Pinoys represented in MTV season 2 dance battle

HOLLYWOOD — As reality dance shows continue to be a ratings winner for the various television networks, MTV has found its own dance show niche and hit with "Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew." With its second season debuting June 19, 2008, one can’t help noticing that many dance crew member contestants are of Filipino and Asian descent. The first season winners, The Jabbawockeez, consisted of a majority of Asian Americans. With their signature white face masks, their ethnicity melded into the background as their dancing capabilities showed through. Season two consists of 10 dance crews that include ASIID of Detroit, Boogie Bots of Washington D.C., Fanny Pak of Los Angeles, Phresh Select from Philadelphia, SoReal Cru of Houston, Texas, Super Cr3w from Las Vegas, Supreme Soul of San Francisco, Xtreme Dance Force representing Chicago, Distorted X of Houston and SassX7 of New Jersey. (See contestants' profiles here.) Out of the 10 crews SoReal Cru, Supreme Soul, Boogie Bots and SuperCr3w consist of a majority of Asian Americans. Phresh Select, Fanny Pak and ASIID also include at least one or two crew members of Asian descent. For SoReal Cru, they don’t let just their Asian and Filipino ethnicity define them in their dance. According to group member Mark Fucanan, “Aside from our Asian and Filipino culture, we take our influences from many different things. We look at the big picture. We put it all together to who we are and what we are that’s why we’re know as SoReal." Also, being the only crew who are all Asian (all Filipino except for Pat Lam who is Vietnamese), they sometimes are compared to last season’s second place winners Kaba Modern, who are also all Asian-Americans. Andrew “Goodfoot" Baterina further explains, “I think they’re comparing us to the first season because Kaba Modern was pretty big. Any other Asian crew, you’re automatically going to get compared to Kaba Modern. In my opinion, we dance nothing like them. I mean Kaba Modern is really good but they got their uniqueness and we have our uniqueness." For Super Cr3w, they look past the ethnic background of each group member. “We don’t think our ethnic backgrounds matter as much. I think we just all find common ground, which is breakdancing and b-boying. We all work together." Joseph Antonio of the group ASIID is overcoming his handicap of being hearing impaired by being a strong asset to his crew. “Oh yes! I am Filipino and proud to be," he says adding that he is proud to represent Asian-Americans and deaf people. He said he is both “able and not disabled. It’s about striving to what you want to do and not who you are." Coming from Philadelphia, Lor “Blao" Song of Phresh Select is aware that he is representing Asians in a positive light. He believes that by being on the dance show, he is breaking stereotypes of Asian. “Asian people are now more than ever being put on the map as dancers because of TV shows like this," Blao says. “I think the stereotype on TV of us being actions stars, kung fu fighters is definitely withering away. Now, when they see us, they ask if we dance or in the in the studio." Song adds, “It’s a big change and a big step for Asians. We’ve become bigger than just being action stars, owning liquor stores or nail salons." As for support from family members, Filipino-American Ailynn Isidro of SoReal Cru said she now has the support of her parents. “Well, lately I’ve been talking to my parents and they kind of support me a little bit," Ailyn says with a smile. “Knowing that I love what I do and seeing me on TV, they are proud of me somewhat now." Both Song of Phresh Select and Ailynn and Jackie of SoReal Cru, believe that any young Asian American who wants to be a dancer should not let anyone get in their way. “If you feel that you love what you’re doing, go for it. You can’t let that passion die. Go for it," says Ailynn. Jackie adds, “Keep practicing and go for what you want. Don’t let anyone stop you from striving for your dreams." Song closes by stating, “Keep your head straight and go for it." - Philippine News