When Ruby Castro and Jonas Terleckas stepped onto the America’s Got Talent stage in 2013, they looked like two ordinary kids. Ruby was just 9 years old and Jonas was only 10—but the moment the music started, their age became very easy to forget.
The young ballroom duo had met at Ruby’s parents’ dance studio in Miami and quickly developed an impressive partnership. Despite being so young, both had already spent years training in ballroom dance.
For their AGT audition, Ruby and Jonas performed an energetic Cha-Cha to “Oye Como Va.”
Almost immediately, they showed remarkable confidence. Their sharp footwork, synchronized movements and surprisingly mature stage presence made the routine look like something performed by dancers far beyond their years.
The judges were impressed as well. Howard Stern, Heidi Klum, Mel B and Howie Mandel all voted yes, sending the young duo through to the next stage of the competition.
And their AGT journey didn’t end there.
Ruby and Jonas continued through the Vegas round and eventually earned a spot in the quarterfinals, where they performed to Bruno Mars’ “Runaway Baby.” Although they didn’t advance to the semifinals, they had already shown millions of viewers just how much talent could come from two incredibly young dancers.
They may have walked onto the stage as kids—but once Ruby and Jonas started moving, they looked like professionals.
