DANCE PARTY USA (and DANCIN' ON AIR) were among the first "Reality Shows" before the phrase "Reality Show" was coined. Both programs were genuine "Reality Shows"... life unscripted as audiences stayed glued to their TV sets so that they could remain current with the real-life drama, accentuated by music, variety and dancing, that was DANCIN' ON AIR and DANCE PARTY USA.
DANCIN' ON AIR and DANCE PARTY USA never had any cast members, and did not employ writers, actors or professional dancers. Loyal viewers were the ones deciding who they wanted to see every day -- even though the audience was never asked to cast a vote.
The real "stars" -- that kept the audience tuning-in each day --were the over 800,000 kids of all races, creeds, shapes, sizes and physical & mental disabilities who danced on DANCIN' ON AIR (from 10/12/87 to 4/30/87) and DANCE PARTY USA (from 4/12/86 to 6/27/92). Both shows often featured entire families including babies, parents and grandparents.
Basically, the shows' official classifications of the kids who frequently appeared on the shows are "Regulars" and "Permanent Guests."
