Season 2 of NBC’s hit show World of Dance premiered just a few weeks ago with its winning formula still firmly in place.
Jenna Dewan has returned to her hosting duties, and the full complement of celebrity judges from the inaugural season — Jennifer Lopez (also executive producer), NE-YO, and Derek Hough (of Dancing with the Stars fame).— are all back to score contestants on five criteria: Performance, Technique, Choreography, Creativity, and Presentation.
So what’s new this season?
First, the show has expanded to 16 episodes from 10 (and NBC has already signed on to a third season), and the competition now includes five rounds: Qualifiers, Duels, The Cut, Divisional Final, and the World Final.
Second, the competitors are now divided into four divisions: Upper (18 and older; one to four dancers), Upper Team (18 and older, five to 15 dancers), Junior (17 and younger; one to four dancers), Junior Team (17 and younger; five to 15 dancers).
Competition begins within each of the four divisions. Solo dancers will compete against duos and crews in an unlimited range of dance, including hip-hop, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, stomping and more, as top dancers from all over the world vie for the title of best dancer and the prize of $1 million.
Now, some of those “top dancers from all over the world” just happen to live in South Florida. It was a pleasure to chat with Jonas & Ruby and Vivian Ruiz, two acts that polish their fancy footwork right here in Miami.
Catch World of Dance Tuesdays at 10pm on NBC.
Jonas & Ruby
14 and 15, Miami
Division: Junior
Style: Ballroom
Jonas and Ruby have been a team since shortly after Jonas left his native Lithuania to pursue his ballroom career. And this is not their first time at the rodeo, fellas. The pair made it all the way to the quarterfinals on Season 8 of America’s Got Talent in 2013. And Ruby has been known to step out on her own. She placed sixth on Season 13 of So You Think You Can Dance two years ago.
How long have you been dancing together?
We’ve been dancing together for six years now, so we know each other pretty well!
What’s the biggest contest you’ve won?
Our biggest accomplishment is probably holding the United States Champion title for three years.
How excited were you when you found out you would be on World of Dance?
We were beyond excited! It was an unforgettable experience that we will cherish forever!
How did you prepare for the audition?
Our preparation for World of Dance was surprisingly short. Although, we’re constantly improving our technique in the studio, we prepared our dance in about a week or two! It was a crazy ride, but we managed to pull it off.
Why should you win World of Dance?
We believe we have what it takes to win World of Dance because our strong partnership and ability to showcase other styles is a great advantage against other competitors. We also bring in a different dynamic and style every time we compete, which is something many dancers are unable to do.
Vivian Ruiz
16, Miami
Division: Junior
Style: Contemporary
After training with Sarasota Cuban Ballet and winning teen dance competitions everywhere from Orlando to Buffalo to Denver, Vivian finally felt confident enough to try out for Season 2 of World of Dance.
How long have you been dancing?
Nine years.
What’s the biggest contest you’ve won?
The biggest contest I’ve won so far would have to be winning 1st Place in the Contemporary Dance Category at YAGP [Youth America Grand Prix] two years in a row.
How excited were you when you found out you would be on World of Dance?
I was super excited. It was like a dream come true for me.
How did you prepare for the audition?
I spent a countless number of hours training in the studio.
Why should you win World of Dance?
Because I have the hard work and determination. I’m very dedicated to my dancing. Dance is everything to me, and winning would be a huge reward.
