ABC Dance Wars

ABC Dance War

ABC Dance War premiered in January of 2008, and immediately met wild success. The premise of the show is simple – an audition show is aired, showcasing dozens of talented (and not so talented!) dancers chomping at the bit for their chance at fame and fortune.

After the top twelve contestants are selected, they are divided into two teams. Each team will work with a world renowned choreographer and compete in varying styles of dance, each performed with an eclectic mix of music from Latin to Rap to Country.

Much like past talent reality shows, the teams are voted on by viewers and the choreographer with the losing team is forced to eliminate one of their dancers. The winners are given the opportunity to tour as the opening act of a major performer, and also given the chance to start their own song and dance career.

If you love American Idol or Dancing with the Stars, you will be thrilled with the way Dance War combines both the elements of vocal and choreography into its competition. Contestants must be a triple threat, able to carry a tune while executing killer moves and capturing America’s heart with their charisma and stage presence.

The Choreographers

The show is more popularly known as ABC Dance War: Bruno vs. Carrie Ann, named after its two choreographers – Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann Inaba. Both were judges on ABC’s hit, Dancing with the Stars, and both have been internationally recognized as tops in their profession.

Carrie Ann is a correspondent on NBC’s Extra, and she also has choreographed routines for American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance? In 2005, she began judging Dancing with the Stars, and the rest is history for this gorgeous Asian American with a jam packed dance schedule.

She also has performed as a dancer in the Austin Powers films, as well as Showgirls and American Virgin.

Bruno is a native Italian who has worked as a judge for 5 years on Dancing with the Stars. He also participated in the United Kingdom version which spawned the popular American show. He has choreographed for a lot of movies, including Ella Enchanted and What a Girl Wants.

With a huge personality and plenty of heart, he now shines as one of ABC Dance War’s resident choreographers, bringing passion and artistic elements into his team members' routines.

Also a Dancing with the Stars alum, Drew Lachey is the host of this popular dance show.

The Results

At the end of the first season, Team Bruno won the war. The four remaining members included Kelsey Bourg, a 20 year old from Louisiana; Phillip Bernier, a 24 year old from Virginia; Lacey Mason, a 22 year old from Tennessee; and Zack Wilson, a 25 year old from Utah.

For their efforts, the team was awarded a recording contract with Hollywood records.

There hasn’t been any information released regarding a second season of ABC Dance War, but judging by the popularity of its first season, a second round would hardly be a shocker. This Dancing with the Stars spin-off really pulled in the ratings for NBC, which was an important fight in the reality show crown, as American Idol continues to reign supreme on FOX.

Since winning in February 2008, Team Bruno has been working the performing circuit, appearling on various stages and television shows. The future looks bright for these young performers who received their lucky break on one of America’s most popular reality shows to date.