Nick Moves To New Dance Series

Nick will allow kids to get their grooves on with a new series, Dance on Sunset, premiering March 29.

The series, hosted by MTV TRL personality Quddus Philippe, will feature free-style dance competitions and audience dance instruction, according to Nick.

The 12-episode series – which will air Sundays at 8:30 p.m. beginning April 6 -- will feature appearances by such music acts as Ashlee Simpson, Sean Kingston, Akon, Janet Jackson, Omarion and Nickelodeon’s Naked Brothers Band. The show is produced by Emmy-nominated Magical Elves (Project Runway, Top Chef). As part of the show, Dance on Sunset will tap into its live studio audience for contestants to compete in a series of freestyle dance competitions. 

Also, viewers at home will be able to participate and learn a new dance in a segment titled, “Fresh Squeezed Dance.”  Viewers can learn the dance steps seen on the show via the dancesunset Web site

“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” said Marjorie Cohn, executive vice President, original programming and development, Nickelodeon, in a statement. “In addition to serving up great entertainment, we are also offering our audience the unique opportunity to participate in this show at home.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.