"SUPERSTAR DANCERS OF THE WORLD" - New Show!

[AlanDale]

NBC UNVEILS 'SUPERSTAR DANCERS OF THE WORLD' (Working Title)
AN HISTORIC DANCE COMPETITION EVENT FEATURING THE MASTERS OF DANCE GENRES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
[November 14, 2008 - 02:16 PM]
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI_photos/nigel-2.jpghttp://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/AI_photos/simon-2.jpg
Released by NBC

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.

The Futon Critic.com (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20081114nbc02)

[Jaynrand]

Thanks for the info. I am really looking forward to this show.

[AlanDale]

Thanks for the info. I am really looking forward to this show.
I'm glad you made it...

If you know anyone else that's interested in this show, send them this way.

Maybe - just maybe we can talk Rickey into covering the show (on his blog) with some YouTube vids. ::hint-hint:: If he gets 'em there, I'll get 'em here.

If you find anymore info, post it...!!! :cool:

[AlanDale]

It's the war of the whirled Global 'Dance' pros compete
Saturday, December 20th 2008, 5:11 AM
By CRISTINA KINON, Daily News Staff Writer

"Superstars of Dance" executive producer Nigel Lythgoe (who also produces Fox's "So You Think You Can Dance") says his latest project "isn't just another dance show." "There has never been a show like this anytime, anywhere in the world, ever," Lythgoe told reporters this week.

"Superstars of Dance," premiering on NBC January 4-5 at 9, is built on professional dancers from eight nations competing in front of a panel of world-class judges. Grouped together as teams, duets and soloists, the dancers will perform the styles of their country, including ballet, hip-hop, ballroom and much more.

"Lord of the Dance" Michael Flatley and former MTV VJ Susie Castillo are the hosts. "I'm kind of glad I'm not judging because it's an intense competition," said Flatley. "But being able to represent all these different countries in such a classy way and such a colorful way is very exciting for me."

Lythgoe described some of the performances audiences can expect, including the Shaolin Monks from China working with real swords - on which one dancer is actually hoisted. There's also a South African troupe that wears "gum" boots and performs a slapping/bashing routine; a tap dancer from America, and a ballerina who actually spins while on top of her partner's head.

Unlike "So You Think You Can Dance," "Superstars" is not live and doesn't rely on the public to vote for their favorites. "These are professional dancers; it would be very difficult for someone at home in their living room to pass judgment on the prima ballerina from Russia," said Flatley. "It's very difficult to see how she might have done her pirouette or how she may have stood en pointe properly. It takes a specialist."

Still, even having the knowledgeable judging panel pass along harsh criticism wasn't easy for the dancers to swallow. "They've come here to show how brilliant they are and represent their country," Lythgoe said. "They do not want to be told that they didn't do it well."

Flatley says though the show is a competition, it is also a celebration of dance and he doesn't think there's a style or a country out there that couldn't participate in "Superstars."

Indeed, Lythgoe, who hails from the United Kingdom, is confident that sooner or later his own countrymen will get in on the action. "But at this moment in time," said Lythgoe, "if anyone has been outstanding during this entire production, it's been the U.S. Immigration Department."

ckinon@nydailynews.com

NY Daily News.com (http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv/2008/12/20/2008-12-20_its_the_war_of_the_whirled_global_dance_-1.html)

[AlanDale]

"SUPERSTARS of DANCE"

Season Premier...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/SuperStars_pics/superstars-1.jpg (http://www.nbc.com/superstars-of-dance/?__source=ggl|superstars+of+dance+video+clip|Websi te+-+Videos|SSOD_ImgCnt_Website&sky=ggl|superstars+of+dance+video+clip|Website+-+Videos|SSOD_ImgCnt_Website)
.....................Click on Photo!

View the host Michael Flatley HERE (http://www.nbc.com/superstars-of-dance/about/bios/michael-flatley/)

View the co-host Susie Castillo HERE (http://www.nbc.com/superstars-of-dance/about/bios/susie-castillo/)

Preview all the Dancers HERE (http://www.nbc.com/superstars-of-dance/photos/gallery#item=56253)

Thanks Rickey...

Should be really good...!!! :)

[AlanDale]

"SUPERSTARS of DANCE"

TV Commercial...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/SuperStars_pics/th_030A104SOD110OLY-1.jpg (http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/SuperStars_pics/?action=view&current=030A104SOD110OLY-1.flv)

Don't forget...!!!

[Jaynrand]

Thanks for the link. I hope this is a good show..... We will know tomorrow night! :D

[AlanDale]

Thanks for the link. I hope this is a good show..... We will know tomorrow night! :D
I hope you plan on writing a nice review...

I'm NOT a writer...!!! :o

[AlanDale]

"SUPERSTARS of DANCE" - Premiere - Videos

Let Michael Flatley explain the show...

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/SuperStars_pics/premier-1.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKq_6rolrbs)

I'm going to call the Premiere Odd & Even just for the heck of it...

I find this odd that Robert Muraine would be representing the US in a solo dance:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/SuperStars_pics/robert-muraine-01.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAXWh70l8Is)
.....................Click on Photo!

I find this even and enjoyed seeing Pasha Kovalev & Enya Garnis dance again:

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/SuperStars_pics/pasha-anya-01.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc8UYpPNAHI)
.....................Click on Photo!

As far as the rest of the show is concerned: I don't understand a lot of International dance styles, as some of them are more like acts than dances, like they have on America's Got Talent for example.

As well, the panel of 8 judges (representing each country) are already getting into a political dog-fight, and IMO are giving out low scores (1-10) just because they got a low score so I'm not sure how well this type of scoring / judging is going to work out in the end, but well see how it goes next week.

"SUPERSTARS of DANCE" moves to Monday 8/7c which is better, I think.

Thanks Rickey.org for the photos.

[AlanDale]

'Superstars of Dance': Viewers liked it, but critics ...
02:46 PM PT, January 05, 2009
http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t197/AlanDale_photo/SuperStars_pics/china-1.jpg
Photo: Shaolin Monks of China. Credit: Chris Haston / NBC

Many on the dance watch ("America's Best Dance Crew" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/americas_best_dance_crew/index.html) - "So You Think You Can Dance" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/so_you_think_you_can_dance/index.html) - "Dancing With The Stars" (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/dancing_with_the_stars/index.html)) were probably quietly hoping that NBC's "Superstars of Dance" did well. The mixture of styles, the continuation of the love of dance, and even cheesy Michael "Lord of the Dance" Flatley helped the show's Sunday preview get the network's highest non-sports results in the time period since Feb. 17 among adults 18-49 and total viewers with a 3.1/7 in the 18-49 category (10.4 million viewers overall), according to NBC.

"Superstars of Dance" ranked No. 2 in the the time period among adults 18-49 and tied for No. 1 among men 18-49. It was going up against CBS' "Cold Case" and "The Unit" and a rerun of Fox's "24: Redemption" movie.

There are lots of recaps (http://blog.zap2it.com/ithappenedlastnight/2009/01/premierewatch-s.html), but reviews are rolling in slowly for the show. With pretty good numbers, it looks like the audience will stay along for the ride, with international regions (like India (http://inhome.rediff.com/movies/2009/jan/05will-india-be-superstars-of-dance.htm)) probably rooting for their squads. But looking at some of the comments, next week's premiere of "America's Best Dance Crew" (January 15) can't come fast enough!

Headline: 'Superstars of Dance' premiere: Just, WHY? ... I do recommend viewing the show as if it's an intentionally arranged nightmare ... which is pretty much the definition of what it is ANYWAY ... aggghh, mind melt!" Annie Barrett, Entertainment Weekly (http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2009/01/superstars-danc.html)

Headline: 'Superstars': A Blinding Onslaught of Glitz "If last night's premiere of 'Superstars of Dance' is any guide, you'll need a strong stomach -- and preferably an empty one -- to watch the second installment of the show tonight." Sarah Kaufman, the Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/05/AR2009010501199.html)

That's only a couple. For NBC, it's the numbers that count. And they're jitterbugging mightily right about now.

-- Jevon Phillips


LA Times (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/01/superstars-of-d.html)

[AlanDale]

"SUPERSTARS of DANCE"

** Finale **
The show awarded medals, like in the Olympics...

Solos:

Gold - Russia = 65 pts.

Silver - India = 56 pts.

Bronze - USA = 51 pts.

Duets:

Gold - Argentina = 66 pts.

Silver - South Africa = 59 pts.

Bronze - Australia = 58 pts.

Groups:

Gold - USA = 66 pts.

Silver - China = 57 pts.

Bronze - Australia = 53 pts.


With the Groovealoos high scores in the Group Dance, the over all winner of the first place trophy in the first ever TV International dance competition goes to...

*** USA ***

[AlanDale]

U.S. Takes Trophy in 'Superstars of Dance'
January 26, 2009 11:37 PM
By Roger Catlin | TV Eye (http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/)


Hey guess what, U.S.A. won the finale of "Superstars of Dance" Monday on NBC.

A hip hop routine that looked like it wouldn't make the cut on "Randy Jackson Presents America's Top Dance Crew" was enough to win what host Michael Flatley called "the greatest international dance competition on Earth" for the home team. The prize: a trophy.

The U.S. troupe won the gold medal over China's adorable Shaolin Monks,which got a silver medal and Australia got a bronze.

The U.S. had done well throughout the five-episode competition that was shot in the U.S., so much so that it didn't have to do well in the other two medal competitions.

In couples, Argentina took the gold with South Africa, silver and Australia bronze. Among soloists, a Russian ballerina won gold, beating a traditional Indian dancer (who took silver) and a U.S. pop locker (bronze).

Comparing ballet to hip hop or the acrobatic tricks of Shaolin Monks was the difficulty of the show, which seemed further hampered by substandard camera moves and art direction, despite the fact it's produced by the people who brought the much better "So You Think You Can Dance" (not to mention "American Idol").

The show all along was hampered by a panel of judges from each of the eight countries represented in the show, who were not allowed to talk or even say anything much more than the numeric score they gave.

They didn't even get to do that in the finale Monday, as the medal standings announced how they finally voted.

Though the show has only averaged 8.4 million viewers on Monday nights, out of the Top 50 broadcast programs, Flatley and others kept talking "first season finale" and Flatley said he'd see everybody in season two.

Even though the last international competition of this type, from the same producers, lasted only once - "World Idol".


Courant.com (http://blogs.courant.com/roger_catlin_tv_eye/2009/01/us-takes-trophy-in-superstars.html)