Jennifer sees the intention to detail. Derek says with this setup, there is nothing to hide behind. He thinks they did a great job considering. Ne-Yo feels all the parts that stood out were good but he wants the in between stuff to be better. Ne-Yo votes CALLBACK. Jennifer is a YES. Derek gives his vote- a CALLBACK. The Rise doesn't make the duels right off the bat but they get a callback.
Up next are Oxygen, a contemporary/hip-hop crew from the Netherlands. They represent the upper division. Wow. This is gorgeous. It is like looking inside a kaleidoscope. The movements these girls do with their hands and legs while standing in a line is thrilling, fresh, and exciting. They are really innovative with how they put a routine together. I can see the contemporary and hip-hop fusion really well here. Excellent stuff.
Out next are Indigenous Enterprise, a Native American crew with the upper division. They mesh Native American dance with hip-hop. They have received some real love in the industry, including being in a major music video. Very cool. Very different. Something absolutely fresh to a show like this. I'm not so sure the quality of it would stand out against other crews though. While fun to watch and to marvel at, I think they would unfortunately be eaten alive by more polished crews with better routines.
And since we have entered the Latin ballroom point of the show, we meet upper division contestants from Italy, Luca and Alessandra. The secret they say is the Italian blood. They are partners for twenty-six years. They are also a couple. DANG. That was one strong as hell Argentine tango. I'm talking the pros we see on Dancing with the Stars strength dancing. Just pitch perfect from beginning to end and so fitting. A talented pair and one to watch if they can keep up offering routines like that.
Upeepz are up next, a hip-hop crew representing the upper division. They are the adult version (and coaches) of last season's Vpeepz, the junior champions. They all have different full time jobs so they rehearse late at night. They have tons of energy walking into the audition. Whoa. I haven't seen a hip-hop crew that clean in a long time. Totally dancing together as one despite doing some very intricate steps. They are practiced to perfection and I mean that as a compliment. Quite the fun routine as well with many memorable and sometimes quirky moments. Love them.
The judges didn't want it to end. Ne-Yo didn't know who to concentrate on. Derek found it poetic. Jennifer says it so beautiful and graceful. SHE GOT GOOSIES. All three give an obvious yes and they make it to the duels. Phenomenal pairing.