Roni Sagi has become a beacon of inspiration for millions worldwide in recent years, fusing athletic artistry, passionate animal advocacy, and heartfelt Israeli roots into a life story as compelling as any of her award-winning routines. As a dog trainer, performer, educator, and entrepreneur, Sagi has broken barriers and charmed audiences, most notably as the runner-up of “America’s Got Talent” season 19, where her canine partner Rhythm stunned judges and viewers with their unique duets. Yet the brilliance of Roni Sagi extends far beyond television screens. Her story is one of family, heritage, perseverance, artistry, and profound compassion—for both humanity and animals. This article will explore every aspect of her life that shaped her journey and achievements—from her early upbringing and cultural influences to her humane philosophy, personal likes and pet peeves, and the legacy she is actively creating for the universe.
Birth and Early Life
Roni Sagi was born on September 7, 1992, in Israel, the second daughter of parents Moshe and Galia Sagi. However, her story started with a global twist: she and her older sister Sol were born in Hong Kong, where their father ran a business as a soccer talent scout and their mother worked as a musician and Tai Chi teacher. The international nature of her family’s life—from Asia to the Middle East—Wove into Roni’s earliest memories a sense of adventure, openness, and cultural dialogue. When she was around four, the family relocated to Israel, ultimately settling in Kfar Saba, a suburb of Tel Aviv, at her mother’s bidding so they could be closer to Israeli culture and family friends.
As a little girl, Roni displayed an early fascination with animals, particularly dogs. Her vivid childhood imagination often found her pretending to be a white dog named Snow, crawling around the house and begging for a puppy of her own. One morning, that dream came true: her mother brought home Levana (a white rescue dog), and Roni’s lifelong bond with dogs was sparked. These formative years, filled with both the affectionate chaos of animal companions and the exploratory spirit of two continents, planted key seeds for her later success—as a dog trainer, performer, and connector of people and animals.
The Meaning Behind “Roni”
Roni’s first name carries a resonance that mirrors her life’s work. In Hebrew, Roni (רוֹנִי) means “my joy” or “my song”—a lyrical expression of happiness, celebration, and heartfelt connection. In English contexts, it can also be a diminutive of Veronica, meaning “true image”, while in some European traditions it traces to roots signifying a “sacred name.” This blend of meanings—joy, truth, and sacredness—beautifully encapsulates the way Roni moves through the world: bringing authentic delight to audiences, honoring the truth of the human–animal bond, and treating her art as something worthy of reverence.
Family Background
Roni’s family is a colorful tapestry that directly influenced her worldview and her values. Her father, Moshe Sagi, is a noted soccer talent scout whose business often took him between Israel and Hong Kong. Moshe’s work ethic and cosmopolitan perspective instilled in Roni both ambition and an appreciation for multiculturalism. Her mother, Galia Sagi, is a classically trained musician and highly respected Tai Chi and self-defense instructor. Galia’s compassion and strength—including her work empowering girls who have endured violence—were an everyday example for her daughters.
Animal care was a way of life in the Sagi household. Galia frequently brought home stray dogs, sometimes caring for them for months and then finding them new families. These experiences gave both Roni and her sister Sol sensitive, intuitive understandings of animal behavior, empathy, and the challenges facing unwanted animals. Sol herself pursued a passion for dance, founding one of Israel’s largest hip-hop dance studios, the Sol Dance Academy, and also serving as a mentor and choreographic collaborator for Roni.
The Sagi family’s intertwined love of the arts and animals, combined with cross-cultural living, unconditionally shaped Roni’s vision: one of collaboration, resilience, pride, and service. The tragic loss of Roni’s father shortly after her “America’s Got Talent” finale in 2024 was a bittersweet moment—rooted in both pain and the celebration of his role in her journey.
Ancestral Heritage and Influence
The surname Sagi carries a powerful legacy, rich in multicultural and symbolic meaning. It is derived from the Hebrew “sagi,” meaning “great” or “majestic,” a name adopted by many Jewish families as they Hebraicized Ashkenazic surnames in Israel. The Sagi name is also found in Hungarian, Croatian, and Serbian contexts, often referring to someone living by or on a hill. Such multiethnic roots evoke a theme of transcendence and ambition.
Roni’s Jewish heritage plays a defining role in her identity and how she presents herself on global stages. Proud of her Israeli background, she has always celebrated her roots, often incorporating subtle national symbols—such as yellow ribbons honoring abducted Israelis—into her performances. Her assertiveness about Israeli pride and her belief in the human—not political—nature of these gestures have made her not only a respected artist but also a positive ambassador for her homeland at a time of global scrutiny.
Roni often credits both her immediate family and her ancestors, by way of their enduring values, for fostering her love of learning, creativity, and “good vibes.” The familial tradition of animal rescue, creative expression, and justice for others is a thread woven through her character and achievements.
Places Lived and Cultural Influences
Roni’s geographic journey—from Hong Kong to Israel and frequent travels across Europe and North America—fueled a broader outlook and adaptability. Living as a child in Hong Kong gave her early exposure to Asian traditions, language, and cross-cultural interaction. Upon settling in Kfar Saba, Israel, she grew deeply rooted in her local community while retaining a cosmopolitan mindset.
Her mother’s and father’s frequent commutes between Hong Kong and Israel, combined with the family’s hosting of strays and travelers, exposed Roni to new people, stories, and ways of being. As an adult, Roni has represented Israel worldwide, from European dog dancing championships to global television competitions. This international exposure has given her a nuanced appreciation for diversity and a deep commitment to cross-border collaboration in the world of performance, dog training, and education.
Education and Formal Training
Roni’s formal education is a reflection of her curiosity and diverse passions. Bi-lingual and fluent in both English and Hebrew, she attended school in Kfar Saba—where she immersed herself in dance from the age of nine, inspired by her sister Sol. She joined a youth dance troupe and quickly stood out for her commitment, discipline, and artistic flair. Roni trained and performed as a dancer from 1998 to 2009, participating in numerous competitions and recitals across Israel. She credits this period for instilling a sense of rhythm, body awareness, and stage discipline that later proved invaluable in her work with dogs.
Intrigued by psychology, animal behavior, and helping others, Roni trained at a professional school for dog training and therapy in her mid-twenties, following an especially challenging foster case. Here, she learned the science of canine behavior modification, positive reinforcement, and therapy dog certification, developing the technical skills that would make her a leader in her field.
Her journey as an educator did not stop at personal mastery. Roni is committed to lifelong learning—constantly researching new methods, attending workshops (both domestic and abroad), and collaborating with top trainers worldwide. This educational ethos is now a hallmark of her business, Keta Tov, which specializes in accessible, up-to-date, and evidence-based online dog dance courses.
Early Interest in Animals and Dog Training
Dogs and animals were not just pets in the Sagi household—they were part of the family and the bread of life. From her first pup Levana, to her “white rescue bestie” Poppy, Roni’s journey of animal care began in childhood. She remembers pretending to be a dog, speaking in “barks and howls” before mastering the nuanced, loving language of animal training.
In her twenties, Roni became a foster carer for rescue dogs, guided by her own mother’s routine acts of animal kindness. A transformative experience came when she took in a dog with severe behavioral issues. The arduous process of building trust and effecting lasting change taught Roni empathy, rigor, and the power of positive motivation. This period cemented her vocation—as a professional dog trainer, behaviorist, and eventually, innovator in the specialized world of “dog dancing,” or musical canine freestyle.
Roni’s interest in dog therapy, service dog work, and the psychological benefits of human-animal bonds led her to formal studies and certifications. Today, she is widely recognized for her humane, playful, and evidence-based approach—advocating for rapport over coercion and “the dance of connection” rather than rote obedience.
Dance and Performance Training
Though dog dancing would become her unique artistic signature, Roni’s foundations are in human dance. Following in Sol’s footsteps, she danced competitively from age nine through her late teens, training in various genres and winning accolades. Dance provided Roni with essential skills: musicality, body awareness, timing, teamwork, and stage presence.
She stopped formal dance training as a teenager to explore other interests, but the sensibility never left her. Later, witnessing an international freestyle dog dancing competition online became a life-changing revelation for Roni. “It was the most intense experience of my life… I was wondering, ‘Does the dog create the choreography?’” She recognized that this hybrid art—combining athletic choreography, animal communication, and music—could become her calling, and she began self-training in canine freestyle, largely by watching and learning from top performers like Anastasiia Beaumont.
Roni’s approach to both “canine freestyle” and “heelwork to music” is highly collaborative. She leverages both her performer’s eye and trainer’s empathy, always prioritizing the dog’s experience alongside her own artistry. Her routines are not simply tricks but emotionally charged duets that blur the boundary between species—a feat few artists in the world have achieved at her level.
Founding and Growth of Keta Tov
Keta Tov—which means “Good Vibes” in Hebrew, but is a playful phrase referencing signature moves in musical routines—is Roni’s capstone business and mission. Recognizing that dog dancing was largely untaught in Israel, she founded Keta Tov as a way to educate, inspire, and unite dog lovers through dance. The platform operates primarily online, offering a suite of video courses, one-on-one mentorships, live seminars, and community events. Keta Tov is the only school of its kind in Israel and one of the few globally that provide a structured curriculum tailored to different skill levels, ages, and dog temperaments.
Roni’s philosophy infuses Keta Tov: connection first, artistry follows; joy and bonding are paramount. Her courses demystify the art of dog dancing, breaking down complex routines into achievable steps for both dogs and humans. The venture has grown explosively since her AGT fame, with more than ten thousand students having taken her online classes and an expanding international client base seeking workshops and collaborations.
In addition to her signature dances with Rhythm, Keta Tov features her other dogs—Bailey, Pessah, Martha, Blondie—and guest trainers. Students report increased confidence, improved canine communication, and stronger friendships through her method, validating Roni’s vision of joyful, egalitarian instruction.
The “America’s Got Talent” Journey
Audition and Ascent
Roni Sagi’s breakthrough on “America’s Got Talent” (AGT) season 19 stands as one of the most captivating dog act stories in the show’s history. From their very first audition, Roni and her two-year-old Border Collie, Rhythm, set themselves apart. Their performance to Sia’s cover of “California Dreamin’” mesmerized audience and judges alike. Rhythm mimicked Roni’s dance moves with uncanny synchronicity—crossing paws in a “model walk,” leaping through her arms, and repeatedly bringing the judge panel (Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Heidi Klum, and Howie Mandel) to their feet. Cowell, famous for his bluntness, told her, “He actually dances better than the human dancers we’ve had on here.” Vergara called it “magic,” while Mandel stated it was a level above what had ever been seen before.
Quarterfinals and a Deeper Bond
In the quarterfinals, Roni and Rhythm’s routines to Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Don’t Stop Me Now” displayed inventive choreography and even deeper rapport, earning standing ovations and heartfelt commentary from the show’s celebrities. This round was especially emotional for Roni, as she dedicated the performance to her father, who was hospitalized after an accident. The duo advanced as audience favorites, trailing only the eventual winner, Richard Goodall.
Semifinals and Finals
Their semifinal performance—a “Flashdance”-inspired number to “What A Feeling” by Irene Cara—featured impressive athleticism and a ballet barre, with Rhythm jumping, spinning, and even dancing solo. Judges praised it as “better than the movie” and scored it as “Olympic-level.” Beyond mere tricks, these performances communicated art, trust, and partnership.
In the finale, the team performed to Alessia Cara’s “Scars to Your Beautiful”, interpreting a theme of self-acceptance and resilience. The duo debuted a routine comprised of 80% new moves—a high-risk, high-reward strategy that elevated their legend even further. Guesting in a grand mash-up with groups Hakuna Matata Acrobatic and Brent Street, Roni and Rhythm ultimately placed second, a debut placement unmatched by any previous Israeli act and a rare feat in AGT’s history.
The aftermath was bittersweet: moments after the victory celebration, Roni learned her father had passed away in Israel. She handled the tragedy with grace and gratitude, dedicating the experience to her father’s memory and to the millions she and Rhythm had inspired along the way.
Professional Achievements and Awards
Roni Sagi’s list of accolades is impressive, both prior to and following her AGT fame:
| Year | Achievement | Partner(s)/ Dog(s) | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Dance Competition Finalist (Israel) | Sol Sagi (sister) | Numerous awards in solo/group youth dance |
| 2021, 2023 | Top 10, Open European Championships in Dog Dancing | Pessah, Rhythm | International dog dance performance (OEC) |
| 2022 | 2nd Vice Champion, Open European Championships in Dog Dancing | Pessah | Highest Israeli placement at the time |
| 2024 | Runner-up, America’s Got Talent (Season 19) | Rhythm | First Israeli finalist in AGT Dog Dance history |
| 2019–Present | Multiple Media Features and Dog Dance Competitions (Global/Israel) | Rhythm, Pessah, Martha, Bailey | Ongoing workshops, seminars, and competitions |
| 2023–Present | Growing International Enrollments in Keta Tov Courses | N/A | Over 10,000 online students worldwide |
Roni’s performances have been reviewed by the Los Angeles Times, NBC, Jewish News, Kveller, and Israeli national media. She remains the only Israeli to place in the AGT top two and is globally acknowledged as a pioneer of modern canine freestyle.
Social Media Presence and Engagement
A masterful user of contemporary platforms, Roni Sagi has cultivated a substantial digital following. Her Instagram account (@ronisagi) boasts over 787,000 followers, offering daily videos, training snips, motivational posts, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her “dog dancer” world. Her viral reels—like dancing on the beach to Alex Warren with Rhythm—have garnered over 1.5 million likes on Instagram, making her both an influencer and a role model in pet, animal welfare, and lifestyle circles.
On YouTube, her channel “Roni & Rhythm” presents training content, performances, live event coverage, and even improvisational dog dance—catered both to fans and fellow trainers. Her content promotes education as well as entertainment, with specialized playlists for different learning tracks.
Despite a smaller following on Facebook, her posts generate high engagement, often centering on animal rescue updates, charitable campaigns, and interactive Q&As. The Keta Tov website and its embedded community feature have further expanded her reach, enabling global networking between dog lovers and enthusiasts.
Personal Interests, Likes, Dislikes, and Pet Peeves
Roni Sagi’s personal interests are deeply intertwined with her public mission. She is, above all, passionate about:
- Animals: Especially dogs, but she expresses affection for all creatures and incorporates animal welfare into her daily routine.
- Dance, music, and art: These are both leisure and professional pursuits, blending physical expression with mental well-being.
- Travel: Inspired by her own globe-trotting childhood, she relishes traveling for competitions, seminars, and retreats.
- Education: Roni enjoys researching dog psychology, animal therapies, and communication.
- Israeli culture and heritage: She is bilingual and takes pride in “demonstrating [her] Israeliness” at every opportunity, saying, “Everyone knew where I was from” during AGT.
Her dislikes and “pet peeves” center on negativity, animal neglect, and mindless competition. She is outspoken about ethical training, consent, and animal agency—disapproving of acts, even in competitions, that stress or exploit animals for entertainment.
Among her lighter quirks:
- She values authenticity over polish in social media (preferring real, candid moments).
- She dislikes coercion in all forms, both with animals and people.
- She is a self-described “perfectionist” on stage but forgives her own and her partner’s mistakes, focusing always on growth.
Personal Philosophy and Humanitarian Impact
Roni Sagi’s personal philosophy is rooted in “dancing with life”—an outlook grounded in joy, growth through adversity, and mutual respect. She often says, “If my dog isn’t having fun, I’m not having fun”—a mantra that has made her a trusted voice in animal advocacy and humane education.
Key tenets of her worldview include:
- Connection over Control: Training should build rapport and trust, not obedience at the expense of autonomy.
- Empathy and Vulnerability: She is open about personal struggles (family tragedy, stage fright), believing that sharing one’s journey—good and bad—can unite people and create hope.
- Legacy and Service: The death of her father and the effects of the 2023–2025 war in Israel made Roni reflect deeply. She aims to leave a legacy that is “beautiful,” showing the world that “sometimes love is enough; that’s what I share with Rhythm and I wanted the world to see him dance”.
- Positive Representation: As a prominent Israeli, she aspires to “make people look at us [Israelis] in a positive way,” especially in times of political difficulty.
As a humanitarian, Roni’s AGT journey and subsequent media appearances have sparked global interest in musical canine freestyle, animal rescue, and compassionate, dialogic living. She views fame as not an end, but as a platform to make the world—one dog, one dance, one smile at a time—better.
Philanthropy and Animal Welfare Initiatives
Roni’s commitment to animal welfare is neither symbolic nor occasional—it is the underpinning of her life’s work. She is directly involved in:
- Rescue and Foster Care: Roni has fostered numerous stray dogs, supporting rehoming initiatives and rehabilitation efforts for abused or neglected animals.
- Education: Through Keta Tov, she offers free and subsidized courses to new pet owners and at-risk youth, teaching empathy and communication skills.
- Community Service: She regularly volunteers at animal shelters, hosts charity workshops, and raises funds/awareness for causes like Bring Them Home Now.
- Advocacy: Roni uses her platform to advocate for responsible pet ownership, adoption over buying, and positive reinforcement-based training.
Her influence has led to a marked increase in dog adoption and interest in humane, joyful training in Israel—a phenomenon which continues to spread internationally via her online content and appearances.
Media Coverage and Press Features
Roni Sagi’s rise is mirrored by extensive media coverage:
- The Los Angeles Times profiled her AGT journey and creative process, highlighting her blend of artistry and compassion.
- NBC, The Jewish News, Kveller, The Music Man, and Trending American all published features on her skill, humanitarian ethos, and cultural pride.
- Israeli news sources such as Israel Hayom and Ynetnews hailed her as a national ambassador, reporting on both her triumph at AGT and her poise in personal tragedy.
- Her dog training school, Keta Tov, has been spotlighted via the Wix Blog for its innovative approach, business structure, and ability to reach a global clientele.
Sagi is regularly invited as an expert commentator and guest lecturer on Israeli television and international podcasts, sharing her insights on dog behavior, performance, and entrepreneurship.
Future Plans and Upcoming Projects
Roni Sagi shows no signs of slowing down. Building on her AGT success, she is poised to expand Keta Tov’s offerings, including:
- New Keta Tov Programs: Additional intermediate and advanced modules, teacher certifications, and a roll-out of Keta Tov in multiple languages for global users.
- International Seminars and Workshops: She is scheduled for seminars in Europe, the United States, and Asia, subject to global travel conditions and political stability.
- Dog Dance Innovations: Collaborations with top trainers and performers to develop new dance genres and interdisciplinary formats (such as “dance for therapy” for kids and elderly).
- Animal Welfare Campaigns: New fundraising partnerships and public advocacy efforts, leveraging her growing visibility for maximal impact.
Roni is also considering a book and documentary based on her and Rhythm’s journey, blending poignant storytelling with practical training guidance.
Conclusion
In the span of just a few years, Roni Sagi has achieved what most dream of in a lifetime: international recognition, a flourishing creative business, and a legacy of joy and justice for animals and people alike. Her story is testimony to the transformative potential of family, heritage, compassion, perseverance, and artistry. From her earliest childhood in Hong Kong and Israel through trials, loss, and dazzling victory on “America’s Got Talent,” she has consistently chosen connection over competition, empathy over ego, and love over all else.
Through Keta Tov, her animal welfare activism, and her mesmerizing performances with Rhythm, Roni has inspired a global audience to “dance with life”—not just for applause, but to create a universe where every being is seen, respected, and celebrated. Her impact is not only humanitarian but, in the truest sense, cosmic; she is a force for good whose steps, on and off stage, leave indelible marks on the world.
References
- Chelin, Pamela. “How dog dancing duo Roni & Rhythm took their paw-inspiring act to the next step on ‘America’s Got Talent.’” Los Angeles Times, 17 Sept. 2024. How dog dancing duo Roni & Rhythm took their paw-inspiring act to the next step on ‘America’s Got Talent’.
- Goldstein, Kylie. “Roni Sagi: from America’s Got Talent to building a brand online.” Wix Blog, 12 Nov. 2024. Roni Sagi: from America’s Got Talent to building a brand online.
- Grant, Brigit. “Pawsome! How Rhythm the dog stole Simon Cowell’s heart.” Jewish News, 12 Dec. 2024. Pawsome! How Rhythm the dog stole Simon Cowell’s heart.
- Nirman, Adi. “Israeli pride: Dance duo takes 2nd place in ‘America’s Got Talent’ finale.” Israel Hayom, 25 Sept. 2024. Israeli pride: Dance duo takes 2nd place in ‘America’s Got Talent’ finale.
- Robertson, Tilda. “Roni Sagi & Rhythm: The Untold Story of Their Million-Dollar Empire!” The Biography, 12 Dec. 2024. Roni Sagi & Rhythm: The Untold Story of Their Million-Dollar Empire!.
- Sederstrom, Jill. “Roni Sagi and Dog Rhythm Dance to Flashdance in AGT Semifinal.” NBC Insider, 13 Sept. 2024. Roni Sagi and Dog Rhythm Dance to Flashdance in AGT Semifinal.
- Sagi, Roni. “About.” Keta Tov, 2024. About | Keta Tov.
- Wickramasinghe, Ashani. “What Happened to Roni Sagi and Rhythm on AGT 2024?” Trending American, 27 Sept. 2024. What Happened to Roni Sagi and Rhythm on AGT 2024?.
- Zaltzman, Lior. “This Israeli Dancer and Her Dog Are Competing on ‘America’s Got Talent’.” Kveller, 17 Sept. 2024. This Israeli Dancer and Her Dog Are Competing on ‘America’s Got Talent’.
- “Roni Sagi.” Famous Birthdays, 2025. Roni Sagi – Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays.
- “Roni Sagi & Rhythm.” America’s Got Talent Wiki. Roni Sagi & Rhythm | America’s Got Talent Wiki | Fandom.
- “Roni Sagi & Rhythm: The Adorable Dancing Dog Audition Stealing Hearts on America’s Got Talent.” The Music Man UK, 1 July 2024. Roni & Rhythm: The Adorable Dancing Dog Audition Stealing Hearts on America’s Got Talent – The Music Man.
- “Dog Dancer—Roni Sagi.” IMDb, 2025. Roni Sagi – IMDb.
- Dey, Kunal. “‘AGT’ star Roni Sagi learned of her father’s death moments after she and her dog Rhythm finished second.” MEAWW, 25 Sept. 2024. ‘AGT’ star Roni Sagi learned of her father’s death moments after she and her dog Rhythm finished second.
- “Roni Sagi – Keta Tov (@ronisagi) Instagram Stats and analytics.” HypeAuditor, 2025. Roni Sagi – Keta Tov (@ronisagi) Instagram Stats and analytics – HypeAuditor.
- “Roni & Rhythm – YouTube.” YouTube. Roni & Rhythm – YouTube.
This article celebrates the extraordinary life, achievements, and positive global impact of Roni Sagi, as chronicled up to August 2025.
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