Michael Flatley lords over new ‘Superstars’

FRESNO (CALIF.) BEE

It started with “So You Think You Can Dance.” Ordinary people got the chance to show off their dance-floor moves in hopes of fame and fortune.

Then along came “Dancing with the Stars.” Celebrities revealed their strengths and weaknesses as they battled for a little fame and no fortune.

Now it is time for the heavy hitters. NBC’s “Superstars of Dance” brings together dance champions from around the world to compete in a step-to-step showdown. The dancers come from Ireland, India, the U.S., Argentina, China, Russia, South Africa and Australia. The series debuts at 9 p.m. Sunday.

Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe needed a big name in dance to help host the show. That job went to Michael Flatley, the whirlwind who made “Lord of the Dance” an international sensation.

Here’s what Flatley had to say about the competition series:

Q. What made you decide to host the show?

A. Well, when Nigel first approached me I was fascinated by the thought that we could have a dance show that has professional dancers on there and that would show to American audiences for the first time all of the different styles of dance from around the world.

I think American audiences have never seen anything quite like this before. And I don’t think that they will again. It’s my feeling that they just won’t be able to get enough of it.

Q. What should the viewer expect to see?

A. I think it’s a really nice mix of cultures. When you see the precision of the Irish team and the speed at which they tap in unison, almost like an Irish army.

And then you see the Groovaloos from America that just are all over the stage popping and jumping and hopping and spinning, and doing back flips — just a sensational mix. It’s intoxicating.

Q. It sounds like there will be a lot of different styles. How do you judge one against the other?

A. I think that that’s the exciting part of the whole show. That’s what makes it so entertaining.