PITTSBURGH,None — One of the crews that competed on season 5 of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" was in Pittsburgh to teach hip-hop dance classes on Friday and perform on Saturday in a showcase.
Jungle Boogie hails from Atlanta but travels often for dance jobs. Some of its members have choreographed for big stars like tween heartthrob Justin Beiber and have been backup dancers for Usher, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, T-Pain and other big artists. Some members have even appeared in movies, including "Stomp the Yard."
Jungle Boogie's crew is made up of Raqi Carter, BeeJay Harris, Anthony Hart, Antwan Hart, Antwan Thomas, Codie Wiggins and Adrian Eaton. They all hit the stage at the Hazlett Theater on the North Side and helped dancers develop their skills in several hip-hop styles that include b-boying, popping, locking, contemporary hip-hop, ATL crank, ATL swag, stiletto and jazz funk.
"We'll be teaching seven classes. We'll do a mock audition and give some criticism. On Saturday, we'll have a showcase, and the people will perform. We'll also be performing," Eaton told See & Be Seen's Carly Noel prior to the classes.
As shown in the video below, Jungle Boogie's members pride themselves on their southern cranking style. The style uses big step movements and arms to cover the entire dance floor, and each of the six members has a unique animalistic move.
It was Jungle Boogie's cranking style that got the group noticed by "America's Best Dance Crew."
"It was an opportunity of a lifetime. Being there was the most awesome experience ever," said Thomas.
The crew auditioned in Georgia. They said it was a long, two-day process that involved hours of waiting.
"At the audition, we fell asleep because we were so tired, but when they called our names to go into the room, we brought energy," said Thomas.
Jungle Boogie, of course, made it on the show.
"Our first goal was to make it on the show and represent the South. After that, our next goal was to make it past the first week," said Thomas.
And they did! The crew got fourth in the competition.
Despite not being the last crew standing, Jungle Boogie members said they were proud of their hard work, and had a great time being on the show with judges Lil Mama, JC Chasez and Omarion and host Mario Lopez. Lil Mama was the group's favorite judge.
"She has a lot of personality. You could really tell she believed in us," said Thomas.
A lot of people seem to believe in Jungle Boogie. It has a big fan base for only being together for about a year.
"We were the newest crew of all the crews. We haven't been together that long. We have a lot of great chemistry," said Thomas.
While the group wasn't formed until recently, the members have known each other for a long time -- some for their entire lives. The Hart brothers are twins.
"We all go bowling together," said Carter. "We go out to the club and dance for free."
America's Best Dance Crew features street dance crews from around the country. The show is produced by "American Idol" judge Randy Jackson.