Dancin' on air

'Dancin’ On Air was a 1980s television dance music reality show, the forerunner of the daily national hit TV show, Dance Party USA. Both shows were produced and created by Michael Nise and his father Frank. The show started with US$100,000 from a small group of investors that included Tonight Show band leader Doc Severinsen. The program earned a 128% return on investment (ROI) within the first six months. "Dancin’ On Air" was produced from Nise’s studios and offices located in Camden, New Jersey.

"Dancin’ On Air" broadcast live 5 to 6 days from October 12, 1981 to December 31, 1987. The program reached seven east coast states. When not broadcast from its Philadelphia studios on Channels 17 and 57, and briefly from E.J. Stewart, the program was often on-location and broadcast from locations including Penn’s Landing, Ocean City, Wildwood, Great Adventure, Dorney Park and Hershey Park.

In 1986, "Dancin’ On Air" was syndicated by KDOC in LA. The show doubled KDOC’s ratings in its first week. "Dancin’ On Air" was one of two shows on KDOC that pulled a ratings number. The then fledgling USA Network was looking for a TV show that would put the Network “on the map.” It heard about KDOC-Los Angeles's success with Dancin’ On Air and decided to give Dancin’ On Air & its producers a shot. Overnight, USA Network's ratings doubled with Dancin' USA. Shortly thereafter, the show was renamed, Dance Party USA.

During 1986 and 1987, the Dancin’ On Air studio set was that same studio used for Dance Party USA. As a result during the 86/87 season, audiences saw the same Regulars, guest dancers, and celebrities on both shows on the same days. Dancin’ On Air shared more than a studio set and “regulars” with Dance Party USA. The programs shared a weekly talk-radio show entitled, TALKIN' ON AIR, hosted by Michael Nise.

The show is credited with jumpstarting the careers of many of celebrities including Kelly Ripa, Madonna with her first TV appearance, Will Smith, Tom Verica with his first TV appearance, Duran Duran with their first American TV appearance, and Dave Raymond, the original Philly Fanatic.

References

External links

* [http://www.dancinonair.com Dancin’ On Air website]