A DISENCHANTED DANCER TAKES THE BIGGEST LEAP OF HER LIFE IN THE SERIES PREMIERE OF "BUNHEADS," MONDAY, JUNE 11TH AT 9:00 PM ET/PT ON ABC FAMILY

Burbank, CA (May 07, 2012) - A former ballerina turned Vegas showgirl decides to take a gamble on a new marriage and a fresh start in Paradise, CA in the series premiere of ABC Family's original drama, "Bunheads," airing Monday, June 11th (9:00 - 10:00 PM ET/PT).

Michelle Simms (Tony Award(R)-winning actor Sutton Foster) had a promising career as a classically-trained professional dancer but was drawn to the lights of Las Vegas. Now, with a dead-end job as a 30-something showgirl, she's found the excitement of Sin City has lost its appeal, and her persistent suitor, Hubbell Flowers (Alan Ruck, "Ferris Bueller's Day Off"), is gaining it. With promises of a cushy life in his coastal town of Paradise, CA., Hubbell convinces Michelle to marry him and move away. Once in there, Michelle discovers that Hubbell forgot to mention that he lives with his mother, the strong-headed, imperious Fanny Flowers (Kelly Bishop, "Gilmore Girls"), who is not pleased that Hubbell has run off and married a stranger.

A former dancer herself, Fanny runs the local dance studio, which Michelle comes upon and ends up bonding with some of Fanny's dance students: sweet "Boo" (Kaitlyn Jenkins), who would give anything to be a "bunhead" but struggles against her body type; rebellious Sasha (Julia Goldani Telles), who possesses the classic ballet dancer's body and talent but -- distracted by family issues at home -- doesn't seem to have her heart in dancing; shapely Ginny (Bailey Buntain), who is not yet comfortable in her own skin; and fun-loving Melanie (Emma Dumont), who is ready for whatever life throws at her. Michelle's budding relationship with these girls helps her adapt to small town living and her uneasy role as a new daughter-in-law.

"Bunheads" is executive-produced by Amy Sherman-Palladino and stars Sutton Foster, Kaitlyn Jenkins, Julia Goldani Telles, Bailey Buntain and Emma Dumont, with guest star Kelly Bishop.

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