The novelty of watching celebrities do silly things is not a distinctly 21st century or American phenomenon, yet the trend has reach its peak this decade with reality television and tabloid magazines revealing stars to be “just like us.”

Dancing With the Stars has catapulted to the forefront of the reality TV craze, featuring C-list celebrities pairing with professional dancers to test their hoofing skills. Americans vote for their favorite twosome, and voila! A smash hit.

For the winter 2008 tour, celebrities Lance Bass, Toni Braxton, Maurice Greene and Marlee Matlin will team up with dancers Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Mark Ballas, Derek Hough, Kym Johnson, Lacey Schwimmer, Edyta Sliwinska, Karina Smirnoff and Fabien Sanchez for a recreation of the show’s performances.

The shows will also feature rehearsal footage and interviews with the celebrities and their dancing partners for a behind-the-scenes look for die-hard fans and audience members.

Dancing With the Stars: The Tour hits the Orleans Arena December 29 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $52.50, $68, $98, $128 and $225.

By Caitlin McGarry