Private Members Area – DWTS Season 18 Week 6 Discussion
Tonight was week 6 of DWTS Season 18 What did you think of tonight’s show?
Always fun to have the energy of a good party anthem. What did you think of this theme week?
I’m getting the feeling that the tide against Nene is starting to shift. I personally think she’s quite entertaining, but I’m starting to get more and more people sending me notes that they want her off the show. This happens every season with some dancer. To be honest, I’m a little surprised she has a big enough fan base to keep her on the show. She definitely attracts viewers, but I didn’t think the people who were a fan of her and her show would be ones to vote. I guess I was wrong.
Let’s hear your thoughts on this week’s show.
Overall I really enjoyed the show. There was a bunch of things I didn’t care and some other things that I didn’t feel they handled appropriately.
My 3 favorite dances of the night were:
1.)Meryl & Maks – I didn’t find anything disingenuous about the package. It’s the most vulnerable I’ve ever seen from Maks, personally.
2.)Amy & Derek – I would have given her the #1 spot had they not had the mishap
3.) Charlie & Sharna – I’m shocked they didn’t receive a single 10.
With that said – yeah, the scores were once again very wonky. My feelings for Nene aside – I didn’t think what she danced was very Salsa like. I know Tony said in his blog last week they were gonna break some rules – but did he mean the entire rules of Salsa? Also, while I would have preferred to see Nene go tonight it was apparent Drew was more than ready to checkout.
Things I didn’t care for: The opening number. For a Party Anthem Rock night, it felt pretty lackluster. I didn’t feel that the Macys Stars of Dance – performers received the credit due. I know there were other people who weren’t apart of the troupe performing but I don’t remember them being mentioned. Lastly, I’m over everyone adding a troupe dancer or 12 to their routines. Is this a new thing this season or is this standard?
Okay, believe it or not this was my short version of thoughts – I’ll save my long one for tomorrow on the main board.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jackie. The long version will be welcome on the main thread I’m sure.
I still contend that the scores have to be wonky because they overscore them so much at the start of the show. It basically leaves them no where to go with the scores. See this post where I talk about it more: https://www.puredwts.com/2013/09/18/the-dwts-overscore-express/
This is the first season they’ve let the troupe take part in the dances. I wonder what the official rules are about using the troupe in dances. Can each dancer use them so many times? Would be interesting to find out. Although, when Landau was dancing, the troupe dancers were a welcome addition;-)
I am totally with Jackie on the top 3 this week.
And wow Redfoo! I loved him as a judge this week and more than all the guest judges this far. His expressions, etc were killing me. So funny!
And Derek, Allison Holker (I so wish she was a Pro on DWTS), and the cast were so phenomenal in the Macy’s Star’s dance. I loved all the muscle and futuristic elements. Loved the Thriller moments in the beginning. Just spectacular.
I think only NeNe’s and Charlie’s dances had really wonky scoring. NeNe overscored (that was NOT a Salsa) and Charlie horribly underscored. What the hell is with the judges and Charlie anyway?? I don’t get it. His dances over all have been more difficult in terms of choreo and he’s executed them very, very well.
Allison couldn’t be a pro on DWTS until they change it to DWTS non-ballroom styles and just do modern, jazz, and hip hop. This would be awesome and then she’d be perfect.
They did let Tyne do DWTS and she wasn’t a trained ballroom pro…although that didn’t go over so well. I actually think Allison is better at ballroom than Tyne was.
I agree that I think it’s going to be Nenes time to go. Though I wonder if they’re trying to get Candace out by overscoring Nene. And I didn’t see anything off in Charlies dance. I was fully expecting 10’s on that one. Amy and Derek were my favorites. She really killed that Jive. I tend to love Dereks jives and I think this one might be one of my favorites.
I also don’t understand the use of all the troupe dancers all the time. I think they were useful in Amy and Dereks dance to portray that it was a wedding better. I liked them last week in Danica and Vals quickstep as well, but other than that I haven’t found it necessary.
Oh, and Abby Lee Miller going to guest judge? I’m going to have to decide if my love for this show trumps my hatred for her. I used to try to watch the show as I enjoy seeing dancing, but I just couldn’t watch it anymore. As someone who grew up in the dance world and in the competition circuit, she is a horrible representation of what the dance world is like. My teachers pushed us so we worked hard, but they also made us laugh and comforted us when we had a bad day. And the competition world is nothing like shown. We made friends at other studios and cheered for our teammates. Gosh that woman and that show makes me so angry.
I’ll end my rant about her and that show now (though I could go on forever).
John – thank you for the link to your article. I really enjoyed the read. You made SO many interesting points! I fear the judges are too far gone now (where DWTS history of scoring is concerned) to ever wipe a clean state and start from the basics like that. How I wish they would though!!
Yeah, Nene was MOST definitely over scored and Charlie most certainly underscored. I really expected Redfroo to me more generous with his # paddles – surprised we only saw him wip out the 10’s twice tonight, I think? But yeah, if there was ever a time he should have withheld that 9 – it was for Nene’s “Salsa”!
Jackie,
History does play against them, but if they just made note of it at the start of the season and scored lower, it could work. Ratings drops allow for changes like this.
Hi guys, just popping into the shiny and alluring “Private Members Area” to show my support of the site (which I visit way too often and it’s my duty to recompense some of the bandwidth I’ve consumed).
One thing that I will add about Nene – I never underestimate the appeal of a woman that is loud and goofy and shows such comfort with her body. There’s millions of women out there that identify with her more than anyone else on the show, and I would not be shocked if she outlasted Danica or Candance and sneak into the fifth or sixth spots. Then again, Candance has the conservative appeal and Danica is an extraordinary dancer (duh), so who knows?
Thought I’d pop in here for a “private word”. Wanted to give a shout-out to my buddy Jackie.
Hey girlfriend! Glad you enjoyed Party Anthem week. My comments in the public forum tell you (and the world of Pure – LOL) that I didn’t. Since that’s the case, we haven’t been involved in any conversations over there. Just wanted you to know I wasn’t “avoiding” you 😛
Also wanted to say that while I can’t buy into your position on the Meryl/Maks rehearsal video, I find your positive open attitude refreshing, and I hope Maks lives up to your faith in him.
It might surprise to you know, but I started my journey with DWTS as a Maks fan. As time went on and he failed to win the MBT, the bitter, resentful, frustrated Maks began to drown out the funny, charming, cocky guy I enjoyed. His complaining grew, his choreography stagnated, and the way he treated his partners was not something I could defend. He’d start out a season on a positive note, but a few weeks in, it would all go south again. So I got off the rollercoaster, and I’m not getting back on. I’ve given him lots of chances, but I can’t support someone I can’t respect. I still think he can be charming, funny, and handsome, and when he’s that way, I enjoy watching him. I’ll even defend him when people say things that are totally out in left field and obviously false; but I can’t support him.
Cidra – *WAVES!!!!* You’re so incredibly thoughtful, I’m glad you popped over here. Selfishly, it’s easier for me to catch a direct comment in this members area b/c I can be at fault for scrolling through comments fast over on the main board – which btw, I read had the HIGHEST amount of traffic yesterday. FABULOUS NEWS!
You know, I appreciate you sharing your Journey with him. I can honestly say, I’ve never been devoted to a show the way I’ve learned that so many people have with DWTS. I’ve tuned into many seasons before, but then my “fav” would get eliminated so then I’d no longer tune in. I’ll admit it, I’m selfish like that (are you seeing a patter of selfishness here?) so I’ve never allowed myself the opportunity to invest myself in any pro like you have.
I’ve never had a favorite pro, I’ve just had a favorite celebrity – who I guess by default the pro becomes my favorite for that season in a way. I’ve tuned in to 3 full seasons with Apolo, Evan Lysacek and Jennifer Grey (2 Houghs & a Trebunskya) but with everything you have said, if I can think about putting myself your position I completely understand why it’s too little too late. It’s so easy (as I’ve already learned this season) to become so emotionally invested in your favorites on this show during the journey, that any kind of poor behavior as you gave as an example would feel like disappointment.
As you said, you’ve given him the benefit of the doubt and still you were let down in the end. So you had to put your guard up from here on out. I’m coming from a place of an absolutely clean slate so it’s easy for me to see the good in any and every situation. That’s not the case for you (when it pertains to Maks) so I can understand why your view is ” I’m not buying what you’re selling, I’ve learned my lesson before.”
At the very least, it says a lot about your character as a person when you’ll still defend right from wrong – feelings about him aside. More then anything, I truly value your honesty & respect. If wasn’t for you the other day making me feel so welcoming – while expressing a very unpopular opinion – I wouldn’t be in this members area today. So THANK YOU Cidra! I mean that sincerely, not to embarrass you in anyway, but you deserve the appreciation and much more!! 🙂
Kaitlyn – I’m so glad I’m not the only one that is confused about all the added troupe dancers. I agree – Amy’s made TOTAL sense but I’d really like to know if there is a rhyme or reason to it this season. They’ve been pimped out & showcased this season like nobody’s business!
John – You’re absolutely right! I hope the new producer (?) whatever Conrad Green position is – whoever takes his place really does a haul over with the scoring system at the very least.
Figamentation – You’re hilarious w/ your bandwidth talk! Count me in the club, I may have just made this site my new homepage. Just sayin’… I like the points you made about Nene (my feelings aside, ugh lol) she does bring the “performance” aspect to her routines that Candace, who brings the technical, is still trying to find the confidence to bring out in hers. Next weeks elimination should prove to be VERY interesting! 🙂
Jackie, You’re very welcome. It’s been my pleasure to encourage a new and intelligent “voice” to join the discussion on my favorite blog!
I’m glad you got over here to read the self-indulgent post about my journey from Maksinista to guarded cynic. That’s not the kind of thing I would want to waste the general forum’s time with, which is why I put it here in the members area.
There are several pros I have a special fondness for including Sharna, Karina, and Derek (as well as Anna T and Tristan, both of whom I miss dearly), but I always base my season favorites on a combination of the celeb and the pro, with the celeb being the deciding factor. So there have been times I have *not* voted for one of the pros I admire because I can’t support their celeb. There’s no right or wrong way to make these decisions, that’s just the one that works for me.
It’s taken me a while to refine my DWTS fandom and find a balance between loving the show for what it is, and hating the show for what it’s become. Now I can get disgusted one night and then step back and say “ah well, it is what it is.”
It’s been a truly enjoyable journey with DWTS (which is the only TV show I watch), and finding this site a while back enhanced my enjoyment 10-fold. DWTS wouldn’t be half as fun without Pure!
Cidra – You had me laughing at “Maksinista” – that’s so funny! It took me a few times sounding it out but I got there – it’s that I got the point that matters, right? Not how slow to the roll I was …
I completely understand how you’ve developed fondness for those pros. I can only imagine as seasons have gone on being stuck in the middle with who to vote for when it’s crunch time! I don’t know how I’d ever decide, lol.
Seeing as this is my first time participating in “Social media” while tuning into DWTS, it certainly takes it to a whole other level. I enjoy the camaraderie and connection you get to feel with so many people who share the same enjoyment. It’s been really neat! I agree, I’m fresh to this site but I can’t imagine my DWTS days w/o this site. It’s literally my go-to page for everything DWTS. There’s nothing like this out there, it’s certainly one of a kind! 🙂
OK, Jackie, Now to return to the real discussion… I meant to say earlier today that I agree with you about what appears to be an excessive use of the Troupe this season in the couples’ routines. In the recent past,I thought they were getting carried away with props and set decoration, but now I kind of wish they’d go back to that because for the most part, that stuff while cluttering up the floor at least doesn’t move and block your view of the couple dancing! The same can’t be said of all the Troupers frolicking around.
I wonder if they’re pushing the Troupe this season because they have Artem, who’s a big deal full-fledged “pro” on the British version (Strictly Come Dancing) and they promised him screen time, want to get their money’s worth out of him, and/or see if he catches the eye of US viewers.
I can’t take credit for “Maksinista”; it came from someone here — Vogue, maybe?
Cidra – See! I don’t have the history to back up facts like you do. I wasn’t sure if this troupe showcasing was a new thing or something I just overlooked in seasons past. I mean, I understand there are times when it is appropriate i.e. in Amy & Dereks performance last night. However, I didn’t enjoy it as much in Cheryl&Drews and James&Peta. Sometimes, less is more. LOL.
What you said about Artem makes complete sense though. If there ever was someone that just oozes talent, it would be HIM. I’ll be interested to see from here on out how they utilize the troupe dancers though. Then again, since next week is ANOTHER theme night I’m sure we’ll be seeing plenty of them again in some dances.
Voguerista …. Maksinista ….. I could all credit belonging to Vogue on this one! 😉
I come at the show from a slightly different angle – I love most of the pros (Tony being the exception), and I *hope* that I can be honest about my assessment of all of them, good and bad. Karina and Derek are my regular favorites, but I’ve enjoyed all of the others in some other respect. I miss Jonathan, Tristan, and Anna a good deal.
I also don’t vote so I don’t really get too invested in who stays and who goes. That doesn’t mean I don’t have favorite couples and celebs, but it’s usually who is just entertaining me the most – some seasons that’s the endearing funny celeb, or the really awesome dancer, or the vulnerable journey of a star that I didn’t expect to root for at all. Some seasons have all three. I do like when the couples get the recognition I believe they deserve. The closest I ever came to voting was the week that Karina and Apolo were eliminated – I had a bad feeling about it, and I really really wanted them to make the finale. Guess it’s all my fault they didn’t, hah!
Regardless of a few disappointments, it’s still definitely my favorite show and really one of the only tv programs that I watch each week (not counting the Mad Men and Game of Thrones types that have short seasons). The only thing that may ever turn me away completely? Replacing Tom with an inferior host.
Figamentation – Funny you mention All-Stars. Everytime I hear it referenced I kick myself because I didn’t watch a single episode of that season. Like, was I dead? I don’t know how that happened. BUT since I know how it turns out, I think I saved myself a mild heartache too. LOL.
I enjoy hearing about your approach though. We’d never know how each of us approaches the show if it wasn’t for this site so I’m appreciative that I’m able to hear this. I might even take some pointers for the future – b/c clearly investing myself in ONE person – well their not always going to be Olympians – so I’d be setting myself up for a little heartache if their voted off immediately.
I discovered AfterBuzzTv because of Anna. Which lead me to Kristyn Burtt which then lead me to PURE!
Sidebar: I just have to declare that Anna & Evans AT remain one of my favorite dances to date. Sigh. Goodtimes. But yeah, I hope she comes back next season because she is one I would definitely root for no matter who she was paired with! 🙂
You guys have complex approaches to favorites. I keep it much more simple and just enjoy who I enjoy. Ok, I’m lying. I have a total bias for hot blondes. Otherwise, no bias.
I can see how people like or dislike certain pros attitudes, but I think it’s impossible to not enjoy and respect all of them as dancers. They’re all extraordinarily talented dancers and I’d watch any of them dance any time.
I love that you don’t vote Figmentation. I’m not a voter either. Which is ironic since I started blogs about the show, but I don’t care enough to vote. Every once in a while I’d punch in a few numbers to vote and then wonder why I really care. I just love the dancing. And I still miss Edyta (I’m required to note this every other comment).
Sidebar: Mad Men is so addicting. Crazy interesting show. Although, Amazing Race is probably my favorite show. I’ve loved Nashville as well.
I don’t understand why they don’t have a “code of points” rule book that defines the scoring system for each dance in detail. What “moves” are required etc…. Share it with the audience, pros, celebrities etc…
Everyone would be on the same page and know what was expected.
This is what is needed for your dance to start at a 10….points deducted for mistakes… Etc
Wishful thinking.
I wish for the scoring they would maybe IDK divide the season into quarters: for example the first third of the season the highest score someone could get would be a 6 or 7 and graduate from there. Then the judges would not be hauling out the 9 paddles too soon. Just a thought.
I actually wrote a post on that subject a while ago, Zazou – Come up with a set of rule/steps that have to be in each dance for the dancer to score an 8 or above. Period. None of this “oh, I like more in hold” bullshit when you feel you have to score someone down a couple points, when another couple had as little in hold but didn’t get called on it.
But they will never do that because they want to manipulate who does well. And who doesn’t.
John and Fig, I think it’s great you’re able to enjoy the show without voting. I’m no power voter, but voting is my “get out of jail free card” to give myself permission to complain about who stays, who goes, and who wins. Even so, I really do watch for the dancing more than the competition which is why I tend to like the ringers and the pro numbers.
Chosing a favorite is complex for me because I usually like more than one couple. However, I tend to follow PH’s rule of not splitting votes, so I have to pick one.
John — If it’s all about hot blondes for you, you must be feeling a little bereft after losing Witney. Hopefully, James continues to improve so you can keep Peta. There will never be another Edyta (she was definitely unique).
Jackie — Evan and Anna’s ATango was one of my favorites as well, and for me, their Paso was also memorable.
PH — I’ll be curious to see what direction the show takes when we finally get rid of Lord Conrad. Regardless, we’ll probably never see that rule book you talked about.
I will need to find that post Princess Heidi. It just makes sense to make at least try it out for a season. Maybe they will find out they don’t have to manipulate anyone. LOL
Like Cidra, DWTS is pretty much the only TV show I watch. Although I’ve been known to watch the blind auctions for the Voice, but then I’m done with it.
I don’t really have favourite pros, I tend to watch the celebrity dance and pic my favourites from that. Until James killed his dance two weeks ago, I hadn’t bothered to vote this season for the first time since I started watching. Not that I’m a power voter. I vote on Facebook and on ABC.com and that’s it.
I didn’t think it was James’ best dance, but it wasn’t the worst, and he’s so damn cute to watch. Love the smile.
Charlie was terribly underscored. I don’t understand what he has to do to get the scores he should be getting.
I’m pretty much over Candice, Danica, and NeNe. I’ve been over NeNe for weeks. I wonder if they will end up having 4 in the finals again this season? If so, that should be Charlie, Meryl, James and Amy.
As far as Maks goes, I started watching the show when he was partnered with Kirsty. Liked that partnership, hated the one with Hope. Was that whole package engineered? It may have been. Maks has been a part of the show for a long time and knows when the cameras are rolling. Is Meryl that good an actress though? She can get into character on the dance floor, but she isn’t talking then.
Again though, I’m more about the celebrity and their journey. Although so pros like Tony, I just don’t care for.
Is Lord Conrad leaving? Did I miss something?
Cidra,
It’s been a bad time for blonde lovers. Whitney and Emma gone too early. Plus, they keep rotating which blonde pros are on the show. Along with missing Edyta, I also miss Julianne and Chelsie. *sigh* Tough life…I know.
If I could remember the title I would tell you so you could search on it.
The package with Hope wasn’t engineered. We heard about it in advance and apparently most of their practices were like that.
No sorry, I meant the package with Meryl and Maks. I have better writing skills than I just displayed, really.
Ah, poor John! A first-world problem for sure, but still, you have my sympathies.
It’s funny that I never think of Emma as blonde. She’s always been something “more” in my mind. The blondes are just kind of, well, “blonde” (can you tell I’m a brunette?) 😉 My hubby has tried to convince me for years that despite what women think, many men look at a woman’s hair first before their eyes drift downward.
From my perspective, I see Emma as a strong, sexy female force (a woman of substance). Same with Sharna. Of course I do recognize they have gorgeous hair and rockin’ hot bodies.