NBC orders dance show from Idol producers - TV-News - EZTV

Monday 28th of May 2012 23:23:48 EST

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NBC orders dance show from Idol producers	American Gladiators	Login to vote
NBC is putting some Olympics-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 Danceâ€ Michael Flatley will host, and Nigel Lythgoe (pictured) 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. 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. Source: THRFeed.com

Written by: Prkan