By Elia Esparza
It all started with the three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Shakira’s song “Girl Like Me”, where she spawned a viral dance challenge. She is now joining forces with NBC for the new competition series Dancing With Myself.
Dancing With Myself is inspired by the millions tuning in to watch the latest dance crazes on social media sites such as TikTok. Shakira will not only executive produce but also host and participate as one of the judges.
It is a family-friendly competition series where, according to the series’ description, “Every week a new group of fun-loving dancers from all walks of life and of all ages compete in a series of high-energy dance challenges that are designed and demonstrated by the show’s celebrity creators, including Shakira. Isolated in their own pods, contestants have a short time to learn the new routines, add their unique flair and then perform their hearts out in front of a live audience.”
Shakira and her judging panel provide “instant feedback and encouragement as each round of the competition progresses.” However, ultimately, it’s the studio audience who decides on who wins Best Dancer of the Night and goes home with the cash prize.
NBC has partnered with an ideal artist for a dance competition. In the area of music and dance, Shakira is a bonafide pop superstar. She has sold over 300 million albums worldwide. “I’m excited to be a part of a dance competition that places such a high value on creative movement and how it translates into personal expression, not to mention how it contributes to a sense of community,” the Colombian singer stated in a video message.
“I’ve personally been blown away by some of the talent I’ve seen thanks to people having access to their own platforms through social media,” Shakira added. “Dance has been an incredibly potent force throughout my life, and I’m eager to show the world how transformative, empowering and fun it can be.”
Producing is Irwin Entertainment, the production company run by showrunner John Irvwin (Little Late With Lilly Singh) for NBC with Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio group. Shakira will also work alongside Dave Kuba, Eli Frankel, Ben Thursby-Palmer and Jaime Levine.
Dancing With Myself’s premiere is yet to be announced. Each week viewers will see a group of dancers compete in a series of high-energy dance challenges designed and demonstrated by the show’s celebrity creators, including Shakira. Dancing with Myself is licensed by NBCUniversal Formats, a division of Universal Studio Group.