As for Brandon, she believes it's a combination of factors, including faculty and work ethic.

"There are a large number of really fabulous schools with great dance teachers in that area," she said. "But it's also because of the culture. Young people from Utah tend to be more focused and certainly more disciplined and hard working."

It's that focus and training that Holker and Tuaileva will be counting on during the next few weeks while they try to dance their way into America's heart on "So You Think You Can Dance."

Every week they will be paired with one of the other contestants to dance everything from paso doble and salsa to hip-hop and krump.

Each Wednesday night, phone lines will open up and viewers will vote for their favorites. Those who don't get enough votes don't move on to the next week.

It will take everything the two dancers have got to survive the grueling 12-week competition. Still, their supporters are confident they'll make it.

"We know he can entertain," said Rick Robinson, who has taught Tuaileva since he was 9. "The boy just has a knack for the stage. You can try to cultivate that, but you can't teach it. That's what's so unique about Jaymz. He has that passion, and it shows."

The pair performs Wednesday at 7 p.m. on Ch. 13.

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E-mail: alorimer@desnews.com