Dancing with the Stars: It’s all about the spin…

Five years ago, the average American would have had trouble recognizing the difference between a Mambo and a Paso Doble. Many would have associated the Foxtrot with the Sunday-paper comics. And the Jive was the hand-clapping move seen on Grease. But thanks to ABC’s Dancing with the Stars (DWTS), those days are over.

Sure, there are many TV-watchers that have not gotten caught up in competition-based reality TV programs like DWTS. But those who have watched any of the last four seasons know that is about more than just dancing.

The show’s premise is this: Celebrities- whether they be actors, singers, athletes or even models- are paired up with a professional ballroom dancer. Each pair learns a choreographed routine each week and competes on “live” television. Three judges (actual dance experts) give each couple a score and then allow America to vote for their favorite. The judges’ scores and viewers’ votes are tallied and one pair is eliminated each week. Each season ends with a winning couple earning the much-coveted mirror ball trophy.

Dancing with the Stars has helped to give ballroom dancing a place in American popular culture. It continues to teach the average Joe the dos and don’ts of both Standard and Latin dances. But perhaps more prevalent than its contribution to the dance world is its career-boosting potential.

Although some celebrities have competed during rather busy times in the careers, many others seem to use the show to catapult themselves back into the public eye or to broaden their fan bases.

Before his appearance on last year’s season of DWTS, Joey Fatone was known as a member of the once-famous boy band *NSYNC. You know, not Justin Timberlake or Lance Bass, that other one. But since showing off his fast footwork and crazy sense of humor on the dance floor, Fatone has once again become a household name. He’s even landed himself a hosting job on NBC’s The Singing Bee.

But Fatone isn’t the only one to re-start his career on DWTS. Mario López, best-known for his role as A.C. Slater on the sitcom Saved by the Bell, won over many fans while dancing with partner and love-interest Karina Smirnoff. Since placing second on Season 3, López has become a correspondent on Extra and has been cast in more than one up-coming TV movies.

Similar to Fatone and López, whose appearances on Dancing with the Stars have catapulted them into the limelight, other stars have used the program to broaden their fan base.
Monique Coleman from Disney’s High School Musical gained popularity with more than just preteens during her time on DWTS. Billy Ray Cyrus constantly made reference to filming a new series of Hannah Montana and recording his “soon-to-be-released” record while being interviewed on the program. And Apolo Anton Ohno has certainly gained more nation-wide fans than those who already followed his short-track skating career.

But then there are those who use Dancing with the Stars as a sort-of positive press maneuver. Heather Mills, a charity campaigner (a what?), used her short stay on the program to boost her image after her very public breakup with Paul McCartney. And Jerry Springer showed his softer side while learning the Waltz for his daughter’s wedding.

But lest you think that these public relations tactics were things of the past, take a look at this year’s competitors. There are “where are they now” actors like Jennie Garth and Jane Seymour. Fan base broadeners like model Albert Reed (who?) and singer/actress Sabrina Bryan. And positive-press seekers like Mel B, former Spice Girl and mother of Eddie Murphy’s child, and billionaire Mark Cuban who is known for his game-time outbursts as owner of the Dallas Mavericks.

So as you watch this season of Dancing with the Stars, don’t simply get lost in the turns, dips and fancy footwork. Take a minute or two to appreciate all the well-planned spin as well…