Sky Dancers are a line of toys that were popular in the mid-1990s and were the basis for an animated series.[1] The toys consisted of a pull-string base and a doll with foamwings. When the doll was inserted into the base and the string was pulled, it would launch into the air and spin its wings like a propeller as it flew, similar to a helicopter.
The toys were re-released in 2005 with an adapted design, manufactured by Play Along Toys.
Recall
Although the dolls had foam wings to prevent injury, more than 100 injuries were reported, ranging from temporary blindness to facial lacerations requiring stitches. Galoob, the manufacturer of the toys, recalled them in June 2000 after less than six years on the market; nearly 10,000,000 were recalled.[2]
January 26 (1996-01-26) – July 26, 1996 (1996-07-26)
In 1996, the toys were the basis for an animated television spinoff produced by Gaumont Multimedia[3] in association with Abrams Gentile Entertainment. The series premiered on France 2 on April 12, 1997, and had twenty-six episodes.[4] The series follows five students at the High Hope Dance Academy under Queen Skyla, who work to defend the kingdom from her brother-in-law Sky Clone. Sky Clone killed his brother Skyler, Skyla's husband, as revenge for him being selected as king over him, but was unable to gain control of the Sky Swirl Stone, which gave the Sky Dancers their powers.
Characters
Jade (voiced by Kerry O' Malley[5]) is a prima ballerina at High Hope Dance Academy who has the power to turn invisible.[6] Jade gets along well with the Sky Dancers, but often argues with Slam; they have feelings for each other, but are afraid to show them. Though caring and compassionate, Jade can be stern and aggressive when she wants to prove a point and tends to not avoid verbal confrontation, though her powers lend themselves more to indirect physical confrontation. Jade is close to her father, a scientist who raised her mostly by himself after her mother, who had been teaching her to dance, decided to become a professional ballerina and left her family.[7] Jade has brown eyes and long black hair with an orange streak which she often wears in a ponytail and wears a fuchsia dress and white boots. As a Sky Dancer, she has fuchsia wings and wears a pink and white outfit.
Slam (voiced by James Michael[8]) is High Hope Dance Academy's "Hero of Hip Hop" and controls the gravity beam in the Sky Realm.[9] While he lacks the focus, interest, and patience for traditional dance classes, he excels at breakdancing and hip-hop. Slam is egotistical, reckless, and competitive and hates ties, claiming that "the only thing a tie means is that I didn't win."[10] He is also blunt, often coming across as insensitive and lacking empathy. Despite this, Slam is loyal to his friends and is always there for them. Throughout the series, he is shown to have feelings for Jade, but his "tough guy" exterior and their frequent arguments hold him back, as do their different personalities and tastes in dance and music. Little is known about Slam's family or past; it is implied that his finances are directly tied to his mother's,[11] and that he sees himself as the only person in his neighborhood who can make it big.[12] As a Sky Dancer, he has spiky red hair and black and yellow wings.
Angelica (voiced by Andrea Burns[13]) is High Hope Dance Academy's "Queen of Country Rock" and leader of the Sky Dancers, and has the power to temporarily stop time.[14] She is optimistic and often flirts with Breeze and becomes jealous when another girl flirts with him.[15] Angelica is somewhat spoiled by her parents and her love for dancing late at night clubs often gets her into trouble. Her cardinal rules are "Never miss a rehearsal, a dance step, or a jammin' party!"[16] Angelica has blonde hair with pink streaks.
Camille (voiced by Donna Daley[17]) is High Hope Dance Academy's "Modern Dance Aficionado" and has the power to create any shape out of clouds. Her parents, who work as lawyers, do not approve of her dancing, and she is reluctant to tell them that she wants to follow her dreams instead of following in their footsteps.[18] She is responsible and smart and often acts as the group's voice of reason, but can seem overly dramatic due to taking her relationships seriously. While forgiving and generous, she is not afraid to stand up for herself and her friends. Camille has curly brown hair with a blue streak that she wears in a ponytail.
Breeze (voiced by T.J. Benjamin) is a Native American who has the power to control wind and nature. He is romantically involved with Angelica throughout the series, often flirting with her and complimenting her. He is quiet and shy and is the most level-headed member of the group. While he does not get into many arguments, when he does, he takes them personally. Little is known about Breeze's family. His tribe seems to have some degree of reserve land for ceremonies,[19] and Breeze mentions that his grandmother lives in Chicago.[20] He also states that he feels he has been gifted with the wisdom of his late grandfather.[21] Breeze attended Lincoln High School and later puts on a free performance for them.[22]
Queen Skyla (voiced by Donna Daley[23]) is the queen of the Wingdom and the dance headmistress of High Hope Dance Academy, where she is known as Dame Skyla. She is Skyler's wife and Sky Clone's sister-in-law. On Earth, she has blonde hair and wears a green dress, and in the Sky Realm her hair has pink and blue streaks and she wears a white and green dress. Whirl and Twirl have been her pets since childhood; as a child, she grew up in the palace with Skyler and Sky Clone, though her connection to the royal family is unclear. However, as a teenager she was called "Princess Skyla", suggesting that she is a ward of the royal family. She often mourns her husband Skyler, who Sky Clone supposedly killed.
Sky Clone (voiced by Johnathan Khan Davis) is Skyla's brother-in-law and Skyler's older brother and the main villain of the series. He is determined to defeat the Sky Dancers and take over the Sky Realm. He killed Skyler as revenge for him being selected as king over him, and now seeks revenge against the Sky Realm because Skyler took his flight.
King Skyler is Skyla's husband and Sky Clone's younger brother, who sacrificed himself to use the Death Spin to defeat him and take away his flight. While he was presumed dead, it is later revealed that he is not dead, but trapped in another dimension. He is often seen in Skyla's flashbacks, and often comes to her aid when she is in danger.
Whirl and Twirl are Skyla's canine companions, who can use their ears to fly. They are white dogs that respectively have green and red hair along with their eye color.
Muddle, Jumble (voiced by Donna Daley[24]) and Snarl (voiced by Thomas Cannizzaro[25]) are Sky Clone's minions.
Caroline (voiced by Donna Daley) is a high school reporter dedicated to "getting the story". She falls in love with Breeze after meeting him at a school carnival, causing bad feelings between her and Angelica. After she follows the Sky Dancers into the Sky Realm, she annoys them by trying to interview them. After Sky Clone kidnaps her, he also gets annoyed with her and lets her go to get rid of her.
The Tinker is Queen Skyla's friend, who aids the Sky Dancers by providing them with information and through his skills as a tinker.
Brandon is a student at High Hope Dance Academy who is egotistical and enjoys playing pranks on the other students and is paid to trick Slam into quitting the academy.
King Skyhawk is Sky Clone and Skyler's father and the former king of the Sky Realm. The Sky Dancers meet him when they travel back in time and he hires them as companions for Sky Clone, Skyler and Skyla. Skyhawk is very kind and trusting, and Skyler bears a strong resemblance to him.
Episodes
No.
Title
Written by
Original air date
1
"The Sky's the Limit"
John Gentile Anthony Gentile Lisa Morton Jack Olesker
January 26, 1996 (1996-01-26)
Skyla recruits the five top dancers at High Hope Dance Academy to become Sky Dancers and defend the Wingdom. Can they find their new powers in time?[26]
2
"On Wings Of Song"
Lisa Morton John Gentile Anthony Gentile Savin Yeatman
February 2, 1996 (1996-02-02)
Sky Clone's imps steal a harp which gives flight to inhabitants of the Skyridium. Can the Sky Dancers brave the maze of the Nether World and retrieve the harp?[27]
3
"Broken Stone"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
February 9, 1996 (1996-02-09)
Slam and Jade break the stone on Queen Skyla's glove, removing the Sky Dancers' ability to fly. Can they find a way to fix it before Sky Clone destroys the Wingdom?[28]
4
"Getting the Story"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
February 16, 1996 (1996-02-16)
An obnoxious reporter with a crush on Breeze accidentally gets brought along to Sky Hive. Can the Sky Dancers save the day and keep their identities a secret?[29]
5
"Lonely Heart"
Anthony Gentile John Gentile Jack Olesker
February 23, 1996 (1996-02-23)
When the Sky Dancers try to cheer Skyla on the anniversary of Skyler's death spin, Sky Clone absconds with Skyla and the Sky Swirl Stone to the Nether World. Can the Sky Dancers save Skyla when their right of flight is taken away?[30]
6
"A Friend in High Places"
Anthony Gentile John Gentile Steven Harris Ron Harris
March 1, 1996 (1996-03-01)
Sky Clone sends singing Horrorcanes to the Wingdom to disrupt the harmony. Can the Sky Dancers save the day when the Horrorcanes blow them back home?[31]
NOTE: This episode is unique to the U.S. version, with scenes from other episodes spliced together and newly dubbed.
7
"Dance Jade, Dance"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
March 8, 1996 (1996-03-08)
The Sky Dancers take lessons from Rudolph Fareev, who it turns out would rather insult them than teach them. Can the Sky Dancers uncover his motives in time to save a love-struck Jade and to foil Sky Clone's latest plan?[32]
8
"Love Lost, Love Found"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
March 15, 1996 (1996-03-15)
Jade's long-estranged mother reenters her life the day before Skyla falls prey to Sky Clone's trap at a Skyridium harp performance. Can Jade overcome her turmoil and free Skyla and her friends?[33]
9
"The Last Dance"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
March 22, 1996 (1996-03-22)
Sky Clone teams up with the shape-shifter Gorp to destroy the Sky Dancers, who are in the Wingdom for Camille to teach her dance, the "Minuease", to Skyla's subjects. Will the Sky Dancers be able to stop this new adversary?[34]
10
"Skyler vs. Skyler"
Pascal Pinteau Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
March 29, 1996 (1996-03-29)
Sky Clone uses the power of science to make himself look and sound like King Skyler, but Angelica learns the truth. Can she convince the rest of the Wingdom despite being named a fugitive?[35]
11
"Spread Your Wings"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
April 5, 1996 (1996-04-05)
When Angelica is injured on a skiing trip, she loses confidence in herself and decides to quit the Sky Dancers. Can the Tinker restore Angelica's confidence in time to help the now out numbered Sky Dancers fend off Sky Clone's latest attack?[36]
12
"Time and Again"
Pascal Pinteau Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
April 12, 1996 (1996-04-12)
The Sky Dancers fool around with the Sky Swirl Stone and accidentally transport themselves to the Wingdom's past, when Skyla, Skyler, and Sky Clone were teens. Will they be able to find a way back home?[37]
13
"Statues"
Brigitte Bouvier Lisa Morton Savin Yeatman
April 19, 1996 (1996-04-19)
Angelica's all-night partying leads her to sleep through the imps turning all of the Wingdom's inhabitants, including Queen Skyla, to stone. Can she pull herself together to lead the Sky Dancers on a raid of the Nether World for the antidote?[38]
14
"Blue Heaven"
Pascal Pinteau Lisa Morton Savin Yeatman
April 26, 1996 (1996-04-26)
Sky Clone makes use of an ancient prophecy to appear as Azure's heaven-sent leader, who the realm's inhabitants have expected for generations. Can the Sky Dancers figure out how Sky Clone managed to mimic the legend in time to save Skyla from her sudden strange illness and prevent a Wingdom-wide War? [39]
15
"The Alliance"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
May 3, 1996 (1996-05-03)
None of the girls want to dance with Brandon, an arrogant student assigned to their group for the academy's final paired dance show. This leads to a massive fight between the girls just as the three Harpies of the Wingdom arise from their thousand year sleep to spread terror across the Sky Kingdom. Can the girls stop their fighting in time to save the day? [40]
16
"Forever Love"
Lisa Morton Savin Yeatman
May 10, 1996 (1996-05-10)
The Sky Dancers form a plan to bring King Skyler back. How much will this act cost them and the Wingdom?[41]
17
"The Imp's Trap"
Pascal Pinteau Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
May 17, 1996 (1996-05-17)
Slam and Camille give up their schooling for roles in a high budget, big name film. Meanwhile, the imps are left unsupervised, and Jumble goes mad with power. Can the Sky Dancer's best the now haywire Nether World with two fewer members?[42]
18
"Long Live Sky Clone!"
Pascal Pinteau Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
May 24, 1996 (1996-05-24)
Slam's ego threatens to break up the Sky Dancers, while Sky Clone's Maelstrom Mixture threatens to break up the Wingdom. Can blackmail finally give Sky Clone his ultimate dream of sitting beside Skyla on the throne?[43]
19
"Where's My Body?"
Lisa Morton Savin Yeatman
May 31, 1996 (1996-05-31)
Sky Clone creates a new invention that can make two people switch bodies. When the Sky Dancers scramble to protect Sky Hive, Sky Clone switches bodies with Slam. Can the Hero of Hip Hop convince his friends that he's not Sky Clone and get his own body back?[44]
20
"Moment of Truth"
Pascal Pinteau Lisa Morton Savin Yeatman
June 7, 1996 (1996-06-07)
The Baroness Skyvia's long-buried jealousy for Skyla resurfaces and leads her to hatch an assassination plot with Sky Clone. Will Skyla's trust in Skyvia be her undoing?[45]
21
"Heartbreak"
Pascal Pinteau Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
June 14, 1996 (1996-06-14)
Devastated by her latest break-up, Camille buries her sorrows in comfort food. In the Sky Realm, Sky Clone gets hold of Azure's Organ and puts it out of tune, allowing him to control the population. Can the now slightly out of shape Camille free them in time to prevent war?[46]
22
"Troublemakers"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
June 21, 1996 (1996-06-21)
Breeze invites the Sky Dancers to his tribe's celebration in the desert. Angelica flirts her head off, but Breeze puts her off. Meanwhile, in the Sky Kingdom, the three imps disguise themselves and create havoc in each realm, leading each sky city to close its borders.[47]
23
"Dark Star"
Lisa Morton Savin Yeatman
June 28, 1996 (1996-06-28)
The Academy's Christmas show is delayed when Sky Clone attacks the Wingdom with the Sky Swirl Stone's legendary, malevolent counterpart. All the Sky Dancers are neutralized except Camille, whose disapproving parents are waiting at High Hope. Skyla eventually sneaks away from the school's audience to challenge Sky Clone to a duel, Stone against Stone, Good Vs Evil.[48]
24
"Slam Bang"
Pascal Pinteau Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
July 5, 1996 (1996-07-05)
Slam falls in with Brandon and aids him in wreaking havoc on the academy, leading to their expulsion. The Sky Dancers leave without Slam for the Wingdom, where Sky Clone manages to steal the Sky Swirl Stone. When Slam finds out that Brandon was paid by a rival academy headmaster bring him to their school, he races back to High Hope to try to help his friends.[49]
25
"Treasure Cloud"
Pascal Pinteau Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
July 12, 1996 (1996-07-12)
When High Hope Dance Academy is destroyed by a hurricane, Skyla has to find a way to pay for repairs. She brings the Sky Dancers to the Wingdom to retrieve money from the royal treasury, only to find that the Wingdom is broke. An ancient map leads them on a treasure hunt to find the funds they need, but Sky Clone is determined to beat them to the prize.[50]
26
"The Purple Tide of Skyridium"
Jack Olesker Savin Yeatman
July 19, 1996 (1996-07-19)
Sky Clone goes to Skyridium and forces the local population to build him an immense pyramid to replace the Den. The Sky Dancers and Skyla try to put a stop to Sky Clone, but he uses a terrifying new weapon against them - a giant purple Horrorcane exhaling poison gas! Additionally, Slam and Breeze get into an argument about using a field full of wildlife for a concert.[51]
27
"The Operation"
Lisa Morton Savin Yeatman
July 26, 1996 (1996-07-26)
During a performance at the High Hope Dance Academy, Angelica slips and hurts her knee badly. She undergoes emergency surgery but has to wait for the surgeon to know whether or not she will be able to dance again. The Sky Dancers take turns to remind her of past adventures to keep her spirits up.[52]
UK VHS releases
VHS Title
Release Date
Episodes
Sky Dancers: The Sky's the Limit and 2 Other Episodes (VC1425)
14 October 1996
"The Sky's the Limit", "On Wings of Song", "Broken Stone"
Sky Dancers: Getting the Story/Lonely Heart/Dance, Jade, Dance (VC1442)
14 July 1997
"Getting the Story", "Lonely Heart", "Dance, Jade, Dance"
Other materials
In 1997, Sky Dancers had a children's book series based on it. A board game was also made, which is seemingly based on promotional material or earlier drafts of the series. In 2005, a game was released for the Game Boy Advance.
^Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 558. ISBN978-1538103739.
^Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 750–751. ISBN978-1476665993.
