The cast of Season 17 (photo via abc.go.com)
If you’re like any of us nerds at DanceMedia, the end of summer doesn’t just mean the end of beach days, but the closing of dance TV staples like “So You Think You Can Dance” and “Breaking Pointe.” That is, until you realize fall programming means “Dancing with the Stars” takes over prime time.
The show airs once a week this year (Mondays at 8/7 central), which means they’ll have to cram all the dancing, critiques and eliminations into two hours. Most importantly, I hope they don’t cut down on guest performances. My favorite part is seeing everyone from New York City Ballet principal Tiler Peck to college dance students take the stage.
Season 17’s cast includes:
“Saved by the Bell” star Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Valentin Chmerkovskiy
High School Musical alum Corbin Bleu and Karina Smirnoff
“Pretty Little Liars” actor Brant Daugherty and Peta Murgatroyd
Comedian Bill Engvall and Emma Slater
Valerie Harper of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” and Tristan Macmanus
Former NY Jets wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson and Sharna Burgess
Singer Christina Milian and Mark Ballas
Bill Nye “…the Science Guy” and Tyne Stecklein
Jack Osbourne (son of Ozzy) and Cheryl Burke
“Jersey Shore” fist pumper Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Sasha Farber
“The King of Queens” actress Leah Remini and Tony Dovolani
“Glee” actress Amber Riley and Derek Hough
Who do you think has the rhythm to win Season 17? (Here’s to hoping my ’90s science idol, Bill Nye, takes home the mirror ball.) Catch the premiere, September 16 on ABC.
