If Randy Jackson & AC Slater had a baby, would it be as ass-slapping, break dancing, gyrating, and irritatingly addictive as Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew (10PM, Thursdays, on MTV)? As far as dance competition shows go, this one is like crack. (The good kind.)
ABDC combines Randy Jackson’s love of all things hip-hop with Mario Lopez’ outright cheesiness. The crews all dress in matching music video outfits with the ladies in the requisite spandex shorts and the fellas generally rocking a classic baggy jean, baggy shirt ensemble. In addition to being judged on cleanness and unity as a group, the crews are subject to Lil Mama’s commentary on their “swagger,” and whether or not they “shut it down,” or if they were “official.” Oh, and then choreographer Shane Sparks tells them whether or not they were “wack.”
But besides the slang – and, yes, the dancing -- one of the best things about the show is Lopez himself. Why, after all these years, is he still so greasy/lovable? That’s such a hard combination to pull off. Loveable though he may be, we’re hoping he’ll stop dancing. Whenever the music plays, our beloved Slater feels the need to bounce robotically. No, baby, no. Hip-hop is not your forte. Leave the dancing to the professionals.
Our favorite crew, by the way, is the hipster contingent, The Fanny Pack. We love to hate to love these kids. They dress like the mall is having a clearance sale on irony, and everything Technicolor/slightly subversive must go. Besides which, the name, The Fanny Pack. Oh, the double entendre. We get it, you’re cute. But their herky jerky choreography is somehow futuristic while referencing 80’s style jazz and techno movement. They’re bringing, you know, artistry, and, like, originality to the stage. As Lil Mama would say, you can’t hate on that.
-- Olivia Purnell