New Dancing Show Premieres Tonight on MTV

Taking The Stage premieres tonight on MTV at 10:00 EST. This one-hour, 10-episode reality musical series follows five students of Cincinnati’s School For Creative And Performing Arts. Each episode will feature songs and dance routines written and choreographed by the cast. In tonight's first episode, we'll meet the five cast members who are buzzing about an upcoming school talent showcase where the students will get to perform in front of judges made-up of music industry professionals including an executive from Jive Records. The five students are:

Jasmine - a prima ballerina who dreams of dancing with the famed Alvin Ailey dance troupe. "I want to be one of the best professional dancers of my generation," she says. Jasmine hopes to attend New York performing arts conservatory Juilliard after graduating from SCPA.

Malik - leads the school's only hip-hop dance group, The Definition. "When I dance," he says, "people notice. I want to inspire." In addition to his formidable dance skills, he is also a talented choreographer and a singer/songwriter.

Shaakira - a dancer and aspiring actress. "I want to be an all-around entertainer. I have really big dreams," she says. "I will do whatever it takes to be famous." Shaakira is an accomplished ballet dancer -- one of the best SCPA has ever produced -- but prefers hip-hop dance and is an integral member of Malik's team.

Mia - a singer-songwriter whose talent is matched only by her drive. "My whole life I've had the same goal, to make music and get a record contract by the time that I'm 18," Mia says. "I know I have what it takes to make it happen."

Tyler - a gifted hip-hop dancer. "Dancing is my world; it just comes out of me," he says. "I am hip-hop dance. Hip-hop dance is me."