Submitted by DancePlug on 28 January 2012 - 10:49am
For all the beginners out there wanting to learn some dance moves while exercising, take a look at our new Fitness class "Basic Groov3 Moves" with Benjamin Allen.
"Ever wanted to learn how to dance but been too intimidated to take a group class? This quick follow along with professional dancer/choreographer Benjamin Allen is one of the best ways to pick up some basic moves that you can take anywhere."
Submitted by DancePlug on 7 November 2011 - 12:27pm
Dance Track Magazine published an article on our DancePlug Dish, for its 100th episode celebration. Have a read to know how and why the Dish was created, and where it is going... Click here to read the article, written by Sandra Colton.
In between shoots, shows, and studio recording, performer Leo Moctezuma sat down for a minute to talk to DancePlug and host Benjamin Allen. Leo has danced and choreographed for the big names in the industry, and while currently being a dancer for Britney Spears and preparing to go on tour with Cirque du Soleil's new Michael Jackson show, he records his own music. Take a look at our interview with this multi-tasking and multi-talented artist.
Saturday July 31st, many private and public events took place all across the nation to celebrate National Dance Day, as declared by producer/director Nigel Lyghtoe.
The DancePlug Team joined Real Dance Productions' event "Blast Off", set at the Americana in Glendale. The beautiful sunny afternoon was filled with class demonstrations and performances, including Groov3, the Edge scholarships, the Sweat Spot, bollywood company Blue13, the Monsters of Hip-Hop alumni, and the Beat Freaks' very own Teresa Espinosa as she was representing our Spark Your Career summer contest.
A fun day for everyone. Keep an eye for our Dish episode 37, to get a sneak peak of the event.
Performer/choreographer Oskar Rodriguez sits down to talk with Benjamin Allen, before heading out to rehearsals. Oskar talks about his latest gigs, such as Shrek Forever and Dance your Ass Off season 2, dancing for Janet Jackson and never giving up on your passion.
Submitted by DancePlug on 19 February 2010 - 8:31pm
Sup :) ... Yes kiddies the games have begun!!!! ABDC is now underway and all the crews have sealed their spot in the national competition. Now, from watching previous performances first hand by all the crews, I can safely say this season should be eventful and exciting.
So this week the crews had to perform to songs that are big on the charts. Like anyone cares or even listens to the radio any more. ABDC loses ten points for originality lol... Anywho first up was...
Hype 5-0 This crew was definitely energetic this week. What is so entertaining about them is that they are so full out and energetic and dance for their lives. The choreo was smoking hot. The tricks though were kind of corny and the ending was a little contrived and last minute. Not very creative. But all in all they showed and handled biz. Like I said before I think this crew can come with some versatility. I do like that they incorporate their native Hawaiian style of dance into their performances. Keep it moving...
Heavy Impact
These boys are no joke... their presence... is um... definitely apparent when you watch them dance. This week I felt their routine was very predictable. They didn't do anything that was like OMG amazing. Oh and one of the guys attempted to hit fouettés and fell out of them... no bueno. I feel as though this crew needs more intense and full out choreography to match their proportions. Because of their big nature they tend to look hal ass if they are not executing big movements. I love them though. They are breaking down walls. Just next time come with more intense choreo.
Poreotix LMAO!!! Was it me or did this crew bite the same triple coupé turn that Hype 5-0 did?? Hmm... so ok, yes this crew is clean. Yes this crew is entertaining. But can we please get something with some kind of... I don't know... um choreography? This crew is definitely about the tricks and the gimmicks and the acting of dancing. But I feel that's about it. This week they were good, but so was every other crew. Not my fave nor will they ever be. Too predictable. Like I said before, take a cruise down to the OC and you will find 10 other crews that do the exact same thing. Nothing catches your eye with this crew. Tragic. They do although have superb musicality. There... see, I was nice. And of course they were not eliminated.
Swagger Crew No joke... this week they were not on their A-Game. They looked tired and performed as such. Their choreography just doesn't do it for me. The girl is definitely eye candy, but i just cant get into them. It's like their performance are a train wreck of the girl trying to be sexy (which she pulls off famously and to be quite honest, she outshines the boys) and the rest of the crew just doing whatever. They were booted. I feel like if they would have had more creative choreo they would have had a shot.
Jungle Boogie Now this is what I'm talking about. This crew always delivers. The lady is superb in this group. They seamlessly blend tribal African movements with modern hip-hop choreography that is always a joy to watch. This group is so cohesive and you can tell that they are all on the same page in regards to the vision of the choreography they are trying to convey. They always keep the performance moving and there is never any puzzling sections that leave you wondering "What was that?" This week was an excellent example of how crews should deliver.
Royal Flush
Am I the only one who feels like the girl in this crew is so out of place? So, ok watching this week's performance from Royal Flush it dawned on me that the girl is the weakest link. The boys nailed the choreography and the tricks in the beginning were on point. Then all of a sudden there was something that caught my eye, and not in a good way... the girl. She stuck out like a sore thumb. Her hair, the way she dances, everything. She isn't bad by any means, but she just doesn't fit. The group as a whole was solid at best. Their transitions were sloppy and blurry. Royal Flush needs to step it up considerably if they want to hang with the competition. They were not eliminated, so we will see.
Saltare First of all I love to jump rope. Very nostalgic. But this week this crew looked very corny almost like the Harlem Globetrotters corny. I felt watching them this week that I was watching a Nickelodeon kid show where the theme of the day was jumping rope. I was right in my first observation of this crew that they would have a hard time actually doing choreography. Nothing they did was impressive. When you first saw this group you were mesmerized by how well they could jump rope and do all the tricks. But it's like once you have seen it, to see it again is like 'deja vu'. I honestly don't have anything else to say.
Statik Noyze
Now this is what I'm talking about. This crew had theatrics, passion and fire. The theme: sickening. The choreography: on point. Loved how they had solos going on within the whole performance. The ladies duking it out for the men was sexy. The transitions were noticeable and very well executed. I thoroughly enjoyed this week's number. This crew is definitely the one of the ones to watch. Thank you for being amazing.
Blue Print Cru
Speechless. These mofos slayed !!! The best performance of the night. From the time they took the stage they made sure that they were taking no prisoners. Amazing choreography. I like how they gave you that West Hollywood "gayhop" style and switched it up real quick. They definitely have their ear to what's hot. They attack choreography like they are dancing for their life. Brilliant. This crew puts all other crews to shame. Love and adore them. Can't get enough.
There it is folks... The first real showdown. Until next time y'all stay plugged in...
"Ever wanted to learn how to dance but been too intimidated to take a group class? This quick follow along with professional dancer/choreographer Benjamin Allen is one of the best ways to pick up some basic moves that you can take anywhere."
