Canine Choreographers Dance Their Way Into Viewers' Hearts in Animal Planet's DANCING WITH DOGS
marketwatch.com
November 11, 2008
- Actor and Comedian Alec Mapa Hosts the Canine Freestyle Event on December 6 at 9 PM -
SILVER SPRING, Md., Nov 11, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Animal Planet's new special DANCING WITH DOGS introduces viewers to a different kind of dance competition, where two legs are optional, wacky wardrobes are encouraged, and incidental bathroom breaks are common. Centered around the sport of musical canine freestyle, DANCING WITH DOGS features dog-and-owner dance teams at all levels -- beginner through advanced -- as they dance to rock 'n'roll, hip-hop, classical and country. Hosted by actor and comedian Alec Mapa, this international competition showcases the bond established between dog and owner on their quest to conquer top prize. From poodles to Newfoundlands to golden retrievers, all types of dogs are represented, and while some may have four left feet, their spunk and personalities make up for what they lack in grace. These teams come from all over the world, putting their heart and soul into their performances in hopes of winning the World Canine Freestyle Organization's International Competition and the coveted Animal Planet Cup.
Serving as host and commentator for DANCING WITH DOGS is actor and comedian Alec Mapa, who has appeared on Broadway and in such series as Friends, Roseanne, NYPD Blue, Seinfeld and Melrose Place. Most recently, Alec has made appearances on the hit comedies Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty. Alec is a dog lover, and he's taken the new canine freestyle moves he learned during DANCING WITH DOGS back home to his two dogs Ozzy and Sweet Pea. "I've been dancing with my dogs for years," says Alec. "At last, it's so exciting to know that I'm not alone. There are others out there dancing with dogs, and it's time to go public!"
Premiering on Saturday, December 6, at 9 PM (ET/PT), DANCING WITH DOGS is a two-hour celebration of musical canine freestyle as it follows 28 dance teams from their months of preparation before the competition through their pre-performance jitters ... up to the very moment they take the stage. After every unique performance, our panel of canine freestyle experts judges each team on their technical and creative merits. With intricate moves like spins, weaves, jumps and distance work, contestants practice for months to attain technical perfection in their heelwork, but they also must exude creativity in costumes and props to earn a top creative score. This is a serious competition, and any missteps, such as "fouling" in the ring (bathroom accidents), or baiting the canine contestants with treats can lead to disqualification.
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