Elizabeth Berkley, known for her role as "Jessie Spano" on the popular TV series "Saved By the Bell," says her new dance show is a step above the rest.
Berkley serves as the host of Bravo's "Step It Up & Dance," premiering April 3 at 8:00 p.m. The actress and dancer is joined by Jerry Mitchell, Tony award-winning choreographer of Broadway musicals such as "Hairspray" and "Legally Blonde," who will act as a judge for the reality dance competition.
"Other shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dance War" are pretty much based around just one style," said Mitchell in a conference call. "This show has choreographers at the top of all styles of dance."
"Step It Up & Dance" will take 12 contestants through weekly dance challenges to show what it takes to make it big in the cutthroat dance industry. The last dancer remaining after all the eliminations will win $100,000.
Berkley, who has been dancing since the age of four and acting in movies such as "Showgirls," said although she will not be dancing on the show, she will be a great mentor to the dancers.
"I have compassion for what they're going through because I've been there," she said. "You're constantly corrected and critiqued so I'll be tough but helpful."
She said the fascinating part about "Step It Up & Dance" is the way the audience can get involved with the dancers' personal lives.
"The stakes are so high and the turn-around is so quick to know all the moves," Berkley said. "So people will get a chance to see all the pressure and hard work behind the scenes."
Mitchell said viewers can expect a lot of drama because the dancers will be pushed outside of their comfort zones.
"Our goal is to create a well-rounded group and expose them to every conceivable dance style, from ballet to ballroom and Broadway," Mitchell said.
He said many top dancers today only excel in hip-hop and contemporary styles while the show will challenge each performer and cause them to either adapt or go home.
Berkely said she wants the dancers to be a success off the dance floor as well.
"We want to instill the importance of work ethic and discipline, and focus more on the artistry," Berkley said.
Mitchell said this show will humble all those who think they can just waltz in a room and be famous tomorrow.
"Step It Up & Dance" will have many celebrity judges help critique, such as Jason Alexander, best known as "George Costanza" from "Seinfeld." There will also be a special performance by the rhythmic group, Stomp.
Mitchell said this show will be one of the best dance-show experiences for both the dancers and the audience.
"Whether they win or not, the exposure to the different art forms is so rewarding," he said.
Berkeley said the versatility of "Step It Up & Dance" will knock out all the other dance shows, including "America's Best Dance Crew," hosted by her former co-star, Mario Lopez.
"Even though Mario and I go way back, my dance experience proves that the true talent will be on my show," Berkley said.
Heather Hope can be reached at hope.27@osu.edu.
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