VIDEO: Judges vote ‘yes’ on Canada’s Got Talent to dance duo from Brampton

A dance duo and couple who’ve drawn inspiration from Brampton are moving closer to a $1 million prize on Canada’s Got Talent.

The annual variety show and competition kicked off on Tuesday with the premier episode of the show’s first-ever Million Dollar Season and featured a high-flying performance from dancers Jenalyn Saraza Pacheco and Luka Milacic-Perusina, better known as just Luka & Jenalyn while on stage.

The duo won over the celebrity judges on the Canada’s Got talent panel, getting unanimous “yes” votes and winning over the cheering crowd.

Originally from Brampton, Jenalyn grew up learning various styles of dance like jazz, tap, acro-ballet and hip hop and taught classes at The Rose Theatre. The pair met in dance class when they were just teenagers, becoming a dance team before starting their romantic partnership.

“So this is jazz missed with a touch of rugby?” judge and Canadian comedian Howie Madel joked, commenting on Luka’s sporting experience as the pair got ready for the performance.

Dancing to Lady Gaga’s “Shallow,” Jenalyn’s background in acro-ballet was on full display as Luka spun her around his body and between his legs.

One move saw Luka lift his partner above his head and drop her in a dramatic catch that seemed to impress the panel, which you can watch in a video posted to YouTube.

With several more stunning throws, spins and catches, the routine ends with the couple face and closed with a kiss.

“The truth of the matter is that was absolutely brilliant, that was so clean and so well done,” Mandel said of their choreography.

All four judges gave Luka and Jenalyn a unanimous pass to the next round of competition.

Getting onto the show has a special significance for Jenalyn who says she inherited the performance bug from her grandfather and dancing is in her DNA.

“My Lola is my biggest fan right now,” she said of her grandmother from the Philippines.

“A lot of my inspiration for my dance and the storytelling aspect of what we do comes from my background and history in dance from my Filipino culture,” Jenalyn said in an interview with Brampton City Coun. Rowena Santos.

“It is such an honour to be able to represent my hometown and to hopefully inspire other dancers in Brampton to strive for their dreams, like their biggest dreams. Because never in a million years would I have ever thought that I would be on the biggest stage in Canada and it all started here in Brampton, so any dream isn’t too big.”

The Canada’s Got Talent Million Dollar Season will see more acts try and claim the $1 million prize every Tuesday.