The World of Dance Duels begin tonight on NBC. Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and NE-YO make up the judges panel, while Jenna Dewan Tatum serves as host.
In the end, there’s only one million dollar winner. That’s right–the last act standing wins $1 million dollars.
The Rules!
Handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions, competitors are divided into three divisions: Junior (any size act under 16 years old), Upper (groups of 1- 4, over 16 years) and Team (groups of 5+, over 16 years). After an initial audition round (Qualifiers), the dancers will move on to “The Duels,” followed by “The Cut” and then the “Divisional Final.” In the “World Final” the three division winners will go head to head for $1 million and the title “Best in the World.” A panel of experts score the acts using a precise point system developed by World of Dance, using the following criteria: Performance, Technique, Choreography, Creativity, and Presentation. The judges award up to 5 points in each category. The act must score at least 80 points to move on to the next level.
Interesting the acts that scored highest in the Qualifiers choose which act to battle!
Fik-Shun picks Nick Daniels
Fik-Shun – This former So You Think You Can Dance winner performs hip hop, while Nick’s style is contemporary. Fik-shun is first. Derek is impressed by his control. “You knew how sick it was” says Jlo who complimented his musicality. The routine was almost fully freestyle, compared to his highly choreographed qualifiers routine.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRT67fl-v9c
Nick Daniels – He’s extremely acrobatic, but will he be able to match Fik-Shun’s skill and charisma? Not really. It was nice knowing you, Nick. Ne-Yo called it both technically and emotionally impressive. Derek loved his acrobatics. Jlo thought his emotion elevated his game.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH6JwcamcJo
Scores -Fikshun – 90.7 vs Daniel – 87.7 Fik-Shun advances to the next round.
Swing Latino chooses Miami All Stars – Both groups are Latin dancers, but Miami All Stars are made up of amateurs with day jobs. The acts watch each other rehearse and change their routines accordingly.
Swing Latino – Team – There’s a ton of swinging, and throwing and tossing in the air–which appears to be their go-to move. “That just made me want to get up and move my little hips!” exclaims Jlo. She critiques them in Spanish. Derek calls the tricks “death defying.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JK51tFGGJ6c
Miami All Stars – There isn’t as much tossing about, but the routine is varied–it captures my attention. I’d give this group the nod. Derek felt they stepped it up. Ne-Yo called it a “Broadway performance.” Jlo says, “A party from beginning to end.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xODsCYXqRqM
Swing Latino – 91.7. Miami All Stars – 88.3 – Swing Latino Advance to the Next Round
Eva Igo chooses Kyntay – Kynta, the duo, have been dancing for years and are huge You Tube stars. Eva will have to bring extra to compete against a duo, but obviously, she’s not intimidated.
Kyntay – Junior – They perform a hip hop routine that probably looks better on You Tube. Very energetic, though. Jlo called the routine “adorable.” Derek calls them “fun to watch…impact…energy.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN8DDkVge58
Eva Iago – Junior – Fluid lines and incredible flexibility. The duo is cute, but Eva has real skill. Derek calls her moves “inhuman.” Ne-Yo calls her the “full package.” Jlo compliments her subtlety and emotion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nz_Wo2Slgv4
Kyntay – 82.7 Eva Igo – 89 – Eva Igo Advances to the Next Round
Quickstyle vs Keone and Mari – They’re the last two acts. And it just so happens, Quickstyle were taught by Keone and Mari. I’m SURE it’s a coincidence. Quickstyle won Norway’s Got Talent. Keone and Mari, a married duo, are like an international NappyTabs.
Keone and Mari – Upper – They perform a lyrical routine with iPhones. The rather unsubtle message is about putting the phone down in order to connect. They toss their phones and magic happens! Jlo calls it “beautiful.” Ne-yo says “You guys epitomize power and subtlety.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdzOccnGKYE
Quickstyle – Upper – The moves are intricate, precise. I think the students have surpassed the masters, to be honest. Derek calls the performance “Perfect…you are the dopest boyband I’ve ever seen.” Ne-Yo says “Perfection start to finish.” Jennifer calls it a really tough choice. Wow. They choreographed the piece at Keone and Mari’s house! Ouch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86jk_Ylz-iA
Keone and Mari – 91.3 Quickstyle – 89.3 – Keone and Mari advance to the next round. Hm….The dudes were clearly better. They’ll be back next year and advance further, probably.
Next week: MORE DUELS.
