Author Topic: Superstar Dancers Of The World  (Read 4434 times)

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Offline marigold

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Superstar Dancers Of The World
« on: November 14, 2008, 07:01:19 PM »
I don't know about this one but thought I would share  :lol:

NBC UNVEILS 'SUPERSTAR DANCERS OF THE WORLD,' (WORKING TITLE) AN HISTORIC DANCE COMPETITION EVENT FEATURING THE MASTERS OF DANCE GENRES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Published: November 14, 2008

NBC Press Release

NBC UNVEILS 'SUPERSTAR DANCERS OF THE WORLD,' (WORKING TITLE) AN HISTORIC DANCE COMPETITION EVENT FEATURING THE MASTERS OF DANCE GENRES FROM AROUND THE WORLD

New Series From Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, the Producers of "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance" will be Hosted by Michael Flatley ("Lord of the Dance")

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif., November 14, 2008 - NBC will broadcast "Superstar Dancers of the World," (working title) a breathtaking international dance competition led by executive producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, two of the masterminds behind "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance" and hosted by Michael Flatley ("Lord of the Dance"). For broadcast in early 2009, the unique series will pit the masters of various dance genres from eight countries against each other. Equal parts sporting event, rock concert and artistic exhibition, "Superstar Dancers of the World" is poised to become one the greatest spectacles of dance performance ever seen on television.

The announcement was made by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

"This dance competition is very much like the Olympics," said Plestis. "The physical feats these athletes and artists pull is mind-blowing, and we're so excited to form what we hope will be the definitive dance competition to decide which nation has what it takes to be the best of the best in the world. With so much at stake, this is sure to be a roller coaster, and you never know what will happen next. Plus, with Nigel and Simon running the show, it will be done first class all the way."

"This is the most challenging and exhilarating project I've ever done," said Lythgoe. "Nothing of this magnitude has ever been attempted before on television. We will bring to America different cultural styles of dancers -- each performer the best in their genre -- and the sheer mosaic of styles and energy is going to be nothing short of awe-inspiring."

Eight countries will participate in the competition with each team comprised of two soloists, one duo and one larger group. Viewers will get to know the competitors and the coaches through the trials and tribulations, both behind the scenes and on the stage. The stakes are high for these artists, as they are not only representing themselves, but also their dance form and their entire nation.

The eight countries currently scheduled to participate include: Ireland, India, USA, Argentina, China, Russia, South Africa and Australia. The dance styles that will be represented on the show will be announced at a later date.

"Superstar Dancers of the World" is from 19 Entertainment. Nigel Lythgoe ("American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance") and Simon Fuller ("American Idol," "So You Think You Can Dance") are the executive producers.

Offline marigold

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Re: Superstar Dancers Of The World
« Reply #1 on: November 14, 2008, 07:04:18 PM »
An article from Variety:

NBC launches 'Superstar Dancers' Michael Flatley is set to host competition

NBC's getting into the dance business, picking up the reality competish "Superstar Dancers of the World."
Project, from "So You Think You Can Dance" producers Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller, will focus on dance pros from eight different countries competing against each other.

"Lord of the Dance" star Michael Flatley, who recently tested out his chops as a guest judge on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars," is set to host.

Craig Plestis - the rumored-to-soon-be-departing NBC Entertainment exec VP of alternative programming and specials, compared the new series to the Olympics.

"The physical feats these athletes and artists pull is mind-blowing," he said.

Lythgoe, who recently departed his post as exec producer of "American Idol" (where Fuller continues), called the show "the most challenging and exhilarating project I've ever done."

"Nothing of this magnitude has ever been attempted before on television," said Lythgoe, who also serves as a judge on "So You Think You Can Dance."

Countries set to be represented in the show include the United States, Ireland, India, Argentina, China, Russia, South Africa and Australia.

Fuller's 19 Entertainment is behind the show, which Lythgoe and Fuller will exec produce. Show will air sometime in midseason.

As for Plestis, network insiders said the intense media speculation over his departure - and the hiring of BBC vet Paul Telegdy to replace him - may have impacted the Peacock's decision to make an immediate change. But more likely, Telegdy is still in talks about a role at the Peacock - and Plestis may ultimately segue into a new role or production deal.

Link: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117995923.html?categoryid=14&cs=1


Offline marigold

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Re: Superstar Dancers Of The World
« Reply #2 on: November 14, 2008, 07:58:09 PM »
Another article:

NBC orders competitive dance show

NBC is putting some Olympic-style competition back in primetime with a new dance series from the producers of "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance."

The reality program will feature professional dancers from eight countries exhibiting different performance styles. "Lord of the Dance" Michael Flatley will host, and Nigel Lythgoe and Simon Fuller will executive produce.

"We've always wanted to be in the dance business, but the question was how to be unique and different," said Craig Plestis, NBC's executive vp alternative programming, development and specials. "Our show makes every other dance show seem like amateur hour. We got the best of the best. Americans will be blown away when they see what real professionals can do."

Given the success of ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and Fox's "Dance," Lythgoe admits he was initially skeptical about launching another dance show. Once Fuller explained the Olympics hook, however, he was sold.

"It's the 'Olympic Games of dance' -- everybody gets it right away," Lythgoe said. "Dancing has taken off in this country, the Olympics took off in this country; here we're bringing them both together. It's not just celebrities and their partners trying to dance or young people attempting to be great dancers. These are the great dancers."

Each country's team will present two dance soloists, a duet and a group. Their performances will be graded by judges from each participating country.

The judges have a tricky job as each country will perform in a different style unique to their culture -- Shaolin monks from China vs. Bollywood dancers from India, for example. Troupes from Ireland, the U.S., Argentina, Russia and South Africa also are represented.

NBC is launching the series early next year. Nine hours are ordered, and the current plan is to air four two-hour episodes and a one-hour finale. Several titles have been considered, with "Dance Masters of the World" and "Superstar Dancers of the World" as two of the top contenders.
The series will be the first title produced by Lythgoe and Fuller's new company, which is called Big Red 2 Entertainment.

The name is inspired by the producers' favorite soccer teams, which both use red as their team color. NBC also is a producer on the series, whose international flair could result in an improved shot at overseas distribution.

Although several recent reports have speculated that Plestis' future with the network is at a crossroads, the executive says he's staying with the company.

"I'll be here for a long time at NBC," Plestis said. "I wouldn't be buying shows and talking about them if I wasn't."

Whether that means Plestis will continue as head of alternative, or spin off into a development deal, is unclear. Reports have speculated that former BBC Worldwide America head Paul Telegdy will soon take a top executive role at the network.

NBC has not yet announced its midseason schedule, but several reality projects are expected to play key roles. one. Plestis' variety show "Rosie Live" is airing next week, marking the first of a couple competing broadcast network variety shows to hit the air.

NBC's celebrity genealogy reality show "Who Do You Think You Are?" been given a green light, Plestis confirmed.

Based on a popular U.K. series, "Who" features celebrities learning about their past.

"We have A++ stars," Plestis said. "People we couldn't even get into our scripted shows. Movie stars. And it's amazing the journeys they're going on."

Another new reality show set to air next year is "Chopping Block," a cooking series starring British chef Marco Pierre White in which couples compete for the opportunity to open their own restaurant.

"We're just finishing it up right now," Plestis said. "It more than just about winning a reality show, it's about starting a life. They don't want to win, they have to win."

NBC hasn't yet decided an airdate for "Block," but the show presumably will try to avoid Fox's popular "Hell's Kitchen," which will return in the spring.

The next edition of "The Biggest Loser" also will launch early next year.

"We're going back to couples, but we have our oldest and youngest players ever and pound-for-pound the most weight we've ever had to lose," Plestis said. "Our biggest cast yet."

Another celebrity edition of "The Apprentice" also is under way, though no word yet whether "American Gladiators" will be back for another round in January.

Link: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i5cb311a1dabd6263778aa0f0df629bad