IMTA Colleagues “Dance on Sunset“

Talent managers' project gets the green light on Nickelodeon

IMTA Press Release
March 27, 2008

Dance/variety series premieres on Saturday, March 29, 9:30pm ET

"It’s the ultimate destination for dance…it’s a really cool party." - Co-Creator Bryan Leder

Long-time IMTA colleagues Bryan Leder and Frederick Levy have joined with Nickelodeon to create “Dance on Sunset,” an action-packed “lifestyle show” aimed at getting kids involved and off the couch. With a competition aspect as well as a freestyle aspect, the show offers something very different from other dance programs currently on the air.

According to Marjorie Cohn, Nickelodeon’s Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development, producers plan to keep the energy level up with opening and closing performances by the "Nick6," a newly formed group of professional dancers ages 14-20. Each week, choreographer Tony Testa and the "Nick 6" dancers will break down the steps so viewers at home can jump up and follow along. “Dance on Sunset” will also tap into its live studio audience for contestants to compete weekly for the "Sunset VIP" title through a series of freestyle dance competitions. Viewers at home will be able to participate and learn a new dance in a segment titled, "Fresh Squeezed Dance."

"In addition to serving up great entertainment, we are also offering our audience the unique opportunity to participate in this show at home," said Cohn. "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." MTV’s Quddus Philippe will host the show.

Stars slated to perform include Ashlee Simpson, Sean Kingston, Akon with Colbie and Menudo. Among the guest-stars on tap are Janet Jackson, Omarion and Nickelodeon's own Miranda Cosgrove (“iCarly”) and The Naked Brothers Band.

“Dance on Sunset” is being produced by Magical Elves, the production company behind “Project Runway” and “Top Chef” on Bravo. The show debuts after the “Kids Choice Awards” on Saturday, March 29 at 9:30 p.m., before moving to its regular time slot Sundays at 8:30 p.m.the next week.

Leder, of BLT/BryanLeder Management, and Levy, of Management 101, have been participating in talent seminars and looking for new talent at IMTA conventions for many years. IMTA congratulates them both and wishes them continued success.