The Prancing Elites Project Returns on Tuesday, January 19!

PRANCING ELITES PROJECT — Season: 1 — Pictured: Adrian Clemons, Tim Smith, Jerel Maddox, Kareem Davis, Kentrell Collins — (Photo by: Maxwell Mason/Oxygen)

Oxygen Media’s empowering docu-series “The Prancing Elites Project” returns for a sophomore season with an expanded hour-long format beginning Tuesday, January 19 at 8PM ET/PT. Life is still a spontaneous dance for all five original members of the African American, gay and gender non-conforming dance team from Mobile, AL, – Adrian Clemons, Kentrell Collins, Kareem Davis, Jerel Maddox and Tim Smith. When the music stops and challenges arise, the troupe must persevere despite all odds. Together they still face the harsh realities of being who they are in an environment that is unwilling to accept them. However, as each member begins to explore their identity outside of the group, relationships and priorities are put to the test on an emotional, yet fun-filled journey of loyalty, jealousy, laughter, love and above all – friendship.

“The Prancing Elites Project” was the network’s highest-rated new series of 2015 among all key demos, and resonated with Oxygen’s young, female viewers, delivering a median age of 34. The freshman season was highly revered in the press, being hailed as “TV’s most inspiring new show” by The Daily Beast and celebrated by The New York Times as “brave and beautiful,” and having fulfilled “the original promise of reality television.” “The Prancing Elites Project” also found immense cross-platform success, generating the most VOD transactions of all Oxygen’s freshman series this year with over 2 million VOD transactions. Additionally, the series had over 8 million total Facebook engagements.

“The Prancing Elites continue to be such a unique, inspirational group of friends connected by their passion for dance whose journey paves the way for honest and authentic self-defining emotions that connect with our young audience,” said Rod Aissa, Executive Vice President of Original Programming and Development, Oxygen Media. “This season the team delves deeper into their personal lives as they struggle to find the heart and determination to come together and be their hilarious, genuine selves while reaching greater success in the dancing world.”

The Prancing Elites have begun to defy the odds and find success and acceptance in the South, but as they head home to hone their skills, they start exploring who they are as individuals pulling their focus away from the group. Following his HIV revelation, Kareem is happy, healthy, and trying to move forward with his new boyfriend, who happens to be a member of The Prancing Elites’ biggest competitor. While Kentrell questions Kareem’s loyalty, he continues to pursue the idea of fatherhood and whether he is ready to make his dream a reality. On the side, Jerel works to expand his make-up artistry business trying to gain additional exposure through comedic online videos. Tim further comes to terms with her sexuality and how she defines herself. As she gains confidence with who she is, Adrian helps her find the courage to confront her family about acceptance. Continuing to spread this message, Adrian takes outside choreography opportunities, working one-on-one with an all-female dance troupe struggling with body image issues. Performance invitations come in, but with each Elite dedicating less time to the team, Kentrell is realizing their biggest competitor might just be themselves. Can the music keep The Prancing Elites focused and on track so that they can find success in the spotlight once again?

‘Tis the season for family and friends to come together and this Thursday, November 26 beginning at 9AM ET/PT Oxygen will air a “Friendsgiving” stunt with all five cast members from “The Prancing Elites Project.” Programming includes full season one marathon, Thanksgiving traditions with The Elites, and a sophomore season sneak peek.

For more of “The Prancing Elites Project,” fans can visit the official show site to see exclusive videos, dance footage, GIFs, photos, interactive polls, interviews and bios.  Viewers can also create and share memes after each episode. Check out the official Facebook page, and join the conversation on Twitter or Instagram using hashtag #PrancingElites.

“The Prancing Elites Project” is produced by Crazy Legs Productions with Tom Cappello, Sarah Quick, Brandon Wilson and Alana Goldstein serving as Executive Producers.