The Canadian crews face off on the latest 'World of Dance' episode

True, north, strong and flexible.
July 22, 2020 8:12 a.m. EST
July 22, 2020 8:54 a.m. EST
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It’s still not safe to hit the clubs, but dancing in your own home is a great way to get through quarantine and celebrate another new episode of World of Dance (Tuesdays at 10 pm ET on CTV). Tuesday’s episode kicked off the first night of The Duels for the Junior Division, which proved that the future of dance looks bright. Judges Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and Ne-Yo spent most of the episode on their feet, but instead of dancing they were giving standing ovations. Even when these three stand though, it still looks like dancing.Guest judge tWitch was back and continued to hold the key to the Redemption Round. The professional dancer is tasked with picking two eliminated acts from each division. If he thought that was difficult last week in the Upper Division, now he must break the hearts of young'uns. No one said being tWitch was easy.[video_embed id='1966249']RELATED: Derek Hough’s latest project is all about inspiring kids to move in new ways[/video_embed]Tuesday’s episode proved that mean mugging is not just for the Upper Division as the Junior’s brought the ‘tude for their Duels. Speaking of mean mugging, consider us unimpressed at the news that the judges pitted the two Canadian crews against one another. We expect a big sooorry for that decision.

GRVMNT VS. THE YOUNG CAST

The beloved Canadian crew that looks cute but hits hard were back for more. Grvmnt went full beast mode for their performance to Eminem’s “Godzilla,” dancing past the end of the music and going acapella in a move that would make B-Rabbit proud. The group went for it with their non-stop performance, giving the judges levels, intricate formations and an attitude that was a must-have for a round called The Duels. “That might be the record for the most moves in a one a half minute routine ever,” said JLo, who applauded the group for their choreography. Ne-Yo and Derek cautioned the crew on leaving little in the tank energy-wise for the end of their performance, but still applauded Grvmnt for their impressive routine.The other beloved Canadian crew that looks cute and hits hard arrived in fight mode. Where Grvmnt showed their weaknesses when it came to stamina, The Young Cast maintained their explosive energy from start to finish. Grvmnt had stronger tricks, but The Young Cast delivered razor-sharp choreography with a stunning amount of precision from each member. JLo called it one of the toughest battles she’s ever seen and all four judges agreed the decision could have gone either way. Both groups made it through to the Duels after fighting through the Call Back round, so there’s still hope for The Young Cast, who got one vote from Derek.WINNER: Grvmnt

MDC3 VS. CHIBI UNITY

The pairing of MDC3 and Chibi Unity looked like it was going to be a battle of the contemporary groups, but Chibi Unity switched up the game plan and delivered a hip hop routine that had crunk and swag. The Japanese dance crew grooved and hit hard, but in a competition that already has several hip hop groups, straying from their strength was ultimately a misstep.As for MDC3, the contemporary trio are playing the long game with their World of Dance performances and it’s showing. The group began their routine in the ending position from their Qualifier performance, a brilliant move that was immediately noticed by Derek. Dancing to Kelly Clarkson’s “Never Again,” the trio clearly told the story of an affair while displaying incredible lifts and flips. Showcasing their years of dancing together, the trio managed to flawlessly dance in sync, and at two points in the routine, all three dancers arrived at the same moves from different positions. Derek commended the group on their partner work and all four judges gave MDC3 a standing ovation.WINNER: MDC3

SAVANNAH MANZEL VS. 305

Latin dance group 305 have continued to bring enthusiasm to each routine, but the Miami crew have yet to live up to their full potential. The group switched things up for Tuesday’s Duel performance and added some contemporary moves to their Paso Doble inspired performance. The 305 have a special place in JLo’s heart after performing with the superstar at the Super Bowl, but Lopez had to admit that the group wasn’t at the level she hoped they would be at by this point in the competition. Those costumes are fire, though.As if watching a nine-year-old compete on a national television show didn’t already feel wild, viewers then had to watch 305 do their best to intimidate pocket-sized Savannah Manzel. Poor 305. Thankfully, the tiny dancer didn’t seem to mind the competition and put on her game face, or what counts as the eternally smiley dancer’s game face, for her performance as a soldier. Savannah’s mic pack flew off mid-way through her performance, which did two things: one, it gave Savannah a second chance to perform and prove that she is, in fact, a fighter; two, it brought up the question, why are they miking the dancers during their routines?
 
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You will not BELIEVE the things that @savannahmanzel is capable of. #WorldofDance

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WINNER: Savannah ManzelWatch new episodes of World of Dance every Tuesdays at 10 pm ET on CTV.[video_embed id='1998881']BEFORE YOU GO: Nicki Minaj reveals big baby news[/video_embed]

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