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The last time we got a glimpse of bollywood on America’s Best Dance Crew was when Super Cr3w and So Real Cru went head to head in the season 2 finale. Well it seems ABDC has caught up with this new sensation and dedicated an entire episode to the dances of India. For those who aren’t familiar with the Bollywood dance style, it’s the kind of dancing that we would normally see in a Bollywood movie. So what exactly does that mean? Well Bollywood dancing incorporates a lot of different styles and that’s the beauty of it. Though it was a fresh new challenge for viewers t see, the judges did not have a clue about how to judge, let alone comment, on each crew’s task. JC mostly focused on each crews transitions and technique, while Lil Mama would stay safe and talk about the entertainment factor of each performance. And let’s not forget out “master” choreographer, Shane Sparks. His comments made it clear that he was focusing more on the girls than any dancing that was going on.
So now let’s break it down and see how well each crew completed their task.
Massive Monkees
Now we all know Massive Monkees as the insane bboys from Seattle, but today we saw them incorporate one of India’s most energy packed dances into their routine. Massive Monkees had to incorporate Bhangra into their routine. Bhangra is a high energy dance that originates from the state of Punjab. Bhangra requires a lot of coordination especially since your hand and feet don’t tend to move together. Also, Bhangra incorporates a lot of jumps so it’s obvious to see why they were assigned to Bhangra. Performing to the song Bang by Rye Rye and MIA, Massive Monkees came hard with eye-popping stunts that blew the judges away. As for their challenge, I have to say, Bhangra is by no means easy. Although it is difficult, the key to Bhangra is to let each move flow and look effortless. Keeping in mind that they only had a week to learn and prepare their routine, I would have to say they did a fairly good job, though their Bhangra movements were a bit stiff.
Rating 4/5
Vogue Evolution
Now I’m a big fan of Vogue Evolution because they always seem to bring a fresh flavor to each show, but I was quite disappointed. The judges seemed distracted by conflict of the crew staying together and especially encouraging Naomi to stay. Performing to Calabria 2008 by Enur, Vogue Evolution had to perform the Rajasthani dance style. They chose to focus on the various hand gestures, which is fine, but it wasn’t on point, or even right. Now most of you probably think it’s ok because it was a new dance style for them, but wouldn’t it make more sense for a crew to focus on making their task the best part of their performance rather than doing an insane flip to cover up their falts.
Rating 2/5
Rhythm City
As we all know, Rhythm City is a hip hop crew from Brooklyn. And their task? Bharat Natyum. Bharat Natyum is one of many of India’s classical dances and by no means easy. People spend many years just to perect themselves. I have to admit, I thought it would be impossible for a hip hop crew like Rhythm City to be able to pull off Bharat Natyum, but I was beyond impressed. They had everything going for them especially since they performed to Jai Ho by A.R. Rahman and the Pussycat Dolls. Rhythm City chose to focus on the deer and lotus hand gestures and the first glimpse of Bharat Natyum that they gave us wasn’t all that impressive and continued with their regular hip hop routine. But then, you see Rhythm City take off their shoes and go full effect with their Bharat Natyum. Everything was on point and I may not be a Bharat Natyum expert, but it’s definitely clear that Rhythm City did their homework.
Rating 5/5
Afroborike
Afroborike’s challenge was another one of India’s classical dances, Kathak. Kathak incorporates a lot of fast spins and heel, toe movements while bells are wrapped around the ankle. Kathak is somewhat similar to Tap Dance in that you make music with your feet. Performing to Dance Bailalo by Kat de Luna, Afroborike’s performace was nothing special especially since when it came time to do their task, they were way out of sync. Though I would give them a few plus points for incorporating some Bhangra moves into their choreography.
Rating 2/5
We Are Heroes
We Are Heroes had to perform Giddha, which is another dance stlye from the state of Punjab. Giddha is fast paced dance that incorporates a lot of clapping. Performing to Arab Money by Busta Rhymes and Ron Browz, We Are Heroes incorporated a lot of claps throughout their performance, but their real task came when they put it all together and did the Giddha as a whole. I don’t know if anyone told them, but like I said, Giddha is a fast paced dance. It was like watching Giddha in slow motion, but correctly done none the less.
Rating 3/5
Beat Ya Feet Kings
These D.C. Go-Go dancers challenge was Garba, which originates from the state of Gujurat. One of the most common (and difficult!) moves of Garba are the knee spins. While performing to So Fine by Sean Paul, Beat Ya Feet Kings gave another usual performance. Though they did improve from their previous performances, I feel like they cheated their task. Their knee spins, were not only complete, but they easily went unnoticed. I would think that a crew would like to devote a substantial part of the choreography to their task. Therefore, it didn’t come as a surprise that these Go-Go dancers were a no-go were sent packing home.
Rating 2/5
Overall, it was refreshing to see a new challenge on ABDC, but I feel like they weren’t ready for it, especially if the judges don’t know enough to add any value to it.
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alana medina
said:
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... I agree with basically everything, but the We Are Heroes rating. I think they did the best of incorporating both styles. The challenge was to incorporate Bollywood dance style into their routine, and most crews did it unimaginatively, but we are heroes managed to incorporate Giddha into their own House style, performing Giddha moves in their own way. I call for a higher rating! And I agree, the judges clearly had no idea what they were talking about. I was actually very disappointed in the judge's critique. The girl (?) was off beat and didn't have her moves down, but all they talked about was her behavior. I was especially annoyed with Lil Mama telling her, "You need to remember your truth. You were born a man and you're becoming a woman so act like a lady." It seemed so unnecessary. They dance because they want to be seen as more than just members of the GLBT society, and yet that's all the judges can seem to focus on. |
