Jennifer Lopez's production company Nuyorican Productions is teaming up with NBC to create World of Dance, a new reality dancing competition for people or groups of all genres and ages.
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In partnership with the global dance brand World of Dance, the series will bring the world's elite dancers together to compete in "epic battles of artistry, precision and athleticism" for a $1 million grand prize, according to the network.
"This will be a fierce talent-heavy dance competition that embraces the raw emotion and excitement that dance represents," Lopez said in a statement. "I am excited to work with World of Dance, an organization that has had an immeasurable impact on the dance community, to give all dancers an enormous platform where their dreams can be realized."
Acts will range from solo artists to duos and crews who may perform hip-hop, krumping, popping, locking, tap, ballet, break dancing, ballroom, clogging, stomping and more.
Emmy Award-winning choreographers Napoleon and Tabitha D'umo, best known as Nappytabs, will appear on the show. They recently choreographed Lopez's Las Vegas residency "All I Have." The pair has also choreographed amazing routines for So You Think You Can Dance and America's Best Dance Crew.
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Handpicked from qualifying events around the nation and thousands of online submissions, competitors will be divided into three divisions: Junior (any size act under 16-years-old), Upper (groups from 1-4 people over 16 years) and Team (groups of 5 people or more over 16 years).
Following the show's initial auditions, divisions will face off in duels until only one act in each division is left standing. A panel of experts -- who have yet to be announced -- will score each act using a point system developed by World of Dance.
The judging criteria will be routine, execution, presentation, and crowd appeal. In the finale, the winners from each division will duke it out for $1 million and the title of "Best in the World."
"Dance rivals any sport for its ability to produce world-class athletes and powerful performances that entertain, inspire and unite people from all walks of life," said Meredith Ahr, President of Universal Television Alternative Studios.
"The unmatched credibility that the World of Dance organization has achieved so quickly speaks to the high standard they have set for their community, which is based on authentic expression, diversity and innovation. Those core values, paired with one of dance's greatest success stories and role models, Jennifer Lopez, are sure to give viewers a front row seat as dance is taken to the next level."
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In addition to Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Kris Curry, Matilda Zoltowski, David Gonzalez, Matthew Everitt and Al Hassas are also serving as executive producers.
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski