Sky1 Dances Into Pineapple Studios

An integrated content production company, Pulse Films has announced that it has been commissioned by Sky1 HD to make a seven-episode 'observational documentary' series set around the world-famous Pineapple Dance Studios in London.

The 60-minute programmes Pineapple Dance Studios: Survival Of The Fittest, will follow the lives of teachers, pupils and staff at the studios as they attend auditions, rehearsals and performances in a unique setting.

It is being billed as where "dreams are made, parts are won and lost and fabulous is a heartfelt emotion".

Pineapple Studios is the largest dance studio space in Europe, with more than 200 classes each week covering over 30 styles of dance.

The 80 teachers are industry professionals, who choreograph and dance with the world's leading artists and companies, including Madonna, The Royal Ballet and West End shows like Chicago.

Filmed entirely in HD, Pineapple Dance Studios: Survival Of The Fittest will combine exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of everyday life at the studios with interviews and set pieces from staff and pupils.

Blurring the lines between documentary, comedy and drama it will aim to create a new style of documentary filmmaking.

It also introduces a number of unique characters; from millionaire founder Debbie Moore to outrageous Artistic Director Louie Spence (previously a judge on Sky1/NBC's Cirque de Celebrité), self-proclaimed 'ready made pop star' Andrew Stone to Mark Battershall, who is one of the UK's most celebrated choreographers.

The series will air in February 2010 with the seventh episode showcasing the spectacular 30th Anniversary Pineapple Review, featuring performances from celebrity friends of Pineapple and all the main characters in the show.

Jonathan Stadlen, Executive Producer and Head of TV at Pulse Films said: "Pineapple Studios is an amazing location for a documentary series.

"It's like Airport crossed with Fame.

"With the dance studios as our focal point we will follow our characters from their bedrooms right through to auditions, rehearsals and ultimately first night on stage. Filming in HD will allow viewers to get closer than ever before to our characters, who are some of the biggest personalities I have come across during my time in television."

Celia Taylor, Commissioning Editor, Factual and Features, Sky1 HD, Sky1, 2 and 3 added: "Pineapple Dance Studios: Survival Of The Fittest will be an innovative and fresh take on the ob doc. It's brilliantly energetic, funny and unique - all the things I want for Sky1HD."

(BMcC/KMcA)