Quest Crew and Kaba Modern, which are dance groups that have been featured in MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew in the past, are participating in a special event to promote a national campaign, B HERE. B HERE includes two events: a multimedia art exhibit and live performances by comedian Paul “PK” Kim of Kollaboration, singer/songwriters Clara C., Joseph Vincent, Jennifer Chung and Paul Dateh, and of course Quest Crew and Kaba Modern. Even though the event starts on September 27th at Rutgers, they were kind enough to let us interview them in advance.

Quest Crew

JK: how has life changed for the crew following ABDC?
QC: Since the show, we have been traveling and dancing so much that we can’t remember what life was like before!

JK: A handful of you have engaged in your own individual TV appearances and projects this past year — are there any upcoming projects fans can expect to see from Quest Crew as a whole?
QC: You can check us out on Disney’s new series Shake It Up and the upcoming film Honey 2.

JK: Starting a dance studio and teaching other seems to be an aspiration for winning dance crews — is that a goal for Quest Crew?
QC: Actually, our name “Quest” stems from “Quest Learning Center,” our home studio. Even before we were on ABDC, we shared our love dance through teaching there and abroad.

JK: Prior to ABDC, Asian males were stereotyped as less than talented rhythmically. Did you ever have to deal with any of these racial stereotypes and biases? How do you think things have changed since ABDC?
QC: We think everyone has experienced some type of stereotyping in their lives. Luckily for us, our dancing has been able to break down these sterotypes. ABDC has given us the opportunity to show people that stereotypes do not define individuals.

JK: Why did you decide to take on the B Here cause? Has anyone around you been affected with Hepatitis B?
QC: Luckily we have not had individual experiences with Hep B, but we do want to help educate individuals.

JK: How can fans follow you for news or updates?
QC: Check us out at www.questcrew.com for our calendar of events and exclusive posts.
Twitter: @TheQuestCrew
Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialquestcrew

Yuri Tag of Kaba Modern

JK: ABDC has brought a lot of opportunities to travel the world — of all the places Kaba Modern has been to, what place has been most enjoyable and why?
YT: There are so many amazing places but I think we got to experience the most in Guam. We worked hard and played hard. There’s so much natural beauty that we discovered via offshore snorkeling, paddle surfing, scooters, surfing, swimming. In addition to all that the weather is perfect, food is amazing, and people are really friendly!

JK: Do any of you keep in touch with any of the original first season ABDC dance crews? If so, are there any plans on doing a collaboration?
YT: We definitely keep in touch with ABDC dancers! Many dancers moved out to LA therefore we bump into them all the time at social events or at the studio. Kaba Modern has already collaborated with FANNY PAK!

JK: Can you share with us some of the interesting behind-the-scene stories from the first season of ABDC?
YT: We were the only season that didn’t get paid :( seasons 2-5 owe us!! :)


JK: Why did you decide to take on the B Here cause? Has anyone around you been affected with Hepatitis B?
YT: We do not know anyone personally that has been affected with Hep B however we hope that our participation in this campaign will help educate the Asian-American community on the importance of getting tested and/or vaccinated. Hep B is a “silent killer” because of its’ asymptomatic nature. This fact just reinforces the urgency to get tested!

JK: What upcoming Kaba Modern projects can fans look forward to in the future?
YT: Hopefully an Asia tour!! :) Kaba Modern Legacy will be performing at WOD HAWAII in December! We’ve all been busy with lots of individual projects as well. Be sure to check out Mike Song’s project “Kinjaz” at the dance showcase “Enkore” Long Beach Terrace October 16! Our friends the Beat Freaks will also be exhibitioning!

JK: How can fans follow you for news or updates?
YT: Follow us on Twitter!
Twitter.com/km_legacy
Twitter.com/kabamoderni

Hope you guys enjoyed the interview! For more information about this upcoming event, check out the official website here!