Dancing with the Stars Season 20, Week 9 – Who’s Dancing What…and When?
And this week we have two dances again for each couple, one of which is Judges Pick. How convenient we have Judges pick BEFORE the finale. Let’s see who gets hosed this week.
Clearly not Rumer – the Argentine Tango totally plays into her ONE NOTE. Plays to all her strengths. I fully expect Riker and Nastia to get something exceedingly boring and/or out of character.
ETA: Vogue here. According to Sharna’s new blog, She and Noah have a V. Waltz next week if they don’t get eliminated.
ETA2: Hi again. If they make it, Kym and Robert also have a V. Waltz. They also say they have a “beautiful” song. For more dance info, see our new Media Post. Sharna explains it really well for how next week’s dances will go down in her and Noah’s new interview with Afterbuzz TV. ~Vogue
ETA3: Heidi back in action…thanks to the 2 or 3 of you who mentioned in the comments that Riker and Allison said in the live stream that they have contemporary.
ETA4: According to DWTS Gossip, see below for who has what Judge.
ETA5: According to Derek’s new blog, they have a Quickstep for their individual dance. ~Vogue
ETA6: Ok, after scribbling on a piece of paper and chatting with Deep Throat, I think we *finally* have all the dances – ’bout 75% sure on these. I reserve the right to be wrong since they decided to get all tricky and have some Viennese waltzes that were regular and one that was judges’ choice – ditto for contemporary. And I’m aware about what Carrie Ann said about the judges’ choice being a “whole new style” but the intel I’m getting says SOMEBODY is dittoing dance…and quite frankly, my brain hurts. -Court- Scratch everything. Rumer & Val do NOT have Argentine tango – that’s what was throwing everything off…they must have misspoke. And yes, I’m rolling my eyes that Nastia is the only one that got saddled with TWO ballroom dances, while everyone else has either a ballroom & a Latin/contemporary.
ETA7: Aaaaaand we have a song spoiler…and it’s making me roll my eyes and chuckle. For those who don’t know – it’s from the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack. And the music video is verrrrry NSFW. Just let your imagination run wild at how this one could turn out…and my mistake, it’s actually a Viennese waltz, not a contemporary.
ETA8: How about another song spoiler? See PureDerekHough to see the song for Derek, Nastia, and Sasha’s Quickstep.
ETA9: Happy Mother’s Day! Throwing out some more song spoilers, and clarifying just who Nastia is dancing with this coming week – see PureDerekHough for more detailed explanation. I’m also about to post more detailed intel on the judges’ choice dance in our members’ section – hint, hint. 😉 -Court-
Rumer and Val
Viennese waltz (Song: “Earned It” by The Weeknd)
Judges’ Choice Dance: Argentine tango Contemporary (Bruno); (Song: “Theme from Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky)
1-855-234-5610
Noah and Sharna
Viennese Waltz
Judges’ Choice Dance: Paso doble (Carrie Ann)
1-855-234-5605
Riker and Allison
Contemporary (song: “Work Song” by Hozier)
Judges’ Choice Dance: Argentine tango (Julianne); (Song: “Fur Elise” by Beethoven – could be a modernized version)
1-855-234-5608
Nastia and Sasha/Derek
Quickstep (dancing w/Sasha; Song: See PureDerekHough)
Judges Choice Dance: Viennese waltz (Len) (dancing w/Derek)
1-855-234-5604
No plugged/un-plugged night this season?? Aww 🙁
And a final 3 also means 1 freestyle less 🙁
Yep PH. Fully expect Nastia and Riker to get something that isn’t their strength or that showcases stuff they need to work on, where Rumer gets something that shows off her best assets, not something that shows what she really needs to improve.
Every week i feel like Rumer is doing the some dance but with different music (minus the jive).Every dance is hard hitting and sexy she’s so one note. Why are they doing the judges pick before the finale? thats really weird. I wonder what other dance they are gonna do in the finale besides freestyles. This season has been all over the place especially in scores. Rumers Rumba didn’t even deserve a perfect score. It felt like a tango yet they still got a perfect score.
“Rumers Rumba didn’t even deserve a perfect score. It felt like a tango”
YEAH, SAM, I FELT THE SAME!
No switch-up week this season?
Is Classical night being ditched this season? If it is, then BOO!
That’s the one theme night I was really looking forward to.
Instead we got a stupid Spring Break week and a Era’s week that felt half-baked.
I have a (several) stupid question(s). The last couple seasons “Judges Pick” has just been the style the celeb did on Switch Up Week, right? How did they pick before that? A style they already did that the judges want to see improvement on? I think I recall the judges each having a contestant to “visit.”
CM: Usually, when not related to a switch up week, judges pick has been either a style they want to see them redo and improve on OR a style they would just love to see again from them.
That is very open to interpretation, they also could give them styles they haven’t done yet this time around, so plenty of opportunity for TPTB to do whatever they want!
HAH! I said in my Power Rankings post that I bet they gave Rumer the rumba instead of the AT for that very tango-y song just so that she can dance the AT in the semis or finals. Just like how Janel got AT and Paso the night of immunity.
Stupid, predictable showrunners. Oy.
@Fig True, but Rumer also still has the option of ballroom Tango. You don’t think they’d give her both, do you? That seems too obvious for even them. I think it’ll be an equally intense Contemporary.
Oh yeah, she’s totally been set up to get contemporary in the last weeks, too.
Actually, I don’t think Riker OR Nastia has done contemporary yet. Interesting.
I’m really excited that rumer has an AT, I hope that riker gets a contemporary this week! I know that’s allison’s strong point, I love watching them dance it. I also hope that derek is good by the finale, would love to see him dance in it.
Rumer actually has all strong dances for her left: Tango, Contemp, AT, QS, V. Waltz. While usually a QS wouldn’t be a great dance to have in the semis I actually think she excels in ballroom dances in hold, it’s Latin dances she doesn’t do as well in.
If they go with the same idea with “judges pick” as they did last season where judges picked what style the couple needed to improve on… I am going to guess these assignments:
Rumor: Jive or maybe Jazz (hopefully whichever she gets is to a new song, both were horrible)
Nastia: Foxtrot or Paso (I’d like to see routines with a bit more in hold)
Riker: Foxtrot or Jive
Chris: Cha Cha Cha (cringeworthy week 2)
Noah: Cha Cha Cha or Samba (maybe show how he has improved from early dances)
Robert: Quickstep
According to Sharna’s blog, Noah would have Viennese Waltz next week. Disappointed. I was hoping for Paso.
I hope Nastia gets the quickstep! I’m dying to watch a quickstep choreographed by Derek! His quicksteps are too amazing!! -Kellie, Amy, Shawn, Nicole!! I love all his quicksteps… i wanna see a goofy quickstep by Nastia-Derek! And i HOPE Derek CAN dance this week!!!!
I was under the impression that the couples didn’t know the full schedule of dances. Meaning they might know what they have for the next week if they are safe but not dances after that. I’ve seen all of Robert & Kym’s interviews along with Sharna & Noah’s and they seem to know the entire order of their dances and have for a while. Robert & Kym said they have a V.Waltz next week and Judges Choice. A couple of weeks ago in a live stream they listed all of their dances in order all the way up to dancing the Paso Doble & Freestyle. I just find it interesting that they would know that because a season pro (or a very clever one) could manipulate the choreography one week to help compensate for another.
The question is….why are they doing judges pick in the semi-finals when it’s usually done in the finals as a way to show improvement??
That’s what you need to ask yourself.
I posted this in the “media” thread.
I think next week each of the judges will have one couple each to mentor them through a dance each. So that could be why there is 4 in the Semi Final not in the final. That also could explain why the couples dont know their dances as it could be picked by the judge themself.
I also don’t think that judge will score. This happened on DWTS Australia when Kym was a judge last year.
PH, one has to wonder if it’s the “OMG Rumer you’ve improved leaps and bounds, the most out of everyone….” growth-arc trash they’re preparing to spew. The thing is though, I don’t think she has. She’s been about the same level from the beginning.
A simplistic answer is because there will only be three couples in the finals, so this way there are four judges and four couples. But that raises the question of why they’re reverting to a three couple final, which I actually prefer, but don’t know what prompted the change.
@Figamentation – YES. Thank you. Rumer is a talented dancer, but I’ve seen no growth…no journey. She’s been so one note, and I don’t see that changing. I just don’t understand why they aren’t making better use of her talent. I don’t mind her sticking around, but I wouldn’t want to see her win.
Wait, so is the judge’s pick a redone routine or a selected style to brand new music? I’d watch Sharna’s video but I’m at work right now. D:
According to Sharna, the judges pick the dance, a concept, and the song for them. Each couple will have a judge to help mentor them.
Before the season started, wasn’t one of the “new gimmicks” going to be a judge mentoring a couple for a week? Then that judge couldn’t score the dance.
I guess we both were typing at the same time Vogue!
According to Carrie Ann’s blog (post hopefully will be sent before tomorrow morning), it sounds like each of the judges will be working with one of the couples on Creative Direction. So, hopefully C or PH can correct me if I’m wrong, but I am assuming that the judge working with the couple comes up with the idea, costuming, production value, etc. Would that include choreography? Hopefully they’ll explain more tonight.
Hasn’t that mentoring happened a few times before, in the finals? And the Australian version I know did it last season, when Ms Kym Johnson was one of said judge/mentors.
Yep, it was Linz. I was remembering that earlier too.
Well I wonder how they match up the couple with the Judge? Names out of a hat? Instead of calling it Judges pick, why don’t they just come out and say what it really is. Producers pick to continue their agenda dance.
No idea how they’ll decide who gets who but I can just imagine the social media meltdown if Julianne gets Nastia and Derek.
I’m more wondering what Julianne does. I’ve noticed that she’s not been as willing to pimp Rumer as the other judges, but I don’t want Derek having her because of the outcry about his sister mentoring him (which is stupid when she’s already on the judging panel and has never to my eyes shown him any favouritism but there’d be an outcry) so I’d guess if there’s any kind of choice she goes to Riker, which could be very very good for him and especially for Allison.
Great minds, eh @M8
Oooh Lets play a game
Pick a Dance
Pick a song
Put what you would do for staging
I will start
I would do an Argentine Tango
The song would be Inmigrante by Tanghetto
For staging it would be set in a street café in Buenos Aires. With two rows of 3 single tables and chairs I would put the female on the middle left drinking Coffee/Tea between two males reading newspapers and the male middle right reading the newspaper between two females drinking Coffee/Tea. The middle male and female will catch each other’s eye they stand up and do the Argentine Tango with the other 4 still seated
Just my guess on judges choice dances (I only included the ones think will go through):
Rumor: jazz (This has to be her redo dance. The first one was just so odd)
Nastia:I guess foxtrot (honestly feel like they might throw her the samba)
Riker: jive
Noah: cha cha
Wait didn’t Rumor have AT last week…oh no that’s right it was rumba without hip action……sorry just had to
The very thought of Julianne trying to Mentor Derek just makes me laugh my ass off. As if.
They did three couple finales for YEARS. Going to four is a very recent change and has never happened in the spring, only the fall.
Actually @PrincessHeidi I don’t like to correct you out of turn, but season 16 was the first to have a 4-person finale and seasons 16 and 18 were spring seasons with 4-person finales.
My point remains, MrA, that a four person finale is a very recent thing, so it is NOT out of the ordinary to have a 3 person finale at all.
No, I do 100% agree on that. I think 4 was used to maximise the number of freestyles we get to see but if the point is to showcase and crown the best talent of the series, 3 tends to be the best number. Interestingly though, with a 3-person finale we’d never have seen (or likely never have seen) freestyles from Bill Engvall, James Maslow or Bethany Mota, which would have been missed. I’ve said before if they want to help the show they should probably consider stripping it back, simplifying it and returning to the glory days. 3 people in the finals might be a start.
They didn’t even mean to have three people in the final this season. It was forced upon them due to the late cancellation of the switch up. Else they wouldn’t have had an elimination in week 6 and we’d have 5 couples left. I’m not complaining because it looks like one of them would have been Chris.
Hope Nastia & Derek got eliminated. I can’t bear seeing Haters keep targeting Derek with so much hatred ..
As a Derek Fan , I simply can’t bear seeing those ..
@sumojji Are you serious?! You want them eliminated because of that hate? That happens every season and that’s something nobody can control. You just have to ignore it because no matter what people are going to hate. That should motivate you to vote even MORE. Starting to question if you really are a true Derek fan or not.
Uh really? WHY WOULD ANYONE want Derek eliminated?? His Freestyles are pretty much kick-ass compared to anyone elses. Sorry but I just did NOT enjoy Sadie’s Freestyle as much as everyone else did…it was cute, no doubt but not as good as Bethany’s IMHO. Janel’s sucked and was something we’d already seen before from other celebs 😉 Derek is BRILLIANT!
There will always be hate spewed at Derek by his detractors. Anybody who is happy and successful will always have people who are jealous of that success. I just don’t bother to argue with them on Social Media because it’s pointless. I stopped following certain Insta accts because of all the hate spewed towards Derek and his partner of the season. I don’t pay any attention to the DWTS forums on ABC.com…once in awhile I’ll state my opinion on the DWTS FB page but even that is an effort in futility…people think Derek is the producer’s/judges pet and that couldn’t be any further from the truth. C-bro fans think differently and just have no logic regarding it, that it’s not even WORTH debating.
I’ve spent the last 2 seasons, 18 & 19 voting my arse off for Derek and his partners…..I pulled an All-Nighter HOPING to get Amy Purdy and Derek a win and again last season with Bethany.. :/ I will do the same again this season IF Derek and Nastia make the finals 🙂
The bitchy side of me wants to think they did a 3 person finale this season to make it easier for Rumer to win but since we don’t know when they made that decision (pre-season or mid-season) who the heck knows. I go back and forth on if I prefer a 3 or 4 person finale. I have enjoyed seeing more freestyles but at the end of the day I guess a 3 person finale makes more sense.
As far as the Judge’s Choice goes any judge is going to fawn over Rumer so doesn’t really matter who she gets. I think I prefer Riker getting Julianne because I think she could drill some technique into him while still bringing a youthful approach (unlike Len). I’m hoping maybe Julianne can get Allison to calm her choreography down also — I really wish someone off-season would advise her on that. Do we know for sure if it’s a dance re-do? For some reason I thought it was a new dance style they haven’t done yet.
I’m fine with a three couple finale. It always felt weird to me when the fourth couple was eliminated at the start of the final night’s show.
The fair thing to do for next week would be to have Rumer redo her jive or do a quickstep for judges pick. This would show that maybe she isn’t a “one trick pony”. Riker and Nastia have already ,& bravely so, showed their versatility with different dance styles.
If you’re sad about the venomous things you read on line about Derek, just remember that MOST people don’t pay any attention to on line discussions etc. Obviously MOST people who think about Derek at all, think well of him, and MANY enough to shell out money and effort to see his shows. Obviously a good portion of the dwts voting audience thinks well enough of him and loves the performances he creates to vote to keep him around until very near the end or THE END season after season…
If you believed that what was said on line at some places were true or representative of viewers/fans, one would believe that Derek got Henry fired because Henry is so awesome and is a threat to Derek. Same with Tristan. I love Tristan but I just don’t see how anyone could actually believe themselves when they say he’s not on the show because he’s a threat to Derek.
I suppose Harry Weinstein tried first to reach Henry but his phone was busy, then Tristan, and finally gave up and decided he had to settle for Derek.
Don’t worry about haters and Derek. He doesn’t. They are like gnats. I’m not talking about the people who just don’t prefer him over someone else, “we all like our coffee different”, I’m talking about the ones who are venomous. They are only LOUD, not numerous.
OK so obviously that’s Harvey not Harry, I could blame it on auto correct but it was just my flakiness.
#41 Mr. A: “if they want to help the show they should probably consider stripping it back, simplifying it and returning to the glory days”. I must say that I agree with that idea.
#43; Sumojii: With those words, it is hard to believe you are a Derek fan as you say. Talented people will always attract jealousy from those with lesser talent, small minds and bitter hearts. Happens all the time. Nothing new. Derek is a shooting star and the hater gnats will just burn off on their own. My friends and I are going to vote like crazy to help Nastia & Derek get that gold MBT.
Did anyone notice that none of the dances this past Monday had extra troupe dancers? Maybe Len’s comment the week before made some kind of impact on the pros & producers.
By the looks of the livestream it seems like Riker and Allison have contemporary?
Maybe, but there are a few things which may have had more to do with it than Len. You couldn’t, or at least probably shouldn’t, add extra pros to a trio dance so it would only have been a factor in each couple’s first dance. Mark was among the worst for the little extras and he’s now gone, and other couples who’ve tended to be bad for it had dances which didn’t suit big productions, like Rumba, Viennese Waltz and Contemporary.
Allison and Riker confirm in the live stream they are doing contemporary
It was very interesting to watch someone teach/choreograph contemporary where they actually know what their talking about and it’s their specialty. The movement quality in contemporary is so unique and specific and Allison is just a beast. I give the other pros credit for some of the other contemporary routines they’ve created considering they don’t have backgrounds in that genre but seeing Allison shows the difference.
Obviously the reverse can be said about Allison most other weeks about ballroom.
I’m a bit worried with Riker’s contemporary routine. He’s going to nail it for sure, I saw the live stream and it looked very promising considering that it was just the first day of rehearsal. But I’m not so sure if DWTS viewers have truly embraced other forms of dance besides Latin and ballroom. Regardless of how well he’ll perform in that routine, it will be under-appreciated just because of the fact that the style doesn’t appeal to the general viewers. I’m a big fan of Allison, and I was very happy when she joined the show. But regardless of how much she has improved since season 19, people will continue to criticize her because she isn’t a ballroom/Latin dancer. I love watching her and seeing her choreography on DWTS, but a part of me wishes she goes back to SYTCD where her talent is more appreciated.
How do you know, jeremy?? Derek has choreographed some great contemporary routines – one of which I’m pretty sure got him a MBT. I don’t think you have any basis for the comment that general viewers don’t appreciate that style.
I just had that hunch after reading people’s comments on Travis Wall’s contemporary routine. Majority didn’t like it.
I love Allison, Jeremy, and the contemporary dance! I think she’s been doing an outstanding job with Riker and I loved her routine with Travis Wall.
Yah, I noticed that in your comments, Vogue. =)
I didn’t care for the Travis Wall dance only because I didn’t like the tone, or what is was saying to me. I actually love that song, but the movements seemed to have a hint of domestic violence. I don’t have personal experience with this, but it did pop into my head that there seemed to some aggression there….I watched it again just to make sure, but it left me with the same feeling.
For anyone who did not like that dance, they may not like Riker’s contemporary per what I saw on AA.
@Jillglove I thought of domestic violence as well! I enjoy contemporary when I get a story instead of just a bunch of random lifts, but the story I got from Travis Wall wasn’t my cup of tea. Still enjoy contemporary 🙂
I hope Nastia has Contemporary~ Funny but I love Derek’s Contemporary numbers better than those from SYTYCD-Their a bit rough IMHO. I think they flow more smoothly or beautifully because of his ballroom background. Just my preference I guess. 🙂
Going by Nastia’s previous IG “‘is on to the semi-finals!!! And tearing down some walls :)” I am only guessing they may have one soft of emotional kind of song may be contemporary or V walts may be. I wud love to 2 c contemporary too 🙂
Allison and riker contemporary is going to be amazing cant wait to see them..i wanted them to do contemporary in their freestyle if they made it pass next week so I am a little disappointed…and I loved what travis chorography I didn’t see anything about that dance that related to domestic violence.
I loved the Mario Freestyle, it was very adorable and very Sadie. But I didn’t like how every judge said it was so memorable and unforgettable, because Bethany’s Freestyle was just as unforgettable. Honestly, it chilled me to my bones, specially the ending!
And people were going on about how Bethany was hardly doing anything, bullshit! Each and every movement was so sharp and precise, she showed probably the most growth out of everyone. 🙂
Sure Luved Bethany’s free style it was very hard hitting and so beautifully done Derek was the MasterMind there again but on another note I am not sure this is the right place 2 voice it but I was wondering why there was no support from her end towards Derek this season Specailly when she ias just ter on the last season ppl on twitter have been asking her to show some support but nothing at all HMM may be they talk 2 each other and support each other directly or personally but it wud be nice 2 c some support. AMY still does all the time
since Allison and riker are doing contemporary the other other for them is to do probably hip hop she is good at that also.
Bethany has been kind of MIA ever since the last season ended, her YouTube channel is suffering as well. But it takes hours to film and edit a video, it takes less than a minute to tweet best wishes. And specially since she’s most active on Mondays now that she has her Motavator Monday things. Although I did spot her in the audience in the Spring Break episode, yet they never drew attention to her. Guess it will be a mystery…
Please please please, let Nastia do a contemporary! With her ability and Derek’s choreography…this could be MAGIC! I’ve been waiting the whole season to see Nastia do contemporary 🙂 after her post on Instagram…I’m really hopeful 🙂
Anyone have any info on the judges the celebs got? I saw pics of CarrieAnne and Len going into Rehearsal today.
@Tamara I would love for Nastia to dance contemporary too but with the freestyle coming up the week after I’d rather have them do it then instead.
Not me. I’d rather them do the Contemporary this coming week and then something fast paced for the Finale.
I’d love to see Nastia & Derek do contemporary this week. I think she really needs to make that emotional connection and impact this week. Don’t think they can afford to risk saving that for the finale. Not to mention, contemporary might allow Derek more creative freedom to dance while saving his injuries.
I agree with Vogue, I’d rather Nastia/Derek do the Contemporary in the semis then use that style for their freestyle. Only because ever since Derek busted out that first one with Kellie it seems a lot of pros have gone digging into that bag of tricks for their freestyles(well except for Derek). Plus Nastia’s only real weakness is her struggle with emotional connection and performance and tossing that on her for the most important dance of the season might not be the safest bet.
totally agree with #Jane2 and Vouge here I would love it this week rather tan finale or for freestyle. Nastia seems 2 do well in fun happy kind of dances so may be something along those lines for the the Finaley or anything that highlight Nastia’s strengths but wud definitely love a slow softer emotional piece from them this week something tat will help Derek dance I guess Derek will play smart he know that He has 2 be ter in the semifinal dances some how to make it to the Finals
You guys are right about that.. but I have a feeling Nastia has contemporary this week based on her instagram post about “tearing down some walls”.
I agree, Guys! Being Nastia has scored higher with the happier and faster paced dances (Charleston, Jazz, Jive), I’d rather see something like that again in the Finale.
At this point, the only people on that show who can avoid doing a derivative contemporary routine are Derek and Allison. Sharna can but I believe she’s already done one this season, hasn’t she?
Nastia & Riker & Rumer have NOT done a Contemporary this season. Noah & Sharna did in week 4.
Do you guys think they’d give Nastia & Riker contemporary on the same night?
These are the dance styles that each couple have NOT done weeks 1-8
Nastia & Derek:
*Cha Cha Cha
*Salsa
*Contemporary
*Waltz
*Viennese Waltz
*Quickstep
Riker & Allison:
*Cha Cha Cha
*Rumba
*Argentine Tango
*Contemporary
*Quickstep
Noah & Sharna:
*Jive
*Paso Doble
*Waltz
*Viennese Waltz
*Quickstep
Rumer & Val:
Argentine Tango
Contemporary
Tango
Viennese Waltz
Quickstep
Once I looked at these and compared them, I found it nauseating that Val ends up with 2 Tangos, V.W. and Contemporary his strongest dances he can choreograph.(he changed his Tango in week 5 to a Samba-how convenient) I do not like the order of the dances this season at all, the producers are all over the place with them. It’s just plain idiotic. I hear an ECHO :::PIMP:::
Wasn’t Riker’s baseball-themed dance quickstep?
Yes, Nastia does well with the faster and fun routines, but she nailed other dances, and all the judges could do was knit-pick at her connection. At least Julianne brought out the fact of what the girl has been going through that the other celebs haven’t had to endure. I am so hoping that Derek is healed and can finish with her. She has a good connection and loved it when she told Erin that she doesn’t want anyone to go home.
@Susy
Thankyou for noticing that, and you are right.
Riker’s Baseball theme in week 7 “Era” week was Quicksstep.
Tina, before I was thinking Nastia and Derek might get the contemporary dance this week, but, Len likes Ballroom dances more, right? So, now I wonder if he will pick a ballroom dance and with a very traditional concept? Same with the song?
I am unsure that Len would construct a Contemporary, but I could be wrong. I just would think that he would pick something with technique at its center. I have no idea if he will. I guess we’ll find out when something is posted. I am disappointed that Rumer & Val are doing an Argentine Tango as well. I also think that doing that routine will continue to make her “one note”. She’s a powerful dancer (setting aside the Val issues), but I believe power-based dances are her one and possibly only strength. Nastia & Dasha have a powerful judge guiding them, so I believe they will create something with astounding technique & creativity. I know some people are also skeptical of Riker & Allison getting into the finals, but I believe their routine will be powerful either way. I feel for Riker a bit because Contemporary really is not his forte. That category is Allison’s main strength. I would rather have the top three end up being Nastia, Riker, & Rumer. Noah is impressive, but I think its unfair to him and to the other competitors for him to be judged. He has his strengths, but he also has technique-based weaknesses that cannot be fixed. I applaud him for his service and his efforts, but in my book he has done all that he can. The only way he’ll move on is through his inspired fan base.
One is a regular Dance and the other is a Judges pick I too don’t c Len picking contemporary for Nastia and Derek now it makes me wonder if they have one Slow dance and one Quick and fast dance now if we go by Nastia s IG she was talking about tearing down walls so may be she knows one of her dance may be the regular dance if the regular dance is a slow/emotional dance ( contempo/vw/walts) I guess the other one will be a fast paced also Sasha today mention Derek is trying and seeing if he is able to dance interesting interesting I am already exited for my team
If Nastia doesn’t have Contemporary this week, I’d be very happy to see her dance a very traditional V. Waltz. Looking at the list of dances Riker hasn’t done, I wonder if he’ll get two slower dances. I’m hoping Rumer gets a Quickstep because I think that’s the only dance that might be a challenge for her; also, I think it’s the only one where we might get something more fun. I just don’t know if I see Bruno picking Quickstep for her. With Noah, I’d love to see him take on the Paso.
There is no way Noah will get a jive or quickstep, but I’d love to see a Paso!
I really liked the Travis Wall Dance I too got the sense of domestic violence yet I also so strength and perseverance. I enjoy and appreciate contemporary yet prefer to see it this week rather than the finals. Like the fast and high energy dances for the finales. Watched it again and not seeing any similarity between Travis Wall dance and the contemporary that Allison is currently developing.
Before the season Noah confirmed that producers agreed that he would not do the jive or quickstep because of the injuries it could cause him. So I guess we can narrow down his dance options to waltz, VW, paso. So I am going to assume since his confirmed dance this week is VW that his judge dance is paso because they wouldn’t give him VW AND waltz.
The dances i think the judges will choose for the celebs: Riker-cha cha Noah-paso Rumer-Viennese waltz Nastia-waltz
@Meghan I hadn’t thought of that, but Jive especially would be horrendous on one leg. I’m quite excited to see what Noah can do with a Paso, but it’s not gonna be easy.
@KreativeKat Re:Rumer and Val’s remaining dances. She’ll be doing 2 of those this week, it’s pretty likely the other 3 she just won’t do. In the case of Quickstep that could be a big advantage, but if they’ve kept too many of her best dances until the end they might actually waste them. In particular I can’t see them giving her 2 Tangos in one week, so one of them goes out the window, which is to her disadvantage when she could have had it over, say, Jazz.
I kind of hope we get to see a quickstep from Rumor, I think she actually would be pretty good at it and I tend to enjoy Val’s quicksteps.
I hope to see Nastia get a latin dance from Len and I see him going that route- maybe a cha cha…I feel like the cha cha cha is such a staple to this show and I would be bummed not to see Nastia preform one. I also would love to see a salsa from her too cause I know she could do some awesome flips and lifts…I think if she had Bruno he would have chosen something like the salsa for her.
If the Jive & Quickstep is out of Noah’s dances he hasn’t done, that would mean there are only 3 possible dances style left and if he makes it to the end, there wouldn’t be enough left for him would there??
Paso Doble, Waltz, Viennese Waltz
Regarding this mentoring thing:
Bruno: It will be all about him, not them. I’m not sure what he can add to Val’s choreo-ego that Val might actually listen to.
CAI: no comment
Julianne: Allison might learn more this round than Riker. She is still way too edgy and hard in most every dance. Maybe Julianne can help her out. And…am I the only one who finds Allison’s thighs way too muscular and defined for some of the outfits she wears?
Len: The very thought of Len trying to Mentor Derek just makes me laugh my ass off. As if. (nod to PH way upstream).
@KreativeKat #97, if Noah does lets say VW and paso this week and he makes it to week 10 then he will do freestyle and whatever the other dance is that producers choose to do this season…like last season they did judges pick a dance for people to redo…in 18 they redid switch up week dances. Then for finale night they always do “instant” dances or fusion.
So Noah should have enough left and might even have the waltz to spare depending on what they choose for the second dance theme to be in week 10.
@vogue: well, Len can choose whatever he wants (he will NOT choose contemporary, that’s for sure), but Nastia can still get contemporary as her second dance, right? I’m not a fan of waltz, so I hope that Len will choose Viennese Waltz. Although I have a feeling he reeeeeally likes quickstep as well.
@Dancewithyou I thought the same about Julianne with Riker and Allison. Julianne seems to have a similar attitude to Allison but unlike Allison she is centred in ballroom. Maybe she can focus Allison, not to put too fine a point on it because I do like her.
So true Tamara, …she could get the contemporary as her 2nd dance.
@Vogue, I think having Len as their judge he’s going to pick a ballroom dance for sure. There’s a chance she could have contemporary as her second dance, but if the judges’ pick dance is a V. Waltz I highly doubt she’d had have two types of dances that are emotional, etc. I think if V. waltz is picked, the other might be Salsa or Cha Cha.
@ Tina I hope it is not the Cha Cha. JMO I don’t think I have ever watched a cha cha and just thought wow what a amazing dance. lol
I think having Len as you mentor is good since he usually gives out the lowest score,
@PJ that is true, lol. I think that’s why Cha Cha’s are normally done on week 1.. I’d rather them have Salsa then cause lifts will be allowed.
Really curious to see what the “judges” pick (I say “judges” because for all we know TPTB are the ones determined everything and the judges just tell them).
I think it’s safe to assume Noah will get Paso. No idea on Nastia since we don’t know her other dance yet and that could determine things. I think Rumer might get a V. Waltz and Riker…hmm…I could see him getting AT or Cha-Cha I guess. I just don’t know if they would have him do Contemporary and Rumba in the same night. Even though I could see him doing very well with a Cha-Cha I think I would prefer he do an AT. Also, as someone else said, in general Cha-Chas don’t normally wow me for me some reason.
The thing about Derek is that while he often choreographs things he knows Len won’t like, he actually seems to respect the man a good bit – while still KNOWING that it’s a TV show and a lot of what Len says and does is geared toward that. And, in some of his radio interviews he’s been doing, Derek has been uncharacteristically un-PC about the show and admitting that. So, while I agree with AS IF on Len mentoring him, I think Derek will pay close attention. He implied on the radio yesterday that “favoritism” from the judges does happen but his tone implied that it wasn’t him being favored. I would agree. It’s hard to explain, you would have to listen to him talk – but he pretty much straight up confirmed that he knows very well how the show works and that it’s manipulated.
Or I could be hearing what I want to hear – I KNOW he’s very smart about this show and knows how to work it, just didn’t expect to hear him talk about it quite so frankly (for him).
Yeah agreed PH. I think he does love the show, and knows how produced it is, but is just tired of his partner getting overly shafted and also annoyed that the judges are not acknowledging her technique or improvements much since they do work so hard on all of it.
I hope Nastia gets two contrasting W9 dances. First choice would be Len’s choice quickstep and contemporary. Second choice would be Len’s choice VWaltz and salsa.
PH I heard the same thing and was stunned that Derek was so provocative in his remarks. I always expect him to shut down all that kind of conversation but he just threw the question back on the interviewer. The implication was unmistakable.
Derek must be pissed at the way Nastia has been treated. I’ve never seen him speak so openly before. I really won’t be surprised if he’s done after this season. His support for his partner i think outweighs his support for the show. Last week’s package obviously took a toll on Nastia, and Derek’s not pleased about that.
Well the favoritism has been obvious… but, yea…he was alittle loose with his comments in that short interview
PH I agree. I think it’s been building all season with Derek and Monday night was finally the push that knocked him over the ledge. They’ve been trying all season to paint his partnership in a negative light, they’ve lowballed their scores, judged them on ridiculous things( actually keeping to the theme, lip sync ect) and have been pushing their agenda so strongly a blind man could see it. Nastia’s tears the other night seemed to have been his breaking point.
Derek’s been throwing some serious shade in very indirect ways the last couple of days.
He should never have done this season. I wonder if he seriously regrets doing it now. Obviously he wasn’t to know that injury was to ruin the one thing he really wanted to be a part of this season (the anniversary show). I think he’s just really cheesed off right now. He’s injured, can’t dance to the level he wants to, can’t be in the NYSS and probably feels like he’s letting them down after committing to the show. Add all this to him now having to deal with Nastia breaking down over this package and it’s probably put Derek on the edge. It’s obvious Derek doesn’t care about winning one bit, he just doesn’t like seeing his partner in such a state and wants to give her a positive experience from the show. He’s then got MOVE to get ready for as well. Once that tour is over he should take some much needed time off, knowing Derek though he’ll probably throw himself straight into season 21, because no matter how manipulated or produced it is, he loves this show to bits.
I know they did the same thing to noah..but, with nastia it just came off incredibly malicious…its like your that desperate to make her look bad to help rumer with votes…it’s a pathetic move on their part.
M8, Derek seemed frustrated after the comments he got for their tango, which was before he got injured. Since week 2 the show has been trying to put their partnership in a negative light. NYSS is over now, so I hope he won’t dwell on it. I think Nastia feels very insecure now. The way her voice was breaking when she said people used to think this way about her during her gymnastics days, and the show trying to reaffirm that must have rattled her. So I see why Derek is pissed.
DWTS has given Derek a lot of reasons 2 be pissed of this time they have been targeted from get go they have been dancing full out every week. Now I was annoyed that they had rumba the 2nd week I remember thinking at least give them a change to know each other better before u do a intimate sensual dance but still they deliver an awesome number what if they had done it now? wer Nastia is much more comfortable with D I cant even imagine how good that wud be. Disney night lip sync? the most stupidest ridiculous comment as ever then the Tango he had already started not liking what is going on and low balling of Nastia and then to add it Showing that package of Nastia and seeing that poor girl so upset must have changed it for him. Now I was seeing the package of Nastia from the Dance Center again and it looked like they were trying to get her to answer few questions on Henry/sasha change that’s were she said I dont want to go that route, that<s what he dint want, does not want to talk about it. That must have been the last blow. On one of the Radio calls when he was asked how it is for Jules judging their dance he also said it ok but some times its like come on. Frankly, I am pleased that he is saying something he generally never says anything against the show I have always wondered why he does not say anything he also coached Nastia not to comment on things and the producers used even that to show her bad light. There is a LIMIT to for everything and they(DWTS)have surely crossed that and its going to COST them I am sure
@vouge – I read what Derek wrote in his blog and it sounded to me like it’s the judge’s choice that is the quickstep…
I have to admit I’m a little bummed Nastia didn’t get to do Contemporary. I mean, I like the Quickstep and all, but I was looking forward to seeing her REALLY show her emotions, do something stripped down and raw and I thought Contemporary would be a great way to do that.
At least Quickstep is a fast and fun dance! I’m sure the judges will love that. Really wishing her the best of luck!
I doubt Len will give them the Contemporary as their Judges Pick dance, but I hope he does! Since the judges always seem to bring up no connection or whatever, Len should give them that dance to prove himself wrong! Especially if he was one of the ones complaining about a lack of passion or connection between Nastia and Derek.
We’ll see about this week. Wishing Derek the speediest recovery too!
hadn’t seen the “other dance” in his blog… sorry 🙂 It just seemed so obvious that Len would chose quickstep
Derek said “we’ll see what Len comes up with, and our other dance is the Quickstep.” So it looks like nobody is revealing the judges choice dance yet.
@M8 Everything happens for a reason. If it didn’t work out for him, he wouldn’t have, but it did. and he got the chance to meet Nastia and dance with her.
M8 While Derek might not care about winning for himself, I think he cares greatly about giving his partner the best chance possible.
Please is there any record of Derek and nastia’s package released on tuesday where she was crying ?
Len choose contemporary?! Whaaaat? If I would have him in front of me, I would give him the biggest hug ever! I’m sooooooooooo happy, I wanted to see Nastia do contemporary the whole season and it’s finally happening! THANK YOU, LEN!
I’m so shocked Len picked contemporary! I cant’t wait to see what Derek comes up with! I hope it’s something he can do dance wise!
Riker and Allison danced the Viennese waltz last monday, it’s strange that they dance again a Viennese waltz
Blah…was hoping for AT or Cha-Cha for Riker. He just had Waltz last week. Oh well.
Uggh! I wish Nastia would have gotten another Latin dance. I knew Len was gonna give them a ballroom dance because he’s Len. I hope it has a lot of creativity and it’s not just a standard V.Waltz. Kinda sucks that Val and Rumer have dances that are in their comfort zones and I can smell at least one perfect score.
I just find CAI + Noah & Sharna + Paso Doble so random. The Paso’s a man’s dance, what could CAI possibly bring to the table to help Noah w/ that type of dance?
I wish the Quickstep & Contemporary were flipped for Nastia & Derek. Again, I find Len + Contemporary random. He’s not an expert in this particular dance style so how is he going to “creatively direct” this?
Do you guys know if Derek is 100% not dancing next week? In his blog he said about their Quickstep that he “definitely will not be able to do” it, but he didn’t say that about their first dance, which according to the mods is Contemporary. Maybe he will dance in that number (hopefully)? Of course his health is the most important so if he’s still not able to dance I would understand.
Really mad Derek and Nastia have TWO ballroom dances this week. Already knew Len was gonna give them a ballroom dance since he’s Len. But I hope it has a lot of creativity in it and hope it’s really fun to watch since it is the semi finals.
2 Ballroom dances for Nastia? Isn’t that strange as she’s the only one who’ll be doing 2 full ballroom routines?!! I was hoping for a contemporary for Nastia! 🙁
Well…with Rumer/Val getting contemporary for judge’s choice (weird) that eliminates having it as a freestyle.
If they were going to give Noah the Paso…I wish he’d gotten Len (that is who Noah said he wanted because Len is the toughest judge so he wanted that challenge). Per their interview with the LA Times, Sharna said that their V. Waltz will be romantic and reminiscent of their journey so far. And the Paso she alluded to it being epic and memorable. I am rooting for them all the way…but I do wonder if Sharna realizes Monday may be their last dances and she’s just throwing caution to the wind at this point!
I think Nastia will do well with their dances. But I think they one that got the best hand dealt are Rumer/Val…one dance where it can be still intense and then contemporary where it can again be intense and dramatic and where the scores are usually a bit more loose.
Monday night should be interesting. I will wait with anticipation for the you deserve to be in the final proclamation and the you’ve had a good run kiss off.
You know, I can’t remember a time when a couple had two Standard dances. That’s just weird. I’m not counting Argentine Tango. I’m talking about the core 5 Standards of VW, QS, Tango, Foxtrot and Waltz.
I don’t think Nastia has done Cha Cha. Why not have her do that in the first round and then VW as her judges?
I’m glad Nastia and Rumer both have V. Waltz, that way the viewers can directly compare the two.
Rumer has had a Waltz before, so she has an advantage, but Nastia has Len to help her, and he’ll make sure her technique is on point. She did just post on instagram that this is her favorite dance so far, so things must be going well.
I’m also kinda glad Rumer got contemporary now, that way Val will be forced to create something else for a freestyle. But judges tend to be more kind with scores when it comes to contemporary. Both their dances will problably de kind of dark and dramatic, again.
I’m looking forward to Riker’s contemporary the most, I’ve been waiting to see a contemporary from Allison for a long time, she looked absolutely stunning in the Travis Wall piece. She’s done a few ATs before, so I believe she can choreograph something great for him, I just hope it’s a different feel this time; something a little slower and more intimate and not so fast and aggressive like most of their dances have been so far.
I hope Riker and Nastia have a perfect night and impacful performances.
On her live stream Nastia made a comment (that I took to be joking) that they should have done the Cha Cha and Derek said no. Could they have picked the Quick Step? I’m not sure how that works. Their quick step looked nice to my untrained eye!
I must be grumpy today because I also think Contemporary should be off the table as an availlable dance for the first two weeks and the last two weeks. It’s become a sort of “let’s through out a bunch of tens” dance whether it really deserves it or not too often on the show. It’s too easy to futz technique with Contemp. or Jazz.
All a couple has to do to impress the judges is emote and writhe about. I can do that when I stub my toe.
I agree about the contemporary. I mean you have NOah trying to learn a V. Waltz AND a Paso! And Rumer gets contemporary..and Allison as well.
ok now with these new changes and Derek blog may be Derek and Nastia will go the contemporary style root for freestyle but I am already loving the quickstep Derek said its a fusion and spoke of samba so is it a samba quickstep fusion?
Nastia & Derek’s quickstep looks amazing!! It’s full of content and it’s the perfect dance for her, I feel like. It sucks they have two ballroom dances but that’s just gonna show her versatility even more.
I think nastia will do great with those two ballroom dances…figured it was a waltz based on the pic dancingabc instagrammed of her and len in hold.
I sense we’ll see Nastia in the Quickstep and Anastasia in the V. Waltz.
This is just my opinion. To me it just shows that they want Nastia gone. Why not give Rumer the two ballroom dances instead and give Nastia the contemporary. We already know that Rumer is going to get all 10s for both routines given the dances. I do not think they will let Nastia dance the quickstep with Sasha and then do the VW with Derek. I think Derek would be able to do the VW but do not feel the producers will let her do that.
If Riker and Allison can’t make the final with a contemporary and an Argentine Tango then they might as well give up to be honest. Probably two of the easiest dances to get a 10. They won’t get a better chance at two perfect scores.
why are you guys so worried…can val choreograph a good contemporary routine…probably not…and if she needs so much pimping she probably isn’t getting votes.
Suzanne, it’s not worrying so much as pissed.
Barring Val dropping Rumer on her head during the Contemporary, this dance is 10 bait. It doesn’t even matter that Val can’t choreograph a good Contemporary. Like I said earlier, all they have to do is emote to high heaven and fling themselves about the floor. It’s sort of a “freebie” dance.
For that reason I’m upset that it’s allowed in the semi-final. Either all couples should be doing all ballroom dances or all couples get Contemporary.
Maybe I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, but it’s just another example of pimping #makevalhappen.
So with this update, unless round 1 of the finals is an unlearned style:
Nastia never did Salsa or Cha Cha
Rumer never did Quickstep or Argentine Tango
Noah never did Jive or Quickstep
Riker never did Cha Cha or Rumba
I don’t think Nastia & Derek having Quickstep & V. Waltz is a total disadvantage. Of course, I would have liked it if they got one latin & one standard just to balance things out. But I think gymnasts tend to excel more in the standard ballroom dances over the latin ones. Maybe due to their upright posture & core strength. Also, last season I had doubts about Mark & Sadie’s Foxtrot Trio and it ended up one of my favorites of the season so I’m sure Nastia & Derek’s dances will be great as well (even if they were given those dances to hamper them).
@Matt – Noah will never do quickstep or jive – Sharna said earlier in the season in an interview that his computerized knee just can’t handle those two dances, so he was basically exempt from doing them. Which begs the question: has the plan been for Noah NOT to make the finals all along?
@Carrie, why don’t you think so? Derek has been in all of their dances since he got injured, so I don’t think this is any different. Gotta think positive and vote for them to be in the finals and win. I don’t mind her having two ballroom dances because her Quickstep is looking amazing (and Quickstep is my least favorite dance) so I have no doubt the Waltz will be too.
Yeah I actually think Nastia and Derek are gonna kill both the Quickstep and Viennese Waltz. I can see her getting a perfect score for the QS, and then since Len is working with them for the VW, he won’t judge her and considering he is the only one who has yet to give her a 10… I’m pretty sure that Waltz is gonna be perfect in scores and everything else. So, I’m not worried.
Rumer and Val of course have it easy with both their dances. Nothing new there. I agree, Contemporary is a freebie and for the Finale? Shouldn’t happen, imo. I’m still not 100% sure Rumer could make the Finals. I just think Noah, Riker and Nastia have bigger supporters/fans. But who knows. I’m at the point where I don’t really care if Rumer wins. Actually, I will be happy for Rumer. Giver her a MBT. She’s a great dancer and a great person. Val on the other hand.. he gets on my nerves. And I already know a MBT would give him a bigger head than he already possesses.
Still rooting for either Riker or Nastia to win! Hell, I’ll even love for Noah to win!
#CC NY Len gave their trio a 10.
Also a note.. just going through the DWTS snapchat and there’s a snap of Derek and Nastia rehearsing the V. Waltz.. just the two of them without Sasha. The caption is “Team Houghkin sending Len some moves”
Wow @ Rumer and Val’s song. Just wow. Also, Allison said she requested this song before the season and couldn’t get it approved. More favoritism for the little princess.
Interesting… Allison mentioned in their Quickstep livestream that she requested that Song (Earned it- The Weekend) before the season started.
I remember also in one of Sharna & Noah’s livestreams, Sharna also said she requested that song too.
Wow. Val would probably make it more of a strip tease than contemporary. I bet Allison is pissed now..
Didn’t you know Lotus, that title has been reserved for Val?
#MissJ I swear we typed at the same time,(sorry!) not trying to repeat the same comment.
I think nastia will be gorgeous with the two standard dances, I can’t wait for monday. I wonder what’s the plan for the finals.
What I like about Riker doing contemporary is that he is not a super strong guy so he actually has to dance and not just rely on lifts (a la Chris). And I wouldnt be surprised if they give a 40 to a contemporary and is not for Allison/Riker but Rumer *rolls eyes*
Remember, Len will be scoring Rumer’s contemporary. He doesn’t react well to raunch. Wouldn’t necessarily count on a “10 from Len.”
lol this a ballroom not a bedroom…i expect to hear this again.
@Suzy, Suzanne, Val will make it a bedroom dance and it will not bode well with the judges. Only a good choreographer (Derek) will know how to turn a song like that into magic.
This is what happens when Court tries to update after a loooooooong week at work – she mixes stuff up. My apologies.
I actually think the best course of action with “Earned It” would be to make it as un-50 Shades as possible – the complete opposite of what everyone is expecting.
I would have preferred if allison and riker had a different dance other than contemporary for the semi finals because I wanted them to do contemporary for their freestyle but I know they are going to do great on monday I am rooting for them cant wait.
Hoping Rumer & Val’s Contemporary will fall just as flat as their Bootylicious Jazz.
@ Suzy, I find it ironic that Bruno, the one who loves raunch, isn’t going to judge their dance at all.
Okay…I’m PISSED!!!! Sharna specifically said in their last livestream before their jazz number that she’d wanted to do a contemporary style V.Waltz to Earned It by The Weekend and couldn’t get it cleared because it was on the 50 Shades of Grey soundtrack..and now Rumer and Val get to do a contemporary to it? WTF!!! Sharna should be pissed off…especially if SHE requested it at the start of the season and told no. Now, I am 125% convinced the season is set up for a Val win. I was giving it the benefit of the doubt..but now THIS…yeah..whatever!
Whoops! I was writing my last comment at the same time Courtney’s update was changed.
It’s ok Courtney, Thanks btw! we appreciate the spoiler!
I’m just expecting it to be a dance where Val is fawning over Rumer like she’s the center of the universe or some shit. Be prepared for him acting like he acted during his Freestyle Contemporary with Janel. I’ll put money down on more tears, too, heh. Overall, I’m just expecting it to be gagworthy.
I’ve wanted someone to dance to Earned It of a while, but I always envisioned it as an Argentine Tango. I wish it was that instead of a Viennese Waltz.
Well with 3 couples doing a VW as one of their dances, I hope the judges will be consistent with their comments, and scores. lolololol
I just kill myself sometimes.
I have to admit I’m a little bummed about Nastia assigned dances. Those are such traditional, technical styles that require elegance, perkiness (quickstep) and perfection – all of which I feel like we’ve already seen from her on this season. But, what do I know? Derek’s such a seasoned vet, he obviously knows best. Maybe opting to do contemporary with two of the other strongest couples wouldn’t be the smartest move? I mean, who would want to be compared to Allison in that genre? Her and Riker are going to kill that number. I’m rooting for team Houghkin all the way. I know Nastia will be amazing! I can’t wait to see what Derek comes up with.
igt! Duh! I forgot about that one! Thanks for reminding me! 😀
I’ve been watching DWTS Lebanon on YouTube (I recommend it for those who enjoy DWTS in general. Nice dancing, sometimes). Someone did a Viennese Waltz to “Earned It” and made it very traditional and didn’t go the “50 Shades” route. So it is possible to make it “clean”. However, because the song does have a bit of a dark tone, I bet Val is gonna go that route yet again.
10 buck says it ends up looking like their Waltz and their Foxtrot.
@Jane2 you can watch Team Houghkin’s live stream from earlier today and they were rehearsing the quickstep. I think you’re gonna be pleased. 🙂
I’m sure Nastia will do beautifully with both the ballroom dances, and while I’m PO’d that she’s getting “Charlie-d” (with a slightly different twist”, I’m just going to enjoy the fabulous performances I know she’ll give and vote to get her into the finals.
TPTB definitely want to get rid of Noah. In some ways, I think he’s the biggest threat to “Val’s Season”. If Nastia gets into the finals, they might have done enough to sabotage her chances of getting the MBT, but if Noah gets into the finals it’ll be on fanbase, and there’s not a lot TPTB can do at that point to sabotage him.
@Cidra, I believe no matter what TPTB try to do to Nastia, when she gets into the finals and hopefully wins, it’ll be because of the fans.
The votes don’t lie. I think there’s a good reason why Nastia is the only one left who hasn’t been in jeopardy.
In the AA today, I thought I heard Derek say they were doing a fusion. ??
Think this could be the worst semifinal on Dwts history.
Three VWs and two contemps…
Just wanna really see Riker’s AT… Julianne never danced it before… What can she bring to Riker and Alisson?
Wow…I don’t think I’ve ever seen the producers trying THIS hard to completely prompt someone so much as they are Rumer and that includes Maks’s S18 with Meryl. Everything just seems to work for her. Come on America…don’t fail me now.
Just because Allison is an amazing contemporary dancer, it doesn’t mean that she’s an amazing contemporary choreographer. I wager Derek is better than her. And where did you get the idea, Jane, that Derek picked the dances?
I was wondering about the fusion thing too. At the beginning of the Live Rehearsal today, Derek said they were doing a fusion dance. The large part of the dance was Quickstep but then he was also teaching her some Samba steps?
Ii think allison will chorograph a great contemporary she doesnt need to be compared to anybody.
Can I just say that val posted a tweet that he has Earned It on repeat and I’m irrationally pissed off about it. Almost like he’s rubbing it in. I’m unreasonably perturbed about it knowing two other pros requested this song and were told no because it couldn’t be cleared ams all of a sudden it’s available.
Omg! What if they give Rumer and Val ” Love me like you Do” by Ellie Goulding a song from Fifty Shades of Grey for her contemporary dance. Just like last week she got songs from Strictly Ballroom.
@izzieq – When did Val tweet about it? Are you referring to and old or recent tweet?
I have a feeling that Riker is gonna show the fan-card this week and use one of R5’s songs for his Contemporary. There are only a few of the songs I think he could use though. “Stay With Me” seems to be the most likely. Fans have been begging for that one. I know I’m probably in the minority of wanting Riker to win, but he really is a great dancer. I know the youth is what he relies on for votes, but you never know… I actually think Nastia will do really well with two ballroom dances. She has really great technique, and I think it’ll just continue to prove how great she is! As for Rumer & Val… *sigh* Did they REALLY have to take the song everyone else was vying for and do it to VW? AND do a Contemporary??? If they were really having issues with getting the song to go through in the first place, it should NOT have been given to them on a silver platter. I get the feeling that Noah will get votes for creativity again this week. Paso doble could DEF suit him.
@miss . Oops…I got so irritated that I didn’t notice the date on the tweet. It was from February. Still pissed though.
@miss j….it’s from Feb. But I’m still irritated.
That actually shows how long Val has wanted that song. TPTB fulfilled his wishes while denying Allison & Sharna.
So is Nastia’s second dance a fusion because Derek very clearly added some Samba to their Quickstep from the live stream or is he just asking to get dinged on Monday?
In the very beginning of the rehearsal today Derek announced to the audience, “We’re dancing a fusion. Don’t know if you knew that.”
@Matt Derek said at the beginning of the rehearsal they had a fusion. Apparently it’s only supposed to be a quickstep so I’m a bit confused.
The only dance I’ve seen Allison choreograph on her own was the Contemporary w/ her & Fikshun on SYTYCD a couple seasons ago & I wasn’t all that impressed to be honest.
I wasn’t even that impressed about her & Riker’s Jive Trio last Monday. I think if Karina, Cheryl, Emma or any other of the female pros had choreographed that routine, I would’ve loved it (since they’re mostly ballroom-trained, not jazz/contemporary-trained). I think with so many people praising Allison’s dance ability in those genres, I was expecting something a little bit more.
It just reminds me of when during the audition rounds on SYTYCD where they have the dancers choreograph mini-group routines for themselves & most of them end up looking really bad. Along the lines of what PH said in post #182, just because someone’s a great dancer doesn’t mean they’re a great choreographer (different Jane BTW). There are some pros on DWTS I can think of that fit into this scenario: Tony (although it still baffles me that he has an Emmy nod for choreo), Maks, Val, Tristan (I still like him though!), Anna, Alec, Edyta, etc.
Just saw a little clip of Riker and Allison rehearsing their AT, I know is only a few seconds but it looks kinda wrong. You dont dance AT w an International Tango hold for starters. I hope Julianne knows anything abou AT and helps correct Allison’s choreo, otherwise this could be a “looks like AT but no AT content”. I know is early to judge but I hate when they do whatever they want w latinamerican styles I dont enjoy disco-salsas and faux sambas.
I always wonder if is really that hard for DWTS to clear appropiate music for the dances, we don’t need to have the hit of the moment if it doesnt fit the style.
I think Derek is going to do whatever he wants and entertain people…I’m thinking like how he and Shawn broke hold in their quickstep during all star season. He’s done at this point playing by the rules.
The whole song thing is such an insult to Sharna and Allison. Especially if they’d asked for it first. And we know for a fact that just less than two weeks ago Sharna was under the impression the song would not clear because she said it in her live stream when they were rehearsing for week 7. She said she’d wanted the song to do a contemporary v. Waltz to it. It came up when she was asked if she’d ever so a dance blind folded. Any bets on if Rumee comes out in a blindfold? Not sure when allison mentioned wanting the song as well. Omg..I don’t know why I’m so irked about this. And they had AT ams them changed it to v.waltz…I wonder if that was after they’d gotten the song magically cleared.
I think that if Sharna gets the feeling this week is it for them, she’s going to go out with a bang.
I do wonder if the other three couples can all get a vibe of where this is all going.
I’m Willing to bet the other couples have a fusion dance too because while Derek is creative, I doubt he would just randomly put more than a few steps of pure Samba into a quickstep.
@Ananya – I did some creeping on the Twitter machine, and it appears liked something about that song back in January. He then tweeted about it in February. Around the beginning of the season, he favorited a tweet from someone about dancing to that song. Also, recently he tweeted about it and called it his new favorite, but he undid the tweet.
Tina #178, they did the same to Bethany, she was never in jeopardy but was voted off in 4th place, so hoping the same does not happen to Nastia.
Derek always goes by the music, maybe that portion of the music gave him a samba feel.
On a sidenote, I gotta say, none of the other pros on the show has created a decent fusion.
To my knowledge, I don’t believe any contestant who ended out winning their season was put in jeopardy more than one time.
If you go by that measure, only Nastia or Rumer can win now as Riker’s been in jeopardy 3 times and Noah twice.
@Ananya Looking at the other dances the couples have, seeing that there’s 2 Viennese Waltz’s and a contemporary I’m betting those are going to be fusion too because those are pretty easy to fuse depending on the other style that goes with it.
If Derek were to be adding Jive steps to a quickstep that would make more sense if he were trying to choreograph a more out of the box Quickstep but seeing that he’s adding Samba to a quickstep, which doesn’t make to much sense if you’re doing a non fusion quickstep, I’m guessing they were assigned a Quickstep/Samba fusion. Not mention Derek said they were doing a fusion during live rehearsal.
Agreed Bethany was never shown 2 be in jepordy yet came 4rth I hope the same does not repeat this time but again I was not voting so hard for Bethany nd Derek last time. I want tem to make the finals and win this time. in the 1st week of this season I was not voting tat hard for Nastia but it all changed from week 3 coz of the judge’s and the over the top scoring of 1 couple over other.
Just read the lyrics to Earned. Eye roll indeed!
If the “plan” was to keep Noah in the comp up to the finals, then mission accomplished at the expense, maybe, of other celebs. That would be shameful. However, we will never know unless DT fills the mods in after the season.
Either way best of luck to him and Nastia. Never felt it for Riker and could care less about Rumer thanks to Val.
You’re right # Izzieq. Sharna did say that and I’m also pissed !!!! Really hope Val and Rumer don’t win !
It wouldn’t be the first time Derek’s done a little fusion when he wasn’t assigned it. I remember in his quickstep with Kellie he fused in a little V. Waltz section because it really fit with the music. Len loved it, even specifically mentioned that section in his comments. It wouldn’t surprise me any if he decided to do it because he wants to do it.
None of the other pros have mentioned or even hinted at getting fusion and unless TPTB have done a complete about face and decided they want Nastia to top the leader board then it’s doubtful they assigned it just to Derek. Derek is the proven king of the fusion dance and giving him that and the other singular dances would be setting up Derek and Nastia to leap ahead and with the way the agenda has been showing this season, I can’t see them doing that.
Top 4 S19 VS Top 4 S20
Which Top 4 group was the strongest in terms of danceability and technique?
I think this years top 4 is much stronger in terms of technique. Nastia, Rumer and Riker have much better technique than Bethany, Janel and Sadie but I think last years Top 4 had more charisma and personality when dancing. I was watching some of Sadies, Bethany’s and Janel’s dances from last season and they had HORRIBLE frame and footwork (uncomparable to Rumers, Nastia or even Riker)
I like noah but if he is in the finals that probably going to mean that riker and allison will be eliminated since they are the only couple I am voting for I will be mad…im sure nastia and rumer not going anywhere..if riker and allison are eliminated I am not going to vote for anybody but will continue to watch their freestyle and see who win…and I think its too early to judge people dance rehearsals.
Glad Rumer and Val has that song. I wouldn’t waste that song on Allison. Sharna shouldn’t be complaining either considering the contemporary routine she did this season has over 30 million hits on facebook.
M8, it’s obvious you favor Rumer and Val, but that should not cloud your judgment in realizing that there’s an issue on favoritism here. If that song didn’t get approved upon the request of a pro for whatever reason they had, then it shouldn’t be given to another.
I favour Nastia and Derek actually and have been voting for them since week 7. But back on topic, if the song has just now been cleared then why should they not be allowed to use it? If the song didn’t get approved in the past that’s tough luck. At the end of the day it’s just a song and has no bearing on scores so who cares.
I remember Allison saying during one of the livestreams that “Earned It” by The Weeknd was one the songs she would love to dance to and that she even put a request in at the beginning of the season. Ryker loves that song as well, he said. And now Val gets it? WTF? -_-
@ Megan #99
Thank you for reminding me about the “freestyle.” I completely forgot to include that in the finale. LOL 🙂
If round 1 is fusion, there are 2 “oddities” here.
1: These are both rounds usually reserved for the finals. Why, and what does this mean for the final?
2: Contemporary fusion? What does that mean? Surely in a fusion the two styles have to be distinct, and I don’t think adding contemporary to another style will do that. Is this how they hose Riker?
On the other hand, Derek has Len to hand this week. Why would he dance a fusion out of turn, unless he doesn’t care anymore. I wouldn’t blame him for being over it.
On the point of Val getting a song rejected for Allison and/or Sharna, even for TPTB that is extraordinarily shitty behaviour.
@Mr A You can fuse Contemporary with really any type of dance if you are smart about it. Alison is a professional contemporary dancer, not a ballroom dancer while Riker has ballroom dance experience so that might actually work in their favor. That is, if they actually have fusion dances. This is only speculation on my part because Derek said they had a fusion dance. Also, Len is only involved in their Viennese Waltz and not their Quickstep/fusion dance.
Derek said in his blog that he was going to make the Quickstep creative and fun again, so it doesn’t surprise me if he added some Samba in it.. especially since he choreographs by listening to the music.
This isn’t the first time that people have said that they REALLY, REALLY wanted one specific song, and they wereally refused it, and the song given to another couple. I can’t think of any examples off the top of my head, but I do remember it happening before. I don’t know the song in question this week, but I have been hearing another song from the soundtrack on my satellite radio (the “clean” version of Ride) and I just can’t stand that song, so since it’s from the same movie, I am automatically prejudiced against liking it.
They’ve done a lot of different things in the finals over the last 10 years. Sometimes they bring in something new during the season, and then we quickly see it in the finals, along with the freestyle. They’ve always had the couples favorite dance they get to redo, or one they would like to try to get a better score. It USED to always be what the couple decided (or appeared to) but now, all of the finalists are required to choose whichever of their dances fit the agenda best, and we are supposed to believe that all of them loved the same dance style as the others, or whatever thoughts TPTB have in “guiding” everyone with their “couples choice” round.
So…. What will the finale have? Maybe couples “choice” and freestyle on night one, and instant dance on the second night? Maybe they realized that making them learn 4 dances in a few days is cruel and unusual punishment.
Or, maybe they have come up with another challenge they’ve not completely thought through but will throw it out there to them and they’ll figure out the rules later? Definitely wouldn’t be the first time they did that
throwing my newbie opinion in. I think Noah is fourth, Rumer is 2nd and Riker/Nastia have 1st and 3rd – I just don’t know which way. My reasoning is that I just don’t think the judges at this point can score Noah highly enough to make the finale.
Rumer in the finale has always been a given to me, but I think 2nd because TPTB want her fam there and need to keep them happy until the last minute possible. So if she was 3rd – then there could be sm interaction from them before the show ever ended – and Im sure TPTB don’t want the focus on that while they are trying to crown a champion.
Plus, I believe Riker and Nastia are better dancers. All 3 are good – but Dereks choreography in a finale makes vals look like a high school production. The wild card is Allison – what can she (and her help) bring to the finale? Is it enough to beat Derek/Nastia?
One more thought before I head off to work- If the judges/producers count Nastia’s dance as just a Quickstep and not a Quickstep/Samba fusion it will be a shame because it could potentially lower their score and from what I saw in the live rehearsal, Derek seemed to blend the two styles together really well. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see till Monday 🙂
Okay I lied. One more thing I promise… Based on what Derek and Nastia were singing in live rehearsal, could this be their song for Quickstep? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH3giaIzONA
I’ve been wondering on that song too, Amanda!
Amanda, I just posted this at PDH to you. This is the way I took that part: He said fusion and they were practicing some samba, but, I think it was to explain to her (so she would understand what he meant) how she was suppose to kind of bounce in that particular part (or some parts) of the Quickstep for his choreography.
Okay I guess we’ll just have to wait and see on the fusion part I guess 🙂 Also, am I wrong in thinking that’s a terrible song for a Quickstep? Lol
@Lori
I agree.
off the top of my head, I remember Val stating how much he really wanted to choreograph to Say Something and requested it at the beginning of S18…it was eventually given to mark and Candace that season. It seems fairly common, especially with popular songs that multiple pros probably request.
Actually disappointed that Rumer & Val won’t be dancing AT…I liked his AT choreo with Elizabeth & Meryl, and it is suited to this couple’s style. Would have liked to see QS for judge’s choice…I think that it would have been a nice juxtaposition of intense & light. A little worried about contemporary & Bruno…could be really crazy, or he could give them a whole new color & attitude. As for Nastia & Derek…of course Len is going to pick ballroom – why would you expect anything else…and by picking QS, he is demonstrating his confidence in their ability & talent to make it look good. I think all of the judges want to see “their couple” as the winner in judges’ choice!
I like Rumer’s song,but isn’t it just too slow for a VW? But I guess Val can choreograph a Waltz instead of VW and still get a perfect score. I can also imagine how his choreo will look like, pretty much the same like their first dance. Wish they got a Quickstep instead.
I’ve been a Val fan for years. This season changed that. The pimpage and a** kissing was too much. I won’t be able to watch val and rumer dance to earned it. Too sickening. My votes are going to Noah now. Sharna has been doing an amazing job and I really enjoy their performances.
I am so excited about Rumer’s VW now. Ever since I heard that song on the radio I hoped it would be used for a VW this season! I’m pretty bummed to see only 1 latin dance this week. So many contemporary and VW dances, wish they would have a larger variety of dance styles this week.
ok I was just seeing snapchat and Derek and Nastia were recording for Len 2 see the dance and not Sasha is it possible for Nastia 2 dance quickstep with Sasha and Vin-walts with Derek I am not sure where but I read somewhere that the Producers wont allow her to dance one dance with Sasha and 1n with Derek is that true ny idea on that?
@Derekluv That is all speculation. From what it looks like, it looks like Derek will be dancing with her in the Waltz based on that snapchat.
#Tina Ya I though so too also, in live stream Sasha said u can dance the Quickstep and he was like “I may do that also” so that got me thinking that may be he will do the V Walts since Quickstep will be very difficult for him he said that in the blog but dint say anything on the other dance I would really like to c him be there in the dance that increase the chances for Nastia to make the finals as well.
Just heard Rumer’s VW song for the first time.. Ick. I’ll give it this, it is in 3/4 time. I don’t think that automatically makes it good for a Viennese Waltz. I think I’d have thought the same about Sharna or Allison having it, but I’d at least have faith in Sharna being able to force it into an appropriate Viennese Waltz package. I cannot imagine this isn’t going to be the same over-sexy, sultry, dramatic dance we’ve seen nearly every week from Valenrue. Fully expecting low light, smoke and possible shirtlessness. And 10s of course. Expecting those regardless.
Re I Wanna Dance With Somebody; I have wrestled with it since I read some of the comments above about it, and there is no way it makes a good Quickstep in my hands. Of course, Derek has Godlike making-s**t-work-in-ridiculous-circumstances powers, so it’s possible, but I’d be way more inclined to say it’ll be their freestyle. It’s been used before, and that’s not really necessarily Derek’s style, but it certainly seems more likely than that they’ve given them a song that off-style. I suppose it could be redone similar to Riker’s Quickstep to that ridiculous song, but if so why are they so insistent on doing that to Quicksteps this year? I have a huge catalogue of songs from the last 5 years I’d love to see danced on the show, many of them for Quickstep.
This week is going to be so fun! I hate that song from Fifty Shades. I hope Bruno doesn’t get to crazy! I have always lovedDerek and am super excited to have him work with Len. I really like Rumer this year, I know the pimpage of Val is out there, but I don’t think you can place the blame on Rumer what DWTS does. One of my thoughts is that she just seems to be living in this moment and enjoying every second, not that the others are not doing the same, but she is just more at ease in bringing this out especially with cameras in their faces. I don’t think it is her fault what goes on during the show. I really like all of the final four this year, I wish they could keep them all one more week!
Has Len been in the rehearsals with Nastia and Derek. Have only seen one pic of him with them. None of him coming or going from the studio like Bruno, plus the fact that Derek recorded their vw for Len asking him what he thinks, instead of him being there in person
Not a big Val fan but i don’t think he had a say in song.I think Bruno choose for there contemporary thats know one else was able to use it. I think Val is a bad person. But I think the producers need stop making it look that way.
Mr A Quote from Derek’s blog about finding their song:
What’s even funnier is when we were talking about her, the producers knocked on the door and told us to look at some freestyle songs in case we make the finale. And you know, we had just talked, cried and hugged. We shared tears. So we were like, “Let’s listen to some music!” The very first song we put on was literally what she was saying minutes before about herself. We both looked at each other, like, “This is crazy.” If we make the final, we’re definitely using that song.
This doesn’t sound like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” to me.
So many of these comments are so great and I agree with many of them. Len mentoring Derek is a joke but if I recall Len has always criticized Derek (Maria) and maybe Bethany (?) for not enough hold in their VW. So that should be interesting. I didn’t hear the radio interview that Princess Heidi referred to but Bravo Derek. My family and I were fortunate to see and meet Derek at NY Spring Spectaular before he was injured. It was a sold out Sat night show. I know Derek has done many other performances, BWAT and Move tour, but maybe being on stage at Radio City with a “different” (not just DWTS) fans audience opened his eyes to just how immensely talented and in demand he is. Sometimes I think his loyalty and love of show (fans, enjoying challenge) have kept him coming back. But this season’s over the over the top pimpage of Val “It’s your season” is beyond even the Meryl/Maks pimpage. In that instance I think Derek was genuinely happy (yes call me crazy) for Maks because he’d been on show so long and as Derek said is so insecure. But Val’s a different story. I’m finally ready after the garbage treatment Nastia THE CELEB has received v Rumer. Forget the Derek can’t have a 6th MBT mentality. And I’m going to say something really controversial here. I am the mom of a daughter adopted at 12 months from Russia. She is Tater by birth but American raised. Nastia is Russian by birth but I believe moved here at 8 or younger. She won Olympic Gold for AMERICA yet Dance Center couldn’t push the “Russian/Putin” background (alienate/she’s not an Ametican.) Just my opinion but I’ve never felt the Olumpic love for her as Shawn, Aly, Meryl, Charlie, Kristi etc. Have we seen her collection of Olympic Medals (8?) Not that I recall. I wrote a blog on NYSS and now I REALLY want Derek to soar. Leave Derek, don’t look back and SOAR!
Er, when did Tony get an Emmy nom?? I know Louis did a long time ago. Mark, Cheryl, Julianne all got them. But Tony?? This is news to me.
Lot’s easier to get an Emmy nom when SYTYCD isn’t on the air. Just sayin’. Derek and Mark were the only ones to hang in a much more competitive field.
I dunno…Derek’s blog was unusually blunt. I wouldn’t be surprised at anything he might do right now. He straight up called out the producers on cheap reality show tactics (my words, his meaning).
I haven’t checked recently, Matt, but except for Jennifer’s season, a person who was in jeopardy has never won the show, prior to the semi-final.
And Rumer HAS been in jeopardy. She was the last one standing with Willow.
All that said, the producers read this site and may be doing what they can to prevent Nastia winning – including not putting her in jeopardy, which would give her a voting bump.
@PrincessHeidi That means she could still win!!Yasss
Meryl was also in the jeopardy once with Charlie and was last to be called safe (when Charlie got eliminated).
And Bethany was never in the jeopardy but ended up being 4th. But one thing worth noting -Rumer was called safe first last week and danced the encore.
Last 2 seasons, whoever was called safe first won -Meryl, Alfonso.
The Meryl/Charlie thing was so obviously contrived, though. And, as I clearly said, it doesn’t count in the semi-final or final because the eventual winner almost HAS to be in jeopardy, in order to get the drama they want.
It doesn’t work backwards, DWTSFan. Never being in jeopardy doesn’t mean you win. I did a huge post on it a while ago and that was never shown to be true.
Also Rumer is an actress who has famous parents that are actors. Her mom was in movie with Patrick Swayze and so was Jennifer Grey to of the best movies of time. And who knows Rumer might have not really been in jeopardy did could have did that for drama you know there good at that.
@PrincessHeidi could you give me the link for the article?
Doris – https://www.puredwts.com/2014/03/26/dancing-with-the-stars-the-jeopardy-theory/
I feel like Val & Rumer Waltz is going to be like this one: http://youtu.be/Hgx8j7ftl80
“Earn it” and those songs are so great that it’s dangerous to give to anybody because they can destroyed it so that’s what i think.
So both Riker and Rumer have a contemporary this week and not Nastia. Wonder if that means she will be the one going home as they are pushing for Rumer and Riker to be in the finals with having a contemporary and not Nastia. Contemporary is Allison’s strength and we know Val gets 10s for his even if they don’t dance and walk around or roll around on the floor. This way they can criticize Nastias frame and give her 9s while Rumer and Riker get 10s for both routines. I think Noah will be more votes then Nastia so if he has good scores which I a sure he will given the dances he has.
@ PH #239 Tony got an Emmy nod in 2006 for his Jive w/ Stacy K (he lost out to High School Musical). Of course, this was during the time before SYTYCD dominated (not always deservedly so in my opinion) the field.
On the topic of Emmy nods, I hope this year Derek AND Mark get Emmy nods – I think both deserve them. Sharna too. Mandy Moore also (for her Boss number). I kinda watched SYTYCD last year & I didn’t feel a lot of the numbers were that great. Clearly, they weren’t all that memorable b/c I can’t remember most of them. Although I did really like the group dance Sonya & Christopher Scott choreographed to “Sweet Disposition” (I hope that gets an Emmy nod as well). But I really hope that more DWTS pros/choreographers get nominated over SYTYCD. I know I’m biased b/c I like DWTS more than SYTYCD but I really think the choreography on this show is better (mainly due to Derek).
I would really like to see how Rumer would do in a Quickstep. Quickstep & Jive are probably the dances requiring the most bounce and fast footwork, and so far, we’ve seen from the Jive that she doesn’t have that. If TPTB wants her to stay so badly however, I have a hard time seeing them giving that to them.
I also find it so interesting the way the Judges treat them. I won’t deny that Rumer’s a pretty decent dancer, but the way they comment about it irritates me. Rumer’s good, great. But so are Nastia & Riker, they are both just as good, if not better.
I do hope that Nastia gets Contemporary as her final dance, the last resort being the Freestyle. I knew that the couple getting Len would get a Ballroom dance, no doubt about that, but being thrown 2 ballroom dances isn’t fair at all.
On a different note, I wish the show would feature the Swing again from a couple.
Just me I guess but in dreading that waltz from Val and rumor now. That song irks me. Nothing against the singer it’s just the lyrics that are so cheesy.
@ jane the choreo last season from SYTYCD was very strong especially from travis wall ( the sea themed male group dance , jessica’s contemp with red light and lots of other numbers ) and Sonya Tayeh ( mini group dance ricky and Jessica contemp and Zack’s rain in Europe ) and alot of other numbers (dirty diana contemp the angel dance the red ball dance ….etc).
As for DWTS mark had his best season with sadie ( the samba, the V.W ,the paso doble the free style) and some of willow’s ( A.t and the paso )
derek’s season with bethany was a hit and a miss but when he hit it he hit it hard ( the paso, the contemp , the freestyle and maybe the jazz but it was more of homage ), his season so far with nastia is exquisite ( rumba A.Tango the Charleston and the jive from last week (let’s hope they will be eligible as so many of his work was lost due to deadline )) but again last year his jazz with amy made it.
over all it’s going to be a very strong year for the emmys, my money is on travis wall since he already has 5 nominations without a win I won’t be surprised if the emmys decide to honor more than one person, it hapened before and as I said it is a very strong year even DWTS has his best seasons in terms of choreo and won’t be shoked if sharna or even val made the cut ( long shot but hey every thing’s possible ) since tony and louis both have emmy nods. and also mandy moore work in SYTYCD or DWTS.
of course this is the humble opinion of a dance nerd and I could be wrong so I hope I haven’t offend any one and excuse my english as it is my third language.
I’m not counting anything out. I think Derek can still win regardless of the producers. Like I said in another post, the votes don’t lie. The producers can do whatever they want, he wouldn’t have been a 5 time champ and win two seasons in a row if that was the case. And I thought it comes down to the celeb anyways?
I will be shocked if more than one DWTS pro EVER gets nominated at a time, until SYTYCD is cancelled.
Although, if Derek, Napoleon and Tabitha were successful in setting up a peer group for Choreo, the odds may be better. But not by much.
The days when Tony and Louis got noms are apples and oranges to today’s nomination odds. You’ll note that only Derek, Mark, Allison (with Derek) and Chelsie (with Derek) have gotten noms since the advent of SYTYCD.
NOTHING I’ve seen from Val has been worthy in this cycle. If he were going to get a nomination it would have been for his dance with Meryl and that didn’t happen.
@ PH, if your post in #255 is true, it makes me sad b/c I think Derek and Mark should both get Emmy nods this year. Their choreo (Mark’s from last season, Derek’s from this season) have been outstanding (to me).
By the way, who’s in charge of deciding who gets nominated? Does Nigel have that much of an influence over them, resulting in his show’s choreographers getting the most nods every year?
The issue with a lot of Mark’s pieces is that while the concepts are cool and the production is awesome, the choreography aspect is often lacking. Like with the Super Mario freestyle, great concept, awesome production but really basic choreography. For most of it they were just bouncing up and down, doing a few spins and kicks and touch step work. So it looked cool, was fun as hell and was a great concept but it wasn’t Emmy level choreography.
If you look back through Derek’s nominations all of them are filled with either a combination of concept, production and killer dancing or just straight dance and story telling. If you’re just covering up the lack of dance with gimmicks then you are not choreographing, you’re producing. Mark can choreograph but he seems to get too wrapped up in the production sometimes to worry about the actual dance aspect.
It’s one of the things on Afterbuzz that bugs me because they see flashy concept and start yelling “Emmy nod” and then when it doesn’t happen the fans of that pro get all bent out of shape.
I think I’m in the minority but I love the 50 shades song and I’m afraid rumer and Val’s dance will ruin it for me. I feel like Bruno will try to make it super sexy. I hope they go in a totally different direction.
It used to be a committee, but Derek and Nappytabs were working on making it a Peer Group, which would probably be more fair, but I don’t see it increasing the chances of the DWTS Pros. And yes, Nigel has some influence. He’s a hell of a campaigner.
there is a first for every thing and this might be the year that we are going to see at least mark and derek get emmy nods at the same year unless the emmy behaved like a bunch of a..holes like they did last year when napytabs work wasn’t the strongest and ends up winning ( travis and Christopher Scott were stronger by the opinion of so many not only mine ) and I LOVE nappytabs, but I guess putting on the ritz sealed the deal for them because it was a very complex routine.
damn I just watched tony’s jive, and boy the standards were very low back in the days.
and as for val it is a very very very long shot but still there is a still a maybe sharna is more close than val though.
@Mandy The song is for their V. Waltz and their contemporary (which Bruno chose) we don’t know the song yet.
Michelle 258, totally agree, I posted the exact same thing you said here earlier this season. I do love Mark but I would be surprised if he did get one of those 5-6 nomination spots. Unique concept is not enough.
@Michelle yes I agree 100% with some of mark routines like the hunger games dance, god I hated that dance but he was nominated for a harry potter V.W and a clown jive thanks a lot to the costumes and the themes rather than the choreo so his samba and paso are a very strong routines
Was the Paso the one with all the Zombies? I liked that dance but I hated the mutilated Paso in it. But it was fun and brilliantly created.
I’m just looking at what is usually nominated and win these days and it’s usually not the huge production numbers.
I did love that Harry Potter V.Waltz though but I am huge Potter geek so for me it was awesome.
I’m afraid I agree with Michelle on Mark this season as well. Great concepts, but the choreo itself wasn’t exceptional. And really, that’s not that surprising – it’s very hard to choreograph an Emmy worthy routine with a celeb.
If the fusion dance does not play into this week’s dances, then Derek is doing his own game of manipulation. He’s better at it than TPTB, because of his subtlety. So TPTB don’t place Nastia in jeopardy to bump the scores.Then Derek plays his own game and throws some Samba into the QS. Derek gets reamed by Len and maybe Julianne or CAI which will throw their fans, and others, into a voting frenzy.
Yes, Derek, knows it reality TV. He understands the manipulation. Obviously 2 can play the game. One does a masterful single-handed game of manipulation, while the other manipulation game takes the full cadre of producers and other followers to manipulate a win for Rumer, er, Val…
I so hope that anyone who tuned in because of Robert, or the faithful viewers of DWTS who were voting for Robert and/or Willow, have hung around are voting like crazy for Nastia and Derek. This could the the biggest coup in DWTS history. Derek wins, injured. Another FAM member bites the dust. Should Derek/Nastia bring home the win, I think Sasha should get an MBT too.
I actually don’t think Derek will get reamed for tossing in a little samba into the quickstep as long as the major content of the dance is the correct dance style. Derek has hadn’t splashes of other dance styles into his routines before such as the V. Waltz into the Quickstep which the judges loved. Derek also has slight advantage in infusing a bit of Samba in that he actually has choreographed a Quickstep/Samba fusion that the judges loved so he has already an understanding of how to stylistically do it. I don’t think he will go out with a complete fusion when not assigned it, however he does know how to toss things in that compliment the routine and the music without taking away from the principal dance style.
I think Sadie & Mark’s Duck Samba had a good combo of concept, production & dancing so maybe that has a chance? I really liked the Zombie Paso too but Sadie’s dancing was a bit messy to me in a couple spots so I don’t know about that – it just wasn’t a super-clean dance to me. I think The Hunger Games Contemporary has a pretty good chance too – Willow wasn’t showcased much in that number, so we’re basically seeing a bunch of pro dancers dancing.
I just wished Mark had choreographed some pro numbers during the show (even though he doesn’t seem interested in doing so). One, we would get to see what level of choreo he is capable of w/ professional dancers. Two, by going all out creatively on pro numbers, he could then focus more on cleaning up his partners’ technique than covering it up w/ costumes, makeup & OTT production.
That’s something that always bugs me about him as a pro. Yeah, it’s always great to see a different kind of ballroom dance but at the end of the day, the judges are judging the celeb’s dancing. I think Mark has a tendency to think that going “out-of-the-box” means he & his partners should get praise from the judges (as well as high scores) when that’s usually not the case at all.
And yes, the constant “Mark should get an Emmy nod” on ABTV is getting annoying. Especially since they don’t say that about Derek. But w/ Darvina on the panel (who is Mark’s BFF), Shirley who comes on every season, Corky who’s been there the past 2 seasons, and Mark coming as a guest himself, I’m not surprised w/ the ass-kissing he’s been getting lately.
After listening to their song, I can understand why he added a bit of samba. They’re not breaking hold , and majority is still quickstep, so I think they’ll be fine,
I’m going to have disagree with the thinking that those that were voting for Robert, and maybe even Chris, would throw votes to Nastia. Some might. But, I think many of those votes would probably go to Noah, due to appealing to similar demographics. I’ve seem a lot of Robert fans saying they will now vote for Noah and Sharna.
I think Derek has stopped giving a crap and is going to do what he wants and will do a routine for the audience. Much like he did with Shawn.
And the show needs to be careful IMO with how they approach Noah. If they give him high scores and he’s getting a large chunk of votes, he could sneak into a final spot. If they totally throw him under the bus and he gets hosed on Monday it could mobilize a lot of people to vote for him and he sneaks into the final. I wouldn’t discount Noah’s fanbase right now…including the fans that are still pissed about Sharna and Charlie from Season 18. I think, like I said above, that if anyone picked up voters from the double elimination last week, it’s Noah.
Your biggest competition is usually the one you discount.
Like Ananya said, it’s not a fusion, just a few samba steps in the middle of a quickstep. There’s no reason for the judges to get upset over it.
Derek posted a picture of Val on Instagram…do you think he is in on the pimping of Val 🙂
I have to disagree with the statement that Derek “has stopped giving a crap.” I actually can’t imagine Derek continuing to do anything about which he has stopped giving a crap. The only thing he doesn’t care about is whether HE gets another win. It’s just not what the show is about to him. He obviously cares greatly about Nastia, her experience on the show, and giving her the best possible shot at winning. He cares greatly about every aspect of the dances he creates, and I don’t think he could create those dances if he were coming from the perspective of not giving a crap.
I remember Sharna putting in a little Argentine Tango in her Quickstep with Charlie and I thought the judges would have an issue with it, but they didn’t seem to mention it.
I didn’t mean Derek stopped caring about the dances or Nastia. Of course he’ll do right by her. What I meant was he’s stopped giving a crap about the producer’s agenda and playing nice or towing the company line in a sense, as evidenced by him basically calling out the bad edit job in Nastia this past week. I was referring to not caring about the bts manipulations.
And can I just say that I just saw an IG Val posted of a poster referring to 50 shades…its a take on the movie poster saying Mr. c will see you now, and I am irrationally annoyed about it. Sorry, still pissed over this song issue.
Saw Val’s IG and they are going with the 50 shades theme for their VW. Maybe it will be classy and elegant?? I misunderstood which dance Bruno would be helping out with.
Brunon is helping with contemporary. That was his judge’s choice. Hmmm…won’t be surprised if Rumer is blindfolded… I mean Sharna said that was her concept just two weeks ago when she said the song wasn’t available because they couldn’t get it cleared.
I didn’t know she wanted the song as well!
#Mandi….Sharna said in her and Noah’s live feed on 4/23 that she had wanted the song to do a contemporary style V. Waltz to it, but the they couldn’t get clearance for it because it was on the movie soundtrack. She made that statement in answer to a twitter question if she’d ever consider being blindfolded for a dance and she said she’d wanted to do one this season. So as recently as 4/23 Sharna believed the song could not be cleared. I believe Allison requested the song as well and was told no for the same reason.
My question is….were they never told the song got cleared and it was given to Val even though they had also requested the song? How did it work out that the song was given to Val and for a V. Waltz just like Sharna wanted to do. And when did the song clear? Did it clear prior to 4/23 and Sharna not told? How about Allison?
izzieq, you have no idea who Robert’s fans are going to throw votes for.
As for Derek not giving a crap?? Bull. He’s always very strategic. The BS of the show may piss him off…but that’s the very opposite of “not giving a crap”. That implies that he’s not going to do his very best and of course he is.
Gee, Val going the 50 Shades route?? That’s so….creative.
:::rolls eyes:::
In regards to the judges pick thing I do have to say that Facebook gave me a good chuckle after DWTS posted the pic of Len with Nastia and Derek. Apparently Derek is such the golden boy that because he is injured the producers have allowed Derek to have Len come in and dance with Nastia because Sasha wasn’t good enough for Derek so he replaced him with Len.
There were about 40 variants of these claims and even when people corrected them that all the couples get a judge with them this week, nope, “Derek got Len to dance with Nastia because he’s injured.”
It was an entertaining read through.
Where did people get the idea Len is dancing with Nastia. Oh geez. Each judge got paired to work with/mentor a couple.
Omg…okay….I never implied Derek is not going to do his best. Of course he is…the man is in the studio with two busted feet! Of course he’s working hard. I never implied he wasn’t. I was one of the people that applauded what he said in his blog basically calling out the crappy edit Nastia got.
And my comment re Noah probably picking up Robert’s votes is simply, again, my opinion based on what I see as a similar demographic and on the number of comments on various social media stating that Robert fans were now going to vote for Noah. That is all….it is my observation. Not saying it is conclusive or certain….just MY opinion. Which of course anyone is welcome to kindly disagree with.
I honestly thought Mark richly deserved his Emmy nominations for the three dances he did with Chelsea. The Jive was fun and creative but also well choreographed. The same thing could be said to the Harry Potter V. Waltz, great concept and choreo at the same time. And the pinnacle is the Waltz – sure I’m biased a bit because the song was SO wonderfully sang, but the choreography was impressive too. I liked his choreography with Sadie well enough, but I do agree that his work with Willow has mostly been nice concepts but the choreo weren’t on par. Not exactly Maks-level of abysmal choreo, but weren’t on par.
Oh my god V. Waltz.. 50 Shades of Grey! So creative. V. Waltz is also like one of the dances where you can show your beautiful side, your non intense, but graceful side and SOMEHOW, Val manages to screw it up with the concept. There is no way you can make 50 Shades of Grey not intense or sexy.
I’ll like for Sharna to get an Emmy Nod sooner or later though. I understand that with the partners she’s had, and her Choreo so far, it might not happen, but I remember how much I liked her choreography to the All Pro/Troupe numbers, so yeah.. hopefully?
I literally threw up in my mouth a little reading that Val is going to do an 50 Shades VW homage. I’m going to need to get very drunk while watching Monday night.
The stupidity is not only astounding but really frightening.
Did someone say that Mark didn’t deserve his Emmy nominations for his dances with Chelsea?? I don’t think anyone did. I believe we were referring to choreography done in this Emmy cycle.
I absolutely adored Sadie and those dances were pretty good, but the concept was more impressive than the choreo. Hell, there ain’t nothing wrong with a great concept. Derek has done it more than once.
So if the judges pick is this week, what’s going to be the other dance besides freestyle in the final?
I want to se the Couple pick their fav. dance from earlier this season or maybe redo a dance that has been done since all-star season
I’m waiting for song spoilers. =)
So Val is going to do a tribute to 50 shades in his V. Waltz? Gag me now. He should be creating semi-final worthy dances and put his own creative twist on it. Oh wait.. this is Val we are talking about.
@Julia I think a lot of people have gained an immense amount of respect for Sharna especially for the choreography she’s done with Noah. She’s actually created some good routines, and doesn’t have help unlke you know who.
I agree, Derek, Sharna, Allison, Mark are dancers who also seem to be very creative, and ENJOY creating unique pieces. That’s why I’d rather have Nastia, Riker, and Noah in the finals. We’d get 3 very creative and unique freestyles.
@Ananya I so agree with you.. you never know that could indeed be the final 3. We’ll just have to see how scoring goes tomororw. For the life of me I cannot see Rumer getting a 40 for a 50 shades themed V. Waltz. Len’s already gonna hate it.
Jeremy, what do you mean? There are song spoilers…check out the first post again for updates.
I’m so pleased to see Derek is able to waltz with Nastia! I know she said it was one of her favorite dances so I’m sure it’s going to be beautiful! I’m so glad Derek is on the mend!
Teresa I wouldn’t call that a picture of Val….it’s him and Val with about 8 guests at Lindsay’s bachelorette party….
I think the rivalry is not with each other, but their fans. They may not be best buds, but I don’t think they hate each other.
@Vogue – I’m thinking Jeremy wanted MORE song spoilers…which I was going to go ahead and post anyway, but I definitely thought twice, lest it gave the impression that my hand was forced. Patience (and gratitude) are both great virtues to have when it comes to song spoilers, kids – we are under no obligation to spill ANYTHING, but we do anyway…and I think some of you have gotten a tad spoiled yourselves.
I agree. Derek, Sharna, Allison, and Mark are my fave choreographers. I like Peta too….especially when she was with Donald Driver. At times, Val can be great too, but, he’s not as consistent as the others.
ADDING; and then there is Gleb Savchenko. He was off the hook in DWTSRussia this season. I only hope he gets a chance at pro again in the US to show fans what he can do.
Can’t wait to see Derek dancing again tomorrow with Nastia.. perfect timing too. I know their V. Waltz will be beautiful and especially with Len deciding the song, outfits and everything it’s bound to be elegant.
Wow, those songs for Allison and Riker are going to put these dances at another level. That’s so exciting.
Vogue, I posted that before Courtney’s updates (ETA9).
And Courtney, sorry for being impatient. Thanks a bunch! You’re the best… *wink*
That explains Rumer carrying pointe shoes to rehearsal. I hope they dont go the super obvious way w the 50 shades thing
I have noticed that the judges picks so far are very classical music is it going to be classical night after all
Judges theme, judges concept and everything.They all seem to be planning to go full out. sure I am excited but at the same time I am wondering how creative Len will be with his team I just hope it does not fall short in comparison to other judges or teams. I guess I am being paranoid for no reason and should have faith in my team.At least the best part is Derek will be in the dance with Nastia. This is a tough semifinal I am already on the edge of my seat. Tuesday will be brutal
Derekluv Don’t know if you’ve ever heard the saying “Just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get you.” I have all the faith in the world in Nastia and Derek, but zero in TPTB and they have the ability to do a lot of mischief. All we can do is VOTE.
#Suzy I know 🙂 u r absolutely right. I am trying to be positive and all we can do is vote and I will for sure like never before.Riker, Noah and Nastia will be my dream team to be in the Finals.
I hope to see riker rumer and noah in the finals.I just hope that rumer’s dance is an actual V.Waltz.
@anna Any reason why you don’t want Nastia in the finals?
Tina, don’t bite at such obvious bait. Seriously.
i really hope its RUMER RIKER NASTIA in that order
Rumer/Val dancing to Swan Lake & Allison/Riker dancing to Fur Elise… So are they doing Classical Week?
And thanks Courtney for the song spoilers and to all the mods here for all the hard work you do. I love this site so much & definitely appreciate all that you guys do (even though you don’t have to).
Can’t wait to see Riker and Nastia perform their routines, especially the judges’ choices. My wish for monday is that Rumer goes first or second because she’s been in the last spot way too often. I don’t why but I feel she will still be in the pimp spot.
Btw: I said it on twitter to Courtney earlier but i will said it again here :Thank you to everyone on the site who works hard so we can enjoy it and have spoilers like this xx !
I know why* Sorry for all the other mistakes that I didn’t see, I mostly speak french 🙂
for me, I hope to see Riker nastia and rumer in the finales, I don’t care who wins but I love to see the first two as the last people standing they were the most versatile and entertaining through the whole season,
rumer had her moments like the Disney dance ( samba or not it was a cool dance, also her chacha and salsa other than that her routines felt flat for me ) and she kind of become one trick pony but she could still win this for so many reasons like val has never win ( the all stars season ) and her parents are famous (the package of second dance of the semi finales are the friends and familly reflexion I guess ) and she has the producers by her side and she is a good dancer and a good preformer on top of that.
riker was also somewhat one dimensional dancer (lots of energy and fast dancing ) but he was fun to watch and very entertaining and I really hope he would win mainly because I’m lil bit biased toward Alison who is one of my fav female dancers ( yes I am one of the few who love her in the show ) and he was the main event in the whole season in his journey ( derek’s injury kind of take the attention from nastia and rumer has her parents pop in every time on the screen and also how it is val’s turn to win ).
Nastia is the most versatile and the cleanest dancer among all of them but she struggled with the preforming part but I feel like she find her self the last few weeks, and most of her routines are stored in my computer to watch them on loop ( exept her jazz I didn’t like that routine ) , derek’s injury may cause her lost or even her elemination since some people could go for the couples who were together from the start but it could help her too as well as poeple can finally see the human side of their partnership .
PS : after I learned that derek would dance I’m pissed that nastia didn’t get contemporary I mean let’s give Nastia two bllroom dances and one of the bounciest dances ever to prevent derek from dancing the two routines and give rumer and riker a contemporary, as a fan of dancing in general I was aching to see a contemporary from her from the announcement day and if she got eleminated before I could see that ( fingers crossed for the free style ) I’m gonna be furious It’s not fair and if derek was able to dance two full routines she would have a great come back .
and as I always say this is my humble opinion and I respect any disagreements 🙂
Kirami, thanks for your insight. I agree with your top 3. I think Nastia can definitely win it because Derek’s able to dance right at the right time (with the Waltz tomorrow) and it might not be both dances but it’s something. Plus she’s an amazing dancer that can handle anything thrown at her. I think she should be in the final with Riker and Rumer but except win the whole thing 😉
If Rumer, Riker and Nastia make the finale that would be the best finale of all seasons(dancing wise), but I just feel like Noah will take one of their spots i just dont know who.
@Doris do you think Noah can get enough judges points to knock someone out of the finals? I have a feeling the scores will VERY tight between the top 3 and then Noah might be 5-10 points behind them. That will be a big margin to overcome, imo especially if the scores are very close.
I’m excited to see Rumers dance that Bruno worked on, I think he would be more colorful than what Val would of created. I am swaying back more toward Rumer, Riker and I could take or leave Noah and Nasta. I like Sharna and Derek but would like to see the Stars succeed. I think my favorite dance this season was Rumers Jive. I know you all think it fell flat, but I enjoyed her expressions and fun that she brought to the table. I liked Nastia jive, but I think it was all Derek’s vision, I think Rumer was able to put her own twist on her Jive. I loved it. She is talented like her Mom.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Derek and have my tickets to MOVE and the only thing that could top that is I have tickets the night before for DWTS Live! It is a great Mothers Day!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY to all the Mommas out there!
Kirami I also will be PISSED if we don’t get a chance to see a contemporary from Nastia. In a contemporary I think she’ll have the best technique of any celebrity in the show’s history. Put that with Derek’s choreo, and I’m in dance heaven. I’ve been waiting for it since she was announced.
@Ananya, if you vote hard enough, something tells me based on the way Derek described their freestyle song in his blog that their freestyle is going to be contemporary. 🙂
@Tina Are u serious?! I really dont want to see another contemporary freestyle again especially not from Derek his better than that. Ive had enough of them theyre so basic and boring.
I want riker and allison to win it all if they get to do their freestyle I hope allison mix it up by doing contemporary, hip hop and jazz I want them to go last but im sure nastia or rumer will.
I hope that the “Fur Elise” version Riker & Allison are dancing to is similar to this one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HGgMt5VuMg . Riker is pretty much gonna have to play up the passion and drama this week. I’m quite excited that 3 of the couples are going the more classical route. I understand why people think Noah will make it to the finals through votes, but I think that he’ll stick out like a sore thumb with the paso. I understand that he cannot do a few of the dance styles, but I feel like everyone else will have something more complex and layered in choreo. I see creativity coming from him, Sharna, & Carrie Ann, but not enough complexity to compare to the other couples. I admire his efforts and wish him the best, but the others just seem like they are all on another level. Riker, Nastia, & Rumer for the Finals!!
Meryl didnt go last in Season 18 and she won
Kellie didnt go last in Season 16 and she won
Neither did Melissa
@ Tina Yes she has all the assets to pull of a professional level contemporary and by the way I am a huge fan of contemporary dance.
Funny story I want to share : is I was a big fan of SYTYCD as it was airing in my country and become a huge fan of Alison (as a dancer ) and travis wall and nappy tabs (choreo) so when the emmys honnored them live I was looking to see one of them win in live stage so when the guy from DWTS won I was mad as hell and decide to see his pieces to judge it my self and the first routine was the gravity defying dance and honestly I was speechless and you can imagine my reaction to the heart cry dance with Alison and my social life kind of stoped due to DWTS marathons .
for me I realy like mark, and early days of val ( his season with zendaya was his best and the beauty and beast quick step is one of my faverites) I also like Whitney (not because she was on SYTYCD of course 😉 ) and sharna .
as for derek you can love him or loth him as I understand the point of view of both parties but the man can choreograph and his work is amazing and while I don’t describe my self as a fan of him but I’m absolutely a fan of his work and that’s why I am looking for to see his contemporary with nastia because most of the pros on the show turn that style to a yoga class with lifts while the music is more like mark said on after buzz an ear candy ( god I hated tony’s freestyle and that cheese and corn party so called romeo and Juliette “contemporary” ).
#Tina I just can’t get into Nastia dances nothing against personally some thing seems off to me.
I am liking the song choices this week especially Rallison’s! I foresee an amazing night for Riker and Allison with their dance styles and songs! Also wondering what Carrie Ann could possibly come up with for the Noah Paso. Love Rumer’s V.Waltz song and I am excited to see her contemporary as well. As for Nastia, I’m sure she’ll be great with a V. Waltz. I wish she didnt get the quickstep though just cause it is my least favourite dance style and i think it is a hard dance to impress with in the semifinals. Cant wait for tomorrow!!
@Nof Quickstep is my least favorite dance too but watching Nastia’s livestream on Friday it’s look absolutely amazing. It hits her personality well and the choreography is difficult and full of content. It’s basically full on for the whole time.
I’m not normally a fan of the quickstep either, unless it’s one of Derek’s. I’m not just saying that because I’m a Derek fan but he’s one of the few choreographers that make the quickstep not look a bunch of running around and hopping. Two of my favorite dances ever on DWTS were the quicksteps he did with Shawn and Kellie(her finale one). They were entertaining, told a story and were filled with energy and fun. Most of the time I could go without seeing a quickstep though.
Judging by what was showed in their live stream, Nastia’s quickstep has the makings for another “Derek Special” so I’m actually kind of excited for it.
I have faith in Derek to make two strong routines but I am concerned that they might go early in the line up and also two in-hold ballroom routines might still not be flashy enough compared to the rest of the routines. Paso and contemporary are crowd pleasers and I expect 40s from the judges for Riker and Rumer already looking at the contemporary songs (and honestly completely expect a 70/70 for Rumer before anyone steps on the floor Monday). I hope Nastia’s supporters are ready to vote, I feel like things are stacked against them.
If they have packages like they have in past seasons for the semi-finals, I’m thinking we will see very little with the judges working with each couple. They normally have the usual length packages with both dances for the night in the first package, and then family and friends with why each celeb deserves to be in the finals. Am I right?
I am exited to see both of Nastia’s dances on Monday. Quickstep is one of my favorite standard ballroom dances. It looked amazing in their live rehearsal however, with Derek intentionally fusing Samba into it It’ll probably get heavily criticized by the judges. I am also looking forward to their Viennese Waltz. This week seems to be classical song week as well so with that and Len as their mentor it will probably be a really straightforward Viennese Waltz. Plus Derek’s body probably can’t handle a bunch of tricks. Nor can Len’s if he’s dancing with her too lol.
Fur Elise seems to me like a very odd choice for an Argentine. It would make a great Waltz, but it seems way too legato for what you’d want in any kind of Tango, and it lacks any kind of tension. They’ll do something major to it I bet. And yet I’m not sure quite why because Beethoven’s 5th is perfect for the style as is. Rallison’s other song, Hozier, I think will suit Allison’s choreography style very well and they should nail it. This makes me concerned slightly for Nastia and Derek.
@Mr A, don’t be concerned for N&D, they’re the least of my worries. It’s the hope that they get scored fairly is what’s going to be important. Derek can make any routine a showstopper and I have no doubt he’s doing that to both, just by what we saw in the live stream I don’t think it’s going to be one that’s forgettable.
@Amanda Listening to the song, the Samba parts actually work into the Quickstep just fine. The beat of it picks up and if you go listen to it you’ll probably notice it too.
Amanda, I don’t think you really have to worry much with Derek fusing in a little samba. He’s done it before, with QS even by fusing in some V.Waltz, and Len not only loved it, but specifically called attention to it. The routine got straight 10’s. I don’t think Derek is doing a straight fusion, in their live stream there seems to be a small section of samba steps that fit into the routine and the music(if they use the part of the song I think they will for it) so it should flow perfectly with the quickstep. I don’t forsee Derek putting in some Samba rolls or the like, just a few counts of footwork which will probably enhance the routine, not overshadow the main style.
Normally I’d be worried – don’t get me wrong, but based on the past two weeks Derek’s created absolute masterpieces so I have no doubt he did the same this week.. also the fact that he’s able to dance again is also icing on the cake. All we have to do now is just VOTE!
I know that the Samba fusion works fine in the dance but I just don’t see Len giving them a 10 because it’s suppose to be a Quickstep not a Quickstep/Samba. My guess is it’ll get a 9 or two instead of 10s because of that.
Also I’m guessing Riker might be dancing to Fur Elise by District 78. It’s an Argentine Tango version and was and option for the America’s choice last season but nobody used it I don’t think.
Since people can add other content into their dances I wouldnt mind if allison added something into their Argentine tango.
Yeah, clearly round 1 is their pathetic nod to classical week. NOT GOOD ENOUGH! Classical week was the only theme I was looking forward to, and half of the semifinal with what seems to be the contents of your average player piano will not satisfy. I remember the amazing Classical Week from Season 14; with the full-size orchestra, interesting song choices, fantastic dances (especially one in particular of course) and random moments of Lady Gaga; and this makes me kinda sad.
I dont know why they are fusing quickstep/samba if its not fusion week. But if they do i think they will probably get called for it bc it wasnt assigned for them to that. When he subtly fused VW and Quickstep with Kellie it wasnt really noticeable because they are both in hold ballroom dances but the Samba is the polar opposite.So idk why yall are so confident the judges will love it, it wouldnt be fair for them to be the only ones doing fusion dances.
I really don’t think Derek is doing a true fusion though. Adding a couple counts of Samba steps is not a fusion. When Derek commented about fusion I think he meant it as an easy way to explain why he was teaching Nastia some samba elements. From what we saw of the dance, which was quite a lot, there was very little samba in it, just one small section of footwork. Derek is far too smart to toss out a full fusion without being assigned in the semi’s round. He wouldn’t risk that for Nastia. But as I said, he has added other dance styles into his QS before and Len loved it, all the judges did and it flowed perfectly and matched the music and the routine.
Adding a few outside elements is not the same as a full fusion or ignoring the assigned content and it’s quite common for a good choreographer to do.
Melissa if you watch their live rehearsal, when they do the Samba steps in the Quickstep they are in hold. They are actually in hold most of the dance except for when the do a handstand. They are still most likely going to get called out for it though.
Derek’s quicksteps are AMAZING, almost as a rule. I think it’s because of his musicality.
@Michelle But why is he adding any samba movements at all, he was assigned a Quickstep. Im really worried the judges are going to deduct points from their dance.
ALLISON AND RIKER HAVE WORK SONG!!! GAH!!! SO MANY FEELS!!!
Oh for god’s sake, people, how many times do you have to be told that Derek is not doing a fusion, just adding a couple samba steps the judges shouldn’t have a problem with?? Seriously. If the judges come down on Derek, it’s because they planned to all along and not likely related to anything Derek actually did.
I almost hope they do. There’s got to be a camel’s straw in here somewhere.
Again, I have to wonder at people being concerned about Derek’s choreo. Seriously, what are you people smoking? Dude has been making lemonade out of lemons for YEARS. If Derek gets hosed tomorrow it’s because he was preordained to get hosed so Val can finally get his much rigged MBT.
God, the “worry about Nastia” is enough to make me open a vein. STFU and VOTE if you’re that worried.
@Tina Yes, I saw their livestream as well and their QS was coming together well. The only quicksteps I have really liked on dwts are Shawn and Derek’s and Charlie and Sharna’s. Nastia’s has the potential to be great too. We’ll just see how it goes
He’s adding samba movements BECAUSE OF THE SONG. Go listen to it. And if they deduct for that, they should deduct 5 times more points from the Swan Lake contemporary because it has that much more fusion in it.
If there is a camel’s straw I think TBTP are awfully close to finding it and I’m pretty sure they are going to regret it if they do.
I really wish Derek had never opened his mouth on the word fusion because I think that’s what caused all the freaking out. It’s not like he’s never added other dance style elements before so most people would have never noticed it. Heck, it’s one of the reasons Derek is one of the best choreographers in the industry, he works with the music.
Jesus, god, Buttercup – thank you.
Part of me now wants Nastia to get voted off tomorrow just so people will STFU about her. Dear god. Fucking RELAX!!
Derek isn’t the problem here. His so called fans that have no faith and nothing but angst are the problem. Since when has Derek been 100% serious in everything he said.
It’s a damn MBT, of which he has FIVE. And an Emmy – not his first, I’m sure. *I* am sure.
I’m not worried about Nastia at all. And yes I have listened the song and the Samba fusion works well in the dance too. Just Wouldn’t be surprised if Len marks them down a bit.
:::sigh::: Again, adding one or two Samba moments is not a “fusion”. Jesus. Read please.
While I don’t want Nastia voted off I agree that the some of the hand wringing over every little thing is making me feel like I’m the only Houghkin fan that is not three seconds away from building an alter and sacrificing a virgin to the Dance Gods to protect them.
The hand wringing is nearly enough to turn me into a Val fan.
Okay, not quite, but at least I may go over to Mark just to get away from the unwarranted, over blown angst.
Let’s say Len docks him 2 or 3 points. Do you really believe that if Derek HADN’T added a samba moment that Len wouldn’t have found a way to dock them?? If you believe that the judges and the producers are manipulating the show for Val and Rumer to win, then you have to also realize that THERE IS NOTHING DEREK CAN DO ABOUT IT. Derek knows this. Smart Derek fans know this.
And what is the worst that could happen this week? They get voted off?? Well, Derek won’t have to add a shelf to make space for MBT number 6. He still has the most MBTs (ain’t no one going to catch him), he still has an Emmy (ain’t anyone else on that show likely to get a nomination that hasn’t already gotten one), he has a tour that is selling well, a blossoming career, he’s well connected. Lord, what more do you want?
I definitely don’t think this will mess with Nastia’s chances of getting into the finals at all. I trust him. I do wonder why Derek said they were doing a fusion dance though… maybe he was talking about something else?
How often is Derek 100% serious? How often does he joke around, exaggerate??
Fusion no Fusion, Derek Dances or does not Dance, They get the Top score of the night or lowest of the night. I don’t care my goal for tomorrow is to vote vote vote vote and get them into Finals not only for Derek but for Nastia the gilr deserves it.
With all the crap that’s swirling around, the one thing I would never ever have one second’s doubt about is Derek’s choreography. Beyond that, big “ditto” to Derekluv.
That’s exactly where I am Suzy. If there is one thing I don’t worry about, it’s Derek’s choreography. Even if he does something outside the box that the judges might slap on, the audience eats it up with a spoon and the media freaks and he gets an Emmy nod.
Remember, it’s not just the judges Derek is trying to impress, it’s the audience and no pro on that show has learned the art of the performance over judging better than Derek.
Thats right #Princess Heidi He is still the best dancer on the show know matter if he wins or loses.
Just rewatched Derek and Nastia’s last dance together, Tango. Actually watched it a couple of times. It left me feeling cheated, yes I said cheated out of seeing the great dances he could have had instead of an injury. I know it is irrational and very selfish, because I am sure Derek feels cheated too. However, I just zipped back here to see if there was anything new. DEREK IS DANCING THE JUDGES CHOICE….. OMG! And here I was feeling so blue. There is no one that can beat Dereks choreography on DWTS. The only thing that is sweeter is HIMSELF doing the dancing. Whooopppeeee! The incentive to vote my fingers off has never stopped, they now have an even bigger incentive….Lovin this, just lovin it.
Ginny you just inspired me to go back and rewatch all the Houghkin dances. Just got more excited for tomorrow. No one lights up the dance floor like Derek Hough. I think Sasha is good with the upbeat dances, which is why I enjoyed him in the Charleston, Jive, and hopefully the Quickstep tomorrow. But I missed Derek’s presence in the Paso, and can’t wait to see the emotions he brings to the V. Waltz. Let’s all just remember to vote tomorrow, so we can see what is promised to be an unbelievable Freestyle.
@Amanda I hope they dont use the District 78 version, I remember it was an option for Alfonso last season and I listened to the preview on the Itunes Store and I didnt liked it is more like an electro remix… Is listed as part of the OST to a movie called Dance Off (never seen it).
I really hope they use a more classical version.
I hope they use amore classical version too, Lotus.. I’ve been searching around and can’t really find an Argentine Tango version of Fur Elise though. I’m not sure why they chose to go with classical song theme when they already have the judges choice theme. Would have preferred songs that fit the style of dance more.
Fur Elise can be played as a tango it depends on the arrangement thats why Im curious wich version Julianne picked for them.
Excited for tomorrow is gonna be a good semifinal, and excited to see the numbers, results could be close on this one.I hope fans actually vote for their favorite not just tweet about them. We have seen before social media support doesnt compare to the real voting, and is never a good indicator
Thanks Heidi and Buttercup (and Court too elsewhere). I’ve explained this numerous times to Amanda (and a few other Derek fans) and she/they won’t listen.
Derek’s Quicksteps are so amazing partly because he’s a pro who really teaches his partners how to dance in hold. How to make two people dance as one.
He also teaches how to achieve speed without sacrificing precision. And he costumes his ladies beautifully and tastefully.
To everyone who seems to be freaking out about Derek putting a couple of samba steps in his quickstep….this is done ALL THE TIME by pros….dances I can think of off the top of my head: Mark and Willow’s foxtrot had VW and Quickstep moves in it. Sharna and Charlie’s quickstep had an entire AT section in it.
This is nothing new and will not hurt Derek and Nastia at all. It will probably be unnoticeable to those who are not aware or those who don’t know the difference between styles (aka most of America).
Yeah, Meghan. He only gets in trouble, IMO, if he breaks hold in the middle of the dance. And I hope he doesn’t do that at this point. Derek tends to do that by season though. Like, he did it a lot during Shawn’s season – mainly because she started slow, not standing out. He didn’t break the rules at all during Kellie’s season – didn’t feel he had to. So far this season, we’ve had rule following, high content dances Derek.
There is a part in the QS where Nastia & Sasha are holding hands and together do a flip. Is that considered breaking hold?
@Ananya – It’s not a flip, it’s a cartwheel. And if it’s at the beginning or end, it doesn’t matter – you just can’t break hold in the MIDDLE of a dance. Beginning and end are fine.
And Sasha actually did it in his quickstep with Snooki in season 17 and didn’t get in trouble for it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7L4Fn7ORZI
PH I agree that judges flip flop so much on calling couples out if they break hold and it really annoys me. From what I’ve gathered over the years and Louis talks about in his weekly blogs is that the pros are given a set of rules that they must follow and they are allowed 10 seconds at the start and 10 seconds at the end to be out of hold in ballroom dances. Wish judges would be more consistent on calling out couples who break hold- but of course that won’t happen.
I thought about the cartwheel too. I also looked at it again. *They do not break hold* Nastia and Sasha hold a hand thru the whole cartwheel. Watch it for yourself. That is why Sasha never got in trouble with Snooki, they did the same thing…..
I have to say I had a good chuckle at Derek’s radio interview this morning when the hosts were talking about DWTS. They brought up their competition and immediately said, “I mean Rumer…” and without missing a beat Derek skips right over it and starts going on about how inspiring and amazing Noah is. He does then mention Rumer and how “she’s a sweet girl and a great performer” but he was not playing the “Rumer is the Queen Bee” card this morning.
Court, Thanks for reminding us of Snooki and Sasha’s quickstep and their “conjoined cartwheel”. That was such a cute dance. It was fun to see it again. Can’t wait to see Nastia and Sasha do that cartwheel.
It amazed me that Snooki didn’t slip when she planted her gloved hand on the ballroom floor. Those satiny gloves she was wearing looked slippery as heck.
people.com has alittle sneak peek of the segment with len/nastia/derek, i was excited before because I thought having len was an asset for them…but, the concept sounds really wonderful and I am really looking forward to it.
ignore the but above…its not necessary in my sentence..lol.. my point was that i am even more excited now.
I actually felt a bit tear-y by the end of the video. It will really be something to see Len dance with Nastia. It will be quite a moment for Nastia too. Regardless of scores, I think this will be a very special dance. I feel proud that Derek gets to do it.
I´m hoping that either Rumer or Nastia goes tomorrow….. I want Riker, Noah and on of the first mentioned ones to be the final three…. I have been more drawn towards Rumer, Riker and Noah in a finale and i have been thinking that if Nastia does get eliminated tomorrow will Derek´s fans jump over to Riker?
me too I felt like it was like my Dad taking to me saying things what he could do wen he was younger I got teary eyed too.
Comments like that one, Sunny, are going to limit that likelihood.
Oh man, that people.com vid of Nastia, Len, and Derek just killed me. Before that I was most excited to see Riker and Julliane dance, but now I’m keeping a box of tissues handy for Len & Nastia’s dance.
@Ananya yeah, just imagine seeing the full package and watching their actual dance. We’ll be crying our eyes out. No wonder why Nastia said that was going to be a very special dance.
#387 Sunny – For this Derek fan, if Derek/Nastia/Sasha don’t make the final, I’m not voting for anyone. It’s not even so much that I want him to win (and, for once, for me it *is* more about the pro than the celeb) so much as I want another week of his genius entertaining me. I’m just being selfish that way…
@Lurker don’t mind her, as you can see she’s a regular troll. For us Derek fans, just vote harder than ever and don’t let those trolls get to us. That’s her plan.
I might be wrong but I guess that the package of the family and friends thoughts and the contestant journey are going to be in the finale unless the judges choice is the first dance which is very unlikely , if that is the case I believe Rumer and Noah ( if he made it ) are the biggest benefactors from this scenario.
PS : Tom tweeted that every semi finalist had the most votes and judges scores combined at some point in the competition. which mean rumer and riker are popular as well especially Riker who has been in jeopardy so many times I lost count ( I know jeopardy means nothing these days but still his fan base was questionable ) .
@Courtney But in derek’s rumba with nicole, he carries her at the end for like five seconds and carrie ann called it a lift and docked them for it. Was that just her being anal or crazy about it?
interesting point kirami
Tom’s tweet also proves Noah’s getting a lot of votes. Compared to the other 3, his scores have been much lower, so for him to be top 1 week is a big deal
Access HOllywood said to prepare for a 50 Shades inspired dance from Rumer and Val…ugh…please just NO!
Also, I am seeing alot of Robert fans rallying behind Noah. Alot of Team Sharkaroo fans are throwing their support for Team Shway..at least from what I have seen. Like I have been saying…no one should underestimate the fan support for Noah at all.
@Tina – Word. I’ll be voting early and often 😉
Well, maybe Rumer had the most votes and judges scores combined after week one. She was at the top of the leader board and I think people really liked their Foxtrot (so did I). Bud that was before her next dances appeared to be all the same and people got annoyed by all the pimpage around her and Val. I can’t believe she’s got so many votes now.
What really surprises me is Noah. He’s never been at the top of the leaderboard so he must be getting tons of votes to beat the others.
@ Ananya I’m not surprised about Noah at all beside he must have taken the most memorable year week for sure the scores gap wasn’t that big at the time (willow was at the top and you know her fan base ) and as I said if he made it tonight without the special package ( if my theory is right ) he could win the whole thing, Americans (especially the DWTS audience )are very protective around their soldiers.
Most Memorable year that was the strongest of Noah’s dances emotionally. This is going to be very close.
I think it’s very possible that Rumer got the highest combined either week 1 or last week or both.
For most memorable year week, I can’t imagine that anyone topped Noah with that contemporary routine and story.
Nastia and Derek probably won the week of his injury and the subway dance
Riker and Allison probably raked it in after his Jack Sparrow paso.
Those would be my initial guesses for the weeks they “won” but we’ll never know.
To add to that – of course it doesn’t mean those were the “only” weeks they led, but those to me seem to be the most obvious.
Based on CAI’s twitter, Noah’s gonna do a Paso based on Madonna’s Living for Love.
Tom’s tweets…always keeping us guessing. Now obviously his tweet could mean something or nothing. If Rumer, for example, has been leading the pack the last 2 weeks or so then that probably means more than Noah leading the pack in week 4. I guess what it does show us is that any one celeb left does have the potential to pull in votes. I always wonder at this point in the season though how many viewers have their person and just stick to them no matter what.
Freestyle might never be as important as it is this season.
I use to vote after the couple who I liked danced but then I got worried that my vote wouldnt count so I just voted at the end of the show……is it better to vote after the couple danced or at the end of the show?
jacob, I think as far as you hear Tom’s voice which means you successfully vote them, voting before or after the end of the show doesn’t really matter. But the voting ended an hour after the show. I feel lots people complains the lines are always busy didn’t notice this rule.
@DLT that definitely puts things into perspective.. all of the “It’s Val’s season” stuff might now not mean as much. I agree with you that the Freestyle is probably gonna be the make or break more than ever this time.
@Kirami, I think you might be talking about the Road to the Finale? That is where the celebrities parent’s speak, the couples answer fan questions and rewatch and discuss their favorite dance(s). I believe Tom mentioned that will be aired on May 16th.
And one shouldn’t OVER ESTIMATE support based on some people on twitter.
Haley no usually in the semi finales the first dance contain the preparation of both dances and the second dance is when they show the journey of the celeb while his or her parents , friends talk about that person and how amazing he/she is it’s like the most memorable year all over again ( you see why noah and rumer have a huge leg up in this one ).
Seeing as how the number of viewers increase a good bit going into the final two weeks, it follows that the number of people voting also increases. THOSE people are the ones who probably haven’t picked just one person yet. If it’s that close, then tonight’s dances will be critical, as will the voting.
I think Tom’s tweet proves that Riker very well could not be getting the votes. He has been in jeopardy every episode. It’s not looking good for him. So please vote if you want him to stay.
Yeah I think if any of the contestants has an off-night tonight, it could be enough to send them home despite performing well and gaining fans throughout the season. Because all of the semi-finalists are so strong (or in Noah’s case, also inspirational) I do wish it had been a four-person finale because no matter what, I think we’re losing a good couple.
@Kirami, ohhh, forgot about that. Sorry! And yes, that will definitely give those two an advantage (especially Rumer).
@ Kirami, if I’m remembering correctly, on Season 18’s Semi-Finals, they had the celebs talking to their personal icons before their first dance (and showing them rehearsing their dances as well). There was no video package leading up to their second dance (so no friends/family segment). But there was Derek’s Macy’s Stars of Dance so maybe there just wasn’t enough time for a second package? I don’t know. They did have a Road to the Finale episode where they had friends/family talk about them which was aired the hour before the winner was announced on the results show, just like they did last season.
I have no idea what the producers are planning tonight. Maybe before the celebs’ first dance they’ll do that friends/family thing and then before their second dance they’ll have the judge who’s mentoring one couple talk about them? But yeah, I agree that Rumer & Noah have a slight advantage over the others – Noah being a war hero and Rumer getting her dad Bruce to make another appearance on the show.
@ jane thank you for reminding me of that : they did it in the finale before the free style and made Amy repeat the same exact story and I remember how people said that she repeated the same sob story to get sympathy votes ( poor girl was bullied so hard unlike what they said now about Noah and I have nothing against him I love the guy ) but go see Meryl’s package and how she tamed the Russian big beast and overcome dyslexia , damn now I’m sure that is what is going to happen in the finale. damn I forgot about that. damn damn damn damn damn damn damn.
@ Kirami, yeah, I also remember anti-Amy/Derek fans complaining whenever Amy cried in their video packages (from frustration… because she has no feet!). Kind of makes me wonder if the producers intentionally kept putting those moments in their packages to turn off voters and/or rile up Meryl/Maks/Fam fans?
But I think a big reason why Amy was bullied was because she was partnered with Derek, which is why I think Noah isn’t getting the same level of hate as she did. He’s also a war hero too so I don’t think people can really go off on him for the fact that he lost his limbs protecting our country. But I also think there’s some gender issues at play too. You know, women being more critical against other women type of thing, though I could be totally way off base here.
Ugh, and the whole “Meryl taming Maks” thing makes me want to puke. I don’t know if you read the ew.com rankings of DWTS champions, but that was the main reason why Meryl & Maks came in first! That whole article was a total joke (to me).
Wow. Just read that ew.com champions ranking thing and I want to scream. The whole thing is so anti-Derek it’s painful. Nicole is 15th, and none of Derek’s 5 winners make it above 9th. I really don’t like Nicole Scherzinger as a person much, but she was a great dancer and deserves better. The damn thing admits in its writeup on her that it was partly based on annoyance because Derek was always winning, despite the fact this was only his second win, a milestone Cheryl and Julianne both beat him to. It also discounts her as a ringer, then claims not to care that Meryl was a bigger ringer. Meryl was one of my favourite contestants ever, but for her talent and likeability, not whatever she and Maks did, and if she was to be number 1 she should have made it on her own merits, not Maks’s, or their showmance. It’s somehow insulting to her too. Also, Tony inexplicably managed to make it into second with Melissa and their endless parade of Sambas. The caption really should have been “This message brought to you by the Fam”
EW is barely surviving for a REASON, Mr A.
I wouldn’t know, but ew seems perfectly appropriate.