Roni Sagi and her dog Rhythm have always been in sync. Resting casually on the floor of a production room near the stage of “America’s Got Talent” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, Sagi sits for an interview two weeks ahead of her next performance with her 3-year-old black and white border collie. Beneath the spotlight onstage, the two are more than just best friends — they’re also dance partners.
Recently, the pair began working on their upcoming semifinals routine, set to “Flashdance...
What a Feeling,” for the popular TV talent competition. Sagi is dressed in her rehearsal clothing, a gray tank top, black stretch pants and white sneakers. The 32-year-old Israeli is surprisingly relaxed despite the high stakes that await her in front of judges Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandell.
She’s a natural beauty, with her long, sandy blond hair partially tied back accentuating her soulful hazel eyes and infectious smile. Nearby, Rhythm jauntily greets some of the show’s producers, who pause their work to pet the charming pup. Soon after, he settles at Sagi’s feet, gazes up at her adoringly and then climbs into her lap to lick her face.
The age-old Hollywood maxim never to work with children or animals lest they steal the limelight is undoubtedly true watching Sagi and Rhythm, whose spectacular dance routines on “America’s Got Talent” have scored the duo a spot in the finals this season. Nothing pleases Sagi more, however, than for Rhyth.