The show didn’t spare any suspense when it came to naming the first two crews safe for next week’s episode. Fit Test Challenge was this week’s theme, and each team had to incorporate a specific physical mega-move within their routine. The crews chosen for guaranteed placement within next week’s lineup are the ultimate cuties from “Quest Crew” and—a choice that bewilders me—“The Fly Khicks.”

Quest Crew took to the stage with their required movement of Kickboxing, set to a remix of “Let it Rock” by Kevin Rudolph & Lil’ Wayne. Quickly, Quest set the mood with creativity and some freaky moves. I can only say holy snap; did I just see the guys sliding on their heads and then back flipping over their peers? Was that slow motion a stop cam or the guys’ doing? I actually thought it was a special effect and had to rewind it nine times! It was moments like those that saved this routine from being mediocre and kept it at a high level.

The Fly Khicks had to work a move called a Spring Back, which was like a constant trampoline jump. They performed in cute outfits to a remix of “Crazy” by Pitbull feat. Lil’ John. I must admit, the girls redeemed themselves a bit this week by their energy and approach, but again, they couldn’t get over being glorified cheerleaders. Some of their gymnastics were tight, but not enough to be at the top of this competition.

The next two teams announced for next week’s lineup were Strikers All-Stars and Beat Freaks. I was extremely disappointed with Strikers All-Stars gaining safe passage from last week’s performance. Their move for this week’s challenge was The Monkey Roll, and they performed to a remix of “Move If You Wanna” by Mims. They began really tight, and I thought they would raise the bar. However, it was a bit sloppy, and mostly, it was just boring. They did the Monkey Roll well, but all in all there was nothing unique about this team.

Crowd favorites Beat Freak danced to a remix of Webby’s “Independent” and their compulsory move was the Side Plank. This performance made me a true believer that these girls are just beyond; even their outfits were a joy to look at. Their spotless routine was imaginative, and even though they had one type of move for the challenge, they performed it in so many different ways.

The last guaranteed crews for next week’s show are the clogging quintet Dynamic Edition and the very unique Ring Masters. Dynamic Edition’s move for the week was High Knees. This seemed perfect for this clogging team, which is all legs. They performed to a remix of “Shake That” by Eminem feat. Nate-Dogg. The team did fairly well because they really put their best on. I will say their stride is up there with Beat Freaks and this team can only get better. One flawless move they did was a slide on their sides, and they went back to clogging using the High Knees. Suffice it to say, I’m impressed.

The Soldier Crawl was the requirement for Ringmasters, and it was set to a remix of “Put On” by Young Jeezy feat. Kayne West. The group promised they would raise the bar and from beginning to end. I can’t say I understand this group, but again—like last week—I thoroughly enjoyed everything they brought to the stage. Yet, I am unsure if what they actually do is dancing. It looks more like some sort of brand new performance art rather than dancing.

The last two crews were Team Millennia and Boxcuttahz. I almost shut my TV thinking that it wouldn’t be worth to watch what these two teams had to offer. They have been just so lacking in comparison to the others. For the challenge, Team Millenna had to add Leap Frog into their performance. They got down (and up) to a remix of Rhianna’s “Disturbia.” The iffy performance had some strong points, mostly with isolation moves, but they ended up looking like rejects from Michael Jackson’s Thriller.

Boxcuttahz’ challenge was the Mountain Climber, set to “Everybody Knows” by N.E.R.D. Their cute and clever performance ended strongly. I am getting tired of the “glasses look” on the team. I would like to see them dress differently. However, we won’t get to see them next week because—even if they had some creative choreography—they were voted off the show.

This blog posting is part of the ABDC Season 3 Ningin Coverage Event.