MTV, Paula Abdul search for team spirit on RAH!

Dec 26th, 2008

Always thought you were cut out for cheerleading? Well here is your chance to see what goes on behind the cute uniforms and pom poms. MTV joins with pop icon and former Los Angeles Laker Girl, Paula Abdul, to take viewers inside the intense world of competitive cheerleading with RAH! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl airing on Saturday, January 3rd at 12pm et/pt.

RAH! is an elite cheerleading event that will take viewers on a journey with five collegiate squads hand-selected by Abdul as they travel to New York City to compete in the ultimate cheerleading competition. “Rah is a project a lifetime in the making,” said Paula Abdul. “I wanted to share one of my greatest passions, in a unique and special format that celebrates the true spirit, creativity and athleticism that is cheerleading.”

The University of Arizona, University of Hawaii, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of Montana, and The University of Miami at Ohio will send their squads to the mat where they will have to use all their physical endurance and dance ability to perform the best routines of their lives in a competition that rewards creativity just as highly as athleticism.

“In cheerleading a squad has to have both physical stamina and the ability to use dance and music to put on a great show. The special offers a first-hand look at that unique mix of athletics and choreography and shows how much these teams put on the line to be amazing competitors,” said Tony DiSanto, Executive Vice President, Series Development & Programming for MTV. “As a former cheerleader, performer and choreographer, Paula has an incredible respect for squads everywhere and incredible experience with the music and moves a team needs to win.”

Abdul will serve as host and coach, and with her history as one of Hollywood’s most legendary dancers and famous cheerleaders she will put the teams through their paces in challenges with a distinct MTV edge. These teams are used to performing for an audience but they have never performed for one this tough. Along with Abdul, a panel of judges and cheerleading experts will critique the squads on athletic ability, creativity and teamwork. Serving as Rah! judges are Hi-Hat, choreographer for “Bring It On” and “Step Up 2: The Streets”, Scott Bouchard, Head Coach for UMass Dartmouth, and Brenna Klinger, NJ Nets Dancer. Facing off for a shot at a once-in-a-lifetime prize – a feature in American Cheerleader Magazine and a trip for their squad to attend MTV Spring Break 2009 – the teams will give it their all until four are forced to pack-up their pom poms and one is dubbed the Rah! cheer champ.

Paula Abdul serves as creator and executive producer for RAH! Paula Abdul’s Cheerleading Bowl. Tony DiBari, Tim Healy, Karen Frank and Alex Coletti executive produce the special for MTV. Matthew Parillo is the Executive in Charge of Production for MTV.

Courtesy of Examiner.com

Filed under: TV