The Duels are officially on for Season 4 of
World of Dance (Tuesdays at 10 pm ET on CTV) and Tuesday night was the first of two episodes that featured contestants in the Upper Division. They’re the dancers that need extra time at the end of rehearsal and have the experience to know this kind of opportunity is rare. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Ne-Yo decide who will battle each other in the Duels, with contestants learning who they’re competing against only when they walk on the stage.
World of Dance does not play.The latest episode included guest judge tWitch, who is probably now best known as Ellen DeGeneres’ show DJ, but was a finalist on several dance shows including
The Wade Robson Project, Star Search and Season 4 of
So You Think You Can Dance, which finished with tWitch as the runner-up. He's since returned several times in later seasons both as a contestant and advisor. After being introduced last season, the Redemption Round returned on Tuesday and had tWitchthe honour of choosing which two eliminated acts from each division will get a second chance at the semi-finals, a fitting appointment considering his extensive history with TV dance competitions. Heavy lies the crown. And the pointe shoes.[video_embed id='1966249']RELATED: Derek Hough’s latest project is all about inspiring kids to move in new ways[/video_embed]The competition was fierce and all three Duels featured contestants who were on par with their competitors. There was musicality, there was showmanship, there was emotion, there was power, there was a lot of aggression mixed with sequins. Bravado, but make it sparkle.
JEFFERSON Y ADRIANITA VS. LUCA & ALESSANDRA
The two ballroom couples were unsurprisingly paired together for the first Duel and made viewers everywhere elbow their partner on the couch and suggest it’s time to sign up for dance lessons. Jefferson and Adrianita topped their death-defying tricks from the Qualifiers with even more impressive offerings that made the judges very excited and very nervous. JLo said she felt that Jefferson had stepped up to Adrianita’s level and tWitch warmed his hands on the dancefloor, which was all kinds of impressive. Ne-Yo said he was sure that Adrianita could beat him in a fight, which wasn’t really a comment on her dancing, but still accurate.
Luca and Alessandra switched things up by choosing an EDM track and displayed their incredible stage presence, which included winks at the judges. It takes years of experience to get to that level of comfort when dancing. That’s Dennis-Rodman-with-bleached-hair-in -the-NBA kind of talent. The duo tried for only one lift during their performance and it fell flat (figuratively, not literally).
Winner: Jefferson Y. Adrianita
UPEEPZ VS. THE RISE
The judges warned Upeepz during the Qualifiers that they needed to step up their performance to the level of their home crew VPeepz, who won last season’s Junior Division Championship. Consider it stepped. The group brought Pitbull’s “Hotel Room Service” to life with their uniforms, luggage carousel and innovative formations. The tricks were somewhat lackluster, but what the group lacked in flips they made up for in theatrics and precision.After making it through the Call Backs, dance crew
The Rise totally…rose to the occasion. (It was right there.) The group surprised the judges with their music choice, with tWitch admitting he was impressed with the winning combination. “I’m not supposed to get hype about an all-male group dancing to ‘Don’t Cha,’” said tWitch, admitting that the pairing surprisingly worked. The Rise’s Duel performance was a massive step up from their previous performances and by massive we mean at least four inches. A backflip and landing in platforms? They came to slay.
Winner: Upeepz
KURTIS SPRUNG VS. STYLES AND EMMA
This week’s episode ended with a shirtless Duel that undoubtedly inspired at least a few viewers to do an extra crunch or two. First up was Kurtis Sprung, who brought the emotion and pain from eight years ago when he and his girlfriend broke up for a week. That’s a rough seven days. JLo is convinced Kurtis has wings and honestly, same. The athletic and emotional dancer catches air, and feelings, in every performance, making both look effortless. Kurtis received a kiss from his girlfriend at the close of his routine, causing JLo to shed a few tears.
She loves love!Kurtis had tough competition with duo
Styles and Emma, who have used their time on
World of Dance to showcase the beauty and athleticism of ballet. This week’s performance didn’t have the same effortlessness and ease as their Qualifier routine, but that doesn’t negate the fact that the duo are easily two of the most talented dancers this season.
Winner: Kurtis Sprung
World of Dance is off next week. The second night of the Duels and the conclusion to the Upper Division will return on Tuesday, July 14. Until then, keep an eye on J Lo.Watch new episodes of
World of Dance Tuesdays at 10 pm ET on CTV.[video_embed id='1986487']BEFORE YOU GO: Deborah Cox was 'like a deer in headlights' meeting her idol Whitney Houston[/video_embed]
