My friend Dana told me that this season's America's Best Dance Crew was worth checking out, so I got caught up last night on Episode Four. ABDC's producers seem committed to bringing a diverse assortment of street dance to television, which I think is admirable and smart. Just check out the final crews from tonight:
- Bluprint Cru: A Montreal-based group on America's Best Dance Crew? These Northerners are no joke, with a diverse package of dance styles and lots of swagger.
- Heavy Impact: LA-based hip-hop crew, most of whom are "plus size" dancers. They will have to work harder to get beyond the gimmick status, but they came hard in this episode.
- Hype 5-0: Hawaii based crew that seem perhaps the weakest of the final nine.
- Jungle Boogie: Southern crew that impressed me with their intensity, dynamics and integration of African dance moves.
- Poreotix: All Asian popping crew that brings incredible precision and welcome humor. Check out this ridiculous routine from last year to see what else they got in the bag.
- Saltare: The most gimmicky crew, with their jump-rope based dancing. I have no problems with the jump-rope, I just didn't think their dancing was that strong. Still, never imagined that this kind of crew would make it to ABDC!
- Static Noyze: Very theatrical and artistic hip-hop that probably is not best showcased with this kind of show, but still amazing seeing them perform.
- Royale Flush: Lots of diverse skills, but no real standouts for me.
So no b-boy crews, and lots of diversity within each of the crews means that it might be a very interesting season. I'm definitely intrigued.