UP announced today it has greenlit its first-ever dance docu-series pilot, "Dancin' the Dream." The series will follow eight diverse, highly-talented, young aspiring stars as they go through grueling dance classes to perfect their craft, and reveal the sweat, desire and emotion that goes into their intense training, along with its impact on relationships with family, friends and each other.

Production is currently underway in Atlanta- "Hip-Hop's center of gravity," according to The New York Times -on two half-hour pilots produced by Crazy Legs Productions, which produces the new hit series "The Prancing Elites Project" and "Dance Crash." The debut episodes of"Dancin' the Dream," which feature pop sensation singer/songwriter Leona Lewis' hit single "Fire Under My Feet" and singer/YouTube sensation Jade Novah's upcoming single ""Blood, Sweat & Tears," are slated to premiere exclusively on UP in Fall 2015.

"For anyone who has ever wondered how top performers like Bruno Mars and Christina Aguilera got to where they are today, this series will help answer that question through a new generation of immensely talented, hopeful stars," said Amy Winter, EVP and General Manager, UP. "Dancin' the Dream' will give viewers a true sense of the effort that goes into becoming a 'star,' the sacrifices that must be made, and relationships and bonds that grow or suffer along the way. As the leading network for compelling content for you and your family, we are proud to unveil 'Dancin' the Dream' as the latest example of our commitment to produce original series that move and entertain."

"Dancin' the Dream" follows eight of the hottest young dancers, ranging in age from 9 to 15, as they train in every genre imaginable with top Hip Hop dancer and choreographer, Kiki Ely, at her Atlanta-based studio, "ATL Takeova." She and her assistant, BeeJay Harris, a professional dancer for 12 years, offer the kids Master Dance Classes and prep them for a variety of entertainment auditions and professional engagements, ranging from film and TV to music videos and concert tours in Atlanta - a city on the cutting edge of dance and choreography.

Each episode of "Dancin' the Dream" will follow one or two of "Ely's kids" as they juggle their family lives, schoolwork and professional dance training. At times, the kids will work as a team on special performances, booked gigs or in competition against other dance studios. Other times, they'll be asked to compete against each other for one coveted spot in a show. Ultimately, Ely and Harris have forged these kids and their parents into "a band of brothers" who work together to achieve their dreams. The stakes are high, as most of these families fully support their kid's shot at the big time.

But no matter what the assignment, the kids, their parents and mentors will come together at the end of each episode for a final, jaw-dropping performance. The high-energy, exuberant performances may include a sudden flash mob for a charity event, a reinterpretation of a famous dance performance, dancing backup for a celebrated singer, or a music video that highlights an up-and-coming artist.

Ely started her career as a young dancer in Atlanta and has since toured the world with some of the top names in the music industry, including Christina Aguilera, Ciara, Christina Milian, Brooke Valentine and others. A former choreographer and member of the Atlanta Hawks Dance Team, Ely has also choreographed for countless music videos and films, including Drumline, starring Nick Cannon, Zoe Saldana and Orlando Bloom.

UP presents "Dancin' the Dream," an UP Entertainment production in association with Crazy Legs Productions. Executive producers are Tom Capello, Keely Walker Muse, Tara Burtchaell and Alana Goldstein.

Follow "Dancin' the Dream" at:

• www.UPtv.com