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Jennifer Lopez Hopes Same-Gender World of Dance Duo Will Change Minds
"...when you get to know them and their stories, you realize they're just people."
Season 3 of NBC's invigorating international dance competition series World of Dance premieres tonight, and with it comes a fresh, competitive, same-gender salsa dancing duo known simply as Jonathan y Jorge.
Jonathan (from Orlando, Florida) and Jorge from (Lima, Peru) wowed the judges with their thrilling salsa routine, a style of dance typically done by a man and a woman that is known to be very sensual. Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and Ne-Yo fall head over heels for the charm and energy emitting from Jonathan y Jorge, especially Lopez as the two perform to her song "El Anillo." The duo certainly leans into that sexuality and there are enough sparks flying between them to start a forest fire (though they make it clear that they're not boyfriends).
PRIDE sat down with World of Dance mainstage judge and pop superstar Jennifer Lopez, who had nothing but praise for the guys!
"This is a further groundbreaker because usually, you would dance that with a girl for sure. You throw her around and dance salsa and all that good stuff," Lopez told PRIDE. "I'm really excited that we continue to break ground in that way and not let anybody put anybody in a box. We're really about dancing and self-expression, just doing what you feel and bringing your own artistic ideas and message to the dance."
This is the show's second same-gender couple and Lopez is so proud to give them a platform to succeed.
"Last year, we had two contemporary guys who danced together as a couple and did relationship stories through contemporary dance. Now, this is different because traditionally salsa partner dancing usually has a guy and a girl."
She notes the importance of this representation, especially in this divided political climate.
"On network television, where you're really hitting middle America, it's going to be bit of a shocker," she said. "But I think when you get to know them and their stories, you realize they're just people."
"[Jorge] was looking for a partner and he couldn't find one and [Jonathan] was his perfect partner and they have great chemistry and they dance well together. And they're not a couple," she chuckles. "They're not romantically involved!"
With their stunning Episode 1 scores, we're sure we'll see more from Jonathan y Jorge. (But if they're soooooo single, my last question is which one is willing to take me on a date??)
Watch Jonathan y Jorge make their World of Dance debut on Tuesday, February 26 at 9pm/8c on NBC! And watch a sneak peek of the Season 3 premiere in the video below!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
Taylor Henderson is a PRIDE.com contributor. This proud Texas Bama studied Media Production/Studies and Sociology at The University of Texas at Austin, where he developed his passions for pop culture, writing, and videography. He's absolutely obsessed with Beyoncé, mangoes, and cheesy YA novels that allow him to vicariously experience the teen years he spent in the closet. He's also writing one!
