head_buzz.gif

What’s new in the world of hiphop dance?
Monster Buzz fills you in on all the fresh news & updates on all things Monsters of HipHop & beyond, including news stories, auditions, events, opinions, announcements, appearances & other developments shaping the world of hiphop.

Subscribe to the Monster Buzz blog so you’ll be the first one to know! Click on the RSS reader & paste the URL into your RSS file on your personalized home page (My Yahoo, My MSN, My Google, etc.)

MONSTERS NEXT GENERATION CHOREOGRAPHER TUCKER BARKLEY FEATURED ON THE COVER OF DANCE SPIRIT MAGAZINE

Here's a list of Tucker's Upcoming Projects, be sure to check him out in these projects and in Dance Spirit magazine.

  • Catch Tucker in the new National McDonalds/Coke Commercial, on the air now!

    • He just finished shooting the spoof movie "Goody Two Shoes" he plays the body double for the "Prince" of the movie "Enchanted", coming in 2009. 

    • In rehearsals for a new movie from Damon Wayans called "Snowflake",  with Choreographer Dave Scott, they film first part of June & is expected to release in 2008.

    • Also, in between those movies he is reheasing and performing on another episode of "Dancing with the Stars", it will premiere Tuesday, May 13th, he is dancing in the Micheal Jackson Tribute with  Choreographer Travis Payne. Check your listings.

    • He also just did a photo shoot and article for the magazine called "Nylon" it will be  in the June Issue, at your local news stands.

    • Also don't forget to catch Tucker in Janet Jackson's  video "Rock with U", (wearing a you can catch it and  also the video "Feedback" both on MTV or Bet, VH1 or  look on youtube.

    • Plus, see more on the videos on BET show's "Access Granted"about the making of the video "Rock with U" , catch Tucker on that too.

      • On Janet Jackson's Deluxe CD and DVD "Disipline"  you can watch the Rehearsals and the making of "Feedback" on it, you can see Tucker rehearsing and  being interviewed on it, so check it out.

      • Also "Alvin and the Chipmunks" movie is out on DVD on April 1st, and the movie "Walk Hard" out on DVD on April 8th.

    CONGRATULATIONS TUCKER!!!

     

     

September 10, 2007

Tony Testa Casting Call Via Monsters to Kids Ages 10-18 For Nickelodeon's  New Kids' Variety Show - BE SURE TO READ EXCLUSIVE INFO

 
 

 
The Producers of Project Runway, Top Chef,
 Project Greenlightand Last Comic Standing
 are bringing you a BRAND NEW dance variety show for KIDS!
 
Plus, Monsters of HipHop faculty choreographer Tony Testa (Janet Jackson, "Dreamgirls")
 
 
 
will be the Head Choreographer casting & choreographing
for Nickelodeon's All New Kids' Variety Show.
 

Tony has asked us to put the call out to Monsters of HipHop dancers
to make sure the audition is a successful casting!

 

Who: They are looking for boys and girls ages 10 - 18, all styles of dancers. 
Exclusive Information for Monsters of HipHop Dancers
Special consideration would be given to dancers strong in hip hop dance but diverse in other styles, with outstanding personalility & performance ability.
This amazing opportunity to be a part of the new Nickelodeon Television Variety Show is for dancers ages 10-18 with a flexible schedule & able to sign AFTRA contracts upon booking. 
Plus, dancers booked for the show would need to be available to rehearse every week following the final callback on September 23rd, 2007.  Rehearsals would start immediately after the callback and continue through the end of October.
Questions regarding the show & audition can be submitted via the show's MySpace Page, http://www.myspace.com/projectdanceinfo.   Video submissions can also be accepted here (Special note: Video titles cannot contain the word 'Nickelodeon' anywhere in the title). 
Be sure to bring a current headshot/photograph & resume.

When: Saturday, September 15, 2007
sign up begins at 8am and closes at 12noon

Where: Hollywood Pop Academy
in the 'Hollywood & Highland' complex
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Ste 223
Hollywood, CA 90028

Wardrobe:
Anything you can dance in.

Parking: Please park in the Hollywood & Highland lot
WE WILL VALIDATE ($2 for 4 hours)

Driving Directions
From the North
Take 101 South. Exit Highland Avenue. The street winds down and become three lanes as you approach the Hollywood & Highland Center. The parking entrance is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
From the South
Take 110 North (passing the Downtown area) to the 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue (Stay on right-hand side of the freeway as exit splits). The street winds down and becomes three lanes towards Hollywood Bowl. Turn left onto Highland Avenue, at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The parking entrance is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
From the East
Take 10 West to 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue (Stay on right-hand side of the freeway as exit splits). The street winds down and becomes three lanes towards Hollywood Bowl. Turn left onto Highland Avenue, at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The parking entrance is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
From the West
Take 10 East to 110 North/Downtown (passing the Downtown area) to the 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue (Stay on right-hand side of the freeway as exit splits). The street winds down and becomes three lanes towards Hollywood Bowl. Turn left onto Highland Avenue, at the Hollywood & Highland Center. The parking entrance is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
Area Airports
Los Angeles - LAX
1-310-646-5252
  • Complex Direction: 13 mi NE
  • Driving Directions: East on Century Blvd. 405 N to 10 East. Exit La Brea and follow to Hollywood Blvd. Right on Hollywood Blvd and left on Highland. Complex is on left at 1755 N Highland Ave.
  • Airport shuttle service, on request, fee: 45 USD (one way)
  • Bus service, fee: 2.5 USD (one way)
  • Estimated taxi fare: 40.0 USD (one way)
Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena - BUR
  • Complex Direction: 7 mi NE
  • Driving Directions: 1: Go toward Thornton Ave.. 2: Turn Right on West Olive Ave. West Olive becomes Barham Blvd. 3: Turn Left on Cahuenga Blvd W. Cahuenga becomes N. Highland Ave. 4: Arrive at 1755 N. Highland Ave., on the Right.
  • Bus service, fee: 5.0 USD (one way)
  • Estimated taxi fare: 30.0 USD (one way) 
Orange County/John Wayne - SNA
  • Complex Direction: 48 mi NE
  • Driving Directions: 1: Start out going Southeast on MAIN ST towards EXECUTIVE CIR by turning left. 0.5 miles (0.9 km) 2: Turn RIGHT onto MACARTHUR BLVD. 0.1 miles (0.2 km) 3: Turn LEFT to take the I-405 NORTH/SAN DIEGO FWY ramp towards LONG BEACH. 0.2 miles (0.3 km) 4: Merge onto I-405 N. 15.9 miles (25.6 km) 5: Take the I-605 NORTH exit. 0.6 miles (0.9 km) 6: Merge onto I-605 N. 10.3 miles (16.5 km) 7: Take I-5 RAMP towards LOS ANGELES/SANTA ANA. 0.1 miles (0.2 km) 8: Merge onto I-5 RAMP. 0.4 miles (0.7 km) 9: Merge onto I-5 NORTH RAMP. 0.4 miles (0.7 km) 10: Merge onto I-5 N. 8.8 miles (14.2 km) 11: Take US-101 NORTH RAMP towards LOS ANGELES/CIVIC CENTER. 0.5 miles (0.8 km) 12: Merge onto US-101 N. 8.1 miles (13.0 km) 13: Take the HOLLYWOOD BLVD exit. 0.2 miles (0.4 km) 14: Turn LEFT onto HOLLYWOOD BLVD. 1.3 miles (2.1 km) Total Distance: 47.6 miles (76.5 km) Estimated Time: 55 minutes
  • Estimated taxi fare: 75.0 USD (one way)

Make sure to bring a recent headshot or photograph & resume.

SHOW UP EARLY TO MAKE SURE TO GET A TIME SLOT

July 15, 2007

Cedric Gardner has opportunties abound after 'So You Think You Can Dance'

Cedric Gardner, as promised by Nigel Lythgoe, was released from 'So You Think You Can Dance' last Thursday, after Shauna & Cedric were voted into the bottom 3 couples out of the 7 couples on the show.

After leaving the show, Cedric has no regrets after experiencing the opporunity of a lifetime being on the nationally televised Fox show.   He's moved from Milwaukee to LA permanently - a move made prior to the taping of the Top 20 shows in Hollywood, to pursue his dreams of dancing.

"Being in class is different now.  Before, the focus was on whoever was teaching the class, now before class I'm gettiing asked for my autograph & pictures...and during class everyone is looking at me to see how I do.  It's very surreal."   

Opportunties from the show are being pursued, including Debbie Allen's invitation to have Cedric come train at her Dance Academy in LA.  

Toy company Wild Planet has also called on Cedric, giving him a 2 week opportunity to come work with their San Francisco based outfit, learning all the ins & outs of the toy industry as well as sharing his ideas on new toys.

Cedric is really looking forward to being back at Monsters of HipHop again and has made plans to be at the Monsters of HipHop Orlando Tour Finale this weekend, July 20th - 22nd, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport Hotel.

We wish Cedric all the best of luck & success in his future endeavors!! Keep watching SYTYCD & support Lauren Gottlieb, another Monsters Alumni.

Read more about Cedric in these interviews & articles.

SAVE CEDRIC - New York Post, July 8th 2007

TV GUIDE INTERVIEW - July 18th 2007

BUDDY TV INTERVIEW - July 13th 2007

DAEMON's TV INTERVIEW - July 13th 2007

June 28, 2007

Results show for tonights SYTYCD is a roller coaster ride                                          

Lauren is front and center for the opening African Rhythm Dance from the Lion King choreographed by Tyce Diorio – here we go...

Over 5 million votes have put just one of our Monster of HipHop dancers in the bottom 3, read on, Debbie Allen, Mary & Nigel are tonight’s judges,
Lauren and Neil’s second ballroom routine doing the Tango have put them in the bottom 3 couples.

 

Mary is surprised and called them one of the top dance couples who will “dance their hearts out” to keep themselves in the competition.

Jesus and Sara are there along with them as well Danny & Anya --
Plus Jessi has to dance for her life in a solo automatically b/c of her missing last night due to exhaustion…and the surprise is that CEDRIC AND SHAWNA ARE SAFE!!!! Cedric was to be on the line per Nigel if he was in the bottom 3 and what do you know, he’s through to next week’s show.  
 
Lauren is the first solo out followed by her partner Neil and the rest of the bottom 3 dancers...Musical guest Fergie does the Glamourous Life with Ludacris,
and then we find out Jessi’s going back to her day job.  Nigel said explained all 4 girls didn’t do a good job with their solo, picking out Lauren for spending time to take off her jacket.  For the guys, Jesus is going home – so we expect b-girl Sara to be paired with Pasha.

 

Good night everyone out there --- see you next week, can’t wait to see what happen’s next.  Good luck to the remaining dancers on the show, Lauren & Cedric we're pulling for you both, hang in there!

June 28, 2007
Monsters of HipHop to be a part of DANCELIFE Conference, July 3-6, 2007

We are excited to annouce Monsters of HipHop will be a part of the upcoming Dancelife Conference & Convention on July 3rd - 6th, 2007 at the Boston Park Hotel, Boston, MA, hosted by Rhee Gold's Dance Studio Life magazine.  

The conference schedule is jam packed with seminars, classes & more - aimed to help improve your studio business while renewing your passion for dance. 

Monsters will be exhibting in the main hall as well as partcipating in the seminars - we look forward to seeing you there!  

June 27, 2007

Krumpin' featured on SYTYCD as Lauren & Cedric Share Their Ambitions  

Surprise guest judge Debbie Allen opens up the show giving "love & respect" to HipHop, which is great to hear.   
Lil C teaches a style new to SYTYCD but very familar to Monsters of HipHop, Krumpin'.   Jesus & Sara have a great time learning "the bathroom stall" & more from Lil C as he makes learning the art of Krumpin' fun. 
Shawna gets paired with Cedric as both their partners were eliminated last week.  We learn about Cedric's ambition to "build toys & own a toy company one day" before learning comtemporary from Mia Michaels with his new partner.    
Cedric exclaims he's "gonna fight" to stay on the show before performing to                I THOUGHT WE HAD by The Family Stand.    Debbie Allen told Cedric "you touch me everytime you dance" while Mary felt "it wasn't good enough" for her.   Cedric said despite the comments & critics, he felt he was "put on the show by God to show young dancers they need to study all styles" of dancing & get into as many classes as possible.   
After we see some "sexy cool" Hip Hop from Danny & Anya choreographed by Dan Karaty to OH TIMBALAND, Lauren & Neil are up next.  The couple performs a beautiful tango routine learned by Lauren while feeling under the weather.   Lauren tells us she'd like to be with NASA & work in space after she's "done with the whole dancing thing."    Debbie felt the rountine should be "tighter" while Mary thought is was well performed, "didn't feel the passion" for each other when on stage.   Lauren is all smiles while Nigel exclaims "it was a beautiful piece".  

Despite the comments from the judges, reviews have been mixed on tonight's peformances, check out this rave of Cedric & Shawna at 'From Inside The Box' as well as more on 'Blogging SYTYCD'.

We hope you voted for your favorite dancers & look forward to seeing the results show tonight at 9pm.  Rejoin us then, won't you? 
June 27, 2007

Misha Gabriel & Lyle Beniga to perform with Hilary Duff on Today Show Friday
We just received word on Friday June 29th, Misha Gabriel (Monsters of HipHop Faculty, Janet Jackson, Omarion) & Lyle Beniga (MOHH: The Show 2006 Cast Member) will be performing on The Today Show on NBC with Hilary Duff.   
Be sure to tune in & check out their performance -- show starts at 7am.

June 26, 2007

Major Motion Picture STEP UP 2 Auditions Coming To Baltimore
Renowned Monsters of HipHop Choreographer Jamal Sims (STEP UP, HAIRSPRAY) will be casting dancers for the sequel to the hit film STEP UP  this Saturday in the Washington DC / Baltimore area. 

This is the final audition stop in the nationwide casting search which has spanned several weeks.         

LA-based choreographers Dave Scott (Monsters of HipHop, STOMP THE YARD, YOU GOT SERVED) and Hi-Hat (Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige) are also part of the incredible choreographic team. 

The movie, tentatively titled STEP UP 2: THE STREETS will be filming in Baltimore starting as early as July 1st, 2007.

All dancers must bring a headshot (snapshots are fine) and resume. For more information, please visit http://www.monstersofhiphop.com under the Monster Buzz.

Audition Information:

Saturday, June 30, 2007

  • 10:00 am / Hip Hop Choreography (Please be prompt – the dance combination will be taught one time only at 10 am & will not be repeated)     
  • 3:00 pm / Freestylers (B-boys/girls, Poppers, Lockers, Krumpers, Specialty) and Dance Crews (4 or more dancers) – If you are interested ONLY in performing Freestyle as per above, please arrive at 3pm.   
  • Ages: 18-25 of any ethnicity
  • Must be an accomplished dancer
  • Must be completely available from Mid-July through September.

Audition Location:
Towson University
Center for the Arts

8000 York Road
Towson, MD 21252-0001

Studios 1004, 1006, 1008
410-704-2760 phone
  

DIRECTIONS TO TOWSON UNIVERSITY'S CENTER FOR THE ARTS

FROM DOWNTOWN BALTIMORE VIA LIGHT RAIL AND MTA BUS:

  • Take the LIGHT RAIL heading North toward Hunt Valley
  • Stop at the Lutherville Stop & Get off the LIGHT RAIL
  • Take the #8 Bus (runs Saturdays every 25 minutes)
  • Tell the driver you would like to get off at Cross Campus Drive
  • Get off the Bus at the York Road/Cross Campus Drive Stop
  • Walk Uphill on Cross Campus Drive
  • Walk down the hill past 3 large grey buildings on your right (Glen Towers)
  • Look to your left and you will see large brick building with the sign "Center for the Arts"
  • Come up the walkway and enter the main doors. The Dance Department is located on the first floor.  The studios are down the steps to your right. 
  • NOTE:  LIGHT RAILS have stops all along Howard Street - Fare is $1.60 or All Day Pass is $3.50
  • For more information, call MTA at 866-743-3682

BY AUTOMOBILE

From I-95 (northbound and southbound): Take the Baltimore Beltway I-695 west (toward Towson).   Take exit 25, Charles Street.  Proceed 1.7 miles.  Turn left on Towsontown Boulevard and proceed to the first stoplight on Osler Drive.   Turn RIGHT onto Osler Drive.  Get in the left hand lane and at the second light, turn LEFT on Cross Campus Drive.   The parking lot will be on your left and the Center for the Arts will be on your right.

From I-83 (northbound and southbound): Take the Baltimore Beltway I-695 east (toward Towson).   Take exit 25, Charles Street.  Proceed 1.7 miles.  Turn left on Towsontown Boulevard and proceed to the first stoplight on Osler Drive.   Turn RIGHT onto Osler Drive.  Get in the left hand lane and at the second light, turn LEFT on Cross Campus Drive.   The parking lot will be on your left and the Center for the Arts will be on your right.   

From I-70 (eastbound):  Take the Baltimore Beltway I-695 north (toward Towson).   Take exit 25, Charles Street.  Proceed 1.7 miles.  Turn left on Towsontown Boulevard and proceed to the first stoplight on Osler Drive.   Turn RIGHT onto Osler Drive.  Get in the left hand lane and at the second light, turn LEFT on Cross Campus Drive.   The parking lot will be on your left and the Center for the Arts will be on your right.

From Baltimore (Penn Station):  Proceed north on Charles Street for five miles.   Turn right on Towsontown Boulevard and proceed to the first stoplight on Osler Drive.  Turn RIGHT onto Osler Drive.   Follow directions from above.

 

June 20, 2007

Monsters Choreographer Dave Scott Appears on Tonight's SYTYCD

Tonight's episode of Fox's SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE continues Season 3 by giving us great dancing & drama - with a surprise visit by Monsters of HipHop Faculty Choreographer Dave Scott (best known for feature films STOMP THE YARD, YOU GOT SERVED), choreographing our own Lauren Gottlieb & partner Neil's unbelievable Hip Hop routine to Timbaland's "The Way I Are".   The pair received great reviews from all of the judges, with additional praise from Mia Michaels telling Lauren she is a "well-rounded dancer."

Be sure to submit your vote for Lauren and Neil by calling 888-836-7601 tonight befor