The World of Dance Duels part 2 airs 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.
The acts that scored the highest during the qualifiers round choose the dancers to duel against.
Diana Pambo chooses The Posse
The Posse – Junior – A group of young girls, they break out ropes to use as props. It’s a little messy? But as underdogs, they’re doing what they can to stand out. They didn’t get much air time in the qualifiers where they danced with a “bullying” theme. The judges are impressed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Rxyh3e1dnA
Diana Pambo – Junior – She’s a solo contemporary dancer who worships Jlo. She’s the one who wiped her head with her foot in the premiere. Diana pulls out more super-human moves. This young girl could twist herself into a gordian knot. It’s a little bit too tricksy for me at the expense of emotion. I can’t imagine her not winning the round. The judges note the technical quality of her performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZ-JxvEuhkk
The Posse – 86 – Diana Pambo – 91.3 – Diana Pambo advances Ne-Yo asks the Posse to return next year.
Supercrew choose Royal Flux
Supercrew – Team – B Boys. They’re dancing to Michael Jackson, which could be risky. They’ve got tons of tricks, great precision and smooth flow. Jlo was totally impressed with the windmill on the elbow. The judges are so excited. Derek appreciates the “cleanliness” they bring to B Boy. They say Royal Flux’s rehearsal pushed them to be precise.
Royal Flux – Team – They’re a mixed group that mixes contemporary and other dance styles into their routines. Not as flashy or entertaining as the B Boys. They needed to be more emotional and or creative. Derek says they rose to the challenge. Jlo felt the routine had “magic” and pushed the limits of contemporary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS98gsAi4ac
Royal Flux 86.3 Supercrew 89 – Supercrew advance to the next round. No surprise there.
The Lab chooses Boys of Temecula
The Lab – Junior – Many of the members come from disadvantaged backgrounds. These kids are like little pros. Great synchronization and presentation. They know how to entertain. Ne-Yo says they’re all like “little sticks of dynamite.” Jlo loves a show! “Everyone played their part…you delivered.” Derek appreciated the visuals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mss5ZmEbGo
Boys of Temecula – Junior – They want to make dance cool for dudes. There are more of them, so they don’t seem as tight as the first group. They definitely have their moments though. Nice blend of contemporary and street dancing. Derek calls the routine “fun.” Ne-Yo calls it clean and super fun. It was a little too “chorus line” in spots he says. Uh. I liked that. Jlo says the group gave The Lab a run for their money.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpzjtiXr8p4
The Boys of Temecula 84.7 The Lab 89.7 – The Lab advances to the next round Ne-yo tells the boys “chin up…come back next year.”
Les Twins choose Kyle Van Newkirk
Kyle Van Newkirk – Upper – He’s a world champion tapper from Nebraska. He dances with a silver stick as a prop. He’s giving the routine everything he’s got. Jlo gushes “You can’t count anyone out of this competition.” Derek calls the battle “David vs Goliath.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsteTcALxYw
Les Twins – Upper – The duo are internationally famous YouTubers and have worked with some big pop stars. Holy cow. Their animations are just sensational. This routine moves at a brisk pace. Energetic and mesmerizing. They deserve to win. Jlo loves their spontaneity. Derek calls the confidence “borderline offputting.” Huh? No. They chose Kyle to compete against because he’s the “only man to dance with his heart on his feet.” Kyle was good, but that was no contest.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Bs76OjaDSE
Kyle Van Newkirk – 86 Les Twins – 92 – Les Twins Advances to the next round.
Next week: The last of the duals and a three-way battle.
