"RANDY JACKSON PRESENTS AMERICA'S BEST DANCE CREW" ("ABDC") ANNOUNCES THE TEN DANCE CREWS OF SEASON SEVEN, PREMIERING ON MTV'S BRAND-NEW NIGHT OF MUSIC, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 AT 10:00 P.M. ET/PT
New Weekly Late-Night Music Talk Show "MTV's Hip-Hop POV" Premieres at Midnight,
Following an Encore of "ABDC" at 11:00 p.m., Making Wednesdays a Destination for Music on the Network
For the First Time in "ABDC" History, A Crew Returns To Compete For The Title In the Season Dubbed "Return of the Superstars"
Santa Monica, CA (March 15, 2012) - MTV's "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew" ("ABDC") is back and hotter than ever, with ten talented and unstoppable dance crews prepared to take the stage, when "ABDC" premieres on Wednesday, April 11 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT. This season nine all-new hip-hop dance crews will take the stage with one returning past crew, fan favorite from season two, "Fanny Pak." This is the first time in the series' history a crew from a prior season will return to compete for the title. Will they be able to win the prize this time around? Tune in as the crews get ready to dominate and showcase their fierce dance moves for the ultimate opportunity to become America's Best Dance Crew, and win a $100,000 cash prize.
Season seven will be the "Return of the Superstars," as each episode centers around the music of the hottest names in the industry. Dance crews will be forced to push themselves to create astonishing performances inspired by the music and persona of the artist of the week.
MTV's new weekly late-night music talk and performance show, "MTV's Hip-Hop POV," is set to debut at Midnight on Wednesday, April 11, following an encore of the "ABDC" season premiere at 11:00 p.m., making Wednesdays a destination for music on the channel.
The crews, in alphabetical order, are:
"Collizion Crew"
Atlanta, Georgia
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, this dance crew formed after members were inspired by the movie "You Got Served." Their crew name and unity were cemented when all the members were involved in a near fatal car "collision." Thankfully everyone survived and, in addition to tearing up the dance floor, they devote their time to helping the youth in their community, with a goal to be strong role models for kids around the country. This group has Atlanta swag and refuses to stop until they make it to the top!
"Electrolytes"
Gilbert, Arizona
The "Elektrolytes" are desert boys from Gilbert, Arizona, and aren't strangers to the dance stage, as in 2011 they placed first in Hip Hop International's USA Hip Hop Dance Championship and ranked seventh in the world. They call themselves "Elektrolytes" because dance "fuels their body." These boys have already taken the title of Arizona's best dance crew and now they're ready to take America by storm.
"Fanny Pak"
The San Fernando Valley, California
The Pak is back! A fan favorite and stand-out crew from season two, "Fanny Pak" hails from the San Fernando Valley in California. Fanny Pak is the first crew in the series' history to compete for the prize once again. Since their last time on the "ABDC" stage, "Fanny Pak" has traveled the world, teaching and performing, and became the first dance crew to ever win an award at the MTV "Video Music Awards." They've added new members to their crew, and are now stronger, more confident and focused than ever before. Even with all their amazing accomplishments and achievements, their ultimate goal remains the same and that is to take the title of America's Best Dance Crew and they won't stop until they win!
"8 Flavahz"
Honolulu, Hawaii
"8 Flavahz" is a young dance crew (ages 10-17 years old) from both Honolulu, Hawaii, and Los Angeles, California. The group consists of twin sisters, honor-roll students and military brats, united through their diverse styles of dance including Tahitian, hula, hip-hop, jazz and others. Because of their different locations, the crew conducts their practices over the Internet via Skype. Their motto is to "honor and appreciate the diversity of all people through movement." They hope their unique vibe sets them apart from other crews, and blows the "ABDC" audience away.
"Funkdation"
Monterrey, Mexico
"Funkdation" comes from Monterrey, Mexico, and is a crew that incorporates salsa dancing with American style hip-hop dance. Inspired by old school poppers and lockers, they have mastered a blend of old school hip-hop with Latino flair. The phrase "we got da funk" best describes this crew that wants to prove to the world that the talent in Mexico is ready to win the "ABDC" title.
"Irratik"
Montreal, Canada
"Irratik" comes from Montreal, Canada, and are a group of young, powerful women who can shatter a dance floor. They've won the Canadian Hip Hop Dance Championship three times, placed second twice, and tied for the gold in 2009. With their fierce dance moves, gorgeous looks, and brilliant wits, they're sure to win over the "ABDC" judges and fans.
"Mix'd Elements"
North Hollywood, California
"Mix'd Elements" is a lovable dance crew from North Hollywood, California, who are distinguished by two things - their unique use of suspenders in their routines, and their ability to seamlessly flow, known as "flotivity," between different styles of street dancing. During the "ABDC" auditions, the crew had to rally together after one member suffered a death in the family proving that their bonds and friendships extend well beyond the dance floor. This crew placed second in Hip Hop International's 2011 USA Hip Hop Dance Championship, and continues to push their limits of creativity, and inspire people through their passion of dance.
"Mos Wanted Crew"
Los Angeles, California
"Mos Wanted Crew" comes from Los Angeles, California and its ten-member roster reads like a "who's who" of choreographers and instructors from all of the top dance studios. Each member of the crew is a well-liked and respected member of the local and international dance community. They represent over thirty dance crews from California and Texas (including crews that have competed on the show before), and have become Internet sensations with their self-produced dance videos. This group has the drive and passion to succeed on the "ABDC" stage.
"Rated Next Generation"
Mukilteo, Washington
"Rated Next Generation," hails from Mukilteo, Washington. They're composed of six young women and one guy (ages 13 to 15 years old), and have a lot of sass and spice. They've proven themselves as winners by taking first place in Hip Hop International's USA Hip Hop Dance Championship (Junior Division), and sixth in the world. The crew's goals are to be role models for the youth of today and show that, with a lot of heart, you can make anything happen.
"Stepboys"
Roseville, California
These guys aren't your average "ABDC" crew. "Stepboys" from Roseville, California, are bringing joy and entertainment to their audience through their comic interpretations of hip hop dance. Members of the crew are facing many hardships as a result of the recent downturns in the economy, however, they turn to each other and their comedy as a means to get through it all. With their energy, charisma and laugh out loud dance routines, they are sure to steal America's heart.
"Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew" is hosted by Mario Lopez and shot on location in Los Angeles as dance crews perform their hottest moves for dance supremacy and a $100,000 cash prize. Every performance-themed episode gives insight into the crews' emotion, spirit and inspiration as they step up to the challenge and show-off their groundbreaking choreography and skills. Viewers from around the country choose their favorite crews via text messaging, calling and online voting. The two crews with the least number of votes will be up for elimination with judges JC Chasez, Lil Mama and D-Trix making the final call on which crew will be sent home. One crew will be eliminated each week, ultimately revealing America's Best Dance Crew.
"ABDC" is executive produced by "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson, Joel Gallen (Tenth Planet Productions), Josh Greenberg ("The Sing Off"), Hip Hop International's creators Howard Schwartz and Karen Schwartz, Rob Lee (Bayonne Entertainment), Harriet Sternberg and Abe Hoch (both of Dream Merchant 21 Entertainment). Craig Erwich and Brooke Karzen are the executives overseeing the project for Warner Horizon Television ("The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette," The Voice"). Lauren Dolgen, Kristina Edwards and Michelle Klepper are the executives in charge for MTV.
About MTV:
MTV is the world's premier youth entertainment brand. With a global reach of more than a half-billion households, MTV is the cultural home of the millennial generation, music fans and artists, and a pioneer in creating innovative programming for young people. MTV reflects and creates pop culture with its Emmy(R), Grammy(R) and Peabody(R) award-winning content built around compelling storytelling, music discovery and activism across TV, online and mobile. MTV's sibling networks MTV2 and mtvU each deliver unparalleled customized content for young males, music fans and college students, and its online hub MTV.com is a leading destination for music, news and pop culture. MTV, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), one of the world's leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms.
About Warner Horizon Television:
Warner Horizon Television (WHTV) is one of the entertainment industry's leading producers of scripted series for the cable marketplace and primetime reality series for both network and cable. Founded in 2006, this second production entity allows the Warner Bros. Television Group to expand its programming offerings and explore creative options made possible under a new business model. WHTV's current unscripted series are "The Voice" for NBC, "The Bachelor" franchise - which includes "The Bachelor," "The Bachelorette" and "Bachelor Pad" - for ABC and "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew" for MTV. Scripted programs from WHTV are "Rizzoli & Isles" and "Dallas" for TNT, "Sullivan and Son" for TBS, "Pretty Little Liars" and "The Lying Game" for ABC Family, "Longmire" for A&E and "Political Animals" for USA Network.
|