America's Best Dance Crew Takes on the East Coast for Season 5 Regionals

America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC5) presents its second installment of the Regionals. This time the East Coast is front and center. The East is known for being home to B-boys and breakers. But if you were expecting a bunch of grimy kids from the Bronx, Brooklyn, or D.C.-you are probably disappointed. That's because the East Coast is almost solidly represented by what could be called hip-hop underdogs. Amongst those underdogs are groups from Massachusetts, Canada--even little old Rhode Island gets into the fray.

Legendary Seven cranks up the East Coast Regionals. They're from Boston Massachusetts, with two members having competed previously on ABDC. The group breaks out some pretty creative shapes and some impressive symmetry. In gray and pink Andre 3000-esque ensembles, they come bounding onto the stage. They've got some good tricks; but they could use some more footwork. In fact, more dancing would probably give them the boost they need. However, they come out strong and look like they're taking the stage very seriously. But what do the judges think? Omarion: "Wowwww..." He is knocked over by the energy and attitude of the group, pointing out a slow motion back-flip in which E-Knock lands on his knees. Lil Mama says that their technical difficulty is nice and even references their remarkable Helicopter move.

The next group to take the stage is Draztik, a crisp bunch of dancers from Providence, Rhode Island. They've got what could be called "textbook" imagery. And speaking of textbooks, they've even got the collegiate attire to match. Their breaks are tight. But they'll have to do more than hit the stops on cue. Their style lacks just a little grit. Some of their moves could be cleaner and more in synch. And in the end, they come off looking more like a stage production for a hip-hop musical. Lil Mama thinks they should be more wild and crazy. JC Chasez says that there wasn't anything really memorable. Omarion thinks they need to spread out on stage.

Even Canada gets props on ABDC5. Blueprint Crew is a shiny bunch that wants to show the world that they too, know what hip hop music is. Can they bring it or are they merely trying to prove people wrong? There is a certain amount of "dirt" that ABDC crews are expected to have. And so far, they look the edgiest, with their purple leather jackets and ripped up jeans. They top off their look with tight, bouncy movements and lots of hand coordination. But we need to see more dancing and less pop locking. They're clean, for sure; however, it's possible that they're missing something. JC Chasez is feeling their routine. He likes one of the dancers' combinations, and the injection of rock into the routine. Omarion feels that the women's energy easily overrides the guys'. Lil Mama likes their dimension, but is waiting for them to explore more stunts.

Static Noyze hails from Cambridge Massachusetts. During their audition, they look absolutely adorable in their little Christmas sweaters and jeans. But the sweetness must be a gimmick-or is it? They claim that all the other crews seem to rock the same moves. They begin their routine with some swirly theatrics and creative movements. Their ballet training is loud and clear. But suddenly they burst out of the pretty shapes with new angles, interesting footwork and plenty of attitude. They truly are the first group to introduce a new dynamic. Lil Mama thinks the crew is well-rounded and likes the transitions. Her Slo-Mo pic reveals the lyrical, emotional piece that provided the perfect build up. Omarion thinks their avant-garde style could become a disadvantage. He thinks there needs to be more feeling and doesn't enjoy the performance as much as he thought he would have; they have no edge. Chasez on the other hand, completely disagrees with Omarion and calls the performance "cerebral."

Saltare, a dance crew from Raleigh, North Carolina bursts onto the stage looking like an Olympic jump roping team. Yes, the squeaky clean crew really does incorporate jump ropes into their routine. The question is: what in the world are they going to do with them? This is after all, a dance crew competition. They open with some basic jump roping. It's cute, but it's not really dancing-more tricks with ropes. But in their defense, the stunts are really, really intricate. Omarion respects the act because of the timing involved; the 540 into the jump rope (shown in Slo-Mo) blows his mind. (But what about the dancing?) JC Chasez thinks using the full-time prop is quite extraordinary. (But what about the dancing?) He does acknowledge that some choreography will be necessary in the future. Lil Mama thinks that having a "new element" is difficult; there could be room in the competition for something completely different as long as they keep up the level of intensity. After all, Season 3's cloggers held it down pretty well. Perhaps there is room for a jump roping crew.

Who wins the final slots?

It is now time to see who's tough enough to represent the East Coast. Immediately topping off the list is Saltare. It becomes painfully obvious that both the judges and the audience are pumped to see how long they can keep it up with those ropes. Next up is Blueprint Crew, the Canadians with an edge. After an intense three-way battle amongst the remaining crews, the last slot for the East Coast Regionals goes to: Static Noyze! Hmm, maybe it was their cute little Christmas sweaters.

SOURCES:

www.mtv.com