Luka and Jenalyn aren’t just amazing dancers; they’re trailblazers. As pioneers in cabaret ballroom (a particularly athletic type of ballroom, which features lots of throws and impressive choreography), they’re the youngest pro-finalists ever at the Blackpool Dance Festival (the most prestigious ballroom competition in the world). And they’re about to wow the world on NBC’s World of Dance. The show is about to premiere May 30 at 10/9 central on NBC, and we just can’t wait to see the duo do their thing. We caught up with them to find out what it was like to compete and what they’re into right now.
Luka and Jenalyln
Luka and Jenalyn
Style: Cabaret Ballroom
Category: Upper
From: Toronto, Canada
WOD: What was the best part of competing in World of Dance?
L&J: The best part of competing in World of Dance has to be the way the whole experience has pushed us beyond what we thought was possible. We could never have dreamed of being in the same room as these top dancers, let alone share the same stage. The friendships we made with the show and the World of Dance community has been life changing.
WOD: Who’s your favorite judge, and why?
L&J: Our favorite judge? Wow. All are amazing and inspirational, so it’s extremely hard to choose, as each one added a different dimension to the whole experience.
Jenalyn: Jennifer Lopez was so nice to meet and truly my idol because of all the different styles of dance she’s inspired, including salsa and hip hop, which I dance.
Luka: Derek Hough was so inspirational and had so many amazing ideas to learn from with his experience in ballroom and choreography. Ne-Yo was just so musically gifted, and his perspective was so unique and inspiring. NBC could not have picked a better panel of judges for us. We learned so much from them all.
WOD: What do you love most about dance?
L&J: Dance allows us to express ourselves in different ways and has allowed us to experience the world from a unique vantage point. As dance partners, we act as a team, but at the same time dance lets us be individuals with emotions and desires. Our style of dance is unique in the competitive ballroom circuit, as there are no rules and it truly is limitless, so we’re free to do the best dance show you can do. We get to travel the world and experience different cultures and people.
WOD: Why do you think the world needs dance?
L&J: Dance has no language barrier and has the ability to make the world come together and express ourselves as individuals. The human connection through dance is universal, forming bonds and friendships beyond any cities, countries, borders, distances, or differences.
WOD: What 5 songs are you obsessed with right now?
1) “Free” by 6LACK
2) “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
3) “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran
4) “That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars
5) “Started from the Bottom” by Drake
WOD: Anything else you want to add?
L&J: We are so fortunate to have been involved with both the NBC show and World of Dance. An important aspect has been the new friends and experiences we have had with the World of Dance community and how so many fans and friends have embraced us unconditionally. As the only Canadians on the show, we felt like underdogs and outsiders. But even after the first day, we felt so welcome and respected. We learned so much about ourselves through the whole experience and have grown as dancers and human beings. Pinch us because it still feels like we are in a dream.
For more of Luka and Jenalyn, follow them on Facebook, Instagram @luka.jenalyn, and Twitter @LukaJenalyn.
Love dance as much as us? Tune into NBC’s World of Dance May 30th at 10/9 central to see the world’s best dancers battle it out for a whopping $1 million prize. (Here’s everything you need to know about the show, from the competitors to the rules, in case you’re out of the loop). Don’t miss exclusive interviews, performances, and more from the definitive source for all things NBC World of Dance.
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