People Interviews DWTS Meryl Davis And Maksim Chmerkovskiy
I wish I could feel the “they bring out the best in each other” as I am just not feeling it. I feel it’s more of “promotion” thing instead to convince me how perfect this union is. Sorry, not. Anyway, below is more from People today on Maks and Meryl and how they are feeling currently going into the finals.
They bring out the best in each other.
“I feel that I can really be myself with Maks,” the Olympic ice skater, 27, tells PEOPLE. “He pushes me to stand up for myself, whether it’s in real life or on the dance floor. It’s cool.”
And the fiery Russian admits that his gold medalist partner inspires him to create even more complicated dances.
“She lets me be creative,” the 34-year-old tells PEOPLE. “I’ve already done more on this season than I’ve done on Dancing with the Stars in 13 seasons.”
More at People. ETA: Here is a video too from the link….
There he goes again undermining his previous partners. This season has made me go off maks actually and i dont think this season has been his best work just as i much prefer meryl wuth charlie partnership wise.At least its the last week to listen to the over zealous shippers and their squeals of they should marry and wont their babies be cute.
rana, please don’t put links in the comments. Just email Vogue – perhaps she will add the video, if it’s embeddable.
I’m with you. If they win, I don’t think I will go on the internet for a month so I don’t have to read all the crap that will be on it. I’m sure the shippers will already have planned the wedding and the number of babies they should have.
This is exactly what bugs me most about Maks this season. The focus should NOT be on what having such a ringer allows you to do as a dancer and choreographer. It should be on teaching someone who’s not a dancer to dance and watching them grow and progress over a 10 week period. That’s where the pride should come from – teaching someone else and taking them on a journey that’s totally out of their comfort zone. Not from the ability to showcase your own talents and dragging the ringer along for the ride.
And the constant disses at his other partners because they dared to not be professional enough dancers to allow him to showcase himself is something I find really crappy. Good or not, every one of those women put themselves out there to do something in front of millions of people that they had no idea how to do. They tried and they put in an effort (except maybe Hope). There were plenty of ways to build up the greatness of Meryl without tearing down these other women. And to do it right to Erin’s face Monday night was the crappiest of all. Love or hate them and their partnership, you can’t say Erin didn’t try and give him everything she had.
Maks frequently hurts himself by speaking too bluntly. There’s a lot to be said for the truth but there are also times when the truth is inappropriate. Is Meryl Maks’ strongest partner ever? Of course. Is she capable of performing choreo his other partners haven’t been? Of course. However, it’s not the gentlest thing to repeatedly announce this.
While I’m sure most of his past partners aren’t going to lose sleep over it, it adds to the feeling that his clan is too harsh and too arrogant; Ballas/Hough people shriek that ‘Mark or Derek would NEVER say something like that!!!’, and frankly, they’re right. However, it also seems to me that those pros attract different categories of people to be their fans.
The bottom line is that Maks is jonesing for a MBT, and it’s easy to understand why. I wonder, if he wins it, if it will bring him the satisfaction he seems to think it will. It certainly changed Tony, but he’s an older and calmer guy.
I dont think it was selfpromoting. I genuinely think being midthirties he is reflecting on his past and he is nt impressed with what he produced so far. I think this year he is trying to break some of his old habits and he is happy he got to prove to himself that he can stand next to the new talents on the show and produce something he is proud off. All the shippers are just undermining his efforts and Meryl s hard work as if dances come out of just fairy tales. Its hard work and a fresh mindset abd he got extremely lucky with Meryl. She is a dream partner.
I think he’s undermining his past partners again too. Same old same old….again. Sad!
Let me first begin my “comment(s)” by stating I am a HUGE Maks/Meryl fan. In the sense that I love their dance partnership. I do not, however, think they are even remotely interested in each other romantically. I agree that it is a ploy to gain interest and fans. Just look at Mel B and Erin – he did that whole fake kissing thing with them, too. If people (shippers) fall for it then that’s on them. You know the old saying… you can bring a horse to water…
I usually just go for whoever I feel the biggest connection to – and it in no way has anything to do with the pros. Although I will forever love the eye candy that Maks gives me. LOL. For instance, I loved Kellie Pickler and it was her personality that sold me on her. This year it was NeNe and Meryl. Both for their personalities.
My last statement would be that I definitely think Maks is misunderstood and they play the little things up to make him look worse. I love that he doesn’t worry so much about being politically correct. I think we need that in the tv world without being typical reality trash tv.
I’m sure my eyes are bulging out of my head. The arrogance with which he views others, and the infallibility with which he views himself are staggering. And pardon me, but he is such a f#%&ing dolt. How stupid of him to say that he’s done more this season than in all the others combined. I don’t understand in what universe that reflects well on him. I can’t believe that anyone would think that giving him a job where he does more speaking is a good idea. And if more air (or something) was circulating in his brain he would see that it’s with his other partners that he really needed to be creative. That kind of creativity (like what Derek is doing with Amy) is difficult. This kind of creativity with Meryl is effortless, just the kind best suited to Mr. M. Chmercocky.
If this is his best creative work in all the season’s Maks has been on he needs to retire. I have not been impressed at all.
#Donna
I can certainly see your point. Maks might have just started to change though he is nt there yet. He is so used to people making a fuss about him he overlooks his partners and others. He tries this season to shift attention to Meryl and not selfpromote so much. I think he means well but still has a lot of room to grow. But its refreshing that even Maks can change. And i dont think its just for Meryl s sake. I think ge has grown fed up of the persona he has been putting up and wants to change. Meryl just came at the right time and helped him thru the fiest steps of his public change in image
re Donna #4 “because they dared to not be professional enough dancers to allow him to showcase himself is something I find really crappy” ME TOO!
All I gathered is that it is mostly about Maks. Out of a video of 1:26, Maks speaks for 1:07. The comments under the article are LOL. 😀
#carolyn i think he is retiring he mentioned it he is only coming back for one more time for Grandma and Mom s sake. I think its just a farewell season hence why he gets emotional about his work this season.
I think he produced great peices of work that i love watching and have moved me.
Why do i think he is going from the dance floor to the judges table next season?
More of the same. Rana, if what you say is true, let’s see him come back next season with a “Candace.” Then, if he is still Mr. Jolly I will believe he is a new man. For now, it’s a lot of hot air.
I beg to disagree rana. He has not changed. I don’t believe he feels he needs to change. The problem does not lie within him, it is all Derek’s fault. lol
Maks needs to shut up! He speaks as if he was given a plank of wood to dance with every season. He was partnered with MEL B! MEL B! How was she not a ringer?
I think the truth can be said without tearing down your past partners, Steve. That’s really what he hasn’t figured out. It’s called being diplomatic. Maks has, in the past, said he’s “keepin’ it real” – he often says this with his usual scorn toward others who don’t do the same. What he’s never figured out is that you can “keep it real” without being a complete ass hole AND that being in showbusiness it helps to have this ability. All you have to do is look at what Maks said about ALM and what Derek said about her. They said essentially the same things, but Derek put in a logical and non-offensive way.
#11 Rana, sorry I disagree. I think Maks has self-promoted more this season than all his other seasons combined. It’s all about him and the work he’s done and how easy he has it with Meryl. But I do agree a move to the judge’s table is imminent.
Maks winning a MBT this season won’t earn him the character, integrity, honor, class and grace qualities that will be required to have a future successful career in entertainment among top directors, producers and actors. Well, not at the A-list level Maks envisions himself. Your reputation is everything. And Maks put his arrogance, low character, and lack of class, grace, professionalism and respect for others on film that will follow him in the future. On the bright side, Maks could be a tacky, reality tv star, if he’s lucky.
Maks always struck me as a user. Only being as nice as possible to those celebrity partners that could get him something. Whether hoping to use their connections for his own gain and/or get them to promote his business. If Kirstie hadn’t been as famous as she was and was a c-level star, do you really think he would have kept in contact with her after the show being the arrogant, judgmental egotist he is?
Lisa, that’s a nice idea, but it’s unfortunately not accurate. I’ve watched this show for a long time, and we’ve talked to insiders…they don’t have to play anything up where Maks is concerned. You can’t make that stuff up. And they don’t play it up.
Yes, Susan, it’s rather staggering, isn’t it?? Meryl could be doing so much more and Maks thinks he’s done a lot. That’s creative??
Also a thing bugging me is that we’ve seen many of the pros give their best, most creative work to celebs who DON’T have natural ability or a lot of experience. See Sharna and Andy as a prime example. Those less skilled partners he’s had are not the reason he couldn’t be more creative in his work, but I guess they offer him some kind of excuse for himself.
You know, I think about all the comments Maks made in the media about Nicole, and how Derek always had it so easy. Now, Maks has Meryl – the biggest ringer of all time – and his dances don’t measure up. He thinks they do…but in reality he owes Derek an apology. Derek has done more with dancers who were NOT talented dancers to start with. Derek didn’t take the easy way with Nicole.
If this is Maks’ best, most creative work, then I think that’s a really sad thing, since I haven’t really liked their dances at all. The only one where I was smiling during the dance was their jive; the rest of them left me feeling nothing.
I agree with those upthread who said that it’s with the less talented partners where you need to get creative. Kudos to all those pros who give their best work every time, no matter the skill level of their partner – Derek, Kym, Sharna, Emma, Karina and Tristan.
Good point, Jess. Sharna/Andy quickstep. Derek/Ricki psycho tango, Derek/Joanna Futuristic Paso…Mark even gave Bristol some creative choreo….there is a very long list of dances that were very creative with celebrities that were not that great in terms of dancing. It’s galling that Maks blames his past partners when the failing is so clearly his.
I don’t understand why Maks can’t express his appreciation for Meryl in ways that don’t insult his previous partners. I saw several interviewers ask Sharna to compare working with Charlie to Andy Dick, almost begging her to make a joke of it, and instead she always managed to compliment both men for the different things they brought to their partnerships. If a newbie can handle the situation with grace, a veteran like Maks has no excuse.
Rana, seriously, I know you think you are informing us what we don’t know on Maks, but, you are wrong. We’ve already heard these things before.
#Princess Heidi
We all know that Meryl could be pushed to do much more. And i think she is happy with Maks bec he is giving her a comfortable pace. I think he is exactly what she needed after working 17 years and being pushed to her limits all the time. I think she found working with val too hechtic. I am not sure she would have enjoyed 10 weeks of that. She needed some fun competition that is what she signed up for and that is what she got. I enjoy watching her perform in all platforms ice and floor. And am happy she is taking a more relaxed pace on the floor. She has gained confidence and was able to engage more emotions and incorporate them in her performance bec of the more relaxed pace Maks happened tp provide. He is also good in the classic ballroom which something she wanted to learn. Since they do pseudo classic ballroom on ice. I thibk they were very well matched
Same here Butterfly! I loved their A. tango and that was it.
#voguerista
I am sure non of you need informing from me. I am just putting my thoughts out. Everyone is entitled to their own. But definately notbtrying to force my thoughts on anyone. Just found the discussion interesting. Sorry if i seemed too pushy with them. Was just trying to voice my humble opinion. I loved reading all your comments thru the season and justed wanted to share mine. Thanks for all your efforts you make watching the show more enjoyable as we get to read your commentery
Well, that’s all very nice, rana – and I appreciate that you can read Meryl’s mind like you do – but that’s not really what the discussion is about. It’s about Maks claiming that he’s never been more creative and how Meryl is so fantastic. Um…yeah, she’s fantastic. She’s got training that she came in with. But his dances haven’t been all that – and it’s not that they have to be hard, either. Just creative – meaning different, exciting, unusual. Take your pick.
#28 Rana, Maks himself has said his specialty is Latin, not traditional ballroom.
I figured out what bugs me about this partnership when they dance. It’s not the size difference. It’s that she looks bullied or uncomfortable because he handles her so roughly during the dance. I remember when Ekaterina Gordeeva and Sergei Grinkov skated together. He was huge, and she was tiny, but he handled her so gently like she was the most precious thing and she looked serene while skating. Meryl looks strained. Anyway, this is my long, rambling way of saying I don’t believe Meryl when she says Maks makes her stand up for herself on and off the dance floor.
I never heard Maks blaming anyone but himself for anything that went wrong on the show. Maks is a wonderful dancer and person. So he likes Meryl best, so what? I don’t hear him badmouthing anyone, just stating his opinion, he is entitled to that. Maks has been extremely hard on himself all season, if you watch the videos you see him berating himself more than anyone. He does have something to prove. Derek is wonderful, why do you have to pit the two against each other? Saying rotten things about Maks doesn’t make Derek look better. Derek is good because he has a huge heart and is extremely talented and gets all the mirror balls with hard work and dedication. That doesn’t make Maks a bad guy or mean that he can’t or won’t win a MBT as well.
:::rolls eyes::: Yeah, we’re pitting Maks and Derek against each other to make Derek look better. Like Derek needs that, what with 5 MBTs and an Emmy. We are comparing the two – Maks suffers by comparison.
If you don’t like what we’re saying about Maks, you don’t have to stick around. You can voice your opinion, but expect disagreement.
I can definately see how Maks is not as avantgarde in his coreography and sticks to what he knows. But what he knows feels like a pair of old slippers to me. Comfy and homy not very fashionable but feels right after a long day.
I dont think by far he is as good a choreographer as others on the show. My personal favorite is Derek and Sharna. But i like how easy the choreography flow is in Maks current work. Its just easy on the eye and just hits me in a warm fuzzy place. I am not sure what he will come up with as freestyle. I am hoping Meryl will have a good input if its going to impress.
@April Showers
“Saying rotten things about Maks doesn’t make Derek look better.”
Saying rotten things about all of your former celebrity partners doesn’t make Meryl or Maks look better.
“I don’t hear him badmouthing anyone, just stating his opinion.”
The problem with that is he IS badmouthing all of his past partners as his opinion. Is he entitled to, absolutely. Is it necessary, absolutely not. And that’s the difference between a mature, confident, compassionate, normal adult and Maks.
@ Ashley L +1
#April Showers I’m going to take a wild guess here that you’ve never seen the show in which Maks claims that it’s HIS show. Maybe someone else can pinpoint when that was (always amazed at the depth of DWTS knowledge represented here), and after that maybe take a look at the video of the team dance when his partner was Hope Solo (and immediately after he walks out, see what Derek does). See if you still think that Maks is a wonderful person.
I’m leaving Derek out of this and here is a list of who I think (IMO) is more creative (re the requirements of THIS show to provide entertainment, I don’t have the foggiest idea what’s most creative in a ballroom competition) than Maks: Val, Mark, Karina, Kym, Sharna, Louis, Emma, Sasha, Henry, Cheryl, Anna, Tristan, and probably some others not in the forefront of my mind.
I do think Maks looks hot when he dances. I think he has the best ass. And I get that A LOT of people really like him. I believe that many if not most or all of the pros like him. So while I think he’s self centered and not creative I don’t think he’s evil or a worthless human being. But I do think the talent of Meryl was not fully realized this season. IMO
#37 Ashley, that’s something else that bugs. As he stands there and insults his former partners over and over and over, Meryl doesn’t say one word about it. Nor does she obviously tell him in private how uncool that is since he keeps doing it. I don’t like that. Especially since Maks could be taking lessons from her in the way she talks about Charlie.
How convenient that this couple, make that Maks, got an article in a People before the big event. Color me shocked, not. I have never seen this much pimping in the 8 seasons I have watched dwts. What a sham.
@Donna
I really can’t blame Meryl because she’s in a new medium of a tv show and has to rely on how it works from the man she spends everyday with. I mean in all her 27 years of life, she’s known Maks for what, 3 months! So her opinion of him now may not hold once she’s removed from the dwts environment.
It reminds me of Layla and Hope. There was tension and when the show was over, they didn’t have anything nice to say about him. Layla was more diplomatic and said something like, “he’s something.” But you do what you can in a foreign environment to maintain your dignity.
Charlie certainly never, in 17 years, treated Meryl the way Maks treated her in a few short weeks. Making her nervous, making her pacify and council him, and going form 0 to 60 in temperament.
If Meryl wins the MBT, she certainly earned it. I hope she sends Maks a bill at the end for her services.
Why can’t people focus on the greatness and the humility of Meryl? Does everything has to be about Maks if even he draws attention to himself? Meryl is the real gem the anchor that makes all his partners better. Case in point: During the switch, she danced with Val. The result – I will say beautiful!! With all her dances with Maks, she’s given all her best.
Then I watched an interview she and Charlie did with Michelle Kwan after the Sochi win (I encourage people to google and watch it) and that was revealing about the partnership with Charlie. It hasn’t been all perfect. Yes – Meryl is special. Two instances, either Charlie forgets his skates or brings two left skates to the arena right before competition. Meryl had to warm up with other pair skaters in front of judges all by herself whiles Charlie rushes back to the hotel to find the right skate and return just in time for their dance. Michelle Kwan gasp and said wow, and you guys are still together. Charlie then said, that is what makes our partnership unique. Meryl is a very unique girl. She might not get some peoples votes, but don’t use Maks to diminish her accomplishments. Yes – 1st US gold in ice dancing ever with multiple world records!
Hope was season 14. His big temper tantrum was…what week was that? It seemed like that whole season was a Maks temper tantrum. Watch the video where he disses all the judges and says it’s “His show” – then watch it again and watch Derek’s face in the background. 🙂 Derek and Cheryl, I think.
The “greatness and humility of Meryl”??? Sure, I would love to focus on the greatness of Meryl if I had been allowed to see it behind all the Maks crap.
“the real gem the anchor that makes all his partners better?” How does that even make sense?? And what does Val have to do with it? Hell yes she danced better with Val and that should tell you something.
And now you bring Charlie into it?? All I’m getting, afua, is that Meryl is a goddess and a saint. Don’t agree. She’s a human. She probably even pees.
@PH
“then watch it again and watch Derek’s face in the background. :-)”
I remember that! Derek’s eyes raised like, oh really? I don’t remember what week it was but I’m pretty sure that all went down during their Rumba.
I so loved that season with all the personalities from Nancy Grace to Chynna Phillips and Carson Daly….until Maks ruined the whole damn season with his abuse. I was so stunned and found it so disturbing.
Week 6 season 13, Ashley. And his comment some judged on effort and others not seemed like a direct shot at Chaz.
@afua hodna
“Why can’t people focus on the greatness and the humility of Meryl? Does everything has to be about Maks if even he draws attention to himself?”
Because it’s a team and not a solo competition so unfortunately Maks can’t be left out of the equation. Nor does he let himself not be the center of attention. So blame Maks if he takes away from Meryl in dwts only.
“With all her dances with Maks, she’s given all her best.”
But with Val, she gave better, imo. That ought to tell you something.
“Two instances, either Charlie forgets his skates or brings two left skates to the arena right before competition. Meryl had to warm up with other pair skaters in front of judges all by herself whiles Charlie rushes back to the hotel to find the right skate and return just in time for their dance.”
GASP!! You’re comparing Charlie forgetting his skates to Maks throwing objects and verbally insulting Meryl while with Danica and all the tension he causes her???
“but don’t use Maks to diminish her accomplishments.”
Huh? Maks could NEVER diminish Mery Davis’ accomplishments. He would never be that important. She just met the guy. Maks diminishes Maks only.
@Melissa
Thanks!
Its actually funny, the rumba of maks and hope is their only dance missing from the misterious Youtube realm 😀
#46 PH
LOL, Poor Charlie gets brought into everything but the finals. 😀
#49 Ashley
LOL Val did give her better choreo than an entire season of Maks with her.
OMG, don’t you remember Charlie using F-Bombs with Sharna that they had to bleep out. Meryl was used to this kind of abuse. I think she has performed two miracles with Maks to canonize her at this point.
I can’t say I find it fishy that they are featured on People out of the other couples. Who said the pimping would stop? 🙂
Afua, if a Maks makes it all about him, how the hell are we supposed to focus on Meryl? He barely lets her talk. I see her caressing and cooing more than I see her saying anything. Give me something to work with here.
afua hodna, those stories about Charlie forgetting his skates don’t mean that Meryl is the perfect shining being who held their partnership together, they only show that Charlie is a funny guy who’s got the confidence to laugh at himself, especially when it makes for a good story. Over all those years they both made mistakes and they each had to hold the other up at times. You’re diminishing Charlie’s accomplishments at the same time you’re scolding other people for diminishing hers. Glass houses, afua.
I share in several sentiments here. Despite the nonstop and rather desperate pimpage of this team’s supposed chemistry, reformed Maks, and mesmerizing Meryl, I just don’t feel/buy it. Nor do I think this season has featured Maks’ best dancing, partner, partnership, teaching or choreography.
@Kate(1)
“OMG, don’t you remember Charlie using F-Bombs with Sharna that they had to bleep out. Meryl was used to this kind of abuse. I think she has performed two miracles with Maks to canonize her at this point.”
Using an F-bomb isn’t exactly what I would call abuse. I could never equate sweet Charlie using F-bombs to Maks’ aggressive, mental and physically abusive behavior that he has exhibited repeatedly. Maks’ whole aura is different than Charlie, vastly different, imo.
Definitely agreed the pimping can’t stop. Maks must win. I don’t know what he thinks that will do for him but it’s all good. I guess validation just for putting so many years in. It certainly doesn’t boost Meryl, she was already a gold medalist. Meryl and Charlie will be talked about forever for their Olympic accomplishments. Maks, not so much.
#56 Ashley L
I was being extremely sarcastic about the F-bombs. I guess I should have added an emoticon at the end of my sentence. 😛
What is there to know about Meryl when all her packages are all about MAKS? I saw nothing about whether she has any struggles with her dances, or any personal stuff aside from her trying to calm Maks down and hold his hand(rolls eyes)in one segment. Maks getting frustrated, Maks uncertain etc etc, it looks he is auditioning for a soap opera(which he tried before and got nowhere and that is why he is back to dancing, smirk).
Charlie forgetting his skates? How dare he abuse Meryl this way?
@Kate(1)
Oh, ha! 🙂
@PHeidi #18
You are absolutely correct about Maks’ & Derek’s remarks concerning ALM being different in that while Maks’ was more on the rude side, Derek’s was tactful and well worded. There were those (viewers) who were just dying to see Derek stand and be judged by her; but, were totally shocked at her kind & complimentary remarks. She knew Derek’s personally and paid him respect, while she also was not naive about Maks’ ways. She knew whose buttons she could push and the old person would creep out again, and she was right! While Maks was hailed for his boldness, it only told on him. She knew it would. There is a way you talk to people and I think Maks has inherited the way he does it. Besides, both ALM & Maks are of the same caliber of opening mouth and letting it fly before thinking.
Afua, posts like that will go in the trash. If you don’t like us, leave!! You know where the door is.
#56 @Ashley L
Maks turned me back when I first started watching DWTS Season 7 and on through. The only time he acted half-way descent was with Kirstie. I can not stand to be around or what abusive, disrespectful behavior; because of my bad experience with it my past. And, it was dark haired, brown eyed guys who contributed to my disdain for them. I don’t know Maks’ personal life and how he treats people outside of the TV realm; but, nevertheless, I don’t appreciate seeing it period. My mother was an abusive alcoholic and when Maks ripped that mic off and it flung around, Meryl was like flinching back to protect herself. That’s abusive behavior, and he can be glad that cord didn’t hit her in the eye. This would have made me CHANGE my vote if I had been voting for them all season. Why TPTB even let that be shown is beyond me! He is a hot-head and has a short fuse. I’ll take a Derek, Mark, Tristan, Gleb temporment any day.
#58 Ria
LOL :)too funny!
You can Maks and Hope’s rumba on Codebear’s Daily Motion channel (just google Hope Solo and Maks rumba – it should come right up) – the video on YouTube was blocked due to copyright stuff (they danced to a song from Rent – it was Broadway week).
Uhhh LG, you know where the door is!! Use it!
The one thing that amuses me to no end about Maks this season is how he has *still* managed to feel that he has the hardest job on the show. It’s now week 10, and this season we havn’t EVER seen Derek gripe about how choreographing for Amy is so difficult — instead, every week their story is, “Let’s try this out, let’s do something new, let’s have fun and discover”. This with one of the most difficult partners ever to dance on the show. Maks, on the other hand, feels put upon by the pressure of choreographing for his partner, an Olympic ice dancer, and clearly hasn’t been able to rise to the challenge, to the point where he throws things around in frustration. I’m not a Derek fan, per se, but if he stays on the show I half want him to get all the ringers he can, just so we can see the amazing artwork that will surely ensue. Maks has proven himself unworthy of a ringer.
Penny — spoken with a lot of class. Thank you.
I hadn’t really thought of it that way, Penny. Maks whines and complains where Derek gets the ringer, how it’s not fair, it’s so much harder with a non-dancer that you have to “drag around the floor” – now he has the biggest ringer EVER and still he has the hardest job of all, blah blah blah blah…