Filipino hip-hop dance crew UPeepz is en route to the “World of Dance” semifinals after it showcased a fast-paced performance in a dance battle.
UPeepz faced off with American dance crew The Rise in a round called the Duels yesterday, June 30. The winner of the round moves on to the semifinals.
UPeepz’s 11 members served a dynamic performance to Pitbull’s “Hotel Room Service,” dressed as bellhops, and used a luggage cart as a prop.
It was also clear that the dancers were confident of the show they put on as they presented The Rise with a mock-up of a plane ticket to go home.
Jennifer Lopez, who was critical of UPeepz in the Qualifiers, was all praises for the group this time.
“I love this concept,” the pop star said. “You guys really stepped it up from the first time we saw you, I gotta tell you.”
She said the dance was “super clean” and “well-choreographed,” and mentioned that the tricks they performed “worked with the music.”
Lopez also came to their defense when guest judge Twitch said he “wanted to see more formations.” She argued that they were watching from a different angle, and as Twitch continued to argue his point, Derek Hough told them to calm down.
Hough, meanwhile, was also a fan of the concept and their movement. “The synchronicity, tight movement is so fantastic,” he said.
Ne-Yo’s sole critique was that the tricks “didn’t fall for him” and hoped for something more exciting.
The Rise, meanwhile, danced to the Pussycat Dolls’ “Don’t Cha.”
After their performances, UPeepz won the judges’ vote 2-1, with Ne-Yo voting against them.
The group is a step closer to World Final, where it hopes to have a chance to win the $1 million grand prize. /ra
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