More hopefuls take the stage to dance for $1 million this week on World of Dance.
The first World of Dance contestants are junior ballroom dancers Jonas (14) and Ruby (15). Wow, I like them off the bat — they are fierce! I do feel like the middle part lost a little energy, but then it picked up again at the end. Jennifer said they were beautifully in sync and the performance quality is wonderful. Ne-Yo said Ruby is absolutely a star and Jonas had the “monster” face. Scores: 82, 85, 87 = 84.7. (A reminder that they need an 80 to get through to the next round — the duels.)
Next up is The Bradas, a hip-hop upper team from New Zealand. Bradas is New Zealand slang for ‘brother.’ Their dancing tells a story and they use props, including masks, bags and more. Interesting, it was more like a show. Ne-Yo loved the guy who jumped through the bag’s handle. Derek calls it ‘slick.’ Scores: 85, 86, 92 = 87.7
.@BradasOfficial are through to the Duels and know what they need to do to S-H-I-N-E! 🔥 #WorldofDance pic.twitter.com/YCdv3tnwTC
— World of Dance (@NBCWorldofDance) June 20, 2018
Junior dancer Lucas Marinetto, a tap dancer, is performing next and the story about how dance pulled him and his dad apart is sad. However, his dad has since come around and is there rooting him on. This kid has some jelly legs — in a good way. They go all over the place. Great job. Ne-Yo likes his ‘swag.’ Jennifer says all the tap men are showmen and he is a showmen too. Derek said that he was impressed with the choices he made in the dance. Ne-Yo advises that he focus more on the feet sometimes too. Scores: 82, 84, 82 = 82.7
Expressenz, a contemporary junior team dance group, is next for the auditions and they have been dancing together since they were nine years old. Their dancing is technically beautiful, with turns all in sync. Derek said it felt like a studio routine and didn’t want practiced emotion. He wants things that look more authentic. Ne-Yo agrees. He said it looked like a routine that was supposed to make you cry and he wasn’t crying. Jennifer disagreed. Said it brought to joy. Scores: 84, 90, 87 = 87.
Already watched this more than 10 times tbh https://t.co/IZOUiwa2Dw
— Ally Long (@a11ylong) June 21, 2018
Poreotics, an upper hip-hop team, is auditioning next and they combine hip-hop with robotics. Derek said they started out good, but that he settled back in his seat and he wants to be on the edge of the seat. J-Lo said her eyes were glued on them the whole time. So did they make it through? Jennifer said to try to come up with other tricks, but all of the judges agree they have the potential to make it far in the competition. Scores: 87, 90, 87 = 88
Eva Igo, a junior contemporary dancer and last year’s runner-up, is back — it’s weird that she gets to compete again. She says ‘if you don’t get the gold, come back and try again.’ Jennifer said it’s all new level of intensity and passion and I’m afraid to see what kind of a beast you have grown into. Derek said she blew him away. I still don’t understand why she gets to compete again. Ne-Yo said she’s a joy to watch because of her legs and the passion and intensity. scores: 96, 95, 94 = 95.0 Did anyone doubt that?
See you next week on World of Dance!
