MTV Renews 'America's Best Dance Crew,' 'Taking the Stage'

The performing arts are alive and well on MTV.

The cable channel has just renewed 'Randy Jackson presents America's Best Dance Crew' and 'Taking the Stage,' a reality drama that follows the artistic -- and romantic -- development of students at a Cincinnati performing arts school, according to a report in the Hollywood Reporter.

The shows will debut their new seasons Jan. 28.

'Stage' is produced Nick Lachey, who is is a graduate of the School for Creative and Performing Arts, the locale for the series. 'Stage' follows the lives of five high school students as they strive for a career in the arts, with the focus on dance and music. Upcoming is season two.

'America's Best Dance Crew,' which debuted in 2008, is a dance contest show produced by Randy Jackson from 'American Idol' fame and hosted by Mario Lopez. 'ABCD' features dance troupes who mainly perform a variant of acrobatic hip-hop dance. Lil Mama, former 'N Sync member JC Chasez and hip-hop choreographer Shane Sparks are the judges.

"While each series is a different format, both have music at their core," said Tony DiSanto, president of programming for MTV. "It is the mode of expression for these kids who are trying to live their dream."

MTV has really caught lightning in a bottle with 'ABCD,' as show, which debuted in in 2008, is continual ratings grabber for the channel.

Season 1 champs JabbaWockeeZ is the biggest name to break out of the series so far. The masked multi-cultural troupe from California jumped off their 'ABCD' success by appearing with basketball player Shaquille O'Neal during an NBA All-Star Game player introduction, performing on Pepsi and Gatorade commercials and opening up a tour for New Kids on the Block. They also have their own clothing line.