It all started with a text.

On December 18, 2007 Dumbo sent a text to Can, asking him if he wanted to start a crew. The positive response from Can triggered a force that couldn’t be stopped, Poreotics. The name, which also came via text message, consisted of three styles of hip-hop: popping, choreography and robotics. Charles met Can at church, and soon after the trio began having sessions in Can’s backyard in Garden Grove, California. It didn’t take long for the guys to start making routines and just a few weeks later, their first show, a street performance for Chinese New Year. After performing various small shows and church performances, the guys decided to perform at the Vent Dance Awards in 2008, where they surprised others with their unique style and received a standing ovation.

After seeing videos of Poreotics on YouTube, producers from MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew contacted the guys to audition for Season 3 in the Fall of 2008. At that point, Poreotics had grown to add two other members, Jet Li and Law, for the auditions. Although they didn’t make the cut for Season 3, Poreotics decided to stay as a five-man crew and continue doing performances and competitions. In the Spring of 2009 the crew auditioned once again for ABDC, but unfortunately, weren’t asked to participate in the show. A few short months later the crew performed and competed at the 2009 Hip Hop International in Las Vegas. Though Jet Li was unable to perform with the crew, the guys brought on Chad to replace him for the performance. Successfully Poreotics won first place in the United States and sixth in the world that weekend.

Their great accomplishment at Hip Hop International prompted the crew to keep Chad as the sixth member of Poreotics. The crew improved both their dancing skills and interviewing skills while becoming closer as friends, and later that year auditioned for ABDC, Season 5. After getting the call that they had finally made the show, the guys were thrilled. During the show, Poreotics practiced 5-6 hours daily, but still managed to have fun during rehearsals. They attribute their light-hearted demeanor and goofy ways to their success, noting the importance of having fun doing what you love.