Getting a Jump . . .

Dick Clark’s annual “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” on ABC may look live--but don’t be fooled. For 17 years, the L.A. portion--teenagers dancing and partying to live music--has been pre-recorded. This year’s party, at the Cocoanut Grove, has been in the can since Nov. 15.

“Dick Clark stands in Times Square and he’s live,” associate producer Chris Plourde explained. “The L.A. part of the show is taped in advance. That’s the way it’s always been done, but we try not to make a big deal out of it.

“We’re prohibited from saying that the L.A. portion is live. We can’t say, ‘Now we’re going live to L.A.’ We can say, ‘Let’s see what’s happening in L.A.’ ”

Disclaimers noting the pre-recording are flashed twice during the show and no subterfuge is intended, said producer Larry Klein.

He said Clark pre-tapes the L.A. portion because it would be difficult to line up top talent on Dec. 31. Among this year’s acts: the Temptations, Michael Damian, Martika, Dion, Expose and Stephanie Mills.