Nearly 30,000 dance videos were submitted and now six talented finalists age 10-16 have been selected to showcase their dance moves for millions of viewers and celebrity judges, Selena Gomez (“Wizards of Waverly Place”), recording artist Sean Kingston and “Shake It Up” choreographer Rosero McCoy, in Disney Channel‘s first-ever talent competition exclusively for kids and tweens, “Make Your Mark: Ultimate Dance Off – ‘Shake It Up’ Edition,” premiering FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 (8:30 p.m.)(8:ET/PT).

The grand prize is a “Spotlight Dance” on an upcoming episode of “Shake It Up,” which through its first 21 original episodes, is pacing to be cable TV’s #1 series of all time among Tweens 9-14. The dance off competition telecast will be hosted by Debby Ryan (Disney Channel’s “Jessie”), Roshon Fegan and R. Brandon Johnson (both of “Shake It Up”), with special guest appearances by Bella Thorne and Zendaya (both of “Shake It Up”).

The winning dancer or dance team will be determined by online and text votes and revealed during the results show SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 (8:30 p.m.)(8:ET/PT), a telecast highlighted by a musical performance from China Anne McClain (“A.N.T. Farm”). Following the October 14 telecast, viewers will have two hours to vote for their favorite finalist at www.DisneyChannel.com/MakeYourMark , or by texting their vote to DISNEY following the Ultimate Dance Off. Viewers can vote up to five times online and five times by text.

For the Ultimate Dance Off performance, the six finalists will work with some of the entertainment industry’s top choreographers: Nick Florez (Katy Perry videos and concert tours), Fatima Robinson (Black Eyed Peas choreographer and creative director), Gil Duldulao (Janet Jackson’s choreographer), Jimaica Craft (Ne-Yo’s videos), Ivan Koumaev (Jason Derulo’s choreographer) and Marty Kudelka (Joe Jonas’s choreographer).

The finalists include 12-year-old Arjang from California; 12-year-old Jade from Illinois; 13-year-old Amir from Virginia; 13-year-old Christine and 15-year-old June Ann from New Jersey; 16-year-old Casey from Washington and 16-year-old Samantha from California; and AKsquared – 12-year-old Arielle, 12-year-old Alyssa, 14-year-old Kailey and 10-year-old Kalani from Arizona.

Related articles

• Disney Channel To Debut Second Season Of Hit Dance-Themed Comedy “Shake It Up” On Sunday, September 18 (chipandco.com)
• “Jessie” Ranks as Disney Channel’s Most-Watched Friday Premiere in 3 Years, Boosts ‘Phineas & Ferb,’ ‘Fish Hooks’ (tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com)

Chip (6716 Posts)

Chip is owner of and webmaster of Chip and Co - Your source for Disney Park News, Planning Tips, Giveaways, and More. When he is not writing about Disney News, or Planning Tips, you will find him counting down the days to his next Disney World Vacation. Watch for him at the 2013 D23 Expo or over on the Chip and Co Facebook Page.