Israeli dog trainer Roni Sagi and her talented border collie, Rhythm, stole the spotlight on America's Got Talent with a mesmerizing performance that left judges and audiences in awe. Their audition, set to Sia's "California Dreamin'," not only earned them a standing ovation but also catapulted their video to the #8 trending spot on YouTube, amassing over half a million views in just two days, as reported on Times of Israel.
Simon Cowell, renowned judge and show creator, was visibly impressed, remarking, "When you said your dog can dance, he actually dances better than human dancers we’ve had on. I’ve never seen anything like this." His sentiment was echoed by comedian Howie Mandel, who enthusiastically added, "I love your dog."
The success of Sagi and Rhythm's audition follows a triumph by another dog-dancing duo from Turin, Italy, last season, setting high expectations for this year's competition where the winner will secure a $1 million cash prize.
Roni Sagi, a former dancer herself with nine years of experience, transitioned into dog dancing and has received accolades in Israeli media for her innovative choreography. Her philosophy revolves around strengthening the bond between dogs and their owners, emphasizing that "every dog can dance" regardless of strict criteria.
Sagi, who proudly represents Israel in international competitions, including appearances on Czech Republic's public broadcaster Kann, also uses her platform to address deeper issues. Following Israel's submission to the Eurovision Song Contest, she and Rhythm performed to "Hurricane" at the International Dog Show in Tel Aviv, reflecting on the emotional turmoil caused by regional conflicts.
"Dancing with Rhythm to the sound of this song created a tornado of emotions in me," Sagi shared. "For the first time, I got so caught up in emotion that I even forgot some moves. Our performance may not have been technically perfect, but it felt incredibly powerful."
Through her performances and social media presence, which features her five dogs and promotes her dog dance school, Keta Tov, Sagi continues to captivate global audiences with her unique blend of dance and canine agility, showcasing the universal language of music and movement.