Dayton Paradis (centre) dances with members of "Itty Bitty Crew." Photo Courtesy: Dayton Paradis/Gary Paradis

By Lara Fominoff, CKOM News Staff

15-year-old Warman Hip Hop dancer gets opportunity of a lifetime on NBC’s ‘World of Dance’

Jun 1, 2020 | 5:57 PM

He’s been training in studios in Saskatoon and St. Albert, Alberta for seven years, working hard to get to the top of the Hip Hop dance world.

Now, 15-year-old Warman native Dayton Paradis appears to be well on his way.

He and his trio, called “Itty Bitty Crew,” were recently featured on NBC’s World of Dance – with competitors from across North America.

While he can’t say when he auditioned, or if he’ll be back on the show – he was thrilled to dance for judges Jennifer Lopez, Derek Hough, and Ne-Yo.

“When we were auditioning on the show, we were told that we were actually going to be performing in front of producers for one final audition, before we actually danced in front of the judges. So, to walk in, and see that we were dancing in front of them was crazy obviously, and like mind blowing. It was a big surprise.”

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The judges wanted to test the teens, to see how well they would perform on the spot. Not only that, they were able to meet some of the other dancers who had been featured during previous seasons.

“To be able to dance at their level and on the same stage was crazy.”

His instructor and choreographer, Vincent Akinyode with Eye Candy Company, says Paradis’ level of commitment, athleticism and work ethic make him stand out. Twice a week Paradis and his family make the five hour drive from Saskatoon to St. Albert to train.

“He’s kind of a low key perfectionist…and he’s very versatile. He can do the hard core street stuff, or if he has to go a little ‘softer’ he can adapt to that.”

Paradis’ dad, Gary, says he’s proud of his son’s accomplishments .

“This is way more than we ever expected for him.”

He admits it’s a huge financial and time commitment, however he and his wife are glad to do it.

“It’s totally different than what we expected. I have an older son that played hockey. That was expensive. The commitment level to dance and to travel and what it’s taken for him to get to where he is, doesn’t touch a hockey expense.”

“But it’s a passion to him. I never have to ask him to practice. Which makes it easier for us to put the commitment in.”

His hope for his son is that he one day can even work as a backup dancer for Jennifer Lopez at the Superbowl.

“My hope is that he just keeps going. I’ll back him, I’ll drive him, my wife will drive him. I just want him to do what makes him happy.”

Paradis, meantime, says he wants to continue with his auditions and competitions.

“It can only go up,” he says.