USA "Dancing with the Stars" competitors announced

[leftfeetnyc]

ENTERTAINMENT

May 10, 2005

“DANCING WITH THE STARS” TEAMS CELEBRITIES WITH PROFESSIONAL DANCERS IN A DAZZLING AND SUSPENSEFUL LIVE BALLROOM DANCING COMPETITION


Series Features Trista Sutter (“The Bachelorette”), Supermodel Rachel Hunter, Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield, Joey McIntyre (Formerly of New Kids on the Block), John O’Hurley (“Seinfeld”) and Soap Star Kelly Monaco (“General Hospital”), All Paired with Professional Ballroom Dancing Partners for a Live, Knockout Competition


What do a reality show star, a supermodel, a boxing champ, an actor, a singer and a soap star have in common? They’re all embarking on an intense competition, learning to ballroom dance in front of the nation and be critiqued by both viewers and judges alike!

“Dancing with the Stars” is a totally unique and original series that pairs a celebrity with a professional dance partner as they train and then compete in front of a studio audience in a televised dance competition. They will be judged by a panel of experts and also by viewers at home, with one couple being eliminated each week. “Dancing with the Stars” debuts WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1 (9:00-10:00 p.m., ET), live!

“Dancing with the Stars” has broad appeal, offering viewers dazzling costumes, dancing, celebrity gossip, behind-the-scenes training and contemporary music performed by a live 15-piece band. The format has already been an international hit in several countries.


The following pairs will compete:

Trista Sutter and Louis van Amstel – As the star of the romantic reality series, “The Bachelorette,” Trista is no stranger to televised competition: She met and married her husband of 17 months on television. Trista comes to the competition with some dance experience, having performed with the Miami Heat dancers at NBA games. She admits that hip-hop dancing is very different from ballroom-style dancing. Luckily her dance partner, Louis van Amstel, is a legend in the dance world, particularly in the style of Latin dance. He holds several titles, including the United States Professional Latin Champion and World Professional Show Dance Champion, and he directed and produced “Latin Fusion” on Broadway.

Rachel Hunter and Jonathan Roberts – Since 1989, when she posed for the cover of Sports Illustrated, Rachel Hunter has become one of the world’s most recognizable faces. She has posed for hundreds of magazines, including Vogue and Elle, and has represented such cosmetic lines as Revlon, Covergirl and Pantene. Recently she’s moved into the acting arena with appearances on “Suddenly Susan” and “The Drew Carey Show,” and in one of last year’s most popular music videos, ”Stacey’s Mom,” by the Fountains of Wayne. She will be led by Jonathan Roberts, who brings ten years of dance experience to the competition. Jonathan is the 2004 USA Rising Star Latin Champion and the twice-undefeated USA Pro-Am 10 Dance Champion. He continues to compete and represent the USA in several Pro-Am competitions.

Evander Holyfield and Edyta Sliwinska – Evander Holyfield became the Heavyweight Champion of the world in 1990 and has won the title four times. As a professional boxer, he has faced numerous legends in the ring, including George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe, Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson. His dance partner is Edyta Sliwinska, who took first place in both the 2001 International Grand Ballroom Competition and the 2001 Holiday Ball. Edyta is currently dating her dance partner and another competitor, Alec Mazo (Kelly Monaco’s dance partner).

Joey McIntyre and Ashly Delgrosso – As a former member of the one of the original boy bands, New Kids on the Block, Joey McIntyre grew up dancing and singing -- but never ballroom! As an adult he transitioned into acting and recently starred on Broadway, first in “Tick Tick Boom” and then in “Wicked.” He has also appeared on ABC’s “Boston Legal.” His dance partner is Ashly Delgrosso, who has danced for her entire life. With her former dance partner and ex-husband, she has won several Amateur Ten Dance titles.

John O’Hurley and Charlotte Jorgensen – Best known for his role as charismatic catalogue king J. Peterman on the hit series “Seinfeld,” John is an all-around entertainer. In addition to his numerous television credits, he has many stage credits. He also runs a busy company and performs comedy. His partner, Danish beauty Charlotte Jorgensen, has been dancing since the age of ten. She has held several titles, including 1999 U.S. Open Champion and 1998 Japanese Open International Ballroom Champion. Charlotte was Richard Gere’s dance instructor as he prepared for the film “Shall We Dance.”

Kelly Monaco and Alec Mazo – Currently starring on the ABC Daytime drama “General Hospital,” Kelly gained national attention when she was featured in the May 1997 edition of Playboy magazine. Her partner, Alec Mazo, began dancing at age five in his native Russia. He was the Emerald Ball Latin Champion and placed first in the 2001 International Grand Ball and the 2001 Holiday Ball. He also runs the largest and most successful dance studio in Southern California. Alec recently began competing professionally with his girlfriend of four years, Edyta Sliwinska, who is partnered with Evander Holyfield for this competition.

In addition to learning precise movements and maneuvering in extravagant costumes, the pairs must maintain their focus, grace and composure during extremely high-pressured competition. Will they remain compatible during the process?

The couples have already embarked on intense training in preparation for the first live show. During the live shows, judges will give a score based on several factors, including technical execution. But the judges’ scores alone do not decide a couple’s fate. Viewers at home can call in and vote for their favorites. The scores from viewers are combined with the judges’ for an ultimate score that determines each couple’s ranking. At the end of the evening, the couple with the lowest score is eliminated (although no couple will be eliminated in the first show). When the final two couples remain, the ultimate dance-off will determine who wins the trophy.

“Dancing with the Stars” is the American version of the international smash hit series, “Strictly Come Dancing.” This version is produced in America by BBC Worldwide. Richard Hopkins (UK) and Conrad Green (USA) are executive producers. Izzie Pick is supervising producer. Alex Rudzinski directs.

[TemptressToo]

That sounds so interesting. Traditionally, women progress faster than men in learning ballroom based on the concept of lead and follow. It will be fascinating to see how they progress toward competition. I really want to see Evander Holyfield dancing. ;)

[alemana]

omg i cannot WAIT.

[Laura]

I'm probably going to go to one of the tapings :-) If I do I'll give a full report back here!!

[standardgirl]

Does anyone know which channel it will be on? BBC?

Where is the taping going to be?? Can I go??? since I will be in NY for the summer!

So excited!

[alemana]

ABC

[Laura]

It will be on ABC, and they're taping in Los Angeles on Wedensdays starting in June. I don't have other details...my coach is friends with some of the dancers in it, so she and I are going to go down to LA together to watch one of the tapings.

[standardgirl]

It will be on ABC, and they're taping in Los Angeles on Wedensdays starting in June. I don't have other details...my coach is friends with some of the dancers in it, so she and I are going to go down to LA together to watch one of the tapings.

hum....in that case (in LA), I don't think I can go and watch....
I thought they are doing it in NY...... ah...

[Laura]

I think they had more access to combinations of "stars" and dancers in LA.

[Another Elizabeth]

I must say it took me a minute to parse this sentence correctly:
Edyta is currently dating her dance partner and another competitor, Alec Mazo (Kelly Monaco’s dance partner).
My first thought: "Wow, does her partner know about this other guy, or is he finding out in the press release?" ;)

they're taping in Los Angeles on Wedensdays starting in June
Presumably they're at least starting before June, if the first episode is June 1. :eek:

[Laura]

Well, the "background" taping has already started, where they shoot the lessons and practice sessions. The actual competitions will be done on the day they are broadcast. In fact, they might even be live to the East Coast, I'm not sure.

[mamboqueen]

It just kills me that these twits are getting free dance lessons! *LOL*

[Laura]

Free? They're getting PAID to spend hours and hours training with the likes of Louis van Amstel and Charlotte Jorgenson, etc.!!! I hope they realize how good they've got it!

I'm dying to see Evander Holyfield dance. This is going to be cool.

[pygmalion]

Or really good comic relief ...

[Sagitta]

This will be inteesting, though I think that those with professional leaders will have an advatange of those couples with professional followers.. Do you agree, and why?

[standardgirl]

This will be inteesting, though I think that those with professional leaders will have an advatange of those couples with professional followers.. Do you agree, and why?

I agree....just like how I always think that pro/am couples with female student have an advantage over those with male students. I think this is pretty much the same concept......

I guess, part of the reason is that if the man is not doing something properly, it is almost impossible for the lady to do it right, IMO.

[dancin_feet]

Is this your first series? Oh boy are you in for a treat. We've had two series here in Oz and they've been very enjoyable to watch. Some of the people who had absolutely no rhythum to start off with actually ended up quite good towards the end.

Are you guys going to have the professional judges as well? Some of their comments were a scream and of course it is all supposed to entertain and not be too serious. Are they also having the people phoning in to partially decide on who stays and goes? It's a great concept.

You guys will love it! :D

[Laura]

I always think that pro/am couples with female student have an advantage over those with male students. I think this is pretty much the same concept......

Yep, sure is. "Dancing with the Stars" is simply celebrity Pro/Am dancing.

Yes, there will be three professional judges. One is from Broadway, one is from DanceSport, and one is from MTV or something like that. And yes, the audience will phone in to vote for their favorites.

I'm really looking forward to it!!

[randomMysh]

I can't wait! How many episodes? I'm taping each and every single one (provided someone reminds me when it actually starts, lol). I'm dying of envy too, 'specially of the woman who gets to dance hours and hours with Louis van Amstel, that's just killing me! :lol:

[Laura]

It's starting on June 1, at 9pm -- it's what they're putting in the slot that "Lost" currently occupies when "Lost" goes on hiatus for the summer.

There will be six episodes.

And there are now stills of the dancers training (http://www.abcmedianet.com/ph_search/search_lv.htm?prog_num=001831&bgcolor=black&text=FFFFFF)!

[robin]

If the format is anything like it was in the UK, the show has to be live... The viewers are asked to vote on who stays for next week, and the result is announced an hour later or so...

Given the experience from the UK series, I would say that the male Pros with female celebrities have an advantage, though not as much as I had initially thought. I was actually quite impressed with one or two of the men, particularly in the 2nd series.

Given that one of the male celebrities in the US has dance and broadway experience, I would think that he might be quite good. Sports-stars have also tended to look more competent in the UK series, including a rugby player and an athlete, so it'll be interesting to see if Holyfield can also use his co-ordination and determination to his advantage...

The worst dancers were male TV stars, who had probably not done any form of exercise, leave alone dance, for the last 20 years... Without exception they were awful, though usually very jovial and entertaining.

All-in-all the show was fab, if not quite what the purists would want to see ;). I hope the US version is equally successful!

[TemptressToo]

Holyfield is going to be the most entertaining to watch IMO...followed by the supermodel. Boxers have to be quick and light on their feet (even heavy weight). Supermodels have that whole "style" they develop when then learn to work a runway.

I can't wait to see how both translate to dance. Somebody make sure they record every episode. :)

[newbie]

Holyfield is still an active boxer? Boxers tend to get fat once they retire.

[TemptressToo]

No, he isn't active. But from the pics posted of the "ams" training...he's pretty fit looking.

[skwiggy]

Where are the pics posted?

[TemptressToo]

Earlier in this thread...

[Laura]

In my last post above on this thread, click on "stills of the dancers training."

[leftfeetnyc]

Trista has very nice posture. Evander looks like he's having a lot of fun. Joey looks a little lost...damn that processing from the brain to the body portion of learning.

[flyingwolf]

In my last post above on this thread, click on "stills of the dancers training."

those pictures are so small, can't see nothing...
and you need password to see a big one...
anyway, better than nothing

[Laura]

I think you have to write to ABC and tell them you're a media outlet like a newspaper or TV station to get the password for the big pictures.

I'm thinking once the show starts, there will be real web pages for it on ABC TV's web site (abc.com)

[skwiggy]

In my last post above on this thread, click on "stills of the dancers training."

Oops. Thanks!

[Twilight_Elena]

I don't like reality shows one bit, and this one is too much like them. What's all the sudden interest in ballroom anyway? They're just trying to make money out of the fancy bits. I think it's misleading for those who were considering taking ballroom lessons before seeing the show and gives wrong motives to people to start dancing.
Also annoying that a bunch of TV personas get top coach lessons they can't fully appreciate. I mean, what good is top coaching when you have a student of a couple of weeks? S/he probably can't tell the difference between basic dance concepts (checks and backward breaks, for instance), let alone understand professional details these coaches are giving.
I saw the stills and I was even more dissapointed. "Was that a dip?" I thought. "But they're beginners! What are they doing around dips? Why aren't they practicing their cuban walks like every normal beginner student???" And then I remembered this is TV. Everything is fast food material. It's like a "Be an amazing dancer in two months with this amazing DanceWonder pill!" They're probably going to present choreographies that are way beyond their knowledge/skills and the whole thing will be a fiasco. Because if you can't do a Silver syllabus step right, better that you don't do it at all, my friend.
It's just too hasty for my tastes. I'm very, very sceptical. But that's just my opinion.

Twilight Elena

[Chris Stratton]

I saw the stills and I was even more dissapointed. "Was that a dip?" I thought. "But they're beginners! What are they doing around dips? Why aren't they practicing their cuban walks like every normal beginner student???"

One of the pictures clearly was of a student being instructed in latin walking technique.

Actually, quite a lot can be accomplished in instruction of the time periods involved - the problem is the pressure to put some "fun" things in for the camera. So the stills have both sound basic technique instruction, and goofy stuff like the dip - the show itself will probably also be a mixture.

And a lot may depend on the personality/skills of the stars. Like in the the shall we dance remake, Lopez was completely clueless, but Gere actually looked like a promising competition student.

[Purr]

I think that the media exposure, which would (hopefully) generate more interest in ballroom dancing, is a good thing. But, the general public, just starting out, shouldn't have the expectation that with a few lessons, they'll look like the couples they saw on TV. However, they can expect to learn the basics, and begin to enjoy a hobby that could last a lifetime.

One of the professionals in the show helped train Richard Gere for the movie "Shall We Dance" and I thought he danced well. With weeks of intensive training, the celebrities might surprize you. I'm looking forward to watching the show, and I'm especially interested to see how Trisha (The Bachelorette) does.

[flyingwolf]

I don't like reality shows one bit, and this one is too much like them. What's all the sudden interest in ballroom anyway? They're just trying to make money out of the fancy bits. I think it's misleading for those who were considering taking ballroom lessons before seeing the show and gives wrong motives to people to start dancing.
Also annoying that a bunch of TV personas get top coach lessons they can't fully appreciate. I mean, what good is top coaching when you have a student of a couple of weeks? S/he probably can't tell the difference between basic dance concepts (checks and backward breaks, for instance), let alone understand professional details these coaches are giving.
I saw the stills and I was even more dissapointed. "Was that a dip?" I thought. "But they're beginners! What are they doing around dips? Why aren't they practicing their cuban walks like every normal beginner student???" And then I remembered this is TV. Everything is fast food material. It's like a "Be an amazing dancer in two months with this amazing DanceWonder pill!" They're probably going to present choreographies that are way beyond their knowledge/skills and the whole thing will be a fiasco. Because if you can't do a Silver syllabus step right, better that you don't do it at all, my friend.
It's just too hasty for my tastes. I'm very, very sceptical. But that's just my opinion.

Twilight Elena

I understand your concern and yes the choreography thing was exactly what happened in the BBC version of this show. It did look like a fiasco for all the male celebrities ( I only watched the second seaon so that's all I am refering to here), however, there were people who made miracles happen, especially the top 2, after 3 months they looked like they had been dancing for more than 3 years.

I agree with you on focusing on basics, however, every once a while people need to learn something new and exciting in order to be kept interested, and it doesn't mean you stop improving your basics, instead, you improve your basics while learning new things, and by doing so you realize more about the importance of basics which therefore motivates you work harder on your basics -- At least that's how I feel.

Our school team recruit many people at the beginning of each semester, at the end only 20% of them would stay, and the main reason the other 80% drop out of dancing I think is because they only learned about 3 to 5 figures for each dance and couldn't really enjoy it. Remember, not everybody dances for competition ( and also for fun of course), most of them just do it for fun only, and techniques are not as important to them, and as long as they enjoy it, why not let them? This show can give people the hope that even if you suck at the beginning, you can still make it by working hard, so why not embrace it?

[Purr]

And a lot may depend on the personality/skills of the stars. Like in the the shall we dance remake, Lopez was completely clueless, but Gere actually looked like a promising competition student.

You put into words what I was thinking about JLo, when I was typing my previous post.

[Laura]

By the way, these stars are training 4 hours a day with a top pro, so they're going to have the opportunity to absorb a lot of information very quickly. Who here spent 20 hours a week on their dancing the first six weeks they danced? How far do you think you might have progressed if you had, and if all that time had been under the tutelage of someone like Louis van Amstel or Charlotte Jorgenson?

I rest my case. Let the stars have their dips.

[TemptressToo]

Not to mention, factor in the competitive/aggressive personalities of many of the professional dancers involved...add a little bit of humor and money (because everybody is getting paid, instructors included) and you actually might have some good dancers produced.

[Twilight_Elena]

I agree, albeit reluctantly. They're getting lots of help and will probably produce decent performances. But I still believe that people who watch this are getting misled because, as you said, Laura, the average beginner doesn't get top coaching 4h/day and get paid for it! This doesn't simulate normal learning conditions and I think ballroom beginners will feel dissapointed.

Twilight Elena

[Laura]

But it's not supposed to simulate what a ballroom beginner goes through. They call it a "reality" show because it's not a fictional show (comedy or drama), isn't a documentary, and isn't news. I'm sure that when the "stars" talk about what they've gone through to get ready, the average person will fully realize that they won't get the same results. People aren't quite that stupid.

You might recall back in the 70's when the economy was in the tank, gas prices were at all-time highs, etc etc. At that time there were lots of what is now called "reality" TV on. Shows like "Circus of the Stars" where a "celebrity" (often Linda Blair, for some reason) would train a simple trapeze act or ride on an elephant. Or team competition games like "Battle of the Network Stars" where teams led by the likes of Lee Majors would square off against teams led by the likes of the guy who played J.R. Ewing on "Dallas." They'd compete in things ranging from horse jumping (I recall a Tab Hunter/Linda Blair show down), swimming, running, and even obstacle courses and tug-of-war. These kinds of shows are CHEAP to produce and are highly entertaining. That's all this "Dancing with the Stars" is at heart. I loved those cheese old celebrity competition shows, and I think I'm going to love this one doubly because it involves ballroom dancing!

[flyingwolf]

I agree, albeit reluctantly. They're getting lots of help and will probably produce decent performances. But I still believe that people who watch this are getting misled because, as you said, Laura, the average beginner doesn't get top coaching 4h/day and get paid for it! This doesn't simulate normal learning conditions and I think ballroom beginners will feel dissapointed.

Twilight Elena
I don't think beginngers will feel encouraged watching people doing cuban walks and Waltz box for an hour :D

[flyingwolf]

But it's not supposed to simulate what a ballroom beginner goes through. They call it a "reality" show because it's not a fictional show (comedy or drama), isn't a documentary, and isn't news. I'm sure that when the "stars" talk about what they've gone through to get ready, the average person will fully realize that they won't get the same results. People aren't quite that stupid.

totally agree :wink:

[dancin_feet]

If it's anything like the two series we had here, there really is no time for them to be actually learning to dance as such. There is no lead and follow, it's purely learning a routine and putting as much technique into the given steps as possible.

[Laura]

True!

But still, working four hours a day on just learning a routine is more than the average beginner is going to want to do, too, so no matter how you slice it it's just "Circus of the Stars."

Still, it's going to be fun! A number of people popped up on one of the other boards after "Shall We Dance" saying that they started taking lessons just because they saw the movie. Perhaps some more people will start taking lessons just because they saw someone macho like Holyfield or gorgeous like Hunter doing it, and they thought "hey, looks like fun, maybe I'll give it a try."

Once someone comes into the door for their first lesson, it's all up to them -- they'll either get bitten by the bug, or not, and I don't think any amount of Hollywood glitz will change that one way or the other. But, perhaps a few more people might make that decision to walk in the door.

[LXC]

I'm so excited. Can't wait :banana:

[SDsalsaguy]

You might recall back in the 70's...
:lol: Somehow I'm doubting that TE "recalls" anything from the 70's! :lol:

[dancin_feet]

Still, it's going to be fun! A number of people popped up on one of the other boards after "Shall We Dance" saying that they started taking lessons just because they saw the movie. Perhaps some more people will start taking lessons just because they saw someone macho like Holyfield or gorgeous like Hunter doing it, and they thought "hey, looks like fun, maybe I'll give it a try."

Once someone comes into the door for their first lesson, it's all up to them -- they'll either get bitten by the bug, or not, and I don't think any amount of Hollywood glitz will change that one way or the other. But, perhaps a few more people might make that decision to walk in the door.

That is what happened here Laura. In both series screened someone who wasn't that great a dancer made it to the final because of public support. Initially I was trying to be a purist and thought that this was wrong. The best dancers should make it to the final. But after thinking about it, it's definitely a good thing that these less co-ordinated people made it, because it proves to the average joe on the street that you don't have to be extremely well balanced, co-ordinated and a size 6-8 to be able to dance.

[Laura]

You might recall back in the 70's...
:lol: Somehow I'm doubting that TE "recalls" anything from the 70's! :lol:

Yeah...and I wrote that before I knew that she was in Greece.

(She's lucky that she missed that era of American pop culture....)

I'M OLD!! WOOO HOOO!! :D

[dancersdreamland]

So here's the scoop...I NEVER read the newspaper but a coworker mentioned an article about a new dance show...so of course I had to find out what it was all about. After reading the short blurb I figured I better hurry up and post something on DF so everyone could enjoy...only to see someone else has beat me to the punch. I love you guys!

I can't wait to start watching the show! It looks like another version of this show has been airing in other areas under the same title "Dancing with the Stars" and it was modeled after another show called "Strictly Come Dancing."

Here are a few links I found with additional info:
http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tvone_story_skin/482085%3fformat=html
http://seven.com.au/seven/040929_dancing
http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedancing/

I'll have to make sure to add info on all the shows to my site. I look forward to learning more as things get posted here!

[Laura]

ABC has started promoing the show on the air. One spot was toward the end of "Lost" last night. It showed clips from what I assume was the UK or Australian version, interspersed with clips of couples from the US version training. We see Evander Holyfeld looking really stiff and clunky with Editya Silwynska, and then later we see him in a tailsuit saying "she's got the harder job because she has to make me look good." We see Rachel Hunter working on some Standard with Jonathan Roberts, and Rachel getting frustrated and saying something like "I can't believe how hard this is" or "this is harder than it looks" or something to that effect. We see Charlotte Jorgenson cha cha-ing with her guy (I think he's the guy who played Elaine's boss on "Seinfeld") -- and they both look like they're having a lot of fun. There's also brief shots of Louis Van Amstel and partner, the New Kids on the Block guy with Ashley Degrosso, and Alec Mazo and partner.

This is going to be fun!

[Twilight_Elena]

You might recall back in the 70's...
:lol: Somehow I'm doubting that TE "recalls" anything from the 70's! :lol:

*sigh* That's what you get for getting born in 1987... :P

Twilight Elena

[Joe]

This is going to be fun!
Then again, it could be a train wreck. :)

[pygmalion]

Enjoyment or horrified fascination. Does it really matter which, if people watch the show? :wink: :lol:

[flyingwolf]

This is going to be fun!
Then again, it could be a train wreck. :)

I don't understand why so many people want to see this thing go bad.... it is supposed to be fun, not serious like politics or something

[Laura]

Well, there are cynics and naysayers everywhere :-)

[pygmalion]

Eh. Either way, we'll see, I guess. *shrug*

My concern is not so much the quality of the dancing, to be honest. My concern is a potential glut in the market. How many years has it been since there was new ballroom on non-cable broadcast TV? (or for that matter, any significant amount of dance?) And now, a bunch of shows all at once. Hmm. :?

[flyingwolf]

Eh. Either way, we'll see, I guess. *shrug*

My concern is not so much the quality of the dancing, to be honest. My concern is a potential glut in the market. How many years has it been since there was new ballroom on non-cable broadcast TV? (or for that matter, any significant amount of dance?) And now, a bunch of shows all at once. Hmm. :?

what did you mean 'bunch'? just one show with different names made in different countries

besides, there has always been 'cheer leading convention' on espn... although I don't watch it

[pygmalion]

Hmm. If I have time later, I'll go back through some DF threads. A few different shows have been mentioned state-side, IIRC. 8)

[Laura]

There are two other dance-related shows coming out. One rumored show is "Ballroom Boot Camp." The other is "So You Think You Can Dance." The second one sounds like it features all sorts of dance, so we'll probably see everything from Hip-Hop to Salsa (think of this show as a remake of "Dance Fever.")

[flyingwolf]

There are two other dance-related shows coming out. One rumored show is "Ballroom Boot Camp." The other is "So You Think You Can Dance." The second one sounds like it features all sorts of dance, so we'll probably see everything from Hip-Hop to Salsa (think of this show as a remake of "Dance Fever.")
boot camp sounds like a great idea :D
I wish I had the time to join that...

[pygmalion]

There are two other dance-related shows coming out. One rumored show is "Ballroom Boot Camp." The other is "So You Think You Can Dance." The second one sounds like it features all sorts of dance, so we'll probably see everything from Hip-Hop to Salsa (think of this show as a remake of "Dance Fever.")

Thanks, Laura. Now I don't have to go do DF homework. I hate DF homework. :lol: :lol:

I wonder if the American viewing audience has the capacity to watch several dance shows with decent ratings levels. I just hope that the shows don't kill each other off. It would be a shame to go so long with none, only to end up with too many.

Of course, no one would ever have guessed that people would watch so many reality shows. So who knows?

[Laura]

Regarding Ballroom Boot Camp: They way I heard it, they were going to take actual real beginners (not celebrities) and teach them to dance by working them really hard in some short period of time. I just searched for it in Google News and didn't see anything, but I wasn't really taking the time to look thorougly either.

Also, keep in mind that "Dancing with the Stars" will only go for six weeks, and it will be more than that amount of time before the other shows are ready to air, so it's not like they'll be overlapping and competing for the same audience.

[wyllo]

From the Yankee Classic website:

"BALLROOM BOOT CAMP" BEING TELEVISED DURING THIS YEAR'S YANKEE CLASSIC.

A new TV reality series, "Ballroom Boot Camp", will be introduced on The Learning Channel (TLC) later this year. The program takes average people off the street and, with the help of some experienced dance instructors, turns them into competitive novice level dancers. These new dancers will compete against each other as their 'Boot Camp' course progresses.

The series is produced by Dean Ollins, of 'Original Productions', who will be making the series for TLC. The first 4 programs in the series will be made during the competitive pro-am events at Yankee Classic this year - should be fun and interesting for all!

Original Productions creates many other shows, such as Monster Garage, Monster House, Biker Build Off and Plastic Surgery to name a few.

[pygmalion]

Also, keep in mind that "Dancing with the Stars" will only go for six weeks, and it will be more than that amount of time before the other shows are ready to air, so it's not like they'll be overlapping and competing for the same audience.

True. Which is a good thing. 8)

All I know is that, when The Real World came on, I wouldn't miss an episode. When Road Rules came around, I didn't bother. :?