Kids’ content producer Cottonwood Media, along with ZDF, ZDF Studios, France Télévisions, and in partnership with Opéra national de Paris, announces that the 3D CGI kids animated drama series 20 Dance Street (26 x 26’) has been greenlit for production, with pre-production starting this fall. Greenlit by broadcasters ZDF and France Télévisions (the latter as part of a pre-sale), the series was first unveiled when in development during Cartoon Forum 2023.
The series has also pre-sold to RTBF (Belgium). Federation Kids & Family (key distributor of Cottonwood Media content) and ZDF Studios are handling worldwide sales.
“It’s such a pleasure to have joined forces with ZDF and France Télévisions on yet another exciting series,” shared Cottonwood Media Co-Founders David Michel, Cécile Laurenson, and Zoé Carrera Allaix. “We believe 20 Dance Street will strike a universal chord with kids as our resilient main character has overcome many ordeals in life, yet is still exemplary of a young person who takes everything in her stride. As the story evolves, many relatable themes unfold such as friendship, abandonment, joys of life, betrayal and more, that will have viewers hooked.”
The animated show is adapted from the popular French children’s book series by Elizabeth Barféty, which launched in 2016 and had since seen more than 20 novels published across Europe.
Nicole Keeb, Head of International Co-productions and Acquisitions, Children and Youth programs, ZDF, commented, “We are delighted to be part of this new, exciting, and deeply moving ballet adventure — once again collaborating with Cottonwood and ZDF Studios. Following the success of Find Me in Paris and Spellbound, our high-profile live-action series, we felt it was time to explore the world of ballet through animation, reaching a slightly younger audience. Et voilà!”
Aimed at kids ages 6-11, 20 Dance Street centers on 11-year-old Maya who leaves the Caribbean to join the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet School — unaware her destiny is about to change forever. Her resilience and altruism shine through as she is plunged into the unknown far from home, whilst moving forward through joys and sorrows, guided by a single dream, to become a prima ballerina. The series blends drama and comedy with a serialized arc that follows Maya during her first year at the ballet school.
“We were immediately captivated by the story of Maya and her friends, and by how Elizabeth Barféty’s books will be adapted for the screen, added Arne Lohmann, VP Junior at ZDF Studios. “We are confident that children all over the world will fall in love with 20 Dance Street just as we have, and that it will become an international success.”
The show features ultra-realistic dance scenes performed in motion capture by professional dancers, helping bring the CG-animated story to life with authenticity.
20 Dance Street is written and developed by Christel Gonnard and directed by Romy Yao. Designs are by David François.