Live To Dance

Overview

Kim Wyatt, Paula Abdul and Travis Payne

"Live to Dance" is a reality dance competition series based on the British hit "Got to Dance" that was a ratings sensation for Britain's Sky 1, making it one of the UK's top-rated pay TV series.

The U.S. version premiered January 4, 2011 on CBS.

The show was intended to rival So You Think You Can Dance and unlike most other reality shows, allowed dancers of all ages to compete.

The series premiere was watched by 10.2 million viewers and was the most watched program of January 4, 2011. Additionally, it managed to pull a 2.4 in the Adults 18-49 demographic.

The second episode, which aired in its normal timeslot of Wednesdays at eight p.m., fell hard from those numbers pulling 7.788 million viewers and a 1.8 in the Adults 18-49 demographic. The series was not renewed for a second season.  An Australian version was filmed in 2011 but never aired.

"Live To Dance" Auditions

In the most inclusive talent search on television, amateurs with raw talent of any age group from across the nation (either performing solo or in a group) can audition any form of dancing—from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet and tap to tango.

In the fall of 2010 dancers from all over the country auditioned for Live to Dance in Los Angeles and New York City in "specially constructed Dance Domes".

The most talented and entertaining dancers were invited to audition for lead judge Paula Abdul and her panel of experts, all world-class dancers themselves including Kimberly Wyatt, the former member of Pussycat Dolls, and Michael Jackson's long-time choreographer Travis Payne.

Winners D'Angelo & Amanda with Judges

The very best performed live in the Semi-Finals and Finals, where they battled for the right to be crowned the "Live to Dance" champion.

Paula Abdul served as an executive producer, creative partner and lead judge for "Live to Dance."

Paula also served as coach, mentor and advocate for contestants during the performances and elimination process, providing critical input and guidance while sharing her experience with hopeful contestants.