Dancing With The Stars Apolo Ohno Writes Of Getting Back On Track And Finding New Inspiration
Apolo Ohno has written a new blog at People.com. He says he and Karina have had some issues, but, they’ve cleared the air and feel even closer now. They are also going to treat every dance as if it’s their last. Lots more below on this past week’s struggles, their new dance and how much it means to him and Karina.
Going into this week’s competition, I told Karina, “Let’s clear the air. Let’s get back on track and find new inspiration.” We went out, we talked, we had a good time. I told her we should treat every week like it’s our last. I want to just forget about the scores and the comments, and use the criticism as constructive. I know for me, that means emotionally showing a different side that perhaps people haven’t seen.
This song is about cancer. This song has a personal connection to both Karina and me. I have to go into a very different place, all while trying to perform this dance. It’s really beautiful and really smooth. I really like it, but it’s really emotional. I’m inviting kids from the City of Hope who have gone through or are going through cancer treatments, so I hope they enjoy it.
We just have this whole new approach and we’ve been kicking each other’s ass in the studio. It’s awesome. We’ve been hitting it hard every single day. I’m happy with the dance. We’re just continuing to keep polishing.
Be sure to read the full blog at People.com. It’s a good one! I hope he and Karina give new meaning to the word “connection” and make all the nay sayers eat their words.
I’m so glad I discovered you few...
I love them and I love Karina’s waltzes. That one with Ralph – Romeo and Juliet – is one of my top 2 waltzes on the show.
I knew about their dance being dedicated to cancer survivors and those who have died from it. Dear to my heart since I lost my husband to cancer on may 23 2001 after an eleven year battle with prostate bone bladder cancer. My two sisters are breast cancer survivors and declared cancer free after mastectomies and treatments. I saw Karina mention this on her Facebook
It’s really sad how people are so quick to blame Karina. Did I miss something? Apolo didn’t accuse Karina of anything. It seemed like they were having a rough week. But have managed to get pass it.
Lois, trying to imagine your loss made me cry. And I celebrate with you your sisters’ courage and healing!
As they are dealing with a subject that touches nearly everyone so painfully, I hope Apolo and Karina do it well.
Mel, from at least what I’ve read on the voting site, his fans were blaming Karina for not giving him “sparkling” choreographer. They said her choreography was boring and not showcasing him. Some even saying they have no chemistry because she’s to old for him and he should have had Chelsie.
Some said he was fighting a stomach virus, but some who claim to ‘really know him” because “we’ve followed him for years” said he is off and it’s not being sick that’s doing it.
Now I wonder if Carrie Ann’s comments were said because of something that happened between Apolo & Karina….as if to say “get it together, you can go a long way.” Hey, sometimes Len would make comments like to Hope for example, about getting it together, so the couple can be their best.
I hope they perform the best dance of the night
!!
Sounds like the crazy scoring, which hasn’t recognized the difficulty of their dances has been getting to both of them. I hope they can just enjoy the experience from now on, knowing the are giving their best and are doing amazing dancing. They seem to enjoy each others company, so I’m sure they can pull that off.
Wow, I was reading some of the comments posted on the People section, man, some of them are brutal, the bashing of Karina is just plain ridiculous. I don’t get it. And they think Apolo won’t win this season.
I sure am glad that I stick only with this site. Granted it’s not always rainbows and butterflies… But there is no place like home!! (PureDWTS that is).
“I’m inviting kids from the City of Hope who have gone through or are going through cancer treatments, so I hope they enjoy it.”
I love this guy. He’s just a class act.
LOVES this!!!^^
Well said Everyone!! I think Apolo is such a class act too, Jennifer!
Sandy, unfortunately it not like that just on the people.com page
Maybe the people on another site are the ones posting on on people.com under different names, but sad to say they also are saying this blog might have “cost him a second mirror ball trophy” for “throwing Karina under the bus”.
If they had “issues” in the way of an argument (he said part of the difficulty was seeing each other everyday WTH??? Shouldn’t they be bonding by being in there together for so long by now?) … why wouldn’t tptb air the “issues” or an argument? Or is what he’s talking about the part that was aired when they were driving in the car (I thought it was about her slip during the hip hop routine)…I’m confused. Maybe I’m just dizzy from filling sandbags today lol.
Don’t they all have issues at some point. So what does all this mean? Some of Apolo’s fans have already jumped ship with this pairing. Not me, No way, No how… I feel bad enough I may not get to vote this week.
Hopefully everyone that can vote WILL vote this week.
Someone messaged me on fb and said that if he made it “that” public, he wasn’t happy. I told her I thought they looked fine during the samba and that I thought they got down from CAI’s comments; she told me to re-watch the entire show and look at how he is avoiding her-not holding her or her hands, not sitting near her,and her looking down and over to see if he is there near her at times. I’ll re-watch it just to not see storm reports for a while.
If I remember correctly, in the footage of their group dance rehearsals they are sitting tightly together. She is behind him with her arms around his shoulders, he didn’t seem to want to pull away or anything, plus he did have the Flu, right.
Sounds like it’s just one of those cases, and I have heard it before, oh, Karina, Did you see how she glared at so-and-so? Just picking apart her every move.
It was obvious on Monday/Tuesday off the dance floor that they were having some sort of problem. Although I still don’t think if affected the actual performance at all. I do think it was a mistake for him to publicly air the fact they had a problem, though. If the problem’s resolved, why even discuss it? It just encourages detractors (the Karina hate his comments have inspired are truly disgusting) and I think it hurts his chances of winning.
Whenever a pair’s problems are publicly aired, it hurts their chances. Because now instead of the next round of interviews being about their next dance, which will hopefully be wonderful, it will be all about their “problems”. That’s all that will be discussed, that’s all that they’ll be asked about. That will now be their story, the couple who have problems with each other. If he hadn’t discussed it publicly, their problems last week would have been in the past as soon as their next dance took place. I think he made a HUGE mistake.
I would like to second Sandy as PureDWTS as ‘home’.
I found other websites where fans can post are absolutely brutal.
I have said previously, that I prefer Karina with Apolo, dancing and choreo-wise. I also think that the low scoring has really got to them at some point and the reason why Apolo mentioned it. I wish I can hug both of them! I felt that bad they both were down because of stupid judges scoring/story boarding. Apolo never received Donald/Ralph (hopefully Donald) treatment before so it’s understandable why he was frustrated.
Nancy M #14 I absolutely agree with you. Why to bring it now if it’s resolved. That is so strategically wrong.
I just hope this blog doesn’t affect apolo/karina fan base! I’ve been an avid Apolo & Karina team and will always be!
Maybe its not about strategy but about sharing their journey. The good and the bad. The pictures seem promising. I hope people don’t obsess so much about these “issues “.
I think so too, Nancy. Many of his fans weren’t happy Julianne didn’t come back to dance with him….as if they were offended lol. Look at Sabrina & Mark fans…they were soooo unhappy he had Bristol. Some split votes, but majority are for Sabrina. Well, Apolo & Julianne fans have no reason to split votes, so for some to say they can’t vote for him with Karina makes no sense. Some people (Bristol fans) stopped voting for her because she “looked unhappy” and didn’t want her on to face ridicule anymore. Hope Apolo & Karina show loads of chemistry tomorrow night and win fans back and win over more fans.
Couldn’t believe the ignorance of the comments on the People site and stopped reading them. Can’t wait to see Apolo & Karina dance Monday!
They are dancing 7th per Karina’s tweet.
I would bet all the monkey business going on behind the scenes with the judging took its toll. The important thing is they sound like they’re in a good place now.
Speaking of chemistry, Kelly and Val are #1 for many. It’s so undeniable that, even my blind neighbour could see it. well at least smell it, LOL. Go vally, from switzerland.
Tundar, I think u made a wrong turn
Tundar, stay on-topic. We aren’t talking about Kelly & Val.
Where to start?
I agree that mentioning any issues behind the scenes wasn’t a good idea. Only time you need to bring up disagreements with partners is if the package shows it. Why draw attention to it if it’s resolved, because there are many voters who will NOT want to vote for a couple if there are personality or training conflicts. And since we haven’t seen any packages about issues, not sure why he didn’t just keep it quiet. Perhaps something will be shown tonight and maybe he’s trying to bring it up first? Don’t know. But if nothing is mentioned tonight besides “chemistry is better, great job” from CAI, then I’m not sure why he mentioned it at all.
Comments elsewhere, especially non-monitored boards like People are full of idiots. Many of whom just like to hate anyone, anywhere. I tend to ignore comment sections like that.
While I agree Karina is a strong person, and a fabulous choreographer, who knows how she feels about the scoring and behind the scenes? Maybe Apolo was thrilled to be worked this hard at first, but when scores aren’t appearing he said something that annoyed her? Maybe she mentioned the fall during the hip-hop routine one too many times and he got annoyed? We don’t know.
Just whatever it was, hoping they got it together and are back in sync again. Because I DO like this partnership better than with him and Julianne. This seems more mature and respectful of each other as partners, whereas Julianne was more of a little sister, who treated Apolo like a project, not so much as a partner. (Which being his first time on the show, was what it needed to be. Not criticizing Julianne, just saying dynamics had to be different then.)
Based on Apolo’s tweets they resolved their differences very next day after the Monday’s show.
Apolo Anton Ohno @ApoloOhno
The best is yet to come….back on track
Apolo Anton Ohno @ApoloOhno
Thank you all for the love tonight!!!! Our team is stronger than ever.#teamapolonkarina #dwts
Why to bring it up 5 days later. It makes no sense whatsoever. I’m wondering if he discussed his blog with Karina and what was her reaction.
I can’t wait to see Apolo and Karina’s Viennese Waltz. I think it’s going to be a moving performance. I just hope the Stooges don’t stomp all over them when they’re emotionally vulnerable.
I felt Apolo was just talking honestly about readjusting the dynamics in their partnership and that he didn’t think it was that big a deal. It all seemed kind of matter-of-fact: I (Apolo) felt we were heading in an unproductive direction. So we took time away from the cameras to talk about what’s been happening and come to a mutual agreement on how to move forward in a positive way that works for both of us. My reaction was, “good for you two, you handled this in a very mature way.” I just hope most people who read his blog see it like that.
I was disappointed that Apolo didn’t get Chelsie. I guess because she reminds me of Julianne and their chemistry rocked in their season. Still wish he and Chelsie had been partners. Guess not too surprised he and Karina had some issues.
I love Apolo and Karina!
Winter, another Julianne’ partner, also a past winner, was paired with Chelsie and we all know the result…..
Well I am glad that Apolo did not get Chelsie. In my opinion, Chelsie and her partners never really stack up to the rest. I don’t know if it’s her age or what, but not one of her dances has been a memorable one.
Why would this be all Karina’s fault? Maybe Apolo was the one with the issue. Maybe part of the issue was the fact that the judges are being way too critical on them.
Hey, I love these two. But I do think everyone is being too hard on them, time to move on, it sounds like they already have.
Winter, I’ve met Chelsie went she went on “tour” with Mark Ballas when he was promoting his fist cd back. I heard her sing….quite lovely. She’s a doll. However, she is no where near IMHO the technician or choreographer Karina is. You don’t pair up a couple because they “look” like a past couple. I didn’t work for Helio. Go back and listen Helio and what he says to Chelsie when they approach judges table after his quickstep and his comments to Brooke in the celeb-a-qurium. Believe it or not there are a lot of egos on that show, some obvious, and some subtle. They all want to win.
I think its possible Karina was upset from hip hop slip up and knowing that Bristol & Kirstie (no good dancer—but big fan bases) have knocked out Audrina, Rick, Kurt, Brandy, Ralph, Romeo, and Chelsea in the past, and this season Joey, Drew and Helio. Maybe she was fixated on it and needed some “snap out it talk”.
It’s also possible he had to submit this blog in at a certain time when it was closer to the actual “issue”, who knows.
I still flash back to week 1-2 when Karina said he was very rusty and needs to go over even the simplest steps again and again. I didn’t think much of it at the time because the last time he danced was season 4. But it made me think that rumor was they were putting in most hours so if they were doing 8-12 hours for 1 dance, then yes, it can be stressful now doing two in the same time period.
Sandy, I agree with you. Plus all the negativity being posted about her on his fb page is uncalled for…nothing to even do with dancing–her hair, her looks, her past relationships, crying is unprofessional, etc. I hope he doesn’t read it. When Mark read tweets and fb posts about Bristol he’d fight back and curse at people, etc. …it can effect them. If someone is an Apolo fan find the positive and accentuate it!!!!
Message on hurricane post
I thought the blog was fine. Apolo just said he and Karina had some issues and they worked them out as a team, and now they’re moving on. Apolo and Karina are human beings so of course they will have conflict every now and then; we all do. No relationship, working or personal, is ever perfect. I give Apolo props for handling it and writing about it in a mature, positive way. That’s how I read the blog and I think a lot of people did as well. I’m a loyal Apolo fan and will not stop voting for him over one blog entry that is not even the least bit salacious. I also have a lot of respect for Karina and I am glad Apolo is paired with her. I’m disheartened that some people aren’t even giving Apolo and Karina a chance just because she’s not Julianne. Both partnerships are different but one’s not better than the other. Heck, I’d still vote for Apolo if he were paired with the Loch Ness Monster.
Maybe I’m confused too here. First of all, when Karina slipped & fell during their hip- hop performance, I thought Apollo was very nice to her hugging her during the judges comments and also saying don’t worry about especially when Len said to be honest Karina I wasn’t even watching you, I was watching Apolo who did a excellent job ! Unless something ensued later ?? who knows…Anyway, I think it was CAI who started the who “chemistry issues”. What does that dimwit know, she’s too caught up in that ridiculous gawking over Guilies ( or whatever his name is) Baby-making dance, r u kidding me ? All he was doing there was standing, making stupid faces, as if Peta’s leg lifting wasn’t enough. Then CAI falls off his chair, whatever…I thought Apolo and Katrina look fabulous 2 day and her choreography for him is spot on, it there scores that the judges r giving them don’t fit their comments after their dancing. Far lesser competitors who can’t dance are getting higher scores which makes NO sense to me. Whatever it is, Apolo & Karina get ALL MY VOTES evey week !!! BTW, I know the will kill their dance 2nite, can’t wait
