The New Dance Show
US television program
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The New Dance Show is a television series in Detroit, Michigan, which ran on WGPR-TV 62 (now a CBS affiliate known as WWJ-TV) and W68CH 68 (now WHPS-CD 15). Hosted and executively produced by R.J. Watkins alongside producer Henry Tyler, they worked to capture the styles, hair, music, and culture of the late 1980s and early 1990s.[1]
| The New Dance Show | |
|---|---|
| |
| Genre | Electrofunk, funk, disco, Detroit techno, Chicago house |
| Created by | R.J. Watkins |
| Developed by | RJ Watkins Late Night Entertainment |
| Ending theme | The New Dance Show Mix |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Production locations | Detroit, Michigan (1988–1994) Highland Park, Michigan (1994–1996) |
| Original release | |
| Network | WGPR-TV 62, Detroit (1988–1994) W68CH, Highland Park (1994–1996) |
| Release | 1988 – 1996 |
| Related | |
| The Scene | |
History
The New Dance Show was developed as a spin-off of The Scene, which ran from October 1975 to December 1987. The Scene, was described as being more "disco-oriented"[2] as it brought new wave of techno and electronic sound after the disco-era.[2]
Watkins told Michigan Chronicles "'There was such a strong desire for a dance show..after it [The Scene] was gone for awhile they missed it".[3]
The New Dance Show debuted in 1988,[4] and the ratings were good from the start.[5] The show was the first show recorded at Reggie's Moulin Rouge in Detroit and the first Black-owned radio and television broadcast show established in the country.[1]
Production later moved to Highland Park in 1994 after R.J. Watkins' purchase of WHPR-FM. The New Dance Show briefly ended production shortly afterward after WGPR was sold and Watkins signed on his W68CH; a sister station to WHPR,[6] which would resume production of The New Dance Show for two additional years. Reruns currently air on the now-WHPS-CD at various evening hours.
Music, dancers, and style
Throughout the show music from several influential Detroit techno artists and outlets were featured.[2] Many viewers of the show recall hearing artists such as Kraftwerk, Techno Bass, Risse, and more.
The New Dance Show was a local version of Soul Train and featured regular dancers. Many of the dancers on the show grew up watching Soul Train and The Scene, a foundation to them finding their own unique style.[2] Some of the most popular dancers from the show include, Keith Bledsoe, LaWanda Gray, Norman Sadler and Pam Thomas.[3] The dance styles ranged from Detroit street-style and free style with elements of disco.[6]
