Ludacris to host MTV2's "Sprite Step Off"

Playtime is over and the showdown begins on the new MTV2 docu-series -- Sprite Step Off -- premiering on Sunday, January 31. Hosted by Hip-Hop Superstar and Actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, the series follows six step teams from fraternities and sororities across the country as they give their all in competing in the Sprite Step Off, the largest national step team competition in history with a combined prize pool of $1.5 million in scholarships.

"I love that MTV2 and Sprite are giving a Step competition national exposure and introducing this creative dance form to an audience outside of the urban college landscape," said Ludacris. "The teams competing on the show are not only dedicated but diverse and will take Step competitions to a new level."

The Sprite Step Off cameras will roll as each squad prepares for the regional rounds of the competition, vying for a chance at winning one of two $100,000 scholarships at the National Final. Whether toiling through steps and beats, subjecting themselves to round-the-clock rehearsals, or dealing with family, friends and school demands, the teams will face seemingly insurmountable odds to reach their goal.

“This Step competition promises to be the hottest dance challenge to hit college campuses and cities this year,” said Chris McCarthy, senior vice president of Strategic Development and Digital TV Networks, MTV. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sprite to bring these student performances to television as part of our new original series lineup for MTV2 and to provide a platform for the rich and historic tradition of college stepping.”

“We are excited to partner with MTV2 on Sprite Step Off, making it possible for a broader audience to experience this unique culture first hand in an unprecedented way,” said Santiago Blanco, vice president, Sprite & Flavors, Coca-Cola North America. “The Sprite Step Off is just one more way Sprite is helping to Spark a new wave of fresh thinking and creativity among young people across the country.”

Shot on location at college campuses around the country, Sprite Step Off is a six-part, half-hour, docu-series that follows the passions, dreams, sweat and tears of student step performers. Teams band together, practice their hottest moves and lay it all on the line. Throughout the season teams will be eliminated and the energy, emotion and spirit come alive through the competition.

“Sprite Step Off gives us the opportunity to see the preparation, determination and focus that it takes to step as a team. These students balance work, play, community service and practice,” said Rob Hardy, Executive Producer. “Their passion for the art form and their organization is as infectious as it is entertaining...Get ready!”

Fraternities and Sororities profiled in the Sprite Step-Off on MTV2 include:
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.; Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.; and Zeta Tau Alpha.
Sprite Step Off on MTV2 is Executive Produced by Rob Hardy and Will Packer of Rainforest Films, Tracey Baker-Simmons and Wanda Shelley for Simmons-Shelly Entertainment and Chris “Ludacris” Bridges. Chris McCarthy and Eric Conte are the MTV2 executives in charge of production.‬‪