On Wednesday, August 12, hip-hop dance crew PHILIPPINE UPeepz wowed the judges of “World of Dance” as they competed in the semi-finals of the USA dance competition.
The 11 members of UPeepz have showcased Filipino culture on the international stage by incorporating several local influences into their performance. They wore costumes that featured local weavings reminiscent of Mindanao royalty, danced to The Black Eyed Peas’ “Bebot” with a short medley of Francis Magalona’s “Mga Kababayan Ko”, and added traditional folk dances like the tinikling and the singkil in their one. -minute routine.
Judge Jennifer Lopez was enthralled by the routine, praising UPeepz as a “strong group” that “almost dances as one”.
Judge Ne-Yo, for his part, enjoyed dancing with the dance team and praised the overall “cleanliness” of their performance.
He also gave UPeepz a shoutout on Twitter, sharing the band’s performance with the caption, “Pagmamahal @UPeepzOfficial.”
Meanwhile, judge Derek Hough said he liked that UPeepz featured Filipino culture in the dance routine.
“I feel your passion for dance so much and I love that you brought your culture into this room,” he said.
UPeepz received a score of 88 from Lopez, 89 from Ne-Yo, and 90 from Hough for an average of 89.0.
UPeepz is a two-time hip hop dance world champion.
