The Jabbawockeez are an American hip-hop dance crew who rose to fame after winning the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew in 2008. They are known for their white masks and intricate choreography. The Jabbawockeez have gone on to perform all over the world, produce their own Las Vegas show, and appear in commercials, TV shows, and movies. But with pricey tickets and merchandise, are they really worth seeing live? Here is an in-depth look at the Jabbawockeez brand and whether or not they are worth the cost.
Background on the Jabbawockeez
The Jabbawockeez were founded in 2003 in San Diego, California. The original members were dancers Rynan “Kid Rainen” Paguio, Chris “Cristyle” Gatdula, Kevin “KB” Brewer, Phil “Swagger Boy” Tayag, and Joe “Punkee” Larot. They started performing as a crew in 2004, wearing white masks and gloves to direct the audience’s attention to their choreography rather than their individual identities.
The Jabbawockeez branched out to competitions like Body Rock and Hip Hop International. At Body Rock in 2005, they caught the eye of hip hop performer Lyle Beniga who mentored the crew and suggested they audition for America’s Best Dance Crew.
America’s Best Dance Crew
In 2008, the Jabbawockeez auditioned and were selected to compete on the first season of America’s Best Dance Crew, produced by Randy Jackson. They became known for their creative staging, storytelling, and precise synchronization. Week after week, they impressed the judges with intricate routines featuring various dance styles like popping, locking, breaking, and tutting.
On June 18, 2008, the Jabbawockeez were declared the winners of America’s Best Dance Crew. They took home the $100,000 grand prize and gained national recognition. Their distinctive style and choreography became influential in hip hop dance.
Post America’s Best Dance Crew
Winning America’s Best Dance Crew was a huge accomplishment for the Jabbawockeez that catapulted their career. Here’s a look at what they’ve done since their time on the reality competition.
Live Performances
The Jabbawockeez started booking high profile live performances right after their win. In August 2008, they performed at the So You Think You Can Dance season finale. They also appeared on other TV shows like Dancing with the Stars, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Live with Regis and Kelly.
As their fame grew, the Jabbawockeez started touring internationally. They traveled around Europe, Asia, and Australia. Notable live performances include:
- 2011 NBA All-Star Game halftime show
- 2012 Olympic sync swimming team ribbon routine for the Today Show
- 2015 BET Awards with Shaquille O’Neal
- 2022 Super Bowl halftime show with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, and 50 Cent
Las Vegas Show
In 2010, the Jabbawockeez launched their own Las Vegas stage show called “MÜS.I.C.” at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino. They were the first dance crew to headline a show on the Las Vegas strip.
“MÜS.I.C.” incorporated the crew’s signature dance styles with storylines, illusion effects, and syncopated choreography. The creative production values combined with the Jabbawockeez’s skills made for an engaging 90 minute show.
“MÜS.I.C.” enjoyed an impressive 8 year run before closing in 2018. During that time, it cemented the Jabbawockeez as one of the most popular dance crews in the world.
Film and Television
The Jabbawockeez have appeared in various TV shows, commercials, and movies over the years including:
- Dance film “Step Up 2 The Streets” (2008)
- Dance film “Step Up 3D” (2010)
- Dance competition show “World of Dance” (2017)
- Commercials for brands like Pepsi, Gatorade, and Ford
- Kids show “Hip Hop Harry” (2009-2011)
- YouTube comedy shorts
Their recognizable masks and choreography have been useful for visual storytelling on camera. The Jabbawockeez continue to participate in film and TV projects between live performances.
Choreography
The Jabbawockeez are highly sought after choreographers and have created routines for top music artists. Some stars they’ve worked with include Justin Bieber, Diddy, Ne-Yo, Sean Kingston, and Rick Ross.
Their choreography has also been featured in movies like “Step Up Revolution” (2012). Brands like Nike, Honda, and Sony have commissioned the Jabbawockeez for dance campaigns.
Merchandise and Sponsors
Over the years, the Jabbawockeez have produced books, DVDs, clothing, shoes, toys, and other merchandise. They also represent major brands such as Pepsi, Universal Studios, Ford, and Mountain Dew.
This promotional work and merchandise provides additional revenue streams beyond ticket sales for the group. It helps support their tours while exposing the Jabbawockeez brand to wider audiences.
Current State of the Jabbawockeez
The Jabbawockeez are now recognized as one of the most influential hip hop dance crews of all time. They have essentially become a household name in the dance community. But what are they up to now in 2023?
Touring
The Jabbawockeez still actively tour and perform their shows around the world. In 2022, they visited Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and over 25 cities across the United States.
Upcoming 2023 tour stops include London, Hawaii, Australia, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Fans can expect more dates to be announced soon.
New Music and Film Projects
When not touring, the Jabbawockeez work on new music and film/TV projects. They recently provided choreography for Nickelodeon’s animated “Middle School Moguls” series.
Member Phil Tayag (Swagger Boy) was a choreographer for the 2022 film “Easter Sunday” starring comedian Jo Koy. As a crew, the Jabbawockeez appeared in the 2022 movie “My Little Pony: Make Your Mark.”
They also released an EP titled “JABBAWOCKEEZ with Drezo” in 2021 featuring seven new music tracks. The Jabbawockeez continue pursuing creative endeavors that merge dance with storytelling.
Evolving Members
The Jabbawockeez lineup has changed over time as members leave for solo projects or are replaced. Currently, the group consists of:
- Kevin Brewer (KB)
- Joe Larot (Punkee)
- Jeff “Phi” Nguyen
- Chris Gatdula (Cristyle)
- Rynan Paguio (Kid Rainen)
- Eddie “Eddiestyles” Gutierrez
- Saso “Saso Fresh” Jimenez
- Ben “B-Tight” Chung
- Anthony “Integral” Lee
Founding member Rynan Paguio took a break from performing during 2020-2021 for undisclosed personal reasons. But now he’s back touring with the crew. Even with an evolving lineup, the Jabbawockeez’s foundations remain the same.
Continued Legacy
Nearly 15 years after winning America’s Best Dance Crew, the Jabbawockeez are still relevant. They’ve become influencers in the dance community with an impressive career.
The Jabbawockeez legacy lives on through their tours, projects, choreography, sponsors, merchandise, and more. Their brand continues to thrive by adapting with the times while staying true to their roots.
Are the Jabbawockeez Worth Seeing Live?
Now for the central question – with their expensive tickets and merchandise, are the Jabbawockeez really worth seeing? Here are some key points to consider:
The Pros:
- High production values – Their stage shows have storylines, cool costumes, props, lighting effects, and video content.
- Top notch dancing – As expected, their choreography, musicality, tricks, and showmanship are excellent.
- Audience engagement – They interact with the crowd and bring volunteers on stage.
- Stage presence – The Jabbawockeez have terrific energy and keep audiences captivated.
- Good for families – Their shows are family friendly entertainment appropriate for kids.
- Merchandise – You’ll have the chance to buy unique Jabbawockeez gear at the show.
The Cons:
- Pricey tickets – Expect to pay over $100 per ticket on average.
- Small group – Usually just 7-10 members perform at their shows, not the whole crew.
- Weak storylines – The storytelling aspects can seem disjointed or vague at times.
- Short shows – Their headline shows are typically 60-90 minutes long.
- Lack of singing – There’s no live vocals, only dancing to tracks.
- Expensive merchandise – Jabbawockeez gear costs more than typical band merch.
Average Ticket Prices
To give a sense of the typical pricing, here are the average ticket costs to see the Jabbawockeez live as of October 2023:
Ticket Type | Average Price |
---|---|
Nosebleeds/Upper Level Seats | $70 |
Middle Section Seating | $125 |
Floor Seats/Front Row | $250 |
VIP Meet & Greet Packages | $500 |
As expected, tickets closer to the stage tend to be the most expensive. But even nosebleed seats average around $70.
Merchandise Costs
The Jabbawockeez sell various merch at their shows like t-shirts, hoodies, hats, masks, and accessories. Here are typical prices:
Merchandise Item | Average Price |
---|---|
T-Shirts | $45 |
Hoodies | $85 |
Hats | $35 |
Face Masks | $25 |
Posters | $20 |
Expect to spend at minimum $25-$35 on smaller items up to $85 for hoodies. Limited edition or specialty merch can cost even more.
Conclusion
The Jabbawockeez deliver an entertaining dance show with high production values, humor, creative choreography, and family friendly appeal. However, the tickets and merchandise don’t come cheap.
For die-hard fans of the crew who have followed them since ABDC, the price is well worth it. Seeing innovative dancers like the Jabbawockeez live is a one-of-a-kind experience. But more casual fans may want to save their money for other acts.
To get the full Jabbawockeez treatment, splurge on VIP tickets and merchandise. Yet attending on a budget is still possible. Opt for cheap seats, split costs with friends, or buy just a t-shirt instead of multiple items.
Overall the Jabbawockeez offer a memorable show for dance lovers of any age. Just be prepared to spend a decent amount. Mask up and enjoy the hypnotizing moves of one of the biggest names in hip hop dance.