ABC7 And ABC27 Go “Behind The Scenes” Of Dancing With The Stars This Week, Interviews Too (Videos)
ABC27 has some cool “behind the scenes” coverage of the show and some interviews too. This is some cool coverage and worth watching. Thanks to Lois for the find!
Also ABC7 has some coverage, interviews, and a recap too.
Thanks Lois and Vogue! Enjoyed this feature.
Aww too bad Maks was in such a bad mood for the reporter since she is a fan. Probably because of Abby and being the lowest scoring couple last night. But I don’t think they have anything to worry about.
No reporter Ali, it’s not you. It’s Maks. At some point, which at Maks’ age will probably be never, a professional and a gentleman needs to act like one. Not being able to get beyond a petulant mood and see the bigger picture and act like an adult is embarrassing for a grown man to not be able to master at this point in life.
Every season Maks self-destructs, hope he goes home next week.
Thanks for using the clips! Ali is a great reporter. She also co-anchors the very early Daybreak news from 4:30 to 7 am. She did great work on her news items.
I, too, enjoyed these clips. I was surprised, yet very pleased, to hear what Derek had to say about the guest judge. He was blunt and honest. Looks like everyone agrees about this one. It was pretty obvious during the show how the pros didn’t acknowledge ALM (except Val “correcting” her) that none of them respect her. I have news for her….her age does not automatically earn her the respect from others. I don’t think Maks was rude, he was honest. They all were. I hope the producers got the message. The pros will tolerate silly guest judges like Donny Osmond if they must, but the won’t tolerate ALM.
If Maks wasn’t asked the question, he wouldn’t have made the rather bland reply.
The Rumba performed by Meryl and Maks was incredible and very different… shedding light on a very real problem of domestic violence. That ALM cheapened the meaning of the dance by stating she ‘wouldn’t slap Maks’ [IOW, implicitly condoning domestic abuse] and then going on to indicate what she thinks most women have on their mind when they are on the floor when Maks is around, also cheapened the meaning of the dance.
Pity more interviewers didn’t think to ask about what motivated the dance in the first place. They’d have learned he supports both ChildHelp and KnockOutAbuse.
Wonder if the middle-aged female viewers will be swayed by Maks’ disrespect and throw votes to someone else?
SKnapik (#6) – Very well put!
I was also surprised that the interviews were not centered on the dance and its message. Even George P., who I love, did not pick on that. Whether rumba or not, it was a powerful dance and deserved more discussion. Oh well…
oh of course Maks was grumpy. He’s like a petulant child who has zero self-control. I do not see his outbursts as honesty at all. Its really too bad for meryl to go from someone so positive and darling like charlie to a grump chump like Maks. I hope he doesn’t come back next season.
Anna #8
“I was also surprised that the interviews were not centered on the dance and its message. Even George P., who I love, did not pick on that. Whether rumba or not, it was a powerful dance and deserved more discussion. Oh well…”
Agree 100%. This dance was quite special to Meryl, per her own statement. She also said she wouldn’t change a thing. It was important to her to grow in her ability to convey deep emotion on the dance floor. Can only imagine how frustrating it was for Maks to end up fielding questions about the silly woman guest judge instead of performance-based questions…
If Erin hadn’t asked the question, Maks wouldn’t have made the remark. So, what is he supposed to do? Lie? Kiss that woman’s backside? IMO, he took one for the entire team of Pros [and possibly the regular judges] by calmly sharing just how irrelevant that woman’s remarks were, to him. Can only wonder if this wasn’t a scheme [to have ALM as a guest judge] by ABC Corporate to obtain cross promotion for the two shows… Because to me, even through the tv, it seemed that NO ONE liked having her there and she cast a pall over the entire evening. Ugh. Annie Barrett over at THR has a superb post about Week 8 and her description of the tone set by ALM was both quite hilarious and pointedly accurate.
PS- Noticed she appeared to have gone to the after show event. Left with no one other than a choregrapher for some video she’s got out in tow. Suspect everyone else avoided her like the plague.
The upside to all of this? For a short period of time, the fans of the pros were quite united, lol. Derek helped by positioning himself in full camera view and offering an extended, slow, loud clap for Maks response. Well done!
I don’t think anyone, as far as I can tell, has a problem with Maks’ remarks about ALM.
It’s his berating, abusive, tone he takes with women like his previous partners and putting down Meryl and Danica in their rehearsal package. He’ll never change.
I have a bit different view. There’s no question that ALM is a nasty, abusive, pathetic excuse for a “teacher” and I think it was ill-advised (to say the least) that she was asked to be a judge. However, imo Maks needs to learn to not take the bait, because taking the bait means giving your power away. I think the answer to any question about any of the judges should be “He/she is a judge, it’s his/her opinion.” The further virtue of such a response is that it would not run the risk of negatively impacting his partner’s score for the duel dance still remaining. “Discretion is the better part of valor.”
As for the “message” of the dance, I for one would not want the show to devolve into a discussion of issues. It reminds me of Val’s (to me, ridiculous) remarks after his freestyle with Zendaya, urging parents to take good care of their children (or something along those lines). This is a dance competition/entertainment program. I think it would become extremely tedious to have contestants/pros expounding on political/social issues.
Agreed, Susan – I caught a lot of flack for saying it on Twitter, but I don’t think Maks should have said ANYTHING, even if “it was what everyone was already thinking”. Not only does it run the risk of coming back to bite both he AND his partner in the ass, but it just brings him down to her level. Someone like Abby Lee Miller THRIVES on getting under people’s skin – so even if someone is taking the time to say something like “I don’t care what you say!”, it kinda shows their cards a bit…Maks obviously does care, or he wouldn’t have said anything and would have just kept on truckin’.
And I agree about the dances taking too much of a political/socially conscious spin, too – part of the fun of DWTS is that it’s a fluffy show, an escapist vehicle that isn’t dragged down by all of the stress of what you see on the news. I respect every dancer’s right to express their feelings about what’s going on in the world – but I don’t know that DWTS is the right venue to do it in. It can come across as a bit pretentious – Val’s comments after Zendaya’s freestyle came across kind of…Gwyneth Paltrow-ish. 😛
Yeah, but that’s part of Maks’ and Val’s problem, Court – every time they say something “nice” it comes off as condescending and pompous. Val’s thing after his dance with Zendaya, his comment about recognizing all the pros (after HE won a twitter vote)…it just sounds sanctimonious and insincere. I don’t know if it’s their voices or if they are just trying too hard.
This is an interesting discussion… dance as a form of art to convey messages.
I think political issues are iffy, and I would not see DWTS as a medium for that. But I have no problem seeing social issues being addressed through dance.
For me, a big difference is whether you use dance to “educate” versus “inform”. Put differently, whether you use dance to make a statement and transmit a message about how things “should be” in this world, or whether you simply depict a reality of life. I am not ok with making dance statements, but I appreciate bringing an issue up.
Maybe it’s a cultural difference, but for example one thing I like about foreign movies as opposed to Hollywood movies is the ability to depict human nature with its beauties and flaws, and not shy away from putting up on the screen uncomfortable, inconvenient but totally realistic situations.
That said, I would not want every other dance to deliver a message.
#15 Anna
“Maybe it’s a cultural difference, but for example one thing I like about foreign movies as opposed to Hollywood movies is the ability to depict human nature with its beauties and flaws, and not shy away from putting up on the screen uncomfortable, inconvenient but totally realistic situations.”
This. Is. Spot. On.
Just a note regarding other comments about Maks shouldn’t have said anything. Then after Erin asked the question, he should have not replied?
That awful woman made a remark in one of the aftershow programs that she’d LOVE to be a PERMANENT judge. I honestly wonder if many of the regulars: pros/judges/support staff… and even production- got wind of a possible idea being floated by the Network to bring that creature on for next season, full-time… IF that was a prevailing concern by many of the DWTS folks, I can see them ALL wanting to nip that idea in the bud. [Seeing the frequent, sour looks on the faces of the judges… I can’t help wonder if that isn’t the case. As fans, whatever we think of the regular judges individually, I suspect 99% think ALM is a horrendous idea!]
Looks like there is such a backlash against that dreadful woman that any idea for making her a permanent Monday fixture has been aborted.
If so: than kudos to Maks for having the fortitude to say something [and let’s be honest, who better to step into the arena as Gladiator for the rest of them? [Also, it was clear the writing was on the wall after the judges comments, they weren’t going to get a bunch of 10’s… and was likely to be their ‘bad’ night… so what’s the risk at that point?]
I love Bruno’s ‘thumbs up’ to Tom as Maks finishes answering Erin’s question. Coupled w/ Derek’s prominent, extended clapping, says it all, imo.
[Just having a horrific vision of that woman being on every week. What a disaster. Was wonderful to see how many DWTS fans went on record in forums/DWTS FB, etc, to state they would turn off the program for good, if any half-baked idea of having that woman on again surfaced. The EXTRA! video getting other pros and consummate diplomat, Charlie, on record about what the industry pros, in general, think about that woman, helped to put another nail in the coffin of that bad decision. Hopefully, the collective effort was effective and the message heard loud and clear]
You know, the more I think of all of this hullaballo, the prouder I am of ALL of those on the show, who made their opinion known… some more overtly than others… And the DWTS Press regulars who also came to support the ‘Just Say No to Abby’ movement [including Shirley Ballas and others on the Afterbuzz program.] Think about other sectors of life and how disgusting it is when a child rapist is feted in Hollywood [Polanski] or various politicians [of all parties] do something reprehensible… and it’s just glossed over by the media and insiders. IMO, this whole hullaballo was a wonderful thing: people drawing a line on what they will or will not ‘tolerate’.
One of the single biggest differences between Derek and Maks is that Derek COULD answer Erin’s question in a way that would make no one mad at him. So, yes, Maks could answer the question without being…Maks (as much as I loved what he said). It’s been done – just never by Maks. He’s never learned tact or how to say something in such a way as to not make lots of people angry. Go listen to Mark and Derek talk to…I think it was People.com. Both of them respond to the ALM situation in a way that is intelligent, well-spoke and thoughtful…yet still completely honest and confronting the issue of why they don’t agree with her. It was fantastic. Just because Maks can’t do it, doesn’t mean it can’t be done. We’ve seen this season after season after season. Maks fans always say “Well, did you want him to ignore the question?” Ummmm…YES. There’s no law that says he has to answer. And if he can’t resist commenting, then he needs to take lessons in how to do it the “right” way. You think a response was needed?? So do I – but there are certainly better ways to do it that at least sound intelligent.
I was cheering Maks’ comment – but at the end of the day, the way (and when) he commented could have negatively impacted his partner, not to mention that it just sounded like typical Maks and easy to shrug off. When Derek and Mark, on the other hand, spoke to the media after the show, you could tell they were well informed, passionate, had given her lots of thought and they articulated the MANY very valid reasons why they don’t agree with her style. They weren’t mean, they explained how they felt and their point of view, and WHY they felt that way. They lent the situation some gravity and some seriousness that was severely lacking in Maks’ response. Sure, everyone laughed and clapped – but all he really accomplished was getting his partner an 8 on the following dance. If the producers are going to look for reaction as a guide as to what to do next, who are they going to listen to?? Derek and Mark’s intelligent, well thought out responses, or Maks giving the same response as he gives to anyone who doesn’t agree with him? Including Julianne, Carrie Ann and, on occassion, Len. His response is weakened by it the fact that it’s not unusual – he just happened to get it right this time and side with the majority.
Brava, Heidi!!
I would add that Maks’s comment didn’t change any minds and/or bring an otherwise hidden issue to light. Before she even walked in the room it seemed the entire cast and probably 99% of the viewership (you have to leave room for some nimrods) were repulsed by her being on the show. Maks actually empowered her by his response: she got him to react. Derek and Mark not only didn’t empower her, but they reinforced their own message of positivity by emphasizing their view that positive energy is always infinitely more desirable and effective.
As for ALM commenting on wanting to be a permanent judge — Who the hell cares what she says??? I didn’t watch any of her post show interviews, because I really don’t give a crap what she has to say about anything.
PH, I agree Derek could have answered in a very bland way…but would he have wanted to? Seems to me, that Abby didn’t give him any fuel to use to provoke a question from Erin that would have permitted a response like that given by Maks… It was clear that Abby did do so to Maks/Meryl…and Derek ‘conveniently’ positioned himself to be in full view of the camera when the inevitable question was asked of Maks, so he could [and did] show his full support.
Having that woman on, if she had gone unchallenged, imo, would have meant the entire cast of DWTS implicitly approved of her methods. I simply don’t think any of the pros were willing to go there. The comments by other pros afterward and Charlie’s summary of the feelings of pros who also taught make for a show of solidarity. I loved it.
Another upside, is by forcing the issue, it fired up the public and everywhere I’ve read roughly 99% of responses panning that womans appearance on the show. Hopefully, the brass at ABC got the message and will never inflict this hideous creature upon DWTS again.
Sorry, SKnapik, you’re trying very hard to give Maks credit for something that happened, that was happening WELL before the show even aired. I saw countless Derek fans (and other fans) tweeting DancingABC that they were not watching the show, that she was disgusting, etc etc etc. Maks doesn’t get credit for “saving the show”. It was a full blown campaign before the show even started. Erin asked Maks the question because she KNEW, like everyone knew, that Maks wouldn’t be able to restrain himself. It’s a shame that he couldn’t be more articulate and do something MORE than treating Abby the same way he treats all the other judges from time to time, including Julianne. If asked, Derek may well have answered the question, but possibly in much the same way he did after the show ended – articulately and intelligently. If so, HE wouldn’t be getting credit for getting rid of ALM permanently either – if that actually happens.
And really, do you think the pros do that show in a vacuum? I’m sure that most of them made their feelings very clear to the producers before the show aired. If we heard from our source that all the pros were “pissed” that she was judging, you can be sure that the producers knew as well.
Yeah the problem with the way that Maks handled it, as funny as it was, it just looked more like sour grapes than a deliberate disregard of her opinion due to her teaching style. Had he been less flippant and more articulate, it would have lent more credence to his attitude and created a more unifying front from the pros. Sure, we saw Derek clapping and the press has been covering their reaction and we’ve gotten more fulfilling post-show answers from Derek, Mark, and Sharna, but it was really a missed opportunity to truly show 15-20 million people (or whatever it is) why this woman is bad for dance.
That being said, it did make for good television, haha.
Exactly, Fig, which is why they asked Maks and not Derek. Good television. Derek’s nickname isn’t Mr. PC for nothing. 🙂
@ PHeidi
At the risk of sounding stupid, doesn’t Mr. PC stand for Prince Charming?
KK #23, PC stands for Politically Correct in this case. But in Derek’s case, it could very well stand for Prince Charming!
Thank you…Aviva
Daaaaaaaa I should have known Politically Correct! 🙂
Yes, Derek is Prince Charming, love his nature. He’s is in my book the best example of a “gentle-man.” He has a special grace about him for sure
This is a thought that crossed my mind:
I wouldn’t doubt it that ALM knew exactly what she was going to do, because she obviously would have watched past seasons and knew Derek’s character and the C. boys. She knew she would not get drama out of Derek (or Mark), so she went after the C. boys. ALM’s is a.k.a. “Drama Queen.”
@PHeid #14
Val also made a remark in the reherssal package. He said, “I want you to be scored by what you do, not what you don’t do.” (to me that sounded more like a dig to one of the other celebrates) I think you know who I mean. I get sick and tired of the anti-Amy & Derek fans constantly saying this, so I picked right up on it as soon as Val made the remark. That’s something no one will ever witness Derek doing, as he does not need to throw digs at anyone. It’s not part of his character. My mom always referred to throwing digs as “beating-around-the-bush” instead of coming out and saying something; and it’s cowardly.
You could be right, KKat. But boy, was Derek ready for it. He had a look in his eyes that I can only describe as steely. Pretty rare look for him these days.
I don’t know if that’s a dig or not, KKat…but Val isn’t smart enough to realize that that’s exactly how Derek wants Amy to be scored. On what she does, not what she doesn’t do.
And what she does do is dance really, really well – with no previous training. 😀
Maks was rude on some previous fights with the judges but not this time. He just said he doesn’t care. I don’t see any rudeness in that. Yes, not friendly, but not rude at all. I’m glad he said that, it was an awesome moment.
Rude? Maybe. Funny? Certainly. Did I laugh? Yes. Was it unintelligent and unhelpful – YES.
It would be nicer I think, Tweety, to have aspirations for Maks greater than just “not being rude.” I’m happy for you if it registered as an awesome moment. For me it was a missed opportunity to not get drawn into that tit-for-tat mentality, and turn the moment completely around by, oh, idk, maybe saying he’d rather use the time to mention the organizations he’s involved with that relate to the theme of his dance with Meryl. Especially since he was complaining nthat he didn’t have a chamnce to discuss any of that. That would have been such a classy thing to do. That’s what I want for Maks. Simply “not being rude” is just a non-starter.
Susan, Unfortunately with Maks, I think, “not being rude” is the best we can hope for. He’s not a quick thinker nor does he come from a positive inner place. So we’d never get a response like the one Sharna gave on the KTLA interview.
Susan, I understand what you mean. If he said that to any other judge, I wouldn’t like it. I still wouldn’t find it rude but I’d want him to explain his feelings/thoughts more, like Tony does when he argues with the judges, he’s always rational, we always know why he disagrees. But to be honest, this woman is abusive to children and I read on another website that she has little dance training. So, Maks’ response was good enough for me. I’m sure that’s nothing compared to how she treats the kids. And the moms smiling and clapping and the pros(in the back) smiling and clapping was precious for me. Mark was trying to hold his laugh but couldn’t succeed 😀 . Well, perhaps all of this seems childish and I understand that, and I agree that it wasn’t polite but for me, the woman needed that. I’m glad Maks didn’t hold back thinking it may descrease the votes his partner getting. Because I don’t think it will have a significant impact on the votes.
Tweety, I want to compliment you on conducting our back and forth with politeness and respect. Clearly our perceptions are different, which is all part of how the world works.
I don’t know if you’ve ever heard the expression “There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” When you say “the woman needed that,” I don’t know what you think “that” is. Being both the speaker and subject of trash talk is part of ALM’s shtick. It’s all just more attention (publicity) for her. So I don’t get what you perceive was accomplished (“that”) by Maks’s response. I’m much more practical than dogmatic about all this. I just don’t want any more energy, positive or negative, going her way. Period. It took me a very long time to realize that allowing yourself to remain angry at someone keeps it being all about that other person, because that’s where your energy is focused. So while there might be a momentary flash of satisfaction, in the end you’re disempowering and working against yourself. To me, that’s just not the way to go.
Thank you. Though my stupid dictionary doesn’t know what conduct is :-/, I feel like you said something good, so thanks 🙂 .
I totally understand what you mean. Normally, I agree that nobody should gave her more attention. But I feel like someone(one of the pros, preferably) should make it clear that she’s not respected by the pros. She was getting publicity anyway, so a little bit more publicity is ok for me, if it makes her realize that she’s not welcomed 😉 .
“So while there might be a momentary flash of satisfaction, in the end you’re disempowering and working against yourself.”
I agree but at the same time, when you don’t say your thoughts openly, the anger is stuck there. You know what I mean? Sometimes it’s easier to let it go after you say something directly at that person. I don’t like the judges when they give the pros or celebrities a hard time. Especially when they don’t have much training. I don’t want to look like I hate everything she does but I also thought her compliments to Derek seemed so fake like she has an “intention”. I don’t think he’ll invite you to the tour honey…
Sorry, I think I’m writing too long but I just don’t want to be misunderstood 🙂 .