Stacey1403
Where it all began....
Member since 5/05 24065 total posts
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Re: Who used to watch Dance Party USA?
FOUND THIS:
Dance Party U.S.A. was a syndicated national dance program on the U.S.A. television network. Although never very good, it jumped the shark when they got rid of the show's host Andy Gary and replaced him with unprofessional "kid" dancer co-hosts.
Oh, how I hated this show. But I must admit, I'd love to see an episode now, just to enjoy the 80s fashions. My sister and I watched Dance Party with contempt every day, so we could scream at the TV (okay, I admit it was time wasted). I hated the dorky kids who thought they were national celebrities because they were on TV. I mean, it was the USA network, for cryin' out loud. The only good thing they ever did was show "Get a Life" reruns, and even that was short-lived.
The last year they where on all of the teenage dancers (my age at the time) were replaced with elderly (late 20s early 30s looking) people. Who wanted to watch old people dance.
When the fat Madonna wannabe,,,, I think her name was Annette was always the focus of the camera.... omigod... Madonna she was not... oh and Kelly Ripa and the ugly boyfriend Chris.... bet he's eating his heart out now...
Seeing this show on the list made me cringe in remembrance. My friend would turn on this show every *#!%# day after school and I wanted to kill her! Dumbest show I have ever seen.
By the way, one of the hosts was a guy named Dave Raymond, better known as the original Philadelphia Phillies mascot "The Phillie Phanatic". My cousin pointed Dave out to me at a pre-season dinner in Scranton, Pa, one year. After making an appearance in costume earlier in the evening with several Penn State cheerleaders, he returned to the buffet table in a sport coat and tie, looking very unassuming. I commented on how lucky he was, getting to mix it up with the girls and getting away with a lot while in costume. (He readily agreed!) So it was kinda cool seeing him on a Dance Party USA promo about two or three years later and being one of the people who was in on his "secret identity".
Dance Party USA was purposely tossed overboard when the music industry changed and all the little teens and twenty-somethings wanted to be all sad and upset and drown their sorrows in depressing grunge music instead of dancing and having a good time!!! Just shameful!!!
This show was filmed in Philadelphia; a friend of mine worked in the bldg. She had some great stories about the girls who thought they were hot, had cat-fights, and chain smoked in the bathrooms like the inane high schoolers they were. The reason this show stank is because they were kids and they had nothing to say--the producers wanted to have them say 'positive' things after awhile and they were lame at it. Andy's departure just confirmed the obvious--then the lunatics 'ran' (hosted) the asylum. The only redeeming thing about the show was the girl who wanted to be like Prince and dressed so hot it was amazing (for Philly) and Kelly had these amazing outfits and red spike heels. BTW, Dave Raymond is the only guy I ever saw had girls hit on HIM in a bar (and he turned them down--augh!).
This shoe never jumped. What a combination of great dance music and an interesting bunch of regulars. It was great to follow the romances, etc. of such regulars as Kelly (not yet famous Ripa) and Princess. The show slowly started to go downhill when Andy Gury left, but it was always fun to watch. Dance Party gave the world its first look at Debbie Gibson, The Jets, and even Paula Abdul!!
anyone remember some guy who always sunglasses and there was like some big moment when he actually took the sunglasses off? is this something that actually or am i imagining it? and i dont remember kelly ripa being on the show but damn i wish i did
This show never jumped. Kelly Ripa was a regular on the show from around 1897 to 1989; she had a long-term relationship with another regular - Chris Kelly. Bob Catalano was the guy with the shades. He was one of the hosts after Andy Gury left. I believe he took off the sunglasses while doing a "lightning lipsinc" of a George Michael song. This may have occurred on Valentine's Day 1988?
I was looking for something else when I came across your site and the page that had the life of Dance Party USA. I laughed because I watched the show before it went into syndication and was just a small town philly show (I can't remember what the name of it was). When I was in eighth grade (1983/84) I too watched everyday after school and we thought all the people on it were so coo (remember the girl twins?). I would make my parents plan the summer trip to the Jersey Shore around the shows trips/broadcast from there. Even tried to win the contest once for them to film a show from your house. How sad...
This show went bad when Andy left. I loved this show in High School. I still have video tapes filled with the episodes that I used to tape. My fiends and I took a trip out to Philly to be on 3 shows -- it was the best road trip ever! And I sent away for and still have the official Dance Party USA jacket!! Plus I have a book filled with all the letters I used to get from the regulars on the show!! My favorite -- Jason Pascoe -- what a cutie...I wonder where he is now! They should bring them all back for us die hard fans!!
There was an EMBARRASSING girl who always wore purple bodysuits because she was a Prince fan and she wore a tear drop by her eye and said that she'd never take it off until she met Prince.
I was one of those "girl twins" on the show and still to this day get harassed by my friends to watch my tapes of my sister and I on the show. When Hell freezes over! But damn it was fun...
I would have to say that this show never jumped.....now dont get me wrong ,Im not saying it was good. It was the eighties man....Either you were into rock or pop.... If you liked pop this show was for you. Now living in the Philly suburbs I had a few connections to this show...My cousin was a semi-regular and My tenth Grade English teacher was the father of the Prince wannabe "Princess". By the way I hated this show,Being a deadhead it was against everything I stood for( I was a teen, I couldnt stand for much) I did watch it though with my friends, we knew a couple of kids that lived one township over , and he was regular, one of the more popular ones with his gelled hair,we would get stoned and just laugh at these kids that we thought at the time were the biggest losers in the world. And to answer the other posters question, the pre-cursor to this show was DANCING ON AIR
I named my daughter after the girl on there named Kira, I always wonder what happened to her. I hated that guy Bobby with the sunglasses that never came off... and the Jack Nicholson wanna be voice (worse than Christian Slater.) But the set was so cheap and cheesy, I had to love the show. I was a DP USA junkie, and what was worse was I was 20 years old!
This show was classic for me. My brother was on the show as a regular and we ripped him everyday for it. We had tapes of him on the show but he realized that they would be great laughing material someday. He erased them back in college. Does anyone know how I can get my hands on some tapes of this show (hint, hint... the girl that has all of the tapes still). The years in question were 1986, 1987, and 1988. Mostly the DOA days but he did make it to the Dance Party days also. I must say that he might have been busted on back then but he did have a different girl calling the house every night. Couldn't have been that bad.
I wanted to say that before Dance Party USA the show was called Dancin' On Air. It was taped at a local tv station in Philadelphia. Me being the dork that I am used to go on as a guest and dance. And yes I thought I was cool too.
I think like everyone else, after Andy Gary left, it jumped. It also jumped slightly whenever any of the original regulars left. It was still good until the end and I still regret to this day that I wasn't on it. Could somebody please send me some tapes of the program? Also, whatever happened to Kelly Ripa's boyfriend Chris, his sister Jennifer, the guy with the shades and the girl who hung around with the Madonna wannabe who got pregnant and left. I think her name was Holly Ramond.
I was so devoted -- I was a huge pop fan and the same age as these kids. I loved Bobby and Joe White (with the long hair) and the funny guy (Marlon? I think). Can you tell I was a fan. I was really sad when Kelly Ripa broke up with Chris Kelly and excited later in life that she got a career. By the way - he works on Grounded for Life now. Somewhere around here I have an old video tape with some random episodes (maybe a prom episode). I also have very distinct memories of Kelly in lots of tube tops and heels and RED. Big fashion no-nos, but I totally copied her hair.
I don't believe this show ever jumped the Shark. I thought this show was great! I enjoyed watching the show after school and wished I lived in Philly so I could become a regular! I thought the show got MUCH better once they let the regulars host. Princess, Bobby, Baby Heather, Oceana, Desiree, Greg, Spicy, Lil' Spicy, Marisol.... Oh my goodness, I could go on and on! I really loved that show and I hate that there isn't anything else on tv like it now. I hate how times have changed and if something similar like that were on now, it wouldn't be appreciated. Dance Party USA also rocked because they always had the top stars out at the time on the show! I was a huge New Kids on the Block fan and the New Kids were always on there! They had others like Cathy Dennis and Bobby Ross Avila (remember him?) I also liked how Dance Party often had the best "dance/club" music! There were so many songs that I liked that they would play that the radio stations would shy away from. One of my favorite Dance Party USA songs that the regulars would dance to was "Love Shy" by the 49ers. Anyone remember that song? Does anyone know where I could get some tapes of old episodes, in particular the 1989-1991 years? In my opinion, those were certainly the best years of the show, and by far, the best era of music!
Dance Party - It jumped when producers had to change the format - i.e. "up" the age of the "regulars" due to one particular regulars illegal sexual escapades & lawsuits which were brought on by this activity. The younger crowd could no longer relate. Bye bye bubble gum appeal!
I remember Dance Party. I know Kelly Ripa has become very famous since her time on Dance party but I've always wondered what happened to Bobby Catalano, the guy with the sunglasses. If anyone on the show was the star it was him. I remember so many girls going crazy for him. He seemed to have a certain quality about him. Does anyone know what he is doing now. Anyway for it's time Dance party was a cool show with a lot of great music.
The show not only jumped, but was pummeled by that shark when the host would dance and the only move he could bust out with was the *Prep*
I was a regular on Dance Party and i'll tell u what i had some of the best times of my life on that show. I met some of my closest friends there. It was like a family, went a lot of places and did a lot of different things. I still have the tapes and put them on every once in a while just for a good laugh. I know a lot of people thought it was corny and all and believe me my brothers and their friends teased the sh** out of me but when i would bring my friends from the show around they would all want to hook up with them. I miss those days and i miss some of my friends, i wish they would have a reunion or something. Maybe someday i'll get to see some of those old faces but until then i guess i'll just pop in the tapes every once in awhile.
I was on the show at one time. I wasn't actually in the studio, but I had written a letter to be on "Smash Hit or Trash It" when they judge the song. It wasn't a big deal, but I considered it being my 15 minutes of fame. I remember that after doing the whole judging thing, they asked if there was a regular that I would like to talk to. I picked Bob (the shades guy). I had no idea that I would get this opportunity, so I had no time to think about what to say or ask. When he got on the phone, there was silence for the first couple of minutes and when he said that he had to go, all I could think to ask him was how old was he. I was such a dumb a$$. However it did make me a minor celebrity at school that week. My friends and I watched this show religiously. I always liked Eddie. He wasn't the best looking, but he seemed really sweet (with his acid washed jeans). I miss this show and would also like to know if you could get copies of old shows.
Like many of the other people writing, I too was a regular. They paid us in free Esleep pajamas and Ring Dings...talk about your child labor laws. Anyway, for people wondering about post-show gossip, I've learned some through the years. I believe Rennie Harris (the floor producer) has an award winning dance troupe with some others from the show. Bobby and Princess have tried for show biz careers...I haven't seen them on anything, have you? Some guy Rodney (later years) was on Broadway in Rent a few years ago. Many, many of the boys from the show came out of the closet...come on, are you really surprised? I would really love to know what ever happened to Chris Tully. I had the hugest crush on him, but never got to meet him. He left the show right before I became a regular. If anyone has any dirt on him, please post. Thanks.
Oh yeah Dance Party USA. My brother Mark was a regular on the show and was on a few of the shows. He knew Princess and Bobby, but came after Kelly Ripa. I was actually on one of the Christmas shows. Each regular could bring family/friends onto the show, so Mark brought us down for the taping. I did get on a few times, including one great shot during the closing credits where Mark gives me a kiss as he's holding me. That brings back memories. Granted I am only 18, but those were some great times. Mark had the Dance Party USA magazine/book, and it had all of the regulars' stats and info in it. I remember my dad and I taking Mark down to the studio on Thursday nights for the taping each week. We still have a few shows stashed away, but who knows where in the house. The show never jumped the shark...well maybe when the sunglasses came off. Man did girls swoon for that. :) Good times.
Terrific show -- countless fond memories, but sadly, it definitely jumped the shark when MC Andy Gury was replaced by the show's regulars.
Dance Party USA happened to be my favorite show. I watched it religiously and knew everything about that show. I just wanted to tell you that Princess was not Kelly Ripa! Not even close and it was not filmed in Philadelphia, it was filmed in New Jersey. Don't get me wrong Kelly Ripa is cute, but she never had a body like that. Princess had a really awesome body. I know and remember a lot about that show, I was a huge fan and always will be.
I loved this show! I pretty much define my whole jr. high experience from this show. I was a big nerd, and took "cool" lessons from the girl regs. I idolized prince (still do) and wanted to meet princess as much as i wanted to marry prince!I was in love with Bob Catalano and taped the show when he took off his sunglasses.Oh, and I made my mom watch so she could see who I was going to marry. I bought the dance party magazine, and to this day, I plan on naming my first daughter Aubrey (and I know someone else who named their girl Aubrey for the same reason)What happened to Aubrey, Princess, Alvin...I am patiently waiting for the day that kelly ripa has a dance party reunion!I wore e sleep...I could SERIOUSLY go on forever about this show!
When Bob Catalano removed his trademark shades during his lip-synched performance of Wham!'s "Careless Whisper".
I was on the show briefly. I actually was on it in the 9th grade and it was the greatest time in the world. We got to meet all of the "cool" regulars and it was a beach party theme. Kelly Ripa was there. Then when the studio moved to downtown Philly, we frequented more often. We met the greatest people. We even got to meet nkotb!
I loved Bobby Catalano! When I joined his fan club, his uncle phoned me to get address information. I nearly dropped the phone. The show was taped in Camden, NJ. Dancin on Air was in Phillie. I wish I knew what Bobby is doing now.
Oh my gosh!!! I used to luuuuuuv this show. And had the hugest crush on Bob. I begged my mom to let me go to Philly (or wherever the heck it was taped)I had some eps on tape but unfortunately they were destroyed by varmints. Does Ms. Ripa admit to being on the show? A reunion would be so freakin hilarious!
DANCE PARTY USA!!! Its been ages since Ive seen it... but most recently, as recently as 6/04 I actually coincidentally ran into a few of the regulars! I saw Bob Catalano in Houlihans in NYC, i was leaving, he was coming in. He was kinda a prick! He thought he was too cool to chat! But he was surprised I recognized him after all these years. This past month, I was visiting friends in Ft Lauderdale, FL... Turns out one of my friends is friends w/ Matt! We went out to dinner and out for drinks! We called Elizabeth Jacobs on her cell, and I left her this crazy *** message. Then later on that evening Matt made out w/ me! hahaaha! He mentioned.."I bet we see Eddy Camacho out tonight" I didnt care, it was funny just meeting Matt. As soon as we got to the club, guess whos outside! EDDY CAMACHO.. It was hysterical! A blast from the FKKN past! anyway we chatted for a while and exchanged numbers. They were both really kool, they looked great! Eddy is hair designer in Miami, and Matts got tons of tattoos! Marisol has a family up north, and Megan is a thief! The stories were kinda blurry, I was tipsy talking about the early 90's w/ them but all was kool. You would be surprised at how many of those guys are gay! NO NAMES... Oh and I found out the big haired twin Sara is actually a douchebag who likes to talk a lot of sh*t! This is so funny to actually come across this site!
I was a regular on the show. I used to wear the Big VW chain like the Beastie Boys. Funny is the Beastie Boys are still around to this day. I wish they would do a remake of the show and see how the people have changed. Bob might have been the coolest then, but I'd like to see if he could F with me now?
I was a regular on and off again from Dancin on Air days of 1984 to the more regular days of Dance Party USA. For some of those who are confused, the show started taping in Wynnewood, Pa, then moved to Secane, PA briefly, then to a building off of Callowhill St in Philly. Days of Jersey if they existed came well after 1989 when I left. They were great days with some great people. Some people were stuck on themselves and thought that they were major celebrities. I hope they have copies of themselves on tape to realize NOT is the word for them. For a brief moment you were a celebrity to a bunch of kids in America, but the reality is, Kelly is the one who hit it big (Go ahead girl). I was good friends with and went to school with Princess (Heather);she was in my wedding over 10 years ago. Honestly, I had a great time and laugh every so often when we dust the tapes off to watch with friends (Remember Pulsations???). My God the hair. Aqua Net stayed in business from Lillian and the rest of us. It would be great to catch up with some of you all for a reunion.........
Now I'm going to start this off by saying I was in college (an adult) when I accidentally tuned into this tripe one uneventful afternoon after my classes. I realize that the show was geared toward kids and I was well outside their target demographic, but I was pulled in by the massive sucking force of this show and man did it ****. God help me, I could not avert my eyes. I remember thinking that even if I had been the age this thing was geared toward, I would have felt insulted beyond all reckoning. I finally had all I could take when they got to a portion of the show where they read a letter from a viewer seeking advice from their favorite cast member. The letter was read and then the response was given from the cast member (of course the response was very scripted and very patent and character-esque). It was at this point that a veritable tsunami of nausea washed over me and I quickly changed the channel.
This show never jumped. I remember coming home to watch this tripe after school. Most of these dancers were from Philly and had the biggest Philly hair and the girls wore so much harsh makeup and were so lame. My sister and I used to yell at the t.v. every day. It was a riot. I remember Lillian, who had the biggest hair of all and Princess wearing purple bodysuits and tutus - what was she thinking??? I also remember one kid who looked about 10 - weren't you supposed to be a teenager to be on this show? I would love to see a Dance Party or Dancin' on Air reunion to show what these people look like now. At the end of the series, I remember a "reality" type segment where they burst into the regulars rooms "unannounced". Does anyone else remember this?
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Bobby!!!
