Former Newton man appearing on ‘America’s Got Talent’

What started out as a love of dancing for former Newton resident Curtiss Dougan has blossomed into a gig on America’s Got Talent, and possibly a whole lot more.

Dougan was born in Newton, but spent most of his life in and around the Dallas, Texas area. After coming back to Newton a few years ago, the family moved back to Dalllas in May 2009, and Dougan joined a hip-hop comedy dance troupe known as Da Maniacs. Originally called the Dallas Mavericks Maniacs, the group performed at the professional basketball games. Now, the group is expanding into something more national, with an upcoming live appearance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

“We got to Hollywood on Wednesday and we’re in the green room now,” Dougan said, where the group was practicing for a live segment of America’s Got Talent. “We are not technical dancers, but we have a choreographer who works with us.”

Dougan said he didn’t want to give too much away, but said the group’s dance routine on America’s Got Talent will pay tribute to “a couple of great acts. We want to put smiles on people’s faces,” he said. “We’re having the time of our lives.”

The original idea of Da Maniacs was to put together a team of beefy guys for a one-time performance, but the response was so overwhelming that the group decided to continue. Dougan, whose stage name given to him by the group, is “Wonder Bread,” said he is excited about appearing on the television show. If the group wins, it could mean a local appearance.

“If we make the top 10, there will be a nationwide tour, and we very possibly could be a show in Des Moines,” Dougan said.

The show is scheduled to air at 8 p.m. Aug. 3 on NBC.

John Jennings can be contacted at 792-3121 ext. 425 or via e-mail at jjennings@newtondailynews.com.