Toronto, ON (December 22, 2010) – CTV and /A\ announced today that Paula Abdul’s highly anticipated return to primetime begins with a special two-night premiere of the new reality-competition series 'Live To Dance' on Tuesday, Jan. 4 and Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV.

The dynamic series struts its stuff for two weeks on CTV before shimmying its way to /A\ beginning Wednesday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. ET.

The series showcases solo performers, pairs or dance troupes of any age or genre as they vie to become the first-ever 'Live To Dance' champion and win a $500,000 prize.

Sitting alongside Abdul and adding their own flare and expertise to the judging panel are two-time Emmy®-nominated choreographer Travis Payne and former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt.

The new reality-competition series 'Live To Dance' features one of the most inclusive television talent searches ever as it features dancers of any age performing any form of dance – whether it be solo, as a pair or as a group. Former 'American Idol' judge Paula Abdul serves as executive producer, mentor and lead expert of the series.

She also serves as coach, creative partner and advocate for contestants during the performances and elimination process, providing critical input and guidance while sharing her experience with hopeful dancers.

Joining her on the judges panel are choreographer and two-time Emmy®-nominee Travis Payne and singer, dancer and former member of the Pussycat Dolls, Kimberly Wyatt. Payne choreographed Michael Jackson's This Is It and has also worked with Madonna and Janet Jackson.

Previously, Wyatt was a judge on the British reality-series 'Got To Dance' which serves as the template for 'Live To Dance'. 'Got To Dance' has been a ratings sensation for Britain's Sky 1, making it one of the U.K.'s top-rated pay television series this season.

In the two-hour premiere episode (Tuesday, Jan. 4 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV), dancers from across the U.S. audition for the series' experts in specially constructed “Dance Domes” that were built in New York and Los Angeles to host the casting call. By the end of the premiere episode, a group of dancers are selected, from all styles, backgrounds and ages, for the 'Live To Dance' cast. 

In the second episode (Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV), an additional group of dancers from the Dance Dome auditions, who the experts feel deserve a second chance, will have one final opportunity to compete in a "dance-off," to earn a coveted spot in the 'Live To Dance' cast. Those contestants who make it through the "dance-off" will travel to Los Angeles, rounding out the final cast of 18 dance acts. 

'Live To Dance' will broadcast live for the first time on Wednesday, Jan. 12 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV, where the first six dance acts will compete against each other with only two acts advancing. 'Live To Dance' then moves to /A\, Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET beginning Jan. 19. 

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