Nick Tries Dancing to New Tune

By Jon Lafayette

While the adults are enjoying “Dancing With the Stars,” Nickelodeon wants teens snapping their fingers and shuffling their feet to its new show “Dance on Sunset.”

“Dance on Sunset,” premiering March 29, is a dance/variety show that will feature popular musical acts and a troupe of dancers to teach the latest dance moves to a live audience. It will launch following Nick’s popular “Kids Choice Awards.”

The show has a companion Web site, danceonsunset.com, where viewers at home can get help learning the steps.

Nickelodeon plans 12 original half-hour episodes and expects to roll out the series with guest stars including Ashlee Simpson, Janet Jackson, Sean Kingston, Akon, Menudo, Miranda Cosgrove, Omarion and Nick’s own Naked Brothers Band. Quddus Philippe hosts.

“We know that music and dance are a big part of our viewers’ lives, so, in true Nickelodeon tradition, we’re giving them their very own destination offering musical performances, dance competitions and their favorite celebrities,” said Marjorie Cohn, executive VP for original programming and development at Nickelodeon. “In addition to serving up great entertainment, we are also offering our audience the unique opportunity to participate in this show at home.”

In addition to recapping the week’s new dance moves, the show’s Web site will provide an “advanced version of the steps.” Viewers will also be able to submit their own dance videos, see behind-the-scenes footage, read blogs, ask questions, post comments and play games.

“Dance on Sunset” is produced by Magical Elves, which makes “Project Runway” and “Top Chef,” and was created by talent agents Bryan Leder and Frederick Levy.