Jabbawockeez
Formed in the vibrant and pulsating world of hip-hop, the Jabbawockeez stand as an iconic dance crew that has revolutionized the global entertainment scene. Hailing from the diverse streets of America, the Jabbawockeez emerged in the early 2000s, fusing their diverse talents to create a unique and unparalleled hip-hop experience.
Comprising a roster of exceptionally skilled dancers who wear their trademark white masks, the Jabbawockeez burst onto the scene with a vision to redefine dance, break boundaries, and challenge the norms of traditional hip-hop culture. The anonymity behind their masks allows the Jabbawockeez to transcend individual identity, placing the focus squarely on their collective prowess and innovative choreography.
The group gained widespread recognition and adoration through their participation in the first season of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" in 2008, where they clinched the title with their unmatched skill, precision, and creativity. This victory catapulted them into the mainstream, transforming the Jabbawockeez into a global phenomenon.
Jabbawockeez is a world-renowned, multi-award-winning hip-hop dance and entertainment crew recognized globally for their revolutionary choreography, athletic synchronicity, and signature plain white masks and gloves. Originally formed in 2003, the ensemble achieved international fame as the inaugural champions of MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew (2008), transforming modern urban dance into a high-grossing, family-friendly theatrical phenomenon. As the first hip-hop dance crew in history to headline a resident show on the Las Vegas Strip, Jabbawockeez has anchored over a decade of top-charting casino residencies, earning accolades such as USA Today’s "Best Show in Las Vegas." For corporate event planners, brand strategists, and venue bookers, Jabbawockeez delivers an elite headlining act, pairing cutting-edge pop culture authority with a universally accessible, highly customizable performance format.
Early Life & Breakout
The origins of Jabbawockeez trace back to 2003 in Northern California and San Diego, where a collective of dancers—including co-founders Joe Larot, Kevin Brewer, and Phil Tayag—united with a vision to challenge traditional dance paradigms. Drawing inspiration from Lewis Carroll’s poem Jabberwocky, the group adopted plain white masks and white gloves to intentionally obscure individual identities. This distinct aesthetic was designed to strip away racial, personal, and demographic boundaries, compelling audiences to focus entirely on the group as a single, unified artistic instrument.
Blending eclectic urban styles—including popping, breaking, locking, and a proprietary synchronized musicality coined "Beat-Kune-Do"—the crew built a regional following before making their national broadcast debut on NBC’s America's Got Talent in 2006. Their major industry breakout arrived in 2008 on the premier season of MTV’s Randy Jackson Presents: America’s Best Dance Crew. Overcoming personal tragedy during auditions following the death of founding mentor Gary Kendell, the performing unit dominated the competition with groundbreaking routines, capturing the $100,000 top prize and establishing themselves as household names.
Career Highlights & Accomplishments
Following their national TV victory, Jabbawockeez transformed urban dance from an opening-act discipline into a premier box-office headline property. In 2010, the group made entertainment history by opening MÜS.I.C. at the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino, becoming the first dance crew to hold an exclusive headlining residency in Las Vegas. The immense commercial success of the show paved the way for a series of high-budget, critically acclaimed Strip productions, including PRiSM at the Luxor Hotel and Casino (2013–2015), as well as JREAMZ and TIMELESS at the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino.
Beyond their Las Vegas dominance, Jabbawockeez expanded their global footprint through international theater tours, major film cameos, and high-profile television broadcasts. Their honors include the Favorite Reality TV Star award at the Asian Excellence Awards, featured guest appearances on Netflix's Master of None, and recurring headlining engagements for Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights in Hollywood and Orlando. Furthermore, they have served as marquee entertainment for premier sporting spectacles, including halftime performances for multiple NBA Finals broadcasts and national commercial campaigns for Fortune 500 corporations.
Current Endeavors & Legacy
Jabbawockeez continues to push the boundaries of theatrical dance, headlining their high-energy production, FREQNCY, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Centered on the scientific concept that music and movement unite humanity through shared frequencies, the show combines immersive lighting technology, comedic storytelling, and trademark complex choreography to entertain audiences of all demographics.
Parallel to their resident stage work, Jabbawockeez operates as an active creative brand, managing production company JBWKZ Records and collaborating with top-tier international recording artists on stadium concert tours and music video choreography. Over two decades after their formation, the group stands as an enduring symbol of artistic unity and innovation. For corporate buyers, event directors, and international festival bookers, Jabbawockeez offers an instantly identifiable global brand that guarantees world-class execution, dynamic visual storytelling, and cross-cultural audience engagement.
SME Entertainment Group (a Live Nation Company) is your leading source for booking Jabbawockeez
SME Entertainment Group ("SME") is an event producer working with corporations and leading associations around the world to provide musical acts, comedians, and all types of keynote speakers for talent booking services for corporate events and private events.