“Sway: A Dance Trilogy” Premieres In New York City June 5, 2015 – HQ Photos
Last night “Sway: A Dance Trilogy” premiered in New York City. Below are some stunning photos of the cast. To see more photos, see Getty Images. And is “Sway” coming to Miami in Decemeber? Check out this poster courtesy of @Pouncer84 at twitter.
I don’t know…. in theory, this show would be fun to watch. I just can’t with some of them. I watched a few of the videos and I seriously rolled my eyes every time anybody (with the exception of Peta, Sharna, and Emma) spoke. So many egos and so many who think too much of themselves.
On another note – whoever dressed Peta for the bows needs a come to Jesus moment because that did not look good on her at all and she’s gorgeous.
Nice pics but the first one has to be my fav because of Emma and Sharna looking so good. Also feel like ripping the hat off of Maks because for a big event you would think that he would know better. Can’t tell if Val is wearing one too but either way if he is, they should realize how bad it looks.
Val is not wearing a hat I don’t think, but how did nobody point out to Maks that wearing a backwards baseball cap at a photocall is inappropriate, disrespectful and…… AESTHETICALLY NOT PLEASING! What these pictures pointed out to me, which I probably knew already, is that I have no objection to any of the female Fam members and hate almost all the males.
IMO Sway will never be a major production or tour because they don’t get the difference between a professional production and tossing all your friends and sycophants into one big back-patting mix and trying to sell it as a professional dance show. I have no problem with Maks, Val OR Tony (the forgotten man) having their DWTS partners come on and do a guest appearance, but incorporating them into the show is silly. Meryl and Rumer and not professional dancers and they stick out like sore thumbs among the pros.
Personally I also don’t like the choices of female lead pros other than Sharna. I think Jenna and Peta are both overdancers who are way too frenetic and love to mug for the audience. Then again I may be partial because I was lucky enough to see Maks dance with Karina in Forever Tango and that was just breathtaking. I think it would be a much better show with Karina and Cheryl being the lead partners for Maks and Val but obviously they either weren’t asked or chose not to have any part of this thing.
I so agree w/ you Donna. Just by looking at the pics, you can see the pros and the non-pros. As good as Meryl and Rumer are, they have no place in a production like these. They can never do what the pro dancers who have years and ears of dancing experience can do. In fact one snapshot showed Meryl not in sync w/ the other 3 pro dancers.
They are still milking the Maksyl showmance since they know a lot of them go to see them because of this. And also, like Maks has been saying on every interview, Meryl “begged” to be in the show.
#5 Ria I think the Maksyl ship is finally sinking for a lot of them. They appear to be dealing with this train wreck by getting all fired up over Meryl dancing with Artem and Henry being all touchy-feely with her at the meet and greet (boy that Henry will do anything to get some attention). I also think Maks has pissed them off by the way he’s appeared to be snubbing Meryl this week.
I’m also not sure what happened but I saw a few tweets last night about what a jerk Maks was to fans. Best I can gather, Val must have stopped to acknowledge them while Maks ignored them. I also saw Val tweet last night thanking the fans for coming but there was nothing from Maks. At this point I think DWM would be better served having Val or even Tony representing their brand. Maks seems to be pissing off more people than he’s attracting.
No way would I pay money to see this show. SSDD!!! IMO
Meryl just go away it’s over and I am so done with you!
Rumor looks like she needs to take a laxative and get some relief from that horrible – let me pretend to be sexy pose.
Peta and Sharna are way to good for these people.
SWAY – GO AWAY!!!!
One more thing Emma you are beautiful and a fabulous dancer.
Donna, you made an excellent point about the lack of professionalism. Did anyone see the pics of the Sway program? I wasn’t expecting glossy full-color for three shows, but that was obviously done by one of the fam with no knowledge of basic design principles on an old version of Word or something. They even spelled one of the dancers’s names wrong!
Sure, it’s just a program, but attention to detail matters. As does work ethic–look at Derek vs Maks. It’s reflected in the performances.
I’ve actually always liked the idea & concept of Sway because it isn’t a big production or tour—and I don’t think that’s even what they want it to be. It’s just good, pure ballroom dancing with different parts & styles (I think there’s 3 different parts; urban, ballroom, and Latin or something hence the “trilogy” titling) with just the right amount of some glitz and glamour. Overall, just a solid, traditional performance with familiar fun. Like a toned down DWTS on stage.
#9 Maria I did not see the program but it doesn’t surprise me. Their friend Alex thinks he’s some kind of marketing guru.
I think Sway could have been a decent production if they had stuck to their original plan — a show in three acts about different styles of dance built around Maks, Val and Tony. When they brought in all these other DWTS pros and started in about it being a “family production” and then started bringing in non-professionals, that’s when it turned into a train wreck. Obviously they played to the shippers during Sway 1 and 2 (Zendaya and Meryl) but even with Zendaya wisely walking away you still have all the drama of how Maks and Meryl played these fans vs him now being with Peta, the Val/Rumer vs Val/Jenna shippers and what I feel is an overabundance of DWTS pros. This isn’t the DWTS tour. Why would anyone shell out big bucks or travel to see this show when almost all of them will be on the tour that’s likely coming to a city near them for about half the price? Having Sway centered around Maks/Val/Tony is one thing — having it try to be a knockoff of the DWTS tour is just lame. And it also hurts the show, I think, because it perpetuates the whole image of divided camps among the pros, and that’s something Maks and Val in particular have pushed.
Lynn#7 – I’ve been over Meryl since Season 18. The M&M Rumba porny pics make me gag.
The shippers are mad that M&M are not giving them the Maksyl treatment this time and felt that they owe it to since they were the ones who voted for their Mirror Ball, who’s been buying all those ugly(their words)Vera Bradley bags and shelling out their hard-earend money to see SWAY. Serves them right!
They need Meryl and Rumer to sell tickets. And it’s all about family. The actual dance quality is secondary.
I also noticed that Meryl and Maks weren’t hanging on each other and Henry was sneaking his way in there. What an opportunist. And stealth douche. 😀
I like the idea of Sway too. But, when I “clicked” on ticket prices, some were over $500. That seems really high to me. I think that between Sway, Move, and DWTS tour there are more opportunitites to see dance shows. Too bad they make it expensive. it doesn’t seem accessible. I guess to be a success they have to jack up the prices? I’m sure there were cheaper seats. But, dang!
Also, didn’t I see paparazzi video of Maks with Peta in LA? Not sure. Would Maks be all over Meryl with Peta there? They all seem to be friends. Maks may have some ego problems but I don’t think he’s the player type?!?
I guarantee Zendaya will be back for the next show. The reason they didn’t sell out 2 of the 3 shows was probably down to price and lack of Zendaya. Her presence sells tickets more than anyone else on that show including Meryl and Rumer put together.
This is mean to say but Rumer tries to get the sexy face going, and always ends up looking like she is constipated. I couldn’t stand when she did that on DWTS, she has got some really weird facial expressions. The only pro thing that I can say about Val is that he really seems to appreciate his fans and does take time to interact with them. Maks is so moody and arrogant most of the time, it really does not surprise me that he ignored his 3 fans. LOL! And I agree with PH that they need Meryl and Rumer to sell tickets. The C Bros have to drag in 1/2 the cast of DWTS, an Olympian, and a daughter of movie stars in order for people to shell out lots of money for overpriced tickets. I guess it worked this time, but the question is, will it work again.
I just noticed Henry unfollowed Nastia on Instagram. Seriously?? But he didn’t have the balls to unfollow Derek. Henry and the fam deserve eachother
#Donna, I totally agree with your statement “I think the Maksyl ship is finally sinking…” I believe that Maks got what he wanted out of Meryl, winning season 18. However, I think there was some spark between them. The way she looked at him and the way he couldn’t and didn’t keep his hands and lips off of her, certainly did look like a budding romance. We were all duped, but Maks got his votes and the MBT.
Maks swears his eternal friendship and for a little while it appears they are staying in touch. I believe that was all for publicity too. Then Peta joins the picture publically and the man who says he never discusses his private life admits on TV “I’m dating Peta, I have been and everybody knows that.” Really Maks. That brings me, Donna, to your other comment that grabbed my attention and my agreement…
“I also think Maks has pissed them off by the way he’s appeared to be snubbing Meryl this week.” Meryl has been trained for years to smile and appear happy even when she isn’t. Now if you watch her eyes and expressions they say something else. The magic is gone. I’m sure Peta keeping Maks reined in and hanging all over him having that “I win” attitude just bubbling out hasn’t helped. Meryl is too good for him anyway. I hope after this week she turns her back and walks away from him and doesn’t look back.
They do the same routines ALL THE TIME, it’s getting old. Maks and Val definitely need different female leads. Maks with Karina and Val with Emma would be amazing. They need to create new numbers for the sway 4 in Miami. Also, I’m perfectly fine with Maks and Val using past partners from dwts, I think that’s great. But I would prefer to see Val with Zendaya (redo the cha cha, finale samba, and/or salsa trio with Artem as a replacement for Gleb) or Janel (jazz, samba, contemporary or paso doble) Rumer just isn’t all of that to me and clearly one note, isn’t fun to watch either. Also, when it comes to ticket sales, I’m pretty sure that Rumer is not bringing in any fans, and they’re going to a whole new city for the next Sway (Miami), so they’ll need Meryl and Zendaya and/or Janel get people to come (those three have huge fan bases). I would love to see Kara from strictly come and dance with Artem too, but that probably won’t happen.
Just curious — who does he choreography for Sway?
I wouldn’t go to see Sway even if they paid me to because these people don’t seem to respect their audience . They don’t even bother coming up with new choreo for the show.
Those were probably VIP, ryan. Those should be fairly limited in number.
“We were all duped…” Um, no. “WE” were not all duped. Just sayin’. 🙂
And dear, Meryl was in on it. I think you’re seeing things in her eyes that aren’t there. They were never romantic – either of them. As for the “magic” – I’m sure they still dance together well and with the same level of passion, it’s just that now YOU realize it’s all pretend. And that makes you see it differently.
And why the hell wouldn’t Peta hang on Maks – they’re dating and they have been for a while. Meryl and Maks AREN’T and never were.
I do love it when shippers say they get it but then make it clear that they still haven’t let go….
I would go see “Sway”…to see my girl Sharna. I also love Peta and Emma. I’m also curious what Val and Maks are like as dancers seeing them live. I would also have a good talk with Val for how he has blocked people.
When you have that talk with him, Vogue, be sure to tell him how stupid it was since most of us never tweeted him AND didn’t realize we’d been blocked until weeks afterward. 🙂 Like, super petty (since we never tweeted about him or to him) and massively pointless all at the same time. How Chmerkovskiy-like….
Ananya, what have you heard and how do you know they didn’t come up with new choreography? For one, I’ve heard the hop hop dance with Val and Jenna is all new. I think the dances with Peta and Maks are new too.
I sure will, Miss!!! And to what you said, I will add too for the promo he gets at this site regardless of anything. We could easily not post anything on him and yet we still do.
Vogue, I heard the Meryl-Maks dances were old, including the one from 10th anniversary special. The Sharna-Tony one also I heard was similar. If the pro dances were new, then that should push them to only have pro dancers on the show, as they can pick up new choreo much faster. I love Emma and Sharna but I don’t think I could sit through the combined egos of Val, Maks, and Tony and their 3 MBTs. I would be rolling my eyes too often to actually enjoy the dances.
I don’t think Rumer “has it” 🙂 Honestly I don’t think she has the charisma as a stage performer. Maybe some of us consider her as a one note but because of the praises she got from the judges she might think otherwise. Maks ignored his fans? Wonder if Meryl said: “oh Maksiiimmm…” (with her little girl voice). Vogue, do you need a bodyguard when you ask Val such questions/statement?….j/k
I still like Meryl a lot, I think she’s a sweet and very talented girl, and if you’d dropped her in any other series she’d still have done very well, but I hate that she got swallowed by the Fam like no other celebrity.
If Meryl got swallowed by the Fam it’s because she wanted it and allowed it I think that she got the taste of how the dancers live and she loved their style so she continued being friends w/ them and continually “begged”(Maks’ words not mine)to be included in SWAY.
Nothing against her but I’ve always had the belief that the sweet as candy Meryl is not exactly the real Meryl but that is the only side that she will continue showing to her audience.
Ananya, I can understand. 😉 And I agree about those who are repeating dances too…that’s just old.
I like Meryl too. She’s one of my favorite skaters of all time. I feel for sorry for all the shipping she gets….from Charlie to Maks. One passionate look in a dance or skate (which they are trained to do) and there are some fans who take that as they are in love forever more.
And I agree with Heidi too. Why can’t Peta hang on Maks? They are dating ….and, sorry Kate, but, they are equally “reigned” in. I’m not a big Maks fan anymore like I use to be, but, I feel sorry for all the hate they get too and those who judge and like to try and control Peta and Maks’ life. Recently, they are taking more steps to be more public about it and I say good for them as it can’t be easy being a celeb and trying to have a relationship.
As far as Sway selling out–more than a week before the show there was a 25% across-the-board discount code at Ticketmaster. Plus, Macy’s had an event where they gave people who spent $100 two free tickets.
I agree–the golden MBT didn’t have people beating down the doors. That’s why I don’t think TPTB at DWTS should move heaven and earth to make sure the winners are on the tour. I think most people want to see their favorite celebs and pros, winners or not, or just good dancing.
Maybe we shouldn’t promote him quite so frequently. If we’re so awful and all. 😀
Well, I, for one, wouldn’t miss his promotion. Why promote people who don’t appreciate it, as in block said people from their twitter????
I also don’t think that Meryl is as sweet as she lets on to be in public. I have heard some behind the scenes skating stories over the years about jealousy and witchiness toward other competitors. Charlie, on the other hand … couldn’t be a nicer guy! I actually think if TPTB hadn’t been manipulating things that season, Charlie would have won hands down just based on fan choice between the two.
Gawd, I’m a regular ray of sunshine today with these comments!
Let me change that by saying thanks for keeping PureDWTS and PureDerek so well updated even in the off season! 🙂
Yeah, maybe we shouldn’t. It’s hard at times knowing how he feels.
Thanks Meggie and you are a “ray of sunshine”…always!!
A friend of mine went, and she was saying that all of Emma’s stuff felt “tacked on.” I wonder if she was originally supposed to replace Sharna as Tony’s partner, but when Sharna’s schedule opened up, they just decided to give Emma other stuff to do.
We’re the 3 shows sold out?
Meant were the 3 shows sold out?
I never got the feeling that this anything was more than a bunch of friends, who like to dance with each, other putting on a dance show for a couple of days. Why so harsh? If they enjoy it, professional dancer or not, what’s the problem?
#18 Kate I wouldn’t say we were all duped. I was never duped. I’ve followed Maks far too long to not know when he’s playing the fans for his own personal gain. I’ve also heard “I love her, she’s family, she’s always be a part of my life” far too many times about his partners only to see them disappear the second they’re no longer of use to him. See Mel B, Erin and Kirstie.
#33 Vogue it’s interesting you brought up Maks and Peta being more public because I’ve felt all along that’s been a very calculated PR move by Maks. It started right around the time all those Sway articles came out that were still using headlines about Meryl and Maks. They’re no longer a draw for anyone but the few remaining shippers as most of them have jumped ship and the general DWTS fan base has moved on from Season 18. I’ll be surprised to see Meryl do Sway again but even if she does I don’t think it will have a big effect on ticket sales. I feel like Maks is trying to build some kind of fan base for him and Peta to replace the large shipping fan base they cashed in on during Sway 1 and 2.
Let me also just say that while it’s no secret I am NOT a fan of Maks and Meryl, I thought he was kind of crappy to her this week. She’s only involved with Sway because of him and regardless of how friendly she may be with the other dancers, the least he could have done was sat with her at dinner or interacted with her at the after party. You didn’t see Val sitting at a different dinner table from Rumer and I can guarantee that if Melissa or Leah was in Sway Tony wouldn’t be dining with Lina at another table during a cast dinner.
Pretty sure the 3rd one was. Dont know about the other two, depends on how many turned up on the day. Either way leaving NY & moving to Miami is defo the right move. All I see on the dwts twitter feed these days are Floridians moaning about no dwts tour stops in the state this summer so sway will be right up their street.
I sort of get the impression that Sway is more a home-grown, studio showcase rather than an all out professional stage production. You can tell it’s more light-hearted and fun and that the pros don’t take it too seriously. A few of the numbers (either production, costuming, choreo) seemed to be recycled from their 2.0 edition but I’m sure with just several days of rehearsal, the starring pros weren’t going to do much more. @CM – I’m surprised the DWM family was still so cool with Emma after the season ended. She’s such a free spirit and really doesn’t seem to pay attention to the dwts cliques or allegiances. On All Access she commented on Rumer’s freestyle being “just an argentine tango” and then during the finale it seemed like she was rooting for Noah for the win. Btw, exactly how many DWTS stars and months of promo does it take to sell out three shows?? By opening night they still had 1/5 of the seats unsold for all three performances.
Jillglove, if you don’t like what is being said here, you may leave ASAP. Talk about YOUR opinion, not the opinion of others.
CM, if all of the dancers didn’t sign contracts to appear in Sway, they are fools. I would imagine that is why Emma was still there – she had a performance contract.
You do realize they all get paid too, right??
The first one wasn’t, Ananya. I think the two yesterday were close.
No, Vogue, the “ray of sunshine” honor goes to you … always! But thanks! 😉
Who ordered a cloud?
Thanks Megs!!!xxx
Lol, meryl got stuck with henry now that maks is partnered with peta
which makes sense
. But dang check out jenna’s legs in that second pic!
All of these girls are fam members? I always got the vibe that emma really likes derek from all access. “You can touch my butt anytime derek” lol 🙂
I liked the idea of sway too, it has a more intimate feel, but $500? Seriously guys, you are not that famous, calm down.
I love many of these pros, like emma, but I would never pay that much to go to sway. I would also not fly all the way to ny to see sway.
I agree with you kate. To be honest, I think that meryl and maks did have some feelings for each other (maybe just an attraction, something akin to a small crush), but I think that maks thought he was too good for her. Anybody with any brains could tell he was not going to seriously pursue her. But meryl is also trained in creating chemistry during a dance.He’s kind of ugh.