to incorporate martial arts and high hitting kicks to “Never Say Never” which seems less difficult to incorporate into their style than any of the other challenges. Plus, a battle two weeks in a row as their challenge? Really? Was that mess in the back accidental or on purpose? Sometimes it felt sloppy and it seemed like they barely used the high kick part of the challenge.

Judges Say-
D-Trix: Every week I become more of a fan of Instant Noodles.
Lil Mama: Only one word to describe that performance–growth. (Not exactly a ringing endorsement for winning.)
JC: Thinks Instant Noodles gave good theater and had the most difficult challenge by having a prop. Street Kingdom showcased all the little moments.

The judges have deliberated and only one crew will be continuing on to become America’s Best Dance Crew. The crew back next week is…Instant Noodles Street Kingdom. (So much for what I want/thought.)

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 5

This week’s Superstar is “the hottest R&B singer in the game” Rihanna. To help, they bring in Tanisha Scott, Rihanna’s choreographer, to show them their specific challenge. Six crews are left.

The first crew safe tonight is Instant Noodles. Their challenge is the “Head Top” which they have to make groovy. For the first time, Rihanna doesn’t tell them their challenge, which is to the song “Hard.” The performance is prettty fun. Not particularly impressive but not bad. (Is anyone else sick of their noodle-eating hand thing?)
Judges Say-
Lil Mama: you could have brought more style but you stepped out of the box. You should study Reggae more.
D-Trix: I think that was your best performance yet.
JC: It was clever to switch from dance hall to b-boy to dance hall style but you got sloppy at points.

The next crew safe is…Iconic Boyz, which means 787 Crew is in the bottom. (People, I know they are cute, but really?) They have to do “Give It A Run” to the song “Only Girl In The World.” I like how high energy they are from the start. I think this was their best performance yet, though it still leaves a little to be desired.
Judges Say-
D-Trix: you brought adorable, stunts, comedy, and really good choreography.
JC: I love that you are pushing yourself. It did get sloppy at times but it was a very strong showing.
Lil Mama: You guys were amazing. Your transitions are phenomenal.

The next safe crew is I.aM.Me. Their challenge is “The Spiderman” which doesn’t look anything like what I imagine it would be based on the name. They are given the song “S&M” and I have decided this group is my favorite. They have really strong images and jokes and really different looking stunts. (Without using flips and spins as their main recourse.)
Judges Say-
JC: I like everything about this group. Once it got going, this was mindblowing.
Lil Mama: Perfect combo of doing what you do and opening up to your challenges.
D-Trix: This routine couldn’t have been any better. Blew me away.

Also safe is Street Kingdom, which means Phunk Phenomenon is in the bottom with 787 Crew. They are challenged with the “Dutty Wine” to RIhanna’s “Rude Boy.” i like this performance of theirs much better than last week’s.
Judges Say-
Lil Mama: Y’all represent the streets and people without a chance. (Through tears.) Step it up as far as your performance goes.
D-Trix: It was sexy. I love your duets and make more group visuals.
JC: It was fun but the dancing was a bit elementary.

Time for the battle of the bottom two.

Phunk Phenomenon gets “Don’t Stop the Music” and must do “The Chaplin”. This routines starts with a bang. It sort of felt up and down for me. Some great moments and some just ok ones.

787 Crew is given “What’s My Name” and have to incorporate “the Gallis Step” all the way down to their heads. I found this performance a little less exciting overall, though it had a pretty great final moment with the entire crew backflipping off the stage.

Judges Say-
JC: Phunk Phenomenon is really good. This group has a lot of heart.
Lil Mama: 787 really embraced hip hop and locking.
D-Trix: Phunk Phenomenon is brilliant every week, there is not one weakness in the crew. 787 knows how to blend the stunts and the dances.

The judges have made their decision and the crew that will be remaining is…Phunk Phenomenon.

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 4

Tonight we get Katy Perry as our Superstar of the night which should be fun. We have seven crews left.

The first two crews safe are: Phunk Phenomenon and I.aM.Me. (Phunk Phenomenon was one of the two crews voted to safety last week too.)

Phunk Phenomenon is challenged to create a roulette wheel while dancing to “Waking Up In Vegas.” It’s another action packed performance that never stops.
Judges say:
D-Trix: I love you guys even more this week. You created a whole story to it.
Lil Mama: The energy slowed down a bit, you are one of the most powerful groups.
JC: If you’re going to get low, get low. Gets a little cheesy.

I.aM.Me is tasked with the song “Peacock” and thus have to fan out like a peacock on stage. I like the way they tackled their change in the first second of their performance and then again later. I don’t love the small dancing its between their bigger scenes.
Judges say:
Lil Mama: this group always cease to amaze me. (I don’t think she said what she meant to say there.)
JC: Good for the asymmetrical finally. (JC is surprisingly the toughest of the judges.) Got a little clunky in the end.
D-Trix: Your challenge was hard, I thought it was awesome. This crew has an authentic style.

The next crew safe is…787 Crew. Meanwhile Request is once again in danger.

787 Crew gets “Hot N Cold” and need to create a rollercoaster. I like how sharp their moves are though I’m less impressed by some of their basic moves. Great tricks though. It is nice to see how they found a way to incorporate their injured dancer into the routine despite his wheelchair.
Judges say:
JC: You took a negative situation and turned it into a positive. Love the levels.
D-Trix: Puerto Rico brought the heat.
Lil Mama: Tremendous formations and high energy.

Iconic Boyz and Instant Noodles are both safe, meaning Street Kingdom are in the bottom two with Request.

Iconic Boyz get “Teenage Dreams” and need to create a wall that they knock down. They start the performance already in wall formation which seems like cheating but it is enjoyable to see their Glee-inspired gear (maybe it is just me but it makes me think of Finn and Sam).
Judges say:
D-Trix: It wasn’t that good. Being adorable isn’t enough. They aren’t as clever as the older kids. (such as with the wall)
Lil Mama: you’re my babies. You’re choreography is clean. You have swag. They’re like a boy band.
JC: Disagree with D-Trix. The wall was a bit ABC. The rest of the routine though…was high performance.
(JC and D-Trix begin arguing and LM stands up at one point to reveal the CRAZY tutu that is her outfit.)

Instant Noodles receive “Firework” and have to create a chain reaction that passes through the entire crew. Some of the moves were funny but strange (such as ballet) and perhaps a little slow at points (almost like they needed a moment to compose themselves). I didn’t really see how they incorporated the challenge.
Judges say:
JC: It’s fun but there seemed to be a lot of pauses.
D-Trix: I love the comedy.
Lil Mama: Utilized the stage well and opened up.

Time for the final battle between Request and Street Kingdom.

Street Kingdom are tasked with creating a spaceship while dancing to “E.T.” I didn’t love it this week. Not bad but didn’t blow me away either.

Request are given “California Girls” and must ride a wave on stage, which could be a cool idea if they manage it well. it wasn’t what I was imagining ultimately but it was interesting. The tough thing with this crew is they have no one who can do anything super exciting so while they are clean and sharp, there isn’t really a WOW moment.

Judges say:
D-Trix: That for real was the best performance I’ve ever seen in my life (he’s actually crying and I want to shake him and say “really?” I know they are the originators of krump but seriously).
JC: Great battle. THis is a perfect example of perseverance. You’re showing up and fighting off the competition. You show many styles and I love the visuals. Top notch.
Lil Mama: Street Kingdom boosted the energy in the room. Request definitely held it down. Both came out and were ready to put their hearts on the floor and say lets go.

The judges put their heads together to deliberate. It is pretty clear where D-Trix’s vote is going but what about the other two? The crew that will be staying is…Street Kingdom, which means Request will be heading back to New Zealand.

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 3

This week’s theme is The Black Eyed Peas, an exciting theme considering how good they are to dance to. [Side note but does anyone else think that dancing shows look so cool when put into slow motion?] This week we will be seeing from all eight remaining crews. Lil Mama is in her most atrocious outfit yet. She is no JLo.

The first crews that will definitely be back, thanks to audience votes are Iconic Boyz and Phunk Phenomenon.

Iconic Boyz are tasked with dancing to “Just Can’t Get Enough.” As an added challenge, they must all be completely connected at some point on the stage. As with their previous performance, I noticed that there is a varying level of skill, but otherwise it was fun and interesting. I still don’t think it is up to par with what we have seen from the other groups.
Judges say:
JC: I like that you attacked your challenge more than once but it got sloppy at moments. Need a little more.
D-Trix: So cute! I liked it.
Lil Mama: I’m with you to the end.

Phunk Phenomenon is challenged with speed control, dancing to the song “Don’t Stop the Party.” This performance opens with a bang and though the slowed down part is neither here nor their, the routine as a whole is impressive.
Judges say:
Lil Mama: Y’all was like sneaking some things in there!
JC: You guys just put everyone on blast.
D-Trix: What can’t you guys do?

The next two crews that are safe are i.aM.mE and Street Kingdom.

i.aM.mE must transform into a machine during their dance to “Meet Me Halfway”. This was another high-energy performance.
Judges say:
D-Trix: This was the perfect challenge for you and you executed it. Just remember the choreography.
Lil Mama: Most improved group so far (out of three…)
JC: I like that you’re using the camera to see what people see but use the stage more/differently.

Street Kingdom is told to create a futuristic battle with light sabers to “I’ma Be”. They’re good but not as exciting as I want. There’s also a little less “battle” than I hoped for.
Judges say:
Lil Mama: Biggest group on this show but you didn’t give me what you could have. Bring it harder.
JC: Started slow. The light sabers helped pick it up.
D-Trix: I love the movement but find a way to communicate your brilliance.

The final two dance crews that are safe are 787 Crew and Instant Noodles.

787 Crew has to teleport during their routine to “Boom Book Pow.” Though their costumes come out looking like bad superhero imitations, complete with over the pants underwear, it’s pretty awesome.
Judges say:
D-Trix: Sick! Keep up the creativity.
Lil Mama: I love that you don’t let it stagnate.
JC: Listen to some of the unexpected beats.

Instant Noodles are told they must create a video game during their dance to “My Humps”. I didn’t really see how they accomplished their challenge in the routine and i was less than impressed here.
Judges say:
JC: You seemed to have a lot of fun but don’t bounce in your isos.
D-Trix: I’m totally on your side now. Your floorwork is something no other crew has on you.
Lil Mama: You had exquisite parts but be more confident throughout.

Footworkingz and Request battle it out for the final spot to make it through to next week.

Footworkingz is tasked with floating during “I Gotta Feeling”. Not the best performance of the night, but certainly not the worst.

Request is challenged with cloning themselves while dancing to “Dirty Bit”. This performance is fun but not altogether impressive. (I want them to work on their facial expressions.)

Judges say:
D-Trix: Footworkingz you came even harder this week. Never give up.
Lil Mama: Request you were like a bunch of queens. Strength is all through this group. It was electric, sharp, clean, sexy, and powerful.
JC: I’ve enjoyed every moment of Footworkingz, you embrace the musicality. Request, I liked that you had two different feelings throughout.

Time for the judges to decide who will be making it through to episode 4 of the season of the superstar. In case you missed what the judges said two minutes ago, Mario will now recap it for you. (See above.) The crew staying is…Request.

ABDC: Season 6 Episode 2

This week is the Kesha challenge with the other five crews of this challenge but first we start with a group performance. This routine I think is even better than last week’s (it helps that Kesha’s songs are perfect for dancing).

First up is Footworkingz who give us the names of some steps. This is a group with a bunch of guys and one girl (who feels the need to work extra hard to prove herself with the guys). They get the song Tik Tok which should be challenging since it’s got some pretty fast beats in it. That and the remix they’ve done is even faster. On the one hand their routine is cool but on the other hand it is a bit boring and repetitive with only a couple really cool and surprising moments. Lil Mama thinks they’re a gust of fresh air.
JC thinks this style is based on speed and it is hard to keep it clean but you accomplished it. D-Trix says it was just nasty yo and he’s a big fan already.

Puerto Rican group 787 Crew is an all guy group that is fairly young. They teach themselves everything and they’re dancing to Kesha’s “Blow.” Last night one of their group broke his leg the night before during rehearsal and had to rearrange their performance. This routine starts with a bang and keeps with the big tricks throughout (it is really no wonder someone broke a leg considering). The amount of tricks is impressive now they just need to work on varying the types of tricks (it was mostly a lot of flips). D-Trix can’t wait to see seven considering how they performed with six. Lil Mama found it mind blowing and have great rhythm. JC likes that they stepped up to the plate (doing moves that hurt someone else) but my one note is to preserve their tricks because this is a long road to victory.

The youngest crew ever to appear on this show, coming from Jersey Shore, are the Iconic Boyz. They get made fun of for their dancing (“dancing is for girls”) and have given up a lot to pursue their dancing. They get “Your Love Is My Drug.” (Their dance teacher is Geo from Season one’s group ICONic though they will have to make up their routines on their own for the competition.) The boys are so cute and are pretty good but I’m not sure they are experienced enough for this contest. JC was pleasantly surprised (he was the only one not to stand up to to applaud) because they used levels and formations. D-Trix thinks their a bunch of dancing Justin Biebers, ya’ll are good at dance. Lil Mama finds them charming and says they’re starting their own foundation on the stage.

The first ever pole dancing crew is onstage (there are crews that do that?), Jag6ed, and wants to prove it doesn’t have to all be sexual and erotic. They get Kesha’s song “Sleazy” which is funny/ironic considering the message they are trying to send. One girl was off on their tricks but it is clear these girls know how to dance. The poles are surprisingly less exciting than you might have thought. Mario takes a swing at the pole before going to the judges. D-Trix has mixed feelings because he has something there but they haven’t quite defined what they had to say. (Plus he’s a guy and couldn’t get passed the whole girls and poles thing.) Lil Mama wants them to kick it up a notch. JC gets it but there was a lot of walking around and less working/dancing to get from place to place. (Before they went, I was sure the Iconic Boyz would be leaving but now I’m not so sure.)

Finally we have all boy group “Instant Noodles” from Taiwan. One of their dancers is injured so they have to rearrange their choreography, which is heavily based on having six people. They get Kesha’s “Dirty Picture.” This crew is a lot of fun. Not as clean as they should be at points but definitely entertaining. Lil Mama found it entertaining and liked that they took advantage of the stage but they were missing some choreo. JC liked their low performance (which is rare and unusual) but they shouldn’t do it every week. D-Trix didn’t like it at all, they had moments but they were also predictable and didn’t show anything new and exciting. It’s not what you do but how you do it. (Wow some harsh critique from the mostly ever-loving D-Trix.)

The judges have made the decision about which four crews will make it through. The top two crews are Footworkingz and Iconic Boyz. The next crew to advance is…787 Crew (I’m a little surprised they didn’t make it through before Iconic Boyz). The crew that still has a shot is…Instant Noodles. Which means Jag6ed will be going home.

(This is another show where I would love a week where we just see the crews perform without worrying about elimination so that we can get used to them and they can get used to the big stage and audience before we lose anyone. I suppose they accomplish that by having the judges pick the first eliminations without America’s input, but I would rather no eliminations for the first week.

Now just in case you forgot that Randy Jackson has anything to do with this show, Randy gets on stage to tell the groups that they have to make history each week in order to win this battle.

America’s Best Dance Crew: Season 6 Episode 1

Randy promises the biggest season yet with the biggest stars the show has ever seen. We we will watch as 10 dance crews are dwindled down to one. Season of the Superstars (each week the dances will be about to tracks from a different popular artist) begins with Lil’ Wayne. Five of the ten crews will be performing this week.

The show starts with a group performance by five of the ten groups competing. As far as group performances go, this one is pretty cool (and much more fun to watch than any American Idol performance) though it does feel like the stage is a bit crowded by this many groups. (Is it just me or do the groups seem smaller than in previous seasons?)

The judges are Lil’ Mama, JC Chasez, and new judge, Dominic D-Trix (SYTYCD and member of ABDC winning crew Quest). AC Slate, I mean, Mario Lopez, hosts. Randy Jackson is…nowhere. How exactly is he involved in this show?

Up first is I.aM.mE. is a small co-ed group that tries to find inspiration in life and to “Brain Bang” the audience. This performance is a strange one because it has some great moments and some awkward moments. They do some cool things to incorporate the music and sound effects. D-Trix thinks it was a great start to the show because they brought something new and clever. Lil Mama thinks they went off and she likes their precision. JC likes their styles as well but that they shouldn’t get stuck on their pictures obsession and should do some variety. (Personally, I think the group had a tricky time since they’re song was pretty slow.)

Phunk Phenomenon is a group of six guys and a girl who say they dance from the heart and don’t think much about their lines. This group has the more obviously exciting and fun tricks. Lil Mama thinks they came strong and loves the moments they made. JC loves the scenes they made and thinks they hit everything. D-Trix really likes them and their different styles and enjoyed their rollercoaster of emotion.

Request, a New Zealand crew (which makes little sense considering the name of the show) is an all-girl group that has died its hair red. This song is drastically different than the other songs as it is more rock than hip hop/rap. This group is oddly fun though doesn’t seem quite as clever as the crew before them. JC thinks it is great and they have a fun, explosive energy just don’t let it be one note. D-Trix is considering moving to New Zealand for the dancers and thinks they have no weaknesses (he’s the most hectic judge who can’t quite seem to stop talking). Lil Mama thinks they are sexy meets heavy.

The Eclectic Gentlemen is the only all guy crew of the week with a bowtie as their signature element. it takes a few moments before I can get into the performance but they finally sort of find the fun and interesting moves to draw me in. D-Trix thinks the contestants are making this too hard. He thinks the fire truck symbol thing didn’t quite work for him. Lil Mama thinks they have diversity and smooth transitions. JC likes their gentlemenliness. He wants them to watch out for seeming too stiff at times.

Street Kingdom, the crew to originate krumping, is another group with a single girl. This group is oddly, bizarrely fascinating to watch. I don’t know why. There isn’t a specific moment that stands out, it’s just…intense. Lil Mama thinks not everyone will get that, that’s the spirit taking over the body. JC says it blew his mind, they use their power for good. D-Trix says everyone is witnessing history (the guy who created krumping has always been an idol of his). The judges give them a standing ovation for being honored to have them. (So clearly they aren’t going home.

The judges deliberate and now it is time to learn which crew will be going home. I put Eclectic Gentlemen and Request as my bottom two, but I’m not sure who I want to go home. The first two crews to safety are…Street kingdom and Phunk Phenomenon. The next crew safe is…I.aM.mE. Have the new Zealanders come all this way for New Zealand or will the gentlemen be perhaps to calm for this show? The judges have said this is the fiercest competition they have ever seen on the season premiere and the group moving on is…Request. Which means Eclectic Gentlemen will have to watch their banner drop tonight.