Jenna Dewan Tatum, Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough and NE-YO talk about NBC's 'World of Dance'. Source: NBC World of Dance
New Zealanders will by now be familiar with the fact that Kiwis are dominating the world of dance internationally.
Parris Goebel, perhaps most famous for her choreography and performance in the video for Justin Bieber's Sorry, has established herself as one of the most innovative powerhouses in dance at the age of 26.
It's fitting then that, under Goebel's guidance at The Palace Dance Studio in Auckland, an under-18 dance crew should end up making a name for themselves in the world of dance - quite literally, on World of Dance; a new American dance competition series fronted and hosted by Jennifer Lopez alongside Ne-Yo and Derek Hough.
Hough describes the young crew, named Mini ReQuest, as "phenomenal".
Kiwi World of Dance contestants Mini ReQuest are described as a "powerhouse" by host Derek Hough. Photo / supplied
"They are a powerhouse. Just so strong, fierce and powerful," he says. "That was a great example of a group coming in with a lot of energy; they're very empowered young ladies.
"Being affiliated with Parris Goebel, who is a global superstar in her own right as far as dancing goes and what she's created on her own, comes with a set of expectations.
"I know that Jennifer [Lopez] was very much looking forward to seeing one of her groups, and I think they did great."
As for their young age, Hough believes it's a strength.
"People ask me, 'Is it fair that kids are competing against adults?' But actually, is it fair that adults are competing with kids? Because these kids – they're animals. They're out for blood. They're incredible."
World of Dance host Derek Hough says the competition "holds people to a higher standard". Photo / supplied
Hough is himself a successful dancer and performer with knowledge across a range of styles, with a particular focus on Latin and ballroom dancing. Formerly a dancer on Dancing with the Stars – on which he has won a record six seasons, as well as two Emmy Awards for outstanding choreography – Hough joined Lopez and Ne-Yo on the judges' panel of World of Dance in May last year.
Stepping into a judge's role was not without its challenges for Hough – as with any competition TV series, some dreams must be crushed.
"It kills me," he says. "You can't judge on people's potential. I can't just be like, 'eventually they're going to be good,' or 'they just had a bad round, but they'll be better'. That's not really fair… it's somebody who delivers on the night that I think deserves to go through."
It was the role of mentor that Hough found most fulfilling. "I'm a teacher, I'm a coach, I'm a choreographer; that's actually a place I feel very comfortable in. I really enjoy that element of the show," he says.
"And honestly it could be not even on technical things, but also just dealing with nerves.
"There's a very fine line being nervous and being excited – chemically they're the exact same emotion that's happening in your body, you're just giving it a different focus and a different name.
"It's not just helping their physical dancing, it's also helping the psychology of how to go out there and to maximise the performance."
Derek Hough (right) judges World of Dance alongside Ne-Yo (right) and Jennifer Lopez. Photo / supplied
World of Dance offers a point of difference to other reality TV competitions in that it features a hugely diverse array of contestants, with teams originating everywhere from Europe to South America to Oceania.
Under-18s compete alongside over-18s, and the styles of dance range from hip-hop to contemporary to flamenco, and everything in between.
It's this diversity that Hough loves about the show – and the sense of competition that brings out the best in people.
"It elevates people. It holds people to a higher standard; it pushes people," he says. "It's a phenomenal thing being part of this amazing programme that I feel like is going to get better and better and better."
LOWDOWN: Who: Derek Hough What: World of Dance, featuring Kiwi dance crew MiniRequest When: Saturday January 14, 8.30pm Where: Bravo
