Dance Party USA
For six years, a Philadelphia TV studio full of dancing teenagers was appointment viewing across the country. Dance Party USA was the USA Network's answer to American Bandstand — and the launchpad for a future daytime-television star.
▶ Watch Classic Dance Party USA — 24/7 The retro broadcast is playing right now on WatchParty USA. No sign-up, just hit play.The quick facts
- AiredApril 12, 1986 – June 27, 1992
- NetworkUSA Network (national cable)
- Filmed atWPHL-TV/17 and WGBS, Philadelphia; offices in Camden, New Jersey
- Created byExecutive producers Frank Nise and Michael Nise
- FormatTeen "regulars" dancing to the day's hits, plus lip-sync numbers
- PredecessorDancin' On Air (Philadelphia, 1981–1987)
Where it came from
Dance Party USA didn't start from scratch. It was built on the bones of Dancin' On Air, a daily dance show that had run on Philadelphia's WPHL-TV since 1981, created by the same father-and-son team, Frank and Michael Nise. When the USA Network wanted a national dance show in 1986, it hired the Nises — and for the first stretch, Dance Party USA used the very same studio and set. If you want the full lineage, see Dance Party USA vs. Dancin' On Air.
The original host, back when the format was taking shape in 1985–86, was Dave Raymond — better known to Philadelphia as the man inside the Phillie Phanatic costume. As the show found its national footing, the hosting duties passed on.
The hosts
| Host | Era |
|---|---|
| Dave Raymond | 1985–1986 (original host) |
| Andy Gury | 1986–1989, and again in 1992 |
| Bobby Catalano & Heather "Princess" Day | 1989–1991 |
The 1989–1991 pairing is the one longtime fans picture: Bobby Catalano — "The Man Behind The Shades" — who'd come up as a regular on the show itself, now co-hosting alongside the Princess.
How the show worked
The format was simple and it was the whole appeal: a floor of everyday teenagers dancing to the popular music of the moment, with the camera picking out the "regulars" — the recurring dancers whose looks and personalities made them small-screen celebrities. Production ran hard: multiple episodes were taped in a single day, with dancers changing costumes between tapings so each show looked like a different afternoon. Lip-sync performances were a staple, and being good at them turned regulars into fan favorites.
It started as a 30-minute show and expanded to a full hour in 1987 as its audience grew.
The faces you'd recognize
The show's real stars were its regulars. The most famous, by a distance, is Kelly Ripa — years before Live! and All My Children, she was a teenage regular dancer here. Others who built real followings include Bobby Catalano, Lillian Narodowski, Chris Kelly, and Jason Pascoe. Browse them all in the full cast roster.
▶ See it in motion Classic Dance Party USA is streaming now on WatchParty USA →Frequently asked
What years did Dance Party USA air?
Dance Party USA aired on the USA Network from April 12, 1986 to June 27, 1992. It began as a 30-minute show and expanded to an hour in 1987.
Where was Dance Party USA filmed?
It was shot in Philadelphia at WPHL-TV/17 and WGBS, with production offices in Camden, New Jersey. See where Dance Party USA was filmed for more.
Was Kelly Ripa on Dance Party USA?
Yes — before her acting and talk-show career, Kelly Ripa was a regular dancer on the show. Read about Kelly Ripa's Dance Party USA years.
Who hosted Dance Party USA?
Dave Raymond hosted originally (1985–86), followed by Andy Gury (1986–89, 1992), and the regular-turned-host Bobby Catalano with Heather "Princess" Day from 1989–1991.
Where can I watch Dance Party USA today?
Classic Dance Party USA plays around the clock on WatchParty USA — a free 24/7 retro broadcast.