Say Something Positive About Our Finalists of DWTS Season 18
Lori here….and this is a DRAMA FREE ZONE! I’ve been thinking about this post for the last few weeks, kind of keeping it in the back of my mind and waiting for the right time. At first, I thought that between seasons might be it, as a way to close out what’s been a very interesting Dancing season.
Instead, we’ve all seen, and discussed, some pretty bad stuff posted about people who have been putting their hearts and souls and bodies through a lot just to provide us with ENTERTAINMENT!! And it’s brought the tone of the season down, for me at least.
So in appreciation to our WONDERFUL Finalists for DWTS Season 18, I’d like EVERYONE to post something positive about each. Even if you are supporting one pair more than the others, POST SOMETHING ABOUT EACH! I’ll try to keep this updated with your responses.
ANYTHING that I (or one of the other mods) deem as negative WILL BE DELETED, this is your only warning.
MERYL AND MAKS
Meryl, you are an incredible dancer, and I’ve admired how calm you’ve been able to be all season. Maks, I appreciate the work you’ve done for yourself and your partner, to try to make this the best season for Meryl. –Lori
I haven’t always liked this union, but, I will say I thought their Tango was pure perfection in every way. It’s the dance I will remember the most from them. Same with Meryl and Val’s Argentine Tango. –Vogue
Meryl is such an effortless dancer and seems like a sweet and genuine person. It’s nice to see Maks back and to see him open up about his insecurities this season. –Jessica
Meryl seems very sweet and I think she would make a great actress. I think she emotes so well in performances. Of course her dancing is wonderful. –AshleyL
Meryl thank you for proving what a gold medal winner you are at life with your hard work, positive and nurturing personality and kind smile. Maks, a couple times this season I actually had flashbacks to the Maks I really liked in your season with Mel B. –Susan2
AMY AND DEREK
Amy, I love your determination to keep going, and to figure out how to overcome obstacles. Derek, you’re a shining light, as always. –Lori
They have had off the hook choreography from the get go. I love how they have fed off one another. They haven’t let a challenge be a “negative”. Both are so creative and inspirational. Every week they have blown me away somehow. –Vogue
In my mind, Amy has already won in so many ways. She is an amazing inspiration and is a great dancer even though at times it may be challenging. Derek has shown us this season as to why he is an Emmy winning choreography. He is simply a great coach and person. –Jessica
Amy: I love your fighting spirit and constant desire to challenge yourself to try new things and seek out new adventures. Fantastic dancer and performer.
Derek: I love your creativity, maturity, vision and strength wrapped in kindness. –AshleyL
Amy, you are the definition of class, determination and beauty. In a world where the word hero is over-used, you’ve totally reclaimed that word and made it vibrantly, abundantly real.
Derek thank you for all that you do for dance, dancers and dance lovers and for doing it with such humble grace. –Susan2
CANDACE AND MARK
Candace and Mark, you’re a great pair, the two of you have a great work ethic, and you’ve both brought out the best in each other. It’s been fun watching Candace grow, and to see Mark allow Candace to shine. –Lori
I have loved the energy in these two. Bad or good, they’ve come out with smiles and ready to go. She’s like sunshine and a breath of fresh air and they’ve never given up. –Vogue
I loved Candace from the Full House days. I love how she worked her butt off every week and put her whole heart into it. I love seeing Mark with Candace, I think they were a great partnership. –Jessica
I admire Candace’s unapologetic devotion and love for your faith in Jesus and that she and Mark keep it light and fun. –AshleyL
Candace, your never give up attitude, even when you want to run and hide under a rock and your trust in your partner have really won me over. You have a special light. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Mark, I’m so happy to see you so happy again on the show. You’re an adorkable, goofy little eccentric with a heart of gold. –Susan2
JAMES AND PETA
James, I am impressed with your progress this season, you’ve worked hard, and you’ve listened and learned, and tried, and succeeded, in improving yourself. It’s been fun watching you Grow. Peta, thank you for working hard to give James good choreography this season. –Lori
I love how they have been a dark horse from the beginning. Just when we were about to count them out, they came back with a killer dance. I have loved their compassion in some of their dances the most. –Vogue
Not going to lie, I had my doubts about James getting this far but he’s proven to be a great dancer and deserves his place in the finals. I also love how Peta did choreography not necessarily relying on the “sexy” factor every week because James can dance. –Jessica
Hard work and perseverance and James seems like a genuinely nice guy. They worked well together. –AshleyL
James thank you for surprising me with your dance talent and genuine likability this season. Peta thank you for being such a stunningly watchable dancer. –Susan2
CHARLIE AND SHARNA Because in MY mind, they’re still finalists, and they deserve to hear how much they’ve touched everyone
Charlie and Sharna, to me, you are a Wonder Pair. Great outlook, constant sunshine, strong work ethic, and wonderful hair. I really appreciate the hard work from both of you all season, and now have some really fantastic dances that I can look back on for a long time. You are both Quality people, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. –Lori
He was like Prince Charming and Sharna was his princess. They took me away every week to a time of royalty. They worked hard and weren’t afraid of challenges and being creative. Like Amy and Derek, this ended up being one of my favorite couples on DWTS ever. Both are caring, compassionate, humble and class acts (just like Amy and Derek too). –Vogue
I am still bummed we don’t get to see his freestyle. I think he had some of the most memorable and challenging choreography (Sharna did amazing with him)! He seems like such a down-to-earth and positive person and that’s what I loved most about this partnership. They looked like they were having a blast each week. –Jessica
Positive, kind, enjoyable and great choreography and dancing. Great attitude even when down and getting knocked in scores. –AshleyL
You’re the golden couple for me. You showed us what honor, integrity and kindness look like. Charlie thank for gracing us with your smile and decency and Sharna thank you for blessing us with your intelligent talent. –Susan2
I love this post. Good idea, Lori. Ok, here we go…
Maks and Meryl – I haven’t always liked this union, but, I will say I thought their Tango was pure perfection in every way. It’s the dance I will remember the most from them. Same with Meryl and Val’s Argentine Tango.
Amy and Derek – They have had off the hook choreography from the get go. I love how they have fed off one another. They haven’t let a challenge be a “negative”. Both are so creative and inspirational. Every week they have blown me away somehow.
James and Peta – I love how they have been a dark horse from the beginning. Just when we were about to count them out, they came back with a killer dance. I have loved their compassion in some of their dances the most.
Mark and Candace – I have loved the energy in these two. Bad or good, they’ve come out with smiles and ready to go. She’s like sunshine and a breath of fresh air and they’ve never given up.
Charlie and Sharna – He was like Prince Charming and Sharna was his princess. They took me away every week to a time of royalty. They worked hard and weren’t afraid of challenges and being creative. Like Amy and Derek, this ended up being one of my favorite couples on DWTS ever. Both are caring, compassionate, humble and class acts (just like Amy and Derek too).
Great idea for this post 🙂
Meryl and Maks
– Meryl is such an effortless dancer and seems like a sweet and genuine person. It’s nice to see Maks back and to see him open up about his insecurities this season.
Amy and Derek
– In my mind, Amy has already won in so many ways. She is an amazing inspiration and is a great dancer even though at times it may be challenging. Derek has shown us this season as to why he is an Emmy winning choreography. He is simply a great coach and person.
Candance and Mark
– I loved Candace from the Full House days. I love how she worked her butt off every week and put her whole heart into it. I love seeing Mark with Candace, I think they were a great partnership.
James and Peta
– Not going to lie, I had my doubts about James getting this far but he’s proven to be a great dancer and deserves his place in the finals. I also love how Peta did choreography not necessarily relying on the “sexy” factor every week because James can dance.
and..
Charlie and Sharna
– I am still bummed we don’t get to see his freestyle. I think he had some of the most memorable and challenging choreography (Sharna did amazing with him)! He seems like such a down-to-earth and positive person and that’s what I loved most about this partnership. They looked like they were having a blast each week.
What a great idea!
Amy/Derek:
Amy: I love your fighting spirit and constant desire to challenge yourself to try new things and seek out new adventures. Fantastic dancer and performer.
Derek: I love your creativity, maturity, vision and strength wrapped in kindness.
Candace/Mark:
I admire Candace’s unapologetic devotion and love for your faith in Jesus and that she and Mark keep it light and fun.
James/Peta
Hard work and perseverance and James seems like a genuinely nice guy. They worked well together.
Meryl/Maks:
Meryl seems very sweet and I think she would make a great actress. I think she emotes so well in performances. Of course her dancing is wonderful.
Honorable mention to Charlie/Sharna:
Positive, kind, enjoyable and great choreography and dancing. Great attitude even when down and getting knocked in scores.
Lori, thank you for inspiring positivity!
Maks and Meryl- Meryl thank you for proving what a gold medal winner you are at life with your hard work, positive and nurturing personality and kind smile. Maks, a couple times this season I actually had flashbacks to the Maks I really liked in your season with Mel B.
Amy and Derek- Amy, you are the definition of class, determination and beauty. In a world where the word hero is over-used, you’ve totally reclaimed that word and made it vibrantly, abundantly real.
Derek thank you for all that you do for dance, dancers and dance lovers and for doing it with such humble grace.
James and Peta- James thank you for surprising me with your dance talent and genuine likability this season. Peta thank you for being such a stunningly watchable dancer.
Candace and Mark- Candace, your never give up attitude, even when you want to run and hide under a rock and your trust in your partner have really won me over. You have a special light. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Mark, I’m so happy to see you so happy again on the show. You’re an adorkable, goofy little eccentric with a heart of gold.
Charlie and Sharna- You’re the golden couple for me. You showed us what honor, integrity and kindness look like. Charlie thank for gracing us with your smile and decency and Sharna thank you for blessing us with your intelligent talent.
I like the idea , so let me try to do this.
Once again, english isn’t my first language, so bear with me and please overlook any mistakes.
Everything written below are just my own opinions, you can disagree, but it’s just my thoughts not facts.
Here we go!
Amy and Derek
Amy and Derek are the sunlight of this competition with their positive attitude.Even when they were facing huge obstacles they never let it limit them.Amy kept her I Can attitude all season, and when she felt discouraged or felt like she wasn’t up to standards,Derek was quick to cheer her up and give her choreography that was possible for her to do, but still fantastic to watch.
These two are the true winners of this season, not only by how much they inspire people, but also because Amys a fantastic dancer period, and of course Derek is becoming a true legend.
I just can’t wait to see what’s next for them both, hopefully it’s holding up that Mirror ball trophy up high in the air together.
Meryl and Maks
Meryl is a beautiful dancer, her lines are beautiful and I can see how her ballet training helped her learning and performing ballroom.
For me dancings half performing steps, and half emotions, I think Meryl filled the first half perfectly, she is probably the best technical dancer ever on DWTS.
Maks… When I see him during rehearsal or performing on the show I remember why I like Derek and Mark so much, so thanks Maks for making me create more accounts to vote for Amy 😉
Candace and Mark
What limits Candace has in technique she makes up by her enthousiasm, and just cheer joy to be on dwts and to have come so far.
Candace has transformed during this season, she’s come out of her shell more, and she has Mark to thank for it.
This season has revealed Mark as the sweet patient caring coach he’s always been, he’s been just great at choreographing amazing routines for Candace to show her improvement every week.
James and Peta
James and Peta make a good couple, they are sweet people and have a great connection.
I think James and Candace are the wild cards of this finale, and have been the dark horses this season.
James is the only men star left in the finale, Candace is the only non athlete woman in the finale, they are in the final round of the competition with two olympians, congrats to them, not too shaby!
Charlie and Sharna
Like Amy and Derek, they have been the positivity couple this season.
I loved how humble and classy Charlie has been, he’s also a great dancer.
They really liked each other, and each week Sharna gave Charlie fantastic choreography that pushed back the limits.
Their Mary Poppins is one of my favorite dances of the season.
Oh, such a great idea. Thanks Lori.
Meryl and Maks:
I LOVE everything about this pair. They got me irreversibly drawn into their partnership since weeks 2-3. I like the emotion, the characters they’ve portrayed with each dance, the chemistry they generate on the dance floor.
But besides the dancing, I like their dynamics and friendship, and the way they’ve made each other better. Thanks to Maks’ ability to comfort and nurture her, Meryl has completely let her walls down and allowed us to discover her funny and personable side. I like how she teases Maks, while he just sits there surprised by her unexpected remarks. And thanks to Meryl’s calm, Maks has mellowed down a bit and shown his more vulnerable side.
I never believed in a romantic relation between M&M. And frankly I am grateful that this has been a purely platonic relationship, because this has allowed them to be truly carefree in expressing themselves towards one another.
Amy and Derek:
These two are inspiring in everything they do. They both complement each other so well in their outlook on life. They remind me to appreciate every little thing. Everything is picture perfect about these two, including their dancing. And truly, their dances are very pictorial. It’s almost like Derek envisions a set of pictures/poses, which then get sewed together and become motion.
Candace and Mark
I like Candace’s joy and beauty. And it’s been interesting to watch her journey on DWTS. I also admire her for sticking to her views and convictions about family and life. Even if I don’t always share them, I do appreciate people that lead their life based on a set of values. I don’t know Mark much, but I’ve enjoyed watching him.
James and Peta:
James is a very sensible young man, mature and well behaved. He seems confident without being arrogant. And i like his interactions with Peta. To me, these two are couple that may have some romancing going on, and for fear to reveal anything, they are very PC during rehearsals.
Charlie and Sharna:
I SOOOO wish to have known more about Charlie from DWTS rehearsals. He is a beautiful person, but unfortunately I’ve learned about that maybe too late and only from interviews outside DWTS. I am so impressed by his positivity, and subtle charm. I wish Charlie and Sharna didn’t take dancing so seriously, and allowed themselves to grow and reveal much more to us viewers. Charlie definitely made me re-evaluate what commitment, respect and love mean in any sort of partnership.
Ok. Not sure any more if anything I’ve said makes sense. But I’ve tried. 🙂
Thanks again to all the mods for this site. Cheers to all.
Thank you for a post encouraging positivity, in a season that’s had more than its share of rancor. Also thank you for including Charlie White and Sharna Burgess as honorary finalists; in my mind, they’re totally deserving of that title. Finally, that was the best description of Derek Hough I’ve ever read: creative, mature, visionary, strong, and above all, kind.
This is a FABULOUS idea! And, I’ll be back when I can compose something nice and positive about the 4 “official” finalists and not spend page after page gushing about my absolutely favorite, who WON’T be dancing next week. *sigh*
Best post EVER! Hahaha. Ok here it goes:
Meryl & Maks: Meryl, you are one beautiful woman and one beautiful dancer. The first week you came out and did that ChaCha you blew me away because I was not expecting you to be able to let loose like that. Your dancing has impressed me a lot this season.
Maks, thank you for always making Meryl your first priority this season. You care for her and it shows. You have had a good season so, best wishes with anything you do when it ends.
Amy & Derek: Amy, words cannot explain how inspiring you have been this season not only for me but for pretty much everyone. You have shown everyone that anything is possible as long as you work hard and are dedicated. Every dance of yours has blown me away and I admire you and your courage so much. Derek, you are incredible. Thank you for providing us with amazing choreography all season long. The way you have supported Amy and the way you have cared for her is inspiring. I give you a standing ovation. So much respect.
James & Peta: James, I have been by your side ever since week 1. I’ve been a fan from way back in the day when I used to watch Big Time Rush and seeing you on DWTS has been a pleasure. Your hard work and dedication is amazing. You have come out of nowhere and wowed so many people with your dancing. That Frozen number is now on my list of favorite dances ever on the show. Peta, your choreography this season has been some of your best. The way you have highlighted James’ dance abilities and always pushed him to do his best is great. I admire you two so much and have inmense respect for you (and I hope you win.. hehehe)
Candace & Mark: Candace the revelation. Never would I thought you would get this far and I have enjoyed your journey. You have never given up and you have fought through your nerves every week. I totally relate to that. Mark, while I haven’t bern fond of yours these past few seasons, this season you have turned around and really impressed me not only with your choreography but with your attitude and your great partnership with Candace.
Charlie & Sharna: Charlie you were a joy to watch all season long. You created some beautiful dances that I will always remember. You never gave up and never put your head down when you got harshly critiqued by the judges. You always worked hard and always gave it 100%. So wish you and Sharna could have made the finals. Sharna you were incredible this season. Always pushing Charlie and giving him amazing choreography. I hope to get to see more of you next season because I am such a big fan of yours now.
Thanks for keeping it positive all!! Loving your posts!!!xx
Nice concept.
I like the real growth James has shown as a dancer this season — I think he’s come the farthest of all. Peta seems to have a good sense of how to bring out personality in his dancing.
Candace has done a good job trying things that clearly scare and intimidate her, and the partnership with Mark has been really good for both of him. Mark’s done a great job of showcasing her and not himself.
Amy fully commits to the character of every dance — she’s fierce.I’m not sure if anyone on the show has ever had stronger core muscles. Derek is both supportive and sees things through the lens of the camera — I’d not be at all surprised to see him move into directing some day.
Meryl gets the no-whining prize this season. Her dancing is top notch, but it wouldn’t be that way without her ferocious work ethic. She’s juggled a lot, and done it with consummate grace. Maks often seems bemused by her approach and skill, and I think that’s been good for him too. Maks (and Sharna) also had to deal with a lot of travel and scheduling challenges due to Meryl/Charlie’s touring schedule, and they both handled that really well.
Charlie (our secret finalist) has just been a gentleman the whole season. Like Meryl, he’s a no-complaints kind of guy, and he danced the most complicated choreography overall this season even if the judges often didn’t credit him for it. Sharna took the challenge of working with someone talented like Charlie and really rose to the occasion with dances that were remarkable.
Great post…finally got me off lurking and onto posting.
Meryl and Maks: Meryl, thanks for bring your calm, clear presence into the ballroom. You exemplify what has always made me admire the determination, grit and mindset of the best Olympians. Doesn’t surprise me you chose the incredible Kristi as your American Icon: class seeks out class.
Maks: thank you for bringing me one of my best memories of this season, when you first saw Meryl spin and turned away with a “yeah, that will do.” Great moment of humor and appreciation of the incredible partner you had to work with.
Charlie and Sharma, the ones who we miss: Charlie, thanks for some great dances but what will live most of me was your grace Monday night and your incredible definition of what being a partner is all about…when you shouted out to Meryl with “Team Meryl,” you reminded all of us the bond that 17 years had forged.
Sharma: it has been great to learn to appreciate you and your skills. Hope you roar back next season. You will be a force to be reckoned with in the DWTS world.
Candance and Mark: I have adored you since Full House and you have been such a shining light this season. Your pure enjoyment and personal growth has reminded all of us of what a positive joy DWTS can be. Thank you for brightening up Monday night. Mark, you were my first Favorite pro” from your seasons with Kristi and Shawn. I have always loved how you welcome and embrace all of your partners. Your care and concern for Candance and the creative way you partner her is awesome to watch.
James and Peta: James, being honest, no idea who you were before this show but have enjoyed watching you dance. Really thought you held your own in the duo dance with Derek and especially liked your Cha-Cha this week. Peta, thanks for some great coaching and choreography that has helped James grow and improve this season.
Amy and Derek: Amy, great dancing but more important, you have opened a new vista for many people and shifted the paradigm for those open minded enough to learn. Thank you for being so open and honest about your process and physical reality. Derek, thank you being a great choreographer and partner but more importantly, a genuine, honest and caring partner and man. Your accolades are well-deserved and you have once again created new choreographic standards for this show.
Love this idea!!
First, my darling Charlie and Sharna – Charlie is just the epitome of positivity. I will most definitely miss his smile next week! And mad props to Sharna – Charlie’s schedule with Stars on Ice must be awfully difficult to work around, and she came up with some fantastic choreography despite limited rehearsal time.
Candace and Mark – I think Candace has shown us all the power of believing in ourselves. She’s gained a lot of confidence along the way and I think she’s grown the most out of all of the contestants. Her performances the past few weeks have been some of my favorites. And Mark has always been one of my favorite pros. He knows what he wants to accomplish, but is still somehow so relaxed about it. His choreography is among my favorite on the show and I think he always knows how to bring out the best in his partners.
James and Peta – Doesn’t James just seem like a guy you’d want to be your best friend? He just seems like a real sweetheart. He really listens to what Peta tells him and gives 110% effort. Peta has been superb at championing James this season. She seems smitten with him and I think it’s adorable.
Amy and Derek – Amy has proven that bumps in the road should be just that, not mountains or obstacles that are impossible to overcome. It would have been really easy for her to wallow in self-pity, but instead, she became a paralympic medalist and a fantastic dancer. We all know that Derek choreographs well for his partners, but I think where he really shines is in the Macy’s performances. He just looks like he is where he was born to be and it’s so amazing to watch that talent.
Meryl and Maks – I adored Meryl before she was ever on this show. She is clearly a beautiful dancer, but what impresses me about her is her amazing ability to seemingly be able to let anything negative just bounce right off of her. She is tough as nails mentally and you would never think that looking at her small stature or hearing her quiet voice. And Maks…it does seem that Meryl has had a positive impact on him and I do believe that he is really trying his best to give this his all. It’s become quite evident over the weeks that he doesn’t only want the win for himself, but he genuinely wants it for Meryl, too.
A very close race. Love them all. But I want Max to win since he has never won. Go Max
I’ll just make it about the celebs.
Oh Charlie, how we miss ya’.
Oh Drew, loved your spirit.
Meryl–you are one amazing ice dancer/partner. I admire how you push through with everything you do. I liked your American Bandstand-esque sweater and pencil skirt for your Jive.
Amy–
A—-you are adorable
M—-you are magical
Y—-“Y” because I like YOU
James–The new gentleman of the ballroom. I like the respect you have shown to your partner, the other contestants and the judges. And…from my perspective you have learned to dance. Good job boy-o!
Candace–In a world of political correctness, I am proud that you have been proud to profess your beliefs and abide by them. You could be the only true dark horse who pulls out a win. You have also brought back the Mark Ballas that I love to watch dance.
I’ve never posted here when I’ve come in search of the inside scoop. EDITED – we’re keeping it positive, remember? ~Heidi I think this is a wonderful idea. I love what you’re doing to promote positivity. I’m going to start with the pair I’m the most guilty f being negative about before I move on to my faves.
Candace & Mark
I’m really impressed by her commitment to try and improve. The way she threw herself in those lifts with Charlie and the beautiful positions she hit in air was great. It’s hard to learn to partner late in life. It requires real openness and trust. I love Mark’s commitment to making this a fun experience for his partner and to being a good sport in all situations.
James & Peta
I think it’s great that he’s willing to throw himself into whatever and perform 100% regardless to what he’s able to do or how the week is gone. He’s got he mental competitive chops. Peta, I love you for doing you. She doesn’t let the critics and the shamers get to her. She’s a confident woman’s and she’s proud of her work…as everyone should be!
Amy & Derek
Kind of like Peta, I really love her confidence. With the exception of the waltz, I’ve never felt like she sees herself as less than. She doesn’t let what’s happening around her effect what she does and she presents herself. Derek is such a supportive guy. He gets a lot of accolades about his abilities, but what I like about him is his commitment to Mark. At the end of the day that’s more important than any award.
Meryl & Maks
As a long time skating fan of her, I really appreciate the journey she’s been on. A lot of think she hasn’t grown and it’s been once good performance after the other, but Meryl has gotten heavy criticism in the skating world for the naturalness on their expression and chemistry. They’re sort of know as technicians. Meryl’s really shown she can break out of her shell and committ to a performance. The rumba for Meryl was really the best thing I’ve ever seem from her expressin wise. I also that she doesn’t complain. She’s got very poor depth perception, she’s skating and been injured, she’s dyslexic and has a hard time with new choreography, but you would never know that about her. I appreciate Maks for what he’s brought out in her. I love that he cares about her well being and despite the pressure he doesn’t cave to pushing her to her limit every week. There has been a nice pace and she’s put out fantastic clean routines. She’s still skating and traveling and came off the Olympics and hasn’t had a vacation and he respects that.
(Excuse my typos. I did this long post on my iPhone.)
Lori, thank you for doing this. It’s always good to be reminded how hard all the celebs and pros work and that they deserve our thanks and appreciation.
Meryl and Maks: I love Meryl’s unique combination of sweetness and strength. She’s a lovely, calm pragmatist who finds the best in everyone and everything. She’s a beautiful, effortless performer who has made Maks’s choreography shine. I appreciate Maks’s passionate nature and his commitment to the people he loves and trusts.
Amy and Derek: These two have shown me that the only limits are the ones you place on yourself. I looked forward to seeing what new breakthrough they would have to share with us each week. These two are a true meeting of mind and spirit–the finest example of trust and collaboration. I admire and respect Amy and am in awe of her courage, grace and talent. Derek never disappoints. Every season he shows me that self-confidence and tremendous talent doesn’t have to be coupled with arrogance and vanity, and that when your goal is to make someone *else* shine, the glow reflects right back on you.
Candace and Mark: I love the way Candace has always been so expressive and joyful every week when she was called safe. She has taken nothing about her journey on DWTS for granted. Her happiness always brought a smile to my face. She’s worked hard, battled her insecurities, and improved so much. It’s been so wonderful to see Mark at his very best this season: So engaged, creative and committed to his partner’s success and comfort. I’m happy that he seems to be in such a good place now.
James and Peta: James has been the pleasant surprise of the season for me. He’s an extremely handsome young man but doesn’t seem the least stuck on himself. He’s a grounded, hard-working guy dedicated to being the best he can be. He has natural charm and has worked hard to become a good dancer. Amazingly well-spoken and mature for his age when the camera’s rolling, he (apparently) still knows how to cut loose and be a typical young “perv” when he’s with friends, which is great. Peta has a good heart and a desire to please that makes her vulnerable yet appealing. She’s such a hard worker and always gives her best. I think James brings out the best in Peta and they look amazing together on the dance floor.
Charlie and Sharna: Charlie White = Perfect Gentleman. I love Charlie’s boyish charm, intelligence, work ethic, and positive attitude to life. He’s handsome, talented and kind, and for me, the best male celeb in all 18 seasons of the show. I’m bowled over by Sharna’s sheer physical beauty and impressed with her fierce, passionate nature which she tempers with an equally fierce intelligence. Her choreography has flair and uniqueness without drifting into that forced edginess that says “look how hip I can be”. I love the way she never backed down from giving Charlie challenging choreography and made him the focus of every dance no matter what the style. Most of all I loved their honest, straightforward, uncomplicated partnership which was based on equal parts mutual respect, hard work, and enjoying the process. They will always be my Season 18 champions.
This is the first time I have ever posted on any site about DWTS. I am posting because I absolutely love Lori’s suggestion for positivity. Personally, I am tired of all the negativity and mean spiritedness against all these wonderful competitors.
So for Lori… thank you. It really shows what kind of a wonderful person you are. Bravo!
AMY- This woman embodies the word positivity and a can do attitude. No one in the history of DWTS has touched me the way she has.
JAMES – I admire the love and respect he shows Peta with a simple glance, no words or touch are necessary. I can see why he has such a massive following. Yes, the good looks, but he is a man of integrity.
CANDACE- She is clearly a tough cookie to hold her own in DWTS. I see her love of life in everything she says and does.
MERYL – She is a hard working perfectionist and it shows.
Meryl and Maks:
I would like to thank a Meryl for allowing me to live vicariously through her since I’ve always wondered what a girl like our height 5’3 would look like dancing next to big 6’2 Maks, and now I know it’s the absolute cutest thing! Lol
I am amazed at how Meryl was able to bring such grace and fluidity week after week. This girl always shined through any challenge she was given week after week. She and Charlie is exactly what this show needed, they needed un Hollywood likeness and because they are so humble it makes them even more lovable. I would also like to thank Meryl for showing the other side of Maks. She made it easier for him to loosen up and open up from A-Z, a vice versa. I truly do believe this is one of his best partnerships.
Thank you Maks for a different approach to the show, and always having Meryl to be your first priority in all ways. I defiantly believe this is a sweet sweet partnership and I’m sad that this is the last week we get to see them dance. The hot headed but oh so fine Russian and your All American sweetheart partnership is a dream come true
Amy and Derek:
From day one Amy had truly been an inspiration. It is amazing to watch someone go week after week dance with prosthetics, and see how a simple step to one person is not so simple to the next, and how with sheer free will an determination anything is possible.
Amy has inspired me to dance again, I danced all through out my teens and into adulthood and decided when I graduated highschool two years ago, that I wasn’t going to pursue it in college. Well here I am two years later watching Amy dance and think “what the hell am I doing with myself?” I have perfectly good legs and natural ability to dance, why am I not dancing? Amy brought an aha moment for me. If Amy can dance why can’t I?
As for Derek, he has taught me that there is no obstacle in the way to teach and choreograph for anybody or anything. This past week I caught myself smiling so hard when Amy put her running blades on, it was truly beautiful to witness.
Candace and Mark:
Candace is such a sweetie and I so glad she did the show and demonstrated how one can perform a dance and not have to take it to extremes. I felt like if my mom was to ever do DWTS (yeah right) she would be somewhere along the lines of Candace. Thank you Candace to not selling your soul to Hollywood haha!
Mark is such a sweetie and it’s nice to see that relaxed side of him, he really seemed to enjoy himself this season.
James and Peta:
I truly enjoyed James!! I never thought he would be so funny and up to a certain extent his humor reminds me a tad of Adam Levine (???)
It’s nice to see his determination and hard work and not have that typical hollywood ex teen mentality that everything will be handed to you. He learns from his mistakes and tried again.
Peta is such a sweetie and I believe she always gives her all. She is so overwhelmingly talented and it’s nice to see her grow and grow more each season.
And last but most certainly not least
Charlie and Sharna:
Charlie, dude, what a class act. It was so nice to see him week after week immerse himself in each dance, he (as well as Meryl) seemed to really want to know each dance very well, technique, the ABCs of the dance. It seemed as if not only did they want to compete but really wanted to learn each dance to help them grow as skaters, it’s a wonderful thing to witness how greatness learns and applies it week after week. Charlie is so humble and really funny too. He’s the kind of guy that makes you wonder why you can’t have your cake and eat it too? Lol
Sharna. Oh Sharna, she is such a badass, like I have given her the nick name “Mama Bear Sharna” because she I really a force to be reckoned with, and I am so glad this Aussie is here in the states to bless us with her talent. She is someone to keep an eye on, she in such short time has become a strong female pro in the front.
I am so sad this season is at it’s end. I really did enjoy it whole heartedly, I usually more often than not am more excited for the seasons to end, but this time around I am really bummed that it will no longer go on.
Thank you to mods here at Pure, you guys really do enhance my viewer experience and for that I am sooo grateful
I love everything about this post!!! thank you
Thank you for the wonderful idea. I was thinking of all the things I would like to say, but you pretty much covered them: spot on. I will try to be brief and just comment on the celebs.
Meryl: you have had your own problems of depth perception and dyslexia to overcome. You have been so positive and calm, and you have such beautiful lines and expression when you dance.
Candace: you have come the farthest in your technique. It was fun to see you keep your values while learning to shake loose a bit.
Amy: the word “inspiration” has been used so much in connection with you this year that it is becoming trite. I wish I had a better word. Whenever I feel sorry for myself in the future, I will try to think of you.
James: who would have guessed that a teen idol could be such a nice, genuine guy? I love how you tried to take the suggestions and get better. Like Candace, you have come a long way.
Charlie: you are my favorite. You are golden in so many ways. I feel as if you have a light shining within you. The mirror ball is a little dimmer because you aren’t there.
Thanks for this post. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone above me. I don’t really have much to add except to agree with it. I’ll try to come back to this and articulate my own positive thoughts when I get some time to think and write.
Meryl, you’ve proved week by week that you’ve been able to excel in each routine and you’ve created a fantastic working relationship this season with Maks. And Maks, you’ve really challenged yourself and Meryl with some of your best choreography yet.
Amy, you’ve shown how to defy the odds and not let such big challenges get in the way. Derek, you’ve never given up on Amy and you’ve given her incredible choreography each week which makes each dance worth watching over and over again.
James, you’ve charmed a lot of people this season and maybe surprised a lot by being the last man standing. You’ve had a great work ethic and Peta, I would say as a teacher you have been at your absolute strongest this season.
Candace, it’s great to see someone who loves the show really enjoy each moment of the competition. While you’ve maybe not been the best dancer, you’ve really shown that you can be up with the best and Mark, you’ve been really refreshing and exciting to watch this season.
Kudos Lori for this post.
Meryl … you are as elegant on wood as you are on ice. You emote so well, I hope acting may be in your future. I admire your calm and patience attitude. Maks, thank you for being nice to Meryl and for reminding me of your twitter logo “You know exactly who I am”.
Amy …. I admire your determination, competitive spirit and you are soooo beautiful, inside and out. You have shown that all things are possible and the only limitations are those we place on ourselves. You will never know just how many people you have inspired. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Derek, as demonstrated season after season, you are a dynamic dancer and choreographer. But more importantly, your integrity, modesty, kindness and compassion are genuine which makes you a dynamic person. I’m so glad Amy has you as her partner. Derek and Amy are true champions in every sense of the word.
Candace … You are a pure joy to watch. Love your bubbly personality and enthusiasm. I respect you for standing by your beliefs regardless of what others may think or say. With no formal dance background, you have taken on this challenge and given 100%. Mark, I’m really enjoying your choreo this season and the way you’re teaching Candace. I also appreciate how well you treated and cared for Amy during the switch-up.
James … Like Candace, you keep getting better. Your work ethic, talent and determination really shows. You’re also very likable, easy relatable and that contagious smile is a plus. Peta, you and James work well together and I think your doing a great job teaching him.
Charlie … My Mr. Sunshine. Always smiling, always kind, always a perfect gentleman. Your warmth just comes thru the TV screen and I felt as if I knew you. Thank you for the great performances and letting us get us be part of Charlie’s world. Sharna, sometimes I forget that you’re a new DWTS Pro because every season you keep impressing me more and more. The choreo you created for Charlie maximized his strengths and made him shine. DWTS is lucky to have you on board.
Charlie/Sharna
Charlie, you are an incredible person. You do everything full out and with a joy that is contagious. Your dancing is beautiful and you have embraced each challenge with passion and dedication. You have remained true to yourself, and you have shown the world what it means to have class and integrity. You make people aspire to be better. I wonder if you are even aware of how many lives you have touched? Sharna, you are a lovely partner for Charlie. You challenged him with incredible choreography and brought out the best in him with each performance. You are not only a breathtaking dancer, but a beautiful person.
Meryl/Maks
Meryl, you are a remarkable person and dancer. Watching you on DWTS has convinced me even more that you are extraordinary. Your dancing is gorgeous and flawless. Like your ice dancing, your ballroom dancing inspires a sense of awe. Watching you and your interactions with Maks has been such an illustration on how to be a wonderful listener and friend. Your focus is never the drama, but instead on how to help each of you reach the ultimate goal of being the best dancers while still being a great person. You shine when you are helping other people become more than they thought they could be. You have an uncanny ability to bring out the best in people because you give people the best of yourself. I cannot tell you how many times I have used your words to inspire both myself and my daughter. We have become better versions of ourselves by learning from your example.
Maks, you have done a wonderful job choreographing and dancing with Meryl. She may bring out a more gentle side of you, but you also bring out a wonderful side of her that we have not seen before. Watching you two succeed has been a real privilege.
Amy/Derek
Amy, I watched your story on “How to Raise an Olympian” and was moved beyond words. Watching you dance beautifully and compete week after week has just increased my awe. You have triumphed each week and shown people what it takes to persevere. Win or lose, you inspired and changed so many people. Your success and dedication is a reminder that anything is possible as long as you believe in yourself and are willing to work for it. Your dancing is spectacular and your character even more so.
Derek, you are a brilliant choreographer and person. You clearly love your job and put not only your talent and intelligence into every routine, but your heart as well.
James/Peta
James, I have respected you from week one. You have a kindness and humbleness that shines through each week. Your dancing continues to improve and your personality can’t help but shine through. You are so deserving of great things.
Peta, you have done a lovely job choreographing and dancing with James. You obviously respect the man he is and bring out his best each week.
Candace/Mark
Candace, your determination and vulnerability are very impressive. It has been a joy to watch you succeed and continue to improve every week. You seem to be such a genuinely good person and it is always wonderful to see good things happen to great people. Your integrity shines through and it has been a blessing to watch you develop.
Mark, you are kindness personified. Your dances and work ethic are lovely. Your character is spectacular. I have no doubt you will continue to go from success to success.
LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!
Meryl: you’ve been my favorite since day 1. From the ice in Sochi to the ballroom in LA, you amaze me. Your talent, poise, grace, humility and kindness never stop astounding me. You’ve pulled me into every dance; you and Maks have created a beautiful story EVERY WEEK. I hope to see you continue in your ice and dance journey. Thank you for always being positive and uplifting, whether it be with Maks, Charlie, Classroom Champions, or everyday life in general. You and Maks have brought out the best in each other.
Charlie: my man!! I love your positivity. Watching you has been such a joy and honor. I only wish we could see you rightfully compete for that mirror ball. You have such a good head on your shoulders. My favorite thing this season is seeing the truly unconditional love and support you and Meryl exhibit for each other. Thank you for representing the USA with the upst respect and dignity.
Candace: I’ve grown up watching you and it’s been a treat to see you on my TV again. You represent everything we should strive to be. You are strong in your morals and faith, something I so strongly respect. Your growth this season, both mentally and physically, has been amazing to watch.
Amy: it’s said a thousand times, but you are such an inspiration. But more than that, you are an amazing dancer. You don’t let your “disability” define you, you define yourself. You are a woman of strength and character. I’m so happy to see you in the finals.
James: I’ve truly been shocked at how you’ve grown over the season. You are determined and have a wonderful work ethic. I enjoy watching you every week on my TV screen…and you aren’t too bad to look at either
Everyone wave to Charlie, since he just tweeted a link to this post. 🙂 Love ya Charlie. Miss the hair, miss the smile, miss the dancing. 🙂
OK, since I know my favorite is actually READING this post, I’m gonna give it a whirl (and I’m going to concentrate on mostly the celebs).
Meryl (Maks) – I’ve been a fan since Vancouver and always admired Meryl’s grace and determination on the ice. She creates beauty with every movement. Seeing her on the dance floor was more of the same. Beautiful expression, lines and grace. Meryl continue to execute with nearly flawless precision.
Amy (Derek) – As so many have said, Amy is truly an inspiration to everyone. Her story is a lesson in grit and determination, not just to survive but to thrive. She’s taken the choreography created for her and wowed the public every week. I’d wish her luck on her journey following the show, but I don’t know that she’ll need it. With such fierce determination to wring every last drop of joy from life, she’ll never fail at anything she sets out to achieve.
James (Peta) – I’m one of those people who didn’t know who James was (being well outside the demographic of his fanbase), but I’m impressed by his level of maturity and work ethic each week. He came into the show with a great attitude and has definitely shown us improvement over the course of the season.
Candace (Mark) – Candace has such an engaging personality you can’t help but relate to her. Seeing her with teenage children shocks me every time but her commitment to her family is a wonderful thing to see and the way she has thrown herself into this competition has been fun to watch. I hope she can “get out of her head” next week and just let the dancing happen because when she does, she’s so much fun to watch.
Charlie (Sharna) – My Season 18 Champions. Sigh, this is where my heart has taken over. As with Meryl, I’ve been a fan since Vancouver but where Meryl was all grace and beauty, Charlie absolutely RIVETED me with his dramatic and powerful elegance on the ice. I was SO excited to see how he would transition to the ballroom and I wasn’t disappointed. Charlie was an absolute JOY EVERY SINGLE WEEK! Just seeing him on my TV screen tended to make me smile and then he would dance. Oh BOY, would he dance. Sunshine and joy just seemed to radiate from him each week and I found myself captivated by each performance (and I don’t care WHAT the judges said, his Paso left me breathless with goosebumps). And his smiles afterward the performances? Lit up the whole ballroom. This is where I have to talk about Sharna because I didn’t know her well as a Pro before this season, but she’s become my favorite female pro on the show and one of my top 2 favorites overall. I LOVE that she challenged Charlie every week and hearing her say she could just get lost in the performance I felt was a HUGE compliment to Charlie as well. I would think that oft times, the pros are concentrating so hard on keeping a performance going that TRULY just enjoying the dance for the dancing is a rare thing. I remain heart sore that we won’t get to see that amazing sounding FS (Charlie as a conductor with the dancers as the instruments he brings to life? Holy COW I wanna see that!). I take heart in the declared mutual admiration of Charlie and Sharna for each other and the friendship that I hope lasts and lasts. (Oh and if Sharna helped do a bit of choreography for those rumored skating specials later this year and next? THAT would be awesome as well).
Waving!!
Hi Charlie! *waves*
Oh Angie, you’re such a fangirl 😛 just kidding, babe, ya know I luv ya
Cid, I SAID I was coming back when I could think of something nice to say about ALL the contestants! I just needed a bit of a push to really figure out how to say it. lol
And I tend to go “all in” when I dive into fandoms (as my YT channel can attest. lol) And I tried to temper myself just a bit here. You KNOW I could have gone on and on and on, as is my wont. lol
LOL, Angie. I hear ya. In the interest of full disclosure, while I had no trouble finding something nice to say about the celebs, it took me a while to come up with something appropriate for a couple of the pros.
It’s hard for me to be brief, too. I really admire our Mods and some of our regulars who express their thoughts so clearly in a few well-chosen sentences. It takes me at least 3 lengthy paragraphs to say the same thing and then not half as well.
Push posh Cid. You are one of the most well spoken posters here at PURE. And since I. Oils go on and on about THAT I’ll simply say /thread jack Lol
Dammit that should have said pish posh. Freaking autocorrect.
Wonderful post. 🙂 This is what I love about each finalist…..
Meryl’s calmness
Charlie’s joy
James dedication
Candace’s faith
And…Amy’s strength
CANDANCE what stands out in my mind regarding you is the look on your children’s faces as they watch you dance. Nothing but joy and pride. That to me speaks volumes to me as to who Candance is. The other thing that stood out to me is when you told Mark that he was now a member of your family. #Priceless.
JAMES such a fighter. Love the determination that I saw in your eyes each week.
MERYL when I see you I automatically think strength. No quitter here.
AMY and CHARLIE you two have made the most impact on both me and my family. Always been a fan of Charlie and Meryl but now so grateful to say the same regarding Amy. Both my mother and aunt are diagnosed with breast cancer. In spite of the treatments that they have to take, nothing stands in their way of watching you two dance. Their million dollar smile (Charlie) and the heart of gold (Amy) is what they call you. Stay the same and keep making a positive impact on our lives. Believe me we need it.
And to the MODS thank you for giving me one place that I can go to and stay informed on my favorite show. Things are a little crazy for me so it’s nice to have a place to go to take a break from reality. 🙂
Meryl and Maks:
Meryl you are a wonderful dancer. I love your chemistry and that (in my mind) you make Maks a better person. You complete him and still challenge him in a way that noone has ever done. You create wonderful pictures on the ice and on the dancefloor.
Amy and Derek:
Everybody uses this word and still I want to use it as well. Inspiring – Inspring is what you are, what you do and where you take us. From the moment I heard of this pairing of Derek and you I knew this would be something very special. Because inspiring is the word I use to describe him too. You took a journey and you have taken us with you. And whatever will happen – you both are winners all the way.
James and Peta:
I never heard your name before you signed on to DWTS and from the first interview I liked you a lot. I like the road you travel with Peta and I like your attitude. Personal story week was one of my favs cause I can so relate to your story. You get better every week and the way you support Peta is wonderful.
Candace and Mark:
I really like this pairing. It is awesome that you let us see the real Candace including some flaws. I can relate to your feelings of stage fright so much. I am afraid to sing in front of people – I can’t imganine how hard it must be to perform on live TV. I absolutely applaud to what you have achieved. Mark ist one great partner for you.
Charlie and Sharna:
I am still heartbroken to not see you in the finals. It is still kind of unbelieveable. You were the best male dancer on this competition and Sharna’s choreos were nothing short of amazing. For some unknown reason it was not enough and you were so gracious in accepting this, which makes me like you even more. You’re a ray of light whenever I saw you on the dancefloor or in an interview. Thanks for sharing your positivity. The world is a better place because of you.
OMg, it’s so awesome how Charlie RTed this post. He’s loved for a reason. Way cool!!
What a wonderful idea! Here are my thoughts:
Amy and Derek – Amy, you are such an inspiration to everyone, but especially to those with disabilities. You’ve showed everyone that anything is possible. You’ve shown that even when you think things are at their worst, you can overcome the obstacle. You have an incredible attitude and have a wonderful future in store for you. Derek, your choreography amazes me. Each week you outdo yourself and bring something special. You care about your partner’s best interests at all times. You are such a caring, giving and extraordinary man. You too, have amazing things coming your way.
Candace and Mark – Candace, I’m thrilled that you made it to the finals. You went into this with a wonderful attitude and worth ethic and it paid off. Your love for your family was wonderful to see. Mark, you helped make Candace shine and deserve to be in the position you’re in. I think Candace has been one of the best partners you’ve had.
Meryl and Maks – Meryl, you’re a wonderful dancer. I believe you helped Maks a lot this season. Maks, you were happy this season, which was something viewers didn’t see so much in past seasons.
James and Peta – You both worked hard each week and proved to those thinking you wouldn’t stay long that they were wrong. James, you showed what a gentleman you are when you couldn’t go to the prom when asked and flew her and her family in to see the show live. That was a generous thing to do.
And to Charlie and Sharna – You both deserve to be in the finals. I think your pairing is one of the best the show has had. You both came out every week with smiles on your face and a positive attitude and those stayed even when we knew it was hard for you to do. Sharna, I would have loved to see the freestyle you would have done with Charlie, and I’m hoping that you have the chance next year to come back with another partner and show us that freesyle.
It’s been an interesting season to say the least. But when all is said and done, I enjoyed it and I’m already looking forward to hearing who the new cast will be for the fall.
And to all of you that keep this site going, thank you! It is a pleasure to be a part of it and to chat with others that enjoy the show.
Amy–when I first saw your Proctor and Gamble Sochi Olympics preview before the start of this season, I KNEW we were in for something special!! You have given the entire nation such wonderful dances each week. Defying the odds in more ways than one. Showing ME that there are no excuses and providing motivation to an entire nation. Thank you for all of your hard work each week and soldering on after your injury a few weeks ago. I’ve had back spasms and I KNOW how badly they hurt. NOT FUN! YOU madame are a trooper in the utmost sense of the word!! You have ALL of my votes!
Derek–you continue to amaze us with your creative and imaginative dances that you create each week for Amy. The Macy’s Stars of Dance performances you created this season were AMAZING! Your other works with Misty Copeland, the movie with BoA and your upcoming tour with sis Julianne are gonna be EPIC! I cannot WAIT to meet the both of you July 1st in Greensburg PA as I have an Ultimate VIP ticket which was a gift to me from my mother.
Candace–I commend you for staying true to your Christian values. I’ve followed you through your work with Clare @ Peak313 ministries..I’ve read both of your books. I’ve been a fan since your Full House days. I KNOW you didn’t think you’d get this far. You blew EVERYONE away with your Contemporary number in week one! You have a natural talent for dance and I hope you continue to dance after DWTS is over!
Mark–I’ve seen a different side of you this season and I LIKE IT!! LOVE your new song! I know you are really passionate about your music and I think the renewed passion in the music has shown in your choreography this season. You’ve put together really great costumes for Candace and I appreciate you listening to her and taking into consideration her Christian values and not wanting to be too sexy….I think you hit it just right with the costuming choices! WELL DONE!!
Meryl—you are such a Sweetheart! I started following you during the Olympics! I love the Olympics and I’m Team USA all the way! I didn’t really know who you and Charlie were during the 2010 Olympics but I do now!! You are a terrific dancer! Win or lose you’ve captured the heart of a nation!
Maks–I think Meryl has brought out a side of you that we haven’t seen on the show before and that’s a good thing! P.S.–you made a really sexy Elvis 🙂 So if this dancing thing doesn’t work out..you could always hit Vegas as an Elvis Impersonator 😉
James–I knew who you were because my 10 yr old son watches Big Time Rush on Nick. You are a doll! The package where you had the Downs Syndrome kid on was so sweet and you’re a pretty good dancer too! I LOVED your Tango with Cheryl and the Contemporary routine with Peta during Disney Week to Let it Go was EPIC! That Star Lift you did! WOWZA!!! AMAZING!!!!
Peta– Your choreograph this season has been stellar!! and your body?? Can I get the number to your personal trainer? Because, I need to know how you keep your abs in such great shape? A-May-ZING!!! You are so sweet! I LOVE to see you dance with other pros! LOVE when you dance with Derek in Pro routines! You and him doing Argentine Tango are beyond!!!
Charlie–oh how I wish I could see your Freestyle–you are a terrific dancer too! I loved ALL your routines with Sharna! LOVE your curls! you did a terrific job with Candace too lifting someone who is not experienced in lifting. Your attitude is top notch. Can’t wait to see you dance one last time on Tuesday!
Sharna–I think you are my new favorite female Pro next to Ms Peta. You did such a wonderful job with Andy Dick. And your choreography with Charlie was top notch…you’re the female version of Derek Hough!! I’m glad they moved you up from the troupe to a Pro spot! You’re absolutely gorgeous and I hope that soon you’ll be hoisting a MBT TOO!
Thanks Lori for this post!! IT was fun to give all the Celebs and Pros Praise….after all, there is good in ALL of us! 😀
Amy, thank you for your open heart. You let us see your fear, discouragement and pain and then when you went out on that dance floor and conquered it, you exemplified the power of determination, perseverance and positivity. That’s what stirs up passion and hope in others and I’m very grateful.
Derek, nothing can be said that hasn’t already been said by Amber, Amy, Kenny and hundreds of others who recognize your unique combination of qualities. I think you are a beacon of light to the world by living a life so full of love, commitment, hard work, creativity and a never-say-die spirit that is powerfully contagious. When you walk into a room, everyone feels the presence of someone who is truly alive. You’re a treasure.
Meryl, you’re adorable giggle, your way of cheering and calming Maks, your elegant and graceful dancing has added so much to this season. You are dynamite in a tiny package!
Maks, I’ve loved watching your sincere commitment to bringing a positive attitude to the show. I’ve loved watching your delight in working with Meryl and the wonderful dances you’ve choreographed for her. You are a match made in heaven.
James, when you brought the young girl and her family to the show, I knew you were a different kind of celebrity. You’ve shown grace under pressure and you can dance! Best wishes to you and the beautiful, talented Peta who has done a great job this season.
Candace, your devotion to Jesus and your fearless commitment to stand up for your faith has been a beautiful example for all Christians. I was so impressed when you took your children out of the audience during one performance. Your path has not been easy but I deeply admire you. You’ve made amazing progress as a dancer and I commend you.
Mark, I appreciate the way you’ve related to Candace and brought out the best in her this season. You obviously respect her, love her and you’ve been a real support and encouragement. I think your relationship has played a significant role in getting you to the finals. Love your choreography, creativity and the pleasant atmosphere you created with Candace. Love your song too, by the way. Good luck and best wishes for next week and the months ahead.
Okay, Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. . .I might cry. You’re the true golden boy: gold medal, flying gold curls and a heart of gold that made an unforgettable difference in this season. Your bright spirit, your positive words, your broad smile no matter how many harsh comments were hurled at you–everything about your charming self evoked joy in all of us. And your dancing was astonishing. You were given the most complex choreography week after week and you danced every step and move with spectacular beauty and precision. You were and always will be a winner. I’ll never forget CharlieWhite. And Sharna, you gave Charlie your all and you’re a brilliant choreographer. You two belong in the finals. We love you!
Lori, you made my week. What a phenomenal idea. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.
This is a wonderful idea. The world would be such a better place if people lived to lift others up.
Candace- I admire your devotion to your faith, your willingness to share it, and your “regular mom” vibe.
Mark- You are a respectful, nurturing partner to Candace and such a multi-talented person.
Amy- Just an incredible spirit and a wonderful example to others; truly someone to look up to.
Derek-So brave to jump right in and partner Amy with no reservations; I love the way you challenge yourself; such a creative mind.
James- You seem to be a humble, thoughtful person; enjoyed getting to know you this season. Admired so much when you brought your fan onto the show with her family- touching a child’s life for the better should never go unnoticed- much respect to you for doing that.
Peta- You know how to bring out the best in your James and help him improve each week; you are a caring and intuitive teacher.
And I saved my best for last… Meryl/Maks/Charlie/Sharna- You have been my faves from Day 1, as I have been a Meryl/Charlie fan since Jr. Skating days!
Maks- It has been awesome to watch you with Meryl; I’m so happy that she helped you find joy in dancing on this show again. You are an incredibly talented, hardworking person and someone who feels everything deeply. It has been fascinating to watch you.
Sharna- What an incredibly sweet, beautiful person you are! I love your choreography and the way you have tried to challenge Charlie and bring out the best in him. It’s wonderful when someone with true talent also knows how to share it with others- teaching is an art, and you definitely have the gift.
Meryl and Charlie (I have to do them together because that’s how I will always see them 🙂 Meryl, your beauty comes from within and always shines through; you are a true “steel magnolia”- calm, gentle spirit along with amazing determination and strength. I love watching the way you care for others and always strive to put them at ease. Your talent and work ethic are phenomenal; you can do anything you put your mind to. Charlie, I defy anyone to find a kinder, more admirable person in this world than you; who could not love you?! I love to watch you interact with other people-it’s obvious that you strive to put others first. Such class, work ethic, and strength of character do not always go hand in hand with such mind-boggling talent-you are just so incredible! To both of you- the way you love and support each other is a thing of beauty- what a fascinating, powerful relationship. Thanks for taking your fans on this exciting, new journey! Just love you both so much 🙂
Thanks for this opportunity; I hope all the dancers and celebs receive a blessing from it!
Sounds fun (I’m going to use first person):
James and Peta: Peta, you always have been one of my fav pros since you joined the show but I always admired how you are so willing to take risks. When you got James as a partner, I honestly was not sure what to really exoect. Then week one happened and you guys were incredible. James, you are truely one of a kind. You are humble and funny but more importantly you took to the dances like a duck to water. I also have to admit that you definately made me want to hit the gym and hard since you have been on the show. But more importantly, you are what the show is all about: FUN.
Candace and Mark: Candace, I have watched you as a kid in Full House and was glad to see that you really are just the nicest person in Hollywood. You really have a gift and even in the beginning of the show I thought “Wow! She is proof that positivity really is the way to live life.” Now Mark, I am a huge fan and loved the song. I also appreciate how you are just having so much fun every week. I’m not going to lie, there have been times where I think “That guy is really one of a kind and I wish I had his energy.”
Meryl and Maks: Meryl, you are amazing. I can say everything the others said but you have to know that every bit of that is true. You seem like such a nice person and when you dance with Maks, it’s hard to tell who is the pro and who is the celebrity. I rarely use this word but you really are just the total package. Maks, you have always been one of my favs and mostly becuase you are just so real and don’t sugar coat anything. This season when you came back I was thrilled. You really are just an amazing dancer and choreographer.
Amy and Derek: Derek, I gotta start with you. You are the next Fred Astaire. Also congrats on the Emmy! Amy, you are an inspiration. I also commend you for educating America and the world on what you really can do. There was a time in my life where I had just gotten in a car accident and was very depressed due to that. I was terrified to even drive. Watching you this season made me go I can do this. At 3 in the morning, I woke up, got changed, got the keys, and drove for two hours. Freaked out my parents a bit but when they saw me driving again I was actually happy for the first time since 2009. Truely happy. Fear be damned, I wasted about half a tank of gas but now I am no longer afraid. Before just touching the steering wheel freaked me out.
Charlie and Sharna: Ditto to everyting that everyone said. I just want to add that you should really write a book!
I did not see most of the dances so my comments will be brief:
Meryl – I admire your work ethics and you calm demeanor. Your dancing
is not bad either(just kidding)
Candace – I admire your Christina beliefs and your tenacity to adhere
to them even though some people make fun of it
James – I really did not have the time to know you but you are in the
finals so I guess that says something about your dedication.
Amy – Win or lose you are already a winner to me.
Charlie – What can I say. Mr. Sunshine. It is a privilege getting to
know you and I wish I have your positivity. Your dances gave
me great joy and cheers to Sharna for doing a great job.
Candace- For someone with no dance experience, you have shown incredible growth. You appear to be a strong woman with strong convictions and that is to be admired. I think you brought out the best in Mark. Can you do us a favor? Convince John Stamos to do the show and have him request Karina 😉
James- You have been a pleasant surprise! You immediately became one of my top 3 faves. You are a gentleman beyond your years. I hope this experience is able to open many doors for you. You are a very talented young man and a good role model. Your partnership with Peta made me like her.
Charlie- Even though you are not going to the final (and you should be), you were hands down the best dancer and given difficult choreography! They picked apart Mario Lopez, Corbin Bleu and Ralph Macchio too….all deserving of winning the MBT IMHO. Congrats on your gold medal and thanks for letting us all get to know you a little better 🙂
Meryl- You are a great ice dancer and your partner is handsome.
Amy- Not only have you inspired so many, but you make us realize that so many of our “problems” are small compared to what others have to deal with. You and Derek have become one of my top 5 all time favorite couples on DWTS. I only go back and watch you, James and Charlie’s dances….they are THAT good and THAT entertaining. Enjoy every remaining moment and when Tom announces you as champion of DWTS (hopefully)….just take it all in 🙂
Candace and Mark- Your partnership is such a light on this show! I love that their relationship is so fun-loving and supportive. Mark was the perfect partner for Candace- he truly helps her shine and never ever makes her feel bad about herself when she has self-doubt! I for one am very, very glad they are in the finals!
Amy and Derek- Such a creative and collaborative partnership and they seem like true friends for life! I love the Macy’s Stars of Dance to Classic and love how this season has shown so much of Derek’s support for Mark’s music career.
James and Peta- These adorable partners both seem to truly respect and like each other and it shows every time they are on the dance floor!
Meryl and Maks- I cannot say enough positive things about these two wonderful partners. Since week one they have been my number one favorites. Meryl is such a beautiful person inside and out, and I love what her and Maks have been able to build together. I have never seen Maks seem to so sincerely care his partner and he is all about making this season the best experience possible for Meryl; he truly cares about every part of her. The strength and depth of their connection is evident in every dance they produce; it is absolutely addicting to watch. Their foxtrot, their tango, their rumba, their Viennese waltz, their salsa – all among my favorite all-time dances to watch and re-watch. I love their familiarity with each other and see this friendship extending far beyond the show!
And Charlie and Sharna- I miss this partnership too much to put into words! Pure sunshine and sparkles all along the way of journey! Their respect for each other and everyone else on the show was so endearing and I absolutely cannot wait to see them hit the dance floor on Tuesday!
Lots of love for Season 18 of DWTS!
Meryl and Maks: She seems pretty patient with him, and is able to handle his bullying tendencies.
Amy/Derek: I think she’s one of the best dancers ever on this show, full stop.Some reasons why: http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/theater_dance/amy-purdys-bionic-grace-on-dancing-with-the-stars/2014/04/10/e4575b48-bdd7-11e3-bcec-b71ee10e9bc3_story.html
That’s by the Washington Post’s Dance Critic. Written before Amy’s table-top jazz, a routine, which, for me, just ticks every box about why she’s very close to being the best celeb dancer this show has ever had (alignment, power, speed, taking responsibility for her own performance, awareness of body in space, musicality – could go on and on).
Candace/Mark.I kind of forgot how much I’ve basically disliked Mark since forever seasons ago. This season, I realized I’m enjoying him, and I trust him. I enjoy his packages with Candace.
James/Peta. I’m quasi-gutted about Charlie’s premature elimination. But, if I were in a situation where it was: “okay, you need to depend on one of these celeb guys to do or die no matter what.” to my surprise, my answer would be James. Look at him in the jive with Amy. Amy’s enormous talent and physical intelligence occasionally obscures her challenges (no give in the fake feet, for example). In the celeb jive, James was “I got this.” He did. He gets out out of his own way.
Candace and Mark –
Candace, you have a raw, rooted exuberance in the dance that cannot be fabricated or imitated. You are so connected to your heart and to the floor that every movement is genuine. Mark, your patience, open-mindedness, and affable talent humble me every week. It also doesn’t hurt that you look a heck of a lot like Drew Sarich with that hat, and I may be totally in love with him.
Amy and Derek –
Amy, your feisty verve and relentless can-do attitude pin this entire glitterball show firmly down to reality. You remind me that movement is joy and that nothing is ever done alone. Derek, there are not words to express your sheer endless creative *joy*. Dance is not dance without you.
James and Peta –
James, you have stunned me with your affable aggression, the coupling of comfortable gentleness with sheer determination. Peta, your competitive spirit has brought out the very best in your partner. I love your shrewd intensity. Together, you’ve laid down some of the most *entertaining* dances of the season.
Meryl and Maks –
Meryl, I have always known you were *strong*, but I’ve seen the softest, lightest, brightest and fiercest side of you in all the years I have watched you compete, and I confess, I have been astonished in a way I never dreamed I would be. Maks. Oh, Maks. Watching your journey with Meryl – a wholly different kind of person – with its side by side self-doubt and hapless determination, has been the treat of the season for me. You should hear the noises my parents make when you two are on screen. Frankly, it’s almost better than the show. (And it’s adorable.)
(My parents, not you. Well, okay, you guys can be too. But they’re adorable-er.)
(Quitting while I’m ahead here…)
Great post idea! Thanks Lori! 🙂
Amy: Thank you for inspiring this girl born with a heart defect and for reminding me that it’s ok to push your limits once in a while. You are an amazing dancer and an even more amazing person.
Derek: Each season that goes by, you never cease to amaze me with your originality and choreography. I’m so happy that you and your sister have your own show and I hope that you become a judge on this show when you decide you don’t want to dance any longer.
Candace: I’ve been a fan since day 1 of Full House and I grew up with you as I’m the same age. I’ve loved watching you grow as a person this season. Your passion for the show is infectious and I hope you get that MBT to hang next to Val’s Battle of the Blades trophy. The Little Mermaid samba was my favorite dance this year.
Mark: I enjoyed watching you help Candace grow AND I enjoyed how you embraced working with Amy during the switch up week. Such an amazing salsa from you two!
James: I didn’t know who you were before DWTS but you are a talented dancer and show great musicality. You also seem very sweet. I’m happy you got this far.
Peta: I’ve enjoyed your choreography and having you introduce James to the DWTS audience. You definitely got a winner no matter what.
Sharna: I finally have a new favorite female pro after Anna T. Left. I’ve enjoyed watching you challenge Charlie with your choreography this season as well as embracing the hectic travel schedule. Mark my words you will get a MBT someday soon.
Maks: I know you’re a sweetheart because I’ve taken a seminar with you at Dance With Me. I’ve loved watching you embrace this season and help sweet Meryl come out of her shell. I also love watching the friendship develop between you 2. I’m looking forward to an amazing freestyle, hopefully with Charlie included.
Meryl/Charlie: I can’t write about one without the other. Been following you both for over 4 years now and I do hope you continue competing, even if not for 4 years. Charlie, you did get Ralphed or Evaned or however you want to call it. Good thing is you are in pleasant company and you are still a DWTS Alum for life. And since you and Meryl are essentially a unit, I know she will share a potential MBT equally with you. As for Meryl I have loved watching you come out of your shell on DWTS and you are amazing technical and artistic dancer. To the both of you, it seems like this show has strengthened what was already an unbreakable bond between 2 people just meant to be in each other’s lives. You two have basically been reliving Evan Lysacek’s life from 4 years ago since February with one difference: you two have embraced your fans and really included them on this journey with you. Always humble and sweet. My fondest 2014 memory of you two aside from the OGM was back in January at Nationals in Boston, you two got up early to attend the Friends of Figure Skating breakfast with your fans even though you really didn’t need to given all your sponsors. This fan for life won’t forget that simple yet meaningful act anytime soon. Meryl, I hope you bring home the MBT for the both of you.
Thanks for this post, I think it’s a great idea! 🙂
Charlie and Sharna: You were my favourites, and I’m sad we won’t get to see your freestyle and the other dances you would have created for us in the finals. Charlie, you’ve been a ray of sunshine with your positive attitude and bright smile regardless of the circumstances. You’re such a nice guy, but you’re also incredibly dedicated and hard-working. Watching you dance makes me so happy! Sharna, you’ve given Charlie amazing choreography and really pushed him to become better and better. I’m also amazed by your attitude, because you’ve never let things get you down, even though it wasn’t always easy for you this season. You both have given us wonderful routines every week, so I find that as soon as the dance is over, I want to see it again! You deserve to be in the finals, but be proud of what you have achieved this season!
Candace and Mark: You guys seem to have a really fun, friendly relationship, and I like seeing it. Candace, I admire your devotion to your faith, and how open you are about it, no matter what other people think or say. It’s been a joy to watch you grow as a dancer and embrace the whole experience. I love how you always seem genuinely grateful and joyful when you are called safe. Mark, you’ve done a great job with the costumes and choreography for Candace! I like how protective you’ve been of her, and also of Amy during the switch week…you take good care of your partners.
Amy and Derek: Your dances always amaze me! Amy, I’m in awe of how you never let anything stop you. Thank you for showing us that the only limits are those we place on ourselves. You are so strong and determined, but you are also a wonderful dancer and performer, and you make it look easy even though we know it isn’t. No matter what happens in the finals, you are a champion! Derek, you’ve amazed me with your creativity and with how you approach each challenge with a positive attitude. You are a superb dancer and choreographer, but you are also an excellent teacher, who has both passion for dance, and compassion for the student.
James and Peta: James, I didn’t know who you were before this season, so it has been nice to get to know you a little bit. You’re good-looking and have a great smile, but more importantly you’re a really nice guy. You’re also a hard-worker, and it shows because your dancing has improved. Peta, I’ve enjoyed your choreography, and you’ve done a great job teaching James!
Meryl and Maks: Meryl, you’re a beautiful dancer. You are so graceful and elegant, and so sweet too! I feel like you’ve been able to show different sides and expressions of you in different dances, and it’s been nice to see. I admire your determination and how calm you are under pressure. Maks, you have seemed happier and more relaxed this season (particularly in the earlier part of the season), and that’s been so nice to see! I’m glad you have enjoyed working with Meryl.
I hope all the celebs continue dancing after the season ends! 🙂
Awww check out Sharna. She’s tweeted a thanks too! https://twitter.com/SharnaBurgess/status/467199077449736192
Thanks for this positive post!!!
Amy/Derek: I love Amy’s spirit and positivity. She takes Derek’s choreography which is amazing in it’s own and makes it shine even brighter. They are a great partnership and enjoyable to watch every week. Amy shows that no matter what life throws at you, you should keeping pressing on. Thank you, Amy for the lesson in perseverance and Derek for your hard work, creativity and sensitivity.
Candace and Mark: I loved Candace in Full House growing up- that was my childhood show for sure. She has such joy that is contagious. I love her values and how she speaks for her faith, which I always share. I love how Mark supports her values and beliefs. Her costumes have been some of my favorites of the season!!! Her dances are fun to watch. Thanks Candace for being such a good role model of being a mother and faith-filled woman and Mark for being such a creative, understanding partner for her.
James and Peta: James seems like the guy next door- so sweet and a gentleman. Peta is a force to be reckoned with!!! They have so much chemistry while dancing and are so enjoyable to watch. Thank you James for showing us your kind nature and Peta for creating dances that are so exciting and fun!
Charlie and Sharna: I’m a huge Davis & White fan, so I was so pumped when I saw that Meryl and charlie would be on dwts. No celeb dances ballroom like Charlie White- I think charlie should have been more in a different era- he would have fit right in the 40s! I love his sweet spirit, energy and that he always has a smile on his face no matter what. i love how he supports both his partners- I think he would be the best friend to have. Sharna has created some great choreography that has been difficult, but has challenged Charlie and made him shine. Don’t retire Charlie, because I can’t wait to see how you and Meryl incorporate that training in your ice dancing! Thank you Charlie for being such a light this season and Sharna for your sweetness and great work…
And finally,
Meryl and Maks: I don’t think I have EVER been this excited about a pair. When it was announced that Meryl wanted to be on Dwts, I facebook posted that the powers that be needed to get Maks back pronto for Meryl. I was thrilled when that wish actually happened! Their dances have been beautiful and Meryl hits every note when dancing- the way that these two tell a story is breath-taking! And you can tell their friendship overflows into their dancing. Meryl, thanks for being willing to show us your heart while dancing and for your quiet, calm determination which helps your partner be the best he can be. And Maks, thanks for wanting the best for Meryl and working so hard to create these amazing stories for us every week that your fans want to watch again and again. That’s when you know you have something magical.
This season has been special- can’t wait for the finals! 🙂
Thank you, Charlie, for tweeting about this; you are right, this is a wonderful idea! Thanks Pure DWTS for doing this!!! I don’t know if I’m “too late” for anyone to read this, but I wanted to share anyway just in case.
Charlie & Sharna:
You two are, as individuals, wildly talented and wonderfully winning; and as a team on DWTS, you became a dynamic duo that blew us away with truly outstanding dancing. THANK YOU for giving your all to your partnership and to your performances. Every week, you created and executed compelling routines, and your enthusiasm, dedication, resilience, creativity, and excellence were, and are, a gift and a joy to so many people! Charlie, I (along with sooo many others) think you more than deserve to be in the finals, and are extremely disappointed that we won’t get to see you dance tonight (Monday). But I want you to know that the way you handled the untimely elimination last week was an incredible confirmation of your character and professionalism. I know there’s a quote from Carrie Ann along the lines of “I want to live in Charlie’s world,” but what makes you truly inspiring to me is the fact that you live in the same world as the rest of us – but you *choose* to embrace and exemplify grace, goodness, and gratitude, no matter what the situation happens to be. THANK YOU for living out such class and courage; you showed it when you and Meryl won the silver medal in Vancouver, when you and Meryl shattered world records and won the gold medal in Sochi, and you have shown it as you and Sharna have journeyed through this season of DWTS, no matter what the judges hurled at you two after your brilliant and thrilling dances. You walk the walk instead of talking the talk, instead of engaging in melodrama or criticism, instead of looking down on anyone or harboring any bitterness. You know who you are and who you want to be, and that unshakable confidence is infinitely empowering and yet infused with the utmost respect, care, and consideration for others, and with the kind of humility that testifies that “This guy is the real deal, personally and professionally.” THANK YOU for sharing your joy, your intelligence, and your talent with us, and for allowing us to go on this DWTS journey with you. Thank you also for being so open about how tough it can be to pursue a lofty goal while maintaining a steady balance between embracing an uncompromising work ethic and an uncompromising commitment to enjoy your work and to explore your style. It can be very difficult to avoid enslavement to “perfection” when one is striving to attain it. You and Meryl, however, manage to seek and achieve overwhelming excellence, but you do not allow yourselves to be defined or driven by scores or votes. I really appreciated what you and Meryl said before the Olympics when people kept asking “Are you absolutely going for the gold medal?” and your response was (paraphrasing here) “We want the gold medal, but most of all, we want to be deserving of the gold medal.” You two obviously more than deserved the medal (!!!!!!!) and I am so incredibly glad you won it, but I know that you two would have had no regrets when it came to your work even if the judges had been unfair and you hadn’t won gold. You knew you had done all you possibly could; you knew it was phenomenal; and the precious partnership and friendship you share with Meryl would remain intact, loyal, and loving. I can’t even begin to describe how proud we are all of you two for bringing home gold – not only because your artistry and athleticism is, indeed, the absolute BEST in the entire world (!!!!!!!!), but also because you two have the absolute best attitudes in the entire world, too. I can’t wait to see you two dance together on Tuesday, and I will continue to watch the videos of you and Sharna dancing, just like I watch you and Meryl skate, over and over and over and OVER, for the sheer wonder, splendor, and beauty of it. Sharna, thank you for appreciating and taking care of Charlie throughout his DWTS experience; I wish they had treated you both better, but please know how much we all admire and support you, and how VERY much we enjoyed your fantastic choreography and dancing!!!!!!!! It is incredibly refreshing to get to watch such a smart, gifted, gorgeous, and truly kind and authentic woman do her thing, and do it SO WELL. It was really special getting to watch Charlie work with a different partner after all of these years, and your own positivity blended with his to create a burst of radiant joy each time you two came on the screen!!!!!!!!! I will especially relish re-watching your Foxtrot, Quickstep, Paso, Cha-cha-cha, aww, heck, I am going to relish re-watching ALL of them, because each one was unique, dazzling, and thoroughly engaging. We love you both, and THANK YOU again, and have a blast tomorrow (Tuesday) night!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meryl and Maks:
It’s hard to know where to start with this incomparable, and sublime, couple. Meryl, I have been a fan of yours and Charlie’s since the Vancouver Games; the passion, power, and precision of your routines blew my mind, and the way that you and Charlie represented yourselves and your country also captivated me. Over the past four years, I have grown to admire you both not just as phenomenal athletes and artists, but also as fellow college students, as people in their 20s figuring out life and how you will shape your careers and so forth. Your twitter account says “Daughter Sister Friend Olympian,” and I think that list, in that order, says SO much about your choices about your character and lifestyle and goals. THANK YOU for being a woman and a champion of such rare and glorious strength, intelligence, independence, grace, talent, courage, and kindness. Thank you for demonstrating all of these virtues in your matchless partnership with Charlie as you two pursued your dream for 17 years; and for sharing them with your kids in Classroom Champions; and with anyone at all you interact with, from fans to reporters, including everyone related to your DWTS experience. Thank you for working as hard as you have with Maks to create and share such awe-inspiring dances each week on DWTS. It is all too easy for people to react negatively toward deeply passionate people (I know all too well, since I am a deeply passionate person myself, haha), and I wondered how your dynamic would be with Maks since his personality seems rather different from Charlie’s. And I was yet again genuinely inspired and encouraged by your grace and integrity: you treat Maks just like you treated Charlie, with respect, with consideration, and with trust. And you are clearly an encouragement, inspiration, and support to Maks. It is obvious that you, and Charlie, believe in giving, not merely taking, and that you consider any partnership to be an opportunity to bring out and celebrate the best in someone, and they in turn are able, and eager, to do the same for you. It’s an extraordinary art to master, and you have done so, personally and professionally, with the utmost authenticity and selflessness. THANK YOU for setting this rare and precious example for everyone, but especially for those of us in our 20s. I so wish I could have met you and Charlie on the Stars On Ice tour (which, grievously, came nowhere close to NC ) to say thank you in person. I envy the live audience on DWTS tonight; I know you and Maks are going to be the very best, just like you have been all season long. No matter what the final results of this DWTS season, please know that you have inspired and uplifted the hearts and minds of so many (probably far more than you think!!) through your MAGNIFICENT performances, and by simply being the beautiful person that you are. We love you! Maks: You. Are. Awesome. I could say a lot more (very positive) things, but I think those three words sum it up best, haha!!! THANK YOU for taking such outstanding care of Meryl, for appreciating who she is as well as what she does, and for creating such emotive and ingenious dances. We appreciate you so much, and hope that you and Meryl will keep dancing long after this season of DWTS is over!!! Blessings and joy tonight as you dance in the finale!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Candace and Mark:
Candace, the integrity and beauty of your commitment to your faith and your family has been consistent, genuine, and warming to the heart. I really love watching your kids watch you; it is very unique and very special that they have been such a big part of your DWTS journey and that they have honored and encouraged you throughout!! Thank you, Mark, for also honoring and encouraging Candace, and for helping her reach her potential so sweetly and strongly!!!!!! The two of you have had a truly powerful journey dancing through the weeks, and I know that you will rock your finale routines!!!!!!!
James and Peta:
James, you have been very dedicated to and excelled during your DWTS journey; and it was absolutely beautiful to see that you are also dedicated to and excel in true, creative, personal kindness when you brought Hannah and her family to the show… a lot of celebrities would not have gone to the lengths you did to ensure that Hannah did indeed have a priceless memory of her prom weekend, even if you couldn’t go to the prom itself! I think one of the best things about DWTS is the emphasis on sharing the joy of dancing, and you certainly took that to heart and brightened Hannah’s world, and so many others, with your thoughtfulness and generosity. Peta, you are amazing, and I just have to say: I don’t know if I will ever see a dancer so BEAUTIFULLY take on the role of Elsa like you did. I still get shivers just thinking about it!!!!!!!!! Bravo!!
Amy and Derek:
What can I say…I wish there were more words for “inspiring,” because I know it must sound redundant by now, but truly, Amy, you are INSPIRING. I have heard many people of various ages and backgrounds and circumstances say that your dedication, courage, and artistry have touched their hearts and rekindled motivation and zest for life and living it to the full!! This is such an inexpressibly precious thing, and we are thankful for it!!!!!!!! Derek, you are a genius and a gentleman, you are gracious and you are giving…. And you are such a blessing to those in the dance community and well beyond!!!!!! I hope you two continue to dance together well after this season wraps up!!!!!!!!!