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America's Ballroom Challenge on TV
- Author:
- Shannon
- Date Published:
- February 1, 2007
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/ballroomchallenge/index.html
Tradition and elegance…seduction and sizzle… Ballroom is back! From the producer who first brought the magic of competitive ballroom dancing to television, America’s Ballroom Challenge returns to PBS.
Hosted by stage and screen actress Marilu Henner (Taxi, Evening Shade, Broadway revival of Chicago) and former U.S Latin Dance Champion Tony Meredith, the series expands from two to five hour-long episodes of super-heated prime-time competition, shot at the world’s largest ballroom dancing competition in Columbus, Ohio. Broadcast in stunning High Definition, America’s Ballroom Challenge once again takes viewers onto the dance floor and behind the scenes as 24 world-class couples compete for the ultimate dance title, “America’s Best.”
In addition to the competition on the dance floor, the new season of America’s Ballroom Challenge features an inside look at what goes on backstage at the competition and insights on everything from hairstyle design to the secrets of judging. Viewers will also see exhibitions featuring other top couples in a range of styles — from precocious children to Pro-Am champions, theatre arts champions to formation dance teams.
“After the success of last year’s two-hour premiere, we’re thrilled to be able to come back with even more of the passion, glamour, and talent of this competition,” says series creator and producer Aida Moreno. “What’s great about this year’s series is that we have the time to showcase each of the four major styles, giving each of them their own night in the spotlight. That’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but I never had the opportunity until now.”
The Competition
Overview | The Dances | The Hosts | First Season Competition
Episode One | Episode Two
Expanding from two to five full-hour episodes, this season of America’s Ballroom Challenge dedicates one full hour to each major style of competitive ballroom dance: American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard, and International Latin. The first four episodes begin with the six finalist couples in each style competing as a group, performing the required dances in their category. Then, the dancers have a real opportunity to shine, performing a show dance solo with all eyes on them alone. Each program ends with the crowning of one couple, the champions in that style of dance.
In the fifth and final episode of America’s Ballroom Challenge, the four champion couples compete across dance styles in an exhilarating “Grand Finale,” performing two pull-out-all-the-stops solos each. At the conclusion of five grueling hours of competition, an international panel of judges makes its decision. Only one couple will be named “America’s Best.”
The American Smooth competition proved to be an exciting night. Mazen Hamza & Irina Sarukhanyan handily won the showdance competition with their intense and unusual martial arts inspired routine. However, it was not enough to score them the championship. That honor went to Group dance winners, and previous champions, Ben Ermis and Shalene Archer-Ermis.They will return on February 28th to face the three other champions for the title of "America's Best."
Tune in on February 7th to watch the World Professional American Rhythm Championships.(check local listings)
Watch the Promo Video
When to Watch
America’s Ballroom Challenge second season premieres on:
Episode 1: January 31, 2007
Episode 2: February 7, 2007
Episode 3: February 14, 2007
Episode 4: February 21, 2007
Episode 5: February 28, 2007
Check your local listings
FAQ
Is America's Ballroom Challenge available on VHS or DVD?
Unfortunately, no. The expense of clearing music rights prevents us from offering this program on VHS or DVD.
When will America's Ballroom Challenge broadcast (or repeat) near me?
Each public television station schedules it programming independently, so please check with your local station to find broadcast times. Our stationfinder tool www.pbs.org/wgbh/ballroomchallenge/airdates.html may help.
How can I find dance events in my community?
We don't have a comprehensive list of ballroom dance events around the country, but hope the links in our resources section at www.pbs.org/wgbh/ballroomchallenge/resources.html will help you find what you need.
What was that song?
We used more than 100 songs over the course of this five-hour special. Due to overwhelming demand, we will post the music list for each of the episodes.