PureDWTS Season 21, Week 5 – Switch Week Predictions!!
So once again, TPTB kinda went “Plot twist!” last night and moved the switch-up to week 5, even though we had been hearing that week 6 was the actual switch week. So given that – and the fact that they inadvertently tweeted this out last night – it’s entirely possibly that the switch voting was all for naught, and they’re going to do whatever the hell they want and cherry pick their own pairings. It’s happened before, with Meryl in season 18 and Sadie in season 19 – neither one went to the pro they had the highest vote count for.
ETA: Starting to get some intel on the pairings – and I’m afraid the news isn’t great. Below are what I’ve had confirmed so far – and I’m sure you can tell that not all of them match up with the data I’ve seen. Also worth mentioning? That Alek’s partner may have been tinkered with – as in he had a different partner as of last night than the one he had this morning. I would still take this with a grain of salt – switch-up is one of the scheistiest things this show has ever done, and who knows if they are still tinkering…
ETA2: Apparently the pairings are getting officially announced on GMA tomorrow morning. No, I don’t know what time; no, I don’t know if any of them will actually be there (but I doubt it). Yes, we will be live blogging. -Court-
ETA3: Not a peep on GMA – wonder if plans changed, as my source was fairly certain they were going to announce them on GMA today. But hey, if it’s anything like the cast announcement was – they probably moved the announcement over to Animal Planet or HSN or something 😛 Mark tweeted this around 2 o’clock EST this morning (so around 11 California time) – looks like he was hopping on a red-eye, and considering the only female celeb that rehearses outside of L.A. is Paula…I guess that lends credence to what we’ve already heard. Also trying to make sense of this tweet by Emma – if she got Andy (as some are guessing from some tweets of his she favorited), I would think it would still be dark out if she was catching the early morning flight to wherever he was – but in the picture she posted, it looks light out, and she looks like she’s in her own Jeep…which she would be more likely to drive if she was headed to McCadden, not the airport. Thoughts?
ETA4: And not 2 minutes after I post this, People posts the official list:
Actual pairings:
Paula & Mark
Alexa & Derek
Bindi & Val
Tamar & Louis
Alek & Emma (!!!)
Carlos & Lindsay
Hayes & Allison
Andy & Sharna
Nick & Witney
Court’s postmortem thoughts on the results? TPTB totally cherry picked – the only one of these that I think was legitimately the highest vote-getter was Alexa & Derek, and depending on whether you count the oodles of bot votes Alek & Emma. THIRLLED about Alek & Emma :-D, but pissed that Hayes somehow ended up with Allison – calling total bullsh*t on that one, since almost everyone tweeting Alek/Emma was also tweeting Hayes/Lindsay. We made sure of that. I guess I’m glad she didn’t get Nick, but she should have gotten Carlos.
Some of you may have seen me giving a bit of a “switch voting update” in the comments section the other day, so a lot of this will likely be a repeat for you – but for those who didn’t, here are just a few observations I made:
*Some very industrious individual with 100+ spam bot accounts all tweeting the same thing managed to generate over 16K votes for #DWTSAlekSharna, #DWTSAlexaDerek, #DWTSBindiMark, #DWTSAndyWitney, and a few others. Will be interesting to see if these actually get counted as votes, or if they get recognized as spam – if you look at the voting pattern for Alek/Sharna in particular, it has 3 high spikes of about 5K votes in an hour, and then drops back down to almost nothing in between the spikes. To anyone with half a brain – this is classic bot voting activity. The question is: will TPTB care?
*In contrast to the Alek/Emma voting pattern stayed pretty steady throughout – there were spikes, sure, but it never dropped down to nothing, and the voting was distributed out over a greater time period. There were also more unique users tweeting it out – so I would say it is more indicative of public opinion than the Alek/Sharna graph. I personally also think it would be more buzzworthy for the show to push the Alek/Emma showmance. The question is – will they?
*The Bindi/Mark and Alexa/Derek pairings were getting pushed pretty hard across the board, so I could see those happening regardless. Also pushed hard? Hayes/Lindsay, which I also see happening regardless. Therefore, the male pro/female celeb pairings are fairly easy to predict, by POE.
*A lot of the other pairings are going to hinge upon who gets Alek – Sharna or Emma.
So here’s my predictions, based on what I saw:
Court’s predictions:
Bindi & Mark
Alexa & Derek
Paula & Val
Tamar & Louis
Alek & Emma OR Alek & Sharna
Hayes & Lindsay
Carlos & Sharna OR Carlos & Allison
Andy & Witney OR Andy & Emma
Nick & Allison OR Nick & Witney
So what are your thoughts & predictions? I’ll update this post with any potential intel that might crop up during the course of the day…
Although I would love to see Alek and Emma together (the behind the scenes would be cute!), I do think Andy and Emma would make a good pair and that Emma would be a really good teacher for him 🙂
I didn’t bother to vote for any switch up pairings (not bothered enough) but it would be interesting to see how everything pans out 🙂
I hope Emma and Alek get paired together! Emma favorited two Andy/switch up related tweets, i don’t know if that matters, though.
The only one I really cared about was Bindi getting Mark — she shouldn’t have to endure a week with either Val or Louis.
For the rest, it’s not what I would have picked, and I think there are some missed opportunities, but then again, other opportunities present themselves. Paula and Val tickles me silly. I see no potential whatsoever in Tamar and Louis. Alexa and Derek is a waste except that Derek will get to know what it’s been like for Mark.
I’m actually most interested to see what happens with Andy and Allison. My guess is that Andy is going to do really well with whomever he gets and whomever gets Allison is going to have trouble. Andy is the one I feel sorriest for and I’m glad he’ll have a week with someone else.
These are my picks and my reasoning for each. First I have to go with bindi and mark becuase well it’s a kind of perfect pairing. Second I have to go with Tamar and Derek becuase I want to see what her reaction to him would be. Third I have to say Paula and Val becuase it’s a fun pairing 🙂 . Fourth I had to go with Louis and Alexa because I think they would get along well. Then alek and sharna becuas that pairing would be a dream to watch. Then Hayes and Lindsay, Carlos and Allison, Andy and Emma, and nick and witney becuase they all would be fun to watch.
Sorry, but the Alek/Sharna pairing does not interest me at all. But hey, you’ll probably get your wish – thanks to someone with too much time on his/her hands.
My predictions:
Nick & Lindsay
Andy & Sharna
Hayes & Allison
Carlos & Emma
Alek & Witney
Tamar & Louis
Paula & Derek
Bindi & Mark
Alexa & Val
Also, I think it would be a good idea in the future to include the troupe and elimated pro’s in the future season’s for the switch-up…just incase Tamar was supposed to be with Artem in the first place it would be fun to see how they would connect.
Mark & Derek switching pairings seemed like a forgone conclusion. Haven’t they always switched partners. Because of her age, I can’t picture Bindi with anyone but Mark.
My picks:
I’d love to see Derek choreograph something sexy with Tamar or funny with Paula.
Andy & Lindsay just because of her height.
Carlos & Allison
Alexa & Louie
Hayes & Whitney
Alex & Emma (for all the shippers out there)
Here’s mine:
Bindi-Mark
Alexa-Derek
Alek-Emma
Carlos-Sharna
Hayes-Allison
Paula-Val
Tamar-Louis
Nick-Lindsay
Andy-Emma
I can never decide, but, I like the idea of Mark and Bindi together.
Also, since Val fans think it would be a downfall for Derek to get Paula, I almost hope it happens so Derek can prove them wrong like he did with Nene.
Why does Mark always get the young ones. He needs to get Paula. He’s never had a partner older than 39!
Almost everything I saw in terms of Nick/BSB supporters was pushing Nick-Lindsay or Nick-Witney. Curious, do you predict him with Allison because you think the people pushing for other Lindsay pairings (or Witney) will win out, so that is who he will be left with? I can’t decide how I feel about him with Allison… he may be able to keep up with her and handle the intensity professionally, but would likely put a huge amount of pressure on himself. Then again, I can’t decide how I feel about Allison with anyone 🙂
I think Emma would be great for Andy. I’d also be interested to see what Derek could pull out of Tamar in terms of connection and getting that extra OOMPH (aka non vacant eyes and better legs) but I don’t see that pairing happening. I’m sure he’ll do great with whichever celeb he gets! Even if he gets Paula, like Voguerista said.
I would also love to see Mark get Bindi and maybe lighten him up a little and have some fun for a week. He’s been so subdued!
Mark/Bindi
This is just totally my gut but I think that Mark wanted Bindi as a partner all along. I think we will see the return of old Mark if he gets paired with Bindi and I think they will be great together. Again, that’s just something I’ve been feeling that’s not based on any fact. 🙂
Derek/Paula
I would love to see Derek and Paula bc I think he could do something fantastic with her. I’m kind of getting the feeling that they will put her with him bc Val may complain.
Emma/Alek
They love this stuff..I think they will take the chance to get a showmance bc it’s not happening with any other couples. I’m excited for this pairing.
I’m not sure about the other ones.
Witney/Nick
Sharna/Andy
Louis/Tamar
Val/Alexa
Allison/Carlos
Lindsay/Hayes
@Mermaid – Allison getting Nick was a POE situation – since I was seeing so many votes for Alek/Emma, Hayes/Lindsay, and Carlos/Sharna, by default Allison would have to get Nick. Not sure if it’s actually going to happen or not – I think it’ll definitely be Allison or Witney that gets him, though.
I echo upstream comments. Please don’t put ray of sunshine bindi with Val or Louis.
No matter who they give Derek or Mark, I think they will shine. I actually think Paula and one of them would be adorable.
@Courtney got it, thanks! Can’t wait to see who everyone gets. I guess the results will start leaking over the next couple of days as rehearsals begin?
@Herbie – hadn’t even thought of Bindi with Louis. I feel like that would be… awkward? Disconnected?
I wanted to see Alek/Emma for a week just for the fun of it but that doesn’t look like it’ll be happening. Aw well. 🙁 I also voted for Hayes/Lindsay which looks to be happening and I’m excited about that! 🙂
It looks like Bindi will be with Mark which isn’t unexpected but I know watching them will just make me sad that they weren’t together from the beginning. (Why must it be that the rare occasion they give someone other than Mark the youngest girl it’s the one who’s the frontrunner? People say she’s only one because of Derek and while he is a great teacher I think she would have done well with anyone except maybe Keo because his teaching skills don’t seem that great.) I wanted Bindi to be with someone like Val or Louis to maybe bring out a different side to them. Though I guess I should be happy because they seem like a good fit and it’ll be nice for Mark to get someone who is focused for a week.
I sort of wanted Tamar with Mark for reasons stated above but if she’s with Louis like I think she will be that’ll be interesting for sure. And I wanted Paula with either Val or Derek which looks to be happening (though what I really wanted was for her to be gone this week but whatever). I don’t really care who Alexa gets because I think she’d do decently well with any of them so she and Derek as a pair is fine by me.
I initially wanted Witney with Gary because I thought she’d be able to get something new out of him but since that can’t happen now I guess I’d like to see her with Nick (who I originally wanted with Anna). Still holding out hope for Andy/Sharna and Allison/Carlos but we’ll see.
I just hope that Alek does not get Allison. She can’t teach technique, and one of his strong points is his ability to learn technique. Plus, if he gets a latin dance, I don’t think she would be able to break it down so he grasps the hip movement. She’s too concerned with the choreography rather than the dance steps.
I can’t decide whether I like the Paula/Val pairing or the Paula/Derek pairing better.
@IrisandLillies – From the numbers I saw, there’s no way that Alek could get saddled with Allison – he had far too many votes with Sharna & Emma. In fact, he was the most voted for male celeb. Now Nick – there’s still a possibility that Nick could end up with Allison. My gut is saying Witney, though.
The only pairing I really would hate is Allison and nick. Don’t get me wrong she can choreograph a great dance but I think I would pull my hair out if it’s another dance like she gave Andy this week.
I can see Allison and Carlos doing really well together.
Would like to see Hayes with Lindsay.
Bindi and Mark are the most obvious pair, and although I think she and Derek are magic, I think Mark could have served her just as well. If it is them two, I’ll be prepared for some goofy energy in rehearsal and the dance floor (if appropriate to the style).
I am a little intrigued by Louis and Tamar – she’s pretty tall though, but if Karina can dance with Victor then a week with those two would be fine.
I am not a shipper, so I don’t really care if Alek and Emma get to play out their fledgling romance/showmance – and I’m afraid that TPTB would exploit it. But since so many want it to happen and Emma seems like she’d prefer it, sure.
I’d be fine with Witney and Nick and Sharna with Andy, I guess
Paula with Val might be interesting – I know that Derek can do it, but curious to see what Val can pull out of his ass.
Alexa might be best served to have a week of Derek, since I think she needs some help on the emotional/intellectual side more than anyone else and maybe some additional perspective/freshening things up might help her. Plus I feel the most confident that he could give her a great routine, and after last night’s scores she really needs it.
Even though I have zero trust in TPTB honoring the viewers’ votes, I thought about getting involved to try to make the Alek/Emma switch-up happen. Then when Court reported on the Alek/Sharna bot, it just wasn’t worth my time.
Here are the pairings I’d like to see:
Bindi-Mark (good for Bindi, and for Mark)
Tamar-Derek (I want to see if Tamar would still have vacant eyes)
Paula-Val (POE – but I think Mandi’s right and Val would whine to TPTB)
Alexa-Louis (POE – but i think it would work out alright)
Alek-Emma (so cute, but don’t give them rumba)
Carlos-Allison (he might be able to keep up with her)
Hayes-Lindsay (she’ll keep it light and fun)
Nick-Witney (she can match his intensity)
Andy-Sharna (she’ll choreograph to his strengths)
Once TPTB get through taking care of their agenda, who knows what we’ll end up with.
The show said it was Tamar and Louis so far. Hm.
I kinda want an Andy/Sharna partnership. I just like the sound of it for some reason. And, of course, Alek should go to Emma.
If the Alek/Sharna thing happens, however, I think it would really be fun if Noah visited them for the package since he’s rooting for both of them. But I guess that’s just the inner Team Shway in me. If TPTB does end up being the one to choose this, it’s not a far off possibility with Alek needing a little encouragement/pick-me-up after last week.
I’m kinda puzzled with Carlos. He’s a tad short for most of the other female pros so I really don’t know who should get him.
Why do Mark and Derek always get each other’s partners? xD
Anyway, if everything turns out this way, I’m super excited for Bindi to dance with Mark! She’s in great hands. Mark is so creative and is awesome with the younger girls.
Oh, and I’m all for Mark and Bindi. Just for old times sake!
The way I see it, if Alek gets Emma or Sharna, either way it should help him. He seems to have chemistry with Emma, which can only help, and Sharna IMHO is the best of the female pros from a technique standpoint (although Lindsay and Emma are definitely giving her a run for her money this season), which can only help him in the long run.
Last night I watched dwts all access the host had said that some of the couples would find out before the end of the night who they would be paired up with. The rest would find out today. So to it doesn’t matter who u voted for the show already had ones they already wanted to be paired with from the start. We will see who get’s paired with who. Good luck to my faves in the coming week with who they might get.
@dancingfeet91, maybe it’s because Mark and Derek’s fans want to do their best to make sure Mark and Derek’s celebs don’t have to spend a week with My-way-or-the-Highway Chmerkovskiy (especially when they’re young ladies). The C-bros fans are all about keeping it in the Fam too.
Maddie, don’t be a buzzkill. I highly doubt all the partnerships were just picked potluck-style – it’s beneficial for TPTB to at least look at who everyone is voting for, and try to cater to that as much as possible. Now they may not heed every single pairing the people vote for and do tweak pairings when it suits their interests, but I highly doubt NONE of the votes matter and it’s a tad rude of you to barge in here and make that claim.
I don´t know if anyone catched it or not, but I´m pretty sure Alfonso said something like “As of now Tamar will be dancing with Louis, if you wanna change that then get voting” So he kind of announced one of the pairings.
And I have to add that I am all for a Bindi and Mark partnership, I really hope that this benefits both teams the following week.
BTW: I hope that they do it like they did in season 18, where they get standard dance styles, rather than season 19, where they handed out wacky styles on top of the switch (Burlesque? really?).
I was really hoping for emma and nick 🙂 I’ve been looking for to these predictions… thank you
I’m shocked that switch-up is coming so soon. I thought they would wait until the bottom tier of dancers (now only Paula) would be eliminated. So does this, and the fact that she wasn’t placed in jeopardy yesterday mean that Paula is getting a healthy share of votes?
On the other hand, I was wanting Val and his ego to deal with a partner like Melissa McCarthy or Miss Patti. Since that will never happen now, I thought him dealing with Paula Deen, even for a week would be as close as I’d get. But I can see what would happen. The C Bros fans would say poor, poor BB. She’s hopeless and no one could do anything with her. So it could be fun to Derek rise to the challenge of working with her.
I was also interested to see if Tamar would have better chemistry with Derek than she has with Val. However, I don’t see her bonding with Louis in just a week. I love the idea of Bindi with Mark. I think they’ll both enjoy it. I’m not really feeling Alexa so I don’t care who she’s with. As for the guys, I’m not really fussed about who switches with whom ‘cept I wouldn’t want Alek to be paired with Allison. I like both of them but don’t think they would fair well together with only a week to adjust.
Lindsay may be the pro with the most to lose with the switch-up. She’s been getting a lot of praise this season for how well she’s teaching Alek to dance, but if another pro is just as successful with Alek, particularly if it’s with a fun latin dance, then one could argue that the success is due to the student and no the teacher. Of course, that argument ignores that Lindsay may have given Alek a good foundation in the basics so that he is more receptive to others’ instruction.
When will they start rehearsing? and will they reveal the pairs tomm?
I literally have no desire to see any of these pairings next week. I’m so disappointed.
WHAT?!! Bindi with Val?!!! Ugh I’m so mad right now. Mark was the only other person I wanted her with, I don’t want that. What’s the point in even voting none of our pairings ever happen. I didn’t care about who Derek got cause he can handle anyone but Bindi is with Val ughhh
I’m with Mandi, if these are the pairings I have no desire to see ANY of them. Well, I’ll still watch for Alek but I’m not even excited about the Sharna partnership and I absolutely adore her. I was hoping for an Alek/Emma partnership but it wouldn’t be true DWTS if I actually got what I wanted by voting the proper way I was supposed to / did.
Sidebar- My opinion, I don’t think Lindsay has the most to lose or anything to lose at all this week. I think she’s done her due time in troupe and if anything, it’s Allison who after this season may have to worry that Lindsay could take her spot with how great she’s done with Alek, etc.
And this is why I didn’t bother to vote because TPTB will do whatever the hell they want! I saw so many Bindi & Marks, how did she get Val? Maybe they want to rehab his image. At least we know they’ll get a good score because big brother is at the desk. Good thing he cleared his busy schedule to return to the show that he said he doesn’t even watch.
Oh no!! Mark an Paula really?
And Bindi with Val! I cannot think of a worse idea. I can’t imagine Val’s intensity working well with Bindi’s refreshing happy attitude.
I really wanted to see Andy do good and learn from a creative ballroom teacher/choreographer and that’s why I always wanted him with Sharna. I love Emma and think she will be great for him but I wanted to see her with Alek.
Conclusion- I will not see any of the pairings I wanted. I hope they stick to “normal” DWTS dances and not the crazy ones they made up last time.
Well, I actually think Tamar and Louis might be fun.
Poor Mark, I was really hoping for Bindi. Sounds to me like they want Paula to stick around by giving her the top pro too.
So far very up appealing.
Between these pairings and Maks being a judge I’m not watching next week. Might not even watch the rest of this season tbh.
Maybe they put Bindi with Val because that would make a lot more of us tweet out complaints than if she were with Mark. Again, it really seems manipulated by TPTB. Hope all the packages are upbeat this next week.
Yup, if the pairings in ETA hold up, it sure looks like major meddling from TPTB.
Guess Val stomped his foot like the spoiled child he is and got Bindi. Oh well, she’s a strong woman, I’m sure she’ll survive one week of “Shut Up and Do What I Tell You”.
Poor Mark, he’ll get to listen to Paula whine non-stop for a week. (I’ve noticed she talks all through the dance too). Dude’s having a lousy season.
Of course there was no way they would give Paula to their precious Val. I’m just really pissed off that the Bindi and Mark partnership is not happening. She needs a fun partner and Val is most likely is going to go the more serious route and be tough on her to show how he can be just as “good” as Derek BS!!
I can’t with a whole hour of Maks on top of the crappy switch up pairings. Next week, definitely one for the DVR.
well, my theory is they gave Bindi to Val because she’s a great dancer so he won’t have to do much teaching, kwim? We coudn’t have Val paired with Alexa or Paula because he’d have to work too hard.
I didn’t see it till now but dancingabc tweet said for example BindiVal so of course then people started doing it, is my guess the tweets we did before last night probably didn’t even count. I didn’t even see the tag for Mark and Paula it’s all bull
Looks like dancing with drama for next week. Bindi’s exuberance might send Val round the bend (she’s too much for me personally and I’m probably the only one n earth who was not a fan of her dad’s show)Tamar will overpower Louis. Paula may cause Mark to lose all of hair.
If my fav male celeb partnered with my LEAST favorite female pro, I may just puke! I’m already not happy with Sharna and Alek. Please, oh please, let Carlos get Allsion!
Ok so Not so terrible but I’m guessing that mark isn’t too thrilled.
Hmmm…Bindi & Val..I guess this forces Val to keep his shirt on and tone down the sex aspect to all his dances and bring out his capable technical dancing skills. This should be interesting! Maybe she will instill a love of life in him or get him to lighten up!
Oh I should have added the extra benefit for Val is that it seems that way more people are watching Bindi & Derek’s dances on youtube than anyone else. (Last night alone has 2 vids of Bindi over 100,000 each plus one more in the 30,000 which is many times more views than anyone else.
Look I don’t think this is a benefit for Val at all. Derek has said again and again that Bindi couldn’t dance at all when she started. To think suddenly now she is awesome and will be able to pick up a dance quickly is probably not going to happen. I love Bindi, but I am not going to see Derek short. And I certainly believe that the pro’s know that. If Bindi comes out and doesn’t do as well next week, Val will look a fool. Now, do I think TPTB thought this through. Heck no, when do ever think things through? They think they are giving Val a great dancer that will be good for him next week. Not that Bindi isn’t a great dancer, but I think it has a whole lot to do with the teacher. And as far as saying TPTB must know it is a bot you did say anyone with half a brain would know. There are two choices here. One is that collectively TPTB don’t collectively have half a brain which is good possibility. Secondly, one of them is the bot and this now allows them to do what the heck they want. This is also a good possibility. One thing for sure is they are sure manipulative. I am going to pray for Bindi and send her good thoughts this week and be glad her mom is at rehearsals;
Besides with her light and love in direct contrast to Val’s dark and moodiness is oofta as we say.
I’m not sure that we should wring our hands and worry or break out the rosaries that Bindi is in bad hands with Bal. Zendaya was younger than Bindi is and she made it through unscathed.
He takes himself a little seriously but I don’t think he will destroy Bindi, nor does she need her mother asa bodyguard. good grief!
You’re all forgetting a couple of key issues. Before the season, Mark said he didn’t want the young contestant this season, so I would assume the producers wouldn’t let him change his mind for the switch up week just because Bindi is doing good. He cannot change his mind (go against the demands he made of the producers before the season) just because it would be to his advantage in hindsight. Second, Andy and Paula seem to have to have partners that can travel, i.e. have nothing else scheduled that will interfere with their practice schedule. Those considerations overrule any amount of twitter votes they receive. If you remember, that happened in the past with the change up and certain pairings.
Do you think it’s possible they moved the switch up week to fit Maks’s guest judging stint because they wanted him to guest judge on a week he couldn’t show his extreme favoritism to Val without hurting his partner or vice versa?
Ok, Woodsey, maybe tone down the holier-than-tou “you’re all forgetting a couple of key issues” soapboxing – that generally irks the regulars when you, and outsider, try to lecture them. And what you’re spouting off as the reasoning for Mark getting Paula is nothing more than your own opinion – not fact. You don’t know that Mark couldn’t change his mind about not wanting the young contestant this season – and why you think that has any bearing whatsoever on the switch is beyond me. Hell, Val changes his mind all the time. And I see no reason why any of the other male pros couldn’t also travel to partner Paula – I don’t see Derek or Val doing anything so uber-important in LA that they couldn’t afford to be gone for a few days to rehearse with Paula in ATL. And please, spare me the haughty tone about “overruling Twitter votes”. TPTB overrule because they can and because it fits their agenda – it doesn’t actually have to be for any logical reason.
And trust me, kiddo, I’ve heard Mark ain’t happy about getting Paula, and does feel that it’s unfair given the votes on Twitter pointed to him getting Bindi.
I’m so disappointed in these. I get why they used social media to get attention but the whole thing is misleading, some people out there will really believe this is what people wanted. I just hope Val is kind and patient to Bindi. What a mess.
Jill L, “good grief”? I’m sorry but Lynne has a right to her opinion. Don’t be rude!
I just feel bad for Mark, who seems to be having a bit of a rough go this season. It’s not Paula’s age or abilities, but her attitude and demeanor. Hopefully he can bring some positivity to her week, and she not bring negativity.
“Derek will get to see what it’s been like for Mark” – errr…how has Mark had it rough this week?? Because Alexa loves her husband? Seriously, if that’s the worst problem he has, he’s doing quite well. Alexa has a lot of potential and is into her husband. Part of Mark’s JOB is to work with that.
Heidi-I think what people mean bu mark having it rough this week is that he and Alexa went from the top of the leaderboard to second from the bottom. That really shakes things up for them.
THAT SAID
I’m a huge Mark fan-I might even go as far to label myself a STAN at times-and I still think the “poor Mark” mentality this season might be a little too strong (this is all over the internet not just here). Yes Alexa is kind of distracted and I can see how that would be frustrating. Yes his partnership last season got screwed votes wise and so obviously there is going to be a strong desire to avoid that this time around. But he got what he wanted in not having the young partner this time (I hadn’t heard that he said that but I believe it). He’s less constrained creatively because Len isn’t there (this is one of the few good things about Len’s absence, at least in my mind). He’s not the one who was forced to withdraw from the competition (I guess theoretically that could still happen but it seems very unlikely).
Yes I’m upset he got Paula, especially after the letdown this week. But someone had to get her, and while I still really wish it was Val (or even Derek) this is what happened. Mark has had it pretty good in the previous switch-up weeks and I guess now it’s time for him to take a hit.
I do hate seeing him so upset though. I was almost in tears watching this week’s All Access interview.
What weeks were the switch ups previously? I believe S18 was week 4 wasn’t it? Can’t remember S19
1. I wish TPTB or DWTS-ABC realized that the switch-up is hated by viewers, pros & the stars. I have yet to come across anyone actively supporting the switch-up. I’ve sent this message to ABC several times via tweet.
2. That being said, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. My picks were the following:
Witney & Hayes
Mark & Tamar
Derek & Alexa
Val & Bindi
Emma & Alek
Lindsay & Carlos
Nick & Allison
Sharna & Andy
Did anyone else notice the look of irritation/anger/disgust on Tamar’s facewhen Alphonso announced that as of “right now” viewers had Louis & Tamar paired together? I laughed so hard. It should be Louis who is disgusted. She’s had a crummy attitude the entire time & although she can “technically” dance…she makes me miserable watching her. #NotAFan
Here’s the thing about Tamar & Louis: I don’t know that they actually had a ton of people voting for them to dance together…I actually think they were just what was leftover by process of elimination when everyone else was already paired off. If people were voting the heck out of Alexa/Derek and Bindi/Mark, by default, Louis would have to get Tamar, because only he and Val would be left and they couldn’t get their own partners. I think the same thing will likely happen with the ladies – whoever didn’t get a whole lot of votes with any of the celebs (or couldn’t get as many with a certain celeb as another pro) will probably get whatever is leftover…even if it wasn’t their highest vote-getting combo. I think this is likely what it will come down to between Sharna & Emma: whoever got more votes with Alek will get him, and the other will get stuck with whatever’s left after all the other vote combos are tallied. My gut is telling me that Sharna probably did get Alek, and Emma, not having a ton of votes with any other male celeb (we kinda put all of our eggs in one basket with Alek), will probably get Andy, by virtue of Lindsay getting a good amount of votes with Hayes and Witney with Nick – and because Allison can’t get her own partner, she gets Carlos. Make sense?
I guess my point is this: it’s really the highest vote-getters that determine the course of the switch. And if you’re not one of the super-high vote getters – you’re pretty much stuck with whatever’s left after the high rollers get matched. Sometimes it works in your favor (i.e. if Allison were to get Nick, simply by process of elimination), sometimes it doesn’t (i.e. Emma getting saddled with Alek cause he’s all that’s left, and her fans – myself included – didn’t bother to come up with a contingency plan if Alek didn’t pan out).
Besides that, Cidra, as I’ve said the “Mark and Derek always get each others partners” line is BS hyperbole.
A possible scenario for the male pros. Top vote getter Derek Alexa, 2nd Mark and Bindy. tHat leaves Val and Paula and Louis Tamar. Paula needs to travel or work from Georgia. Val says he can not travel. That forces a swap between Val and Mark. Mark is not happy because he did not want to travel.
I am sure all the pros will do their best. I just can’t wait for the two week scores and we find out about Paula’s voting power.
Again I have no factual basis for this, just a possible explanation
I don’t buy the theory that they gave Val Bindi so he wouldn’t have to work so hard. Bindi is a great dancer because Derek is a great teacher. She’s never danced before – at all. Even if you have natural talent, you still have to be taught the steps.
I think he just didn’t want Paula and made a bigger stink than Mark did.
All is wrong in the universe. Bindi/Val? Paula/Mark? And the predictions were reversed too. I thought Val got Paula but it’s DWTS so whatever. Let’s at least hope that Paula feeds Mark. Maybe her food will cheer him up! ?
For those talking about views, Bindi’s dance has well over a million views on facebook alone. In a little more than 24 hours.
And Woodsey needs to get a grip on what an actual “key issue” is. And perhaps try for some real logic, cuz that bit about Mark not wanting a young contestant this season has nothing at all to do with who he got in switch up…unless you live in La La land.
A SMART person would say that if you have a couple pros or celebs who can’t travel, then they shouldn’t do a switch up which they CLAIM is based on twitter votes. When it’s clearly NOT. And this is very easy to check.
Julia, I missed his All access interview – what happened?
I like Mark all right these days – I just don’t understand what his issue is with Alexa and I don’t get why everyone is all “poor Mark”. The girl has potential, she’s much closer to his age – all things he should want. It makes me wonder what else is going on behind the scenes. He does have a tendency to check out when things aren’t going his way – but they should be going his way this season. I don’t get it.
What are people talking about when they say Derek and Mark always get each other’s partners? There have only been two switch up weeks right? That’s not really enough to judge on but even if it was it’s still not true. I know it happened in the last one but in Season 18 Amy went to Mark but Candace went to Tony, correct?
The problem in this case, Court, is that Bindi was the high vote getter…paired with Mark. So, she should have been paired with Mark and then down the line from there. That’s what the data told me anyway, when I looked this evening.
Stoli, the travel excuse doesn’t work. Val can travel – he’s under contract to DWTS and he HAS to travel if they want him to. Besides, what is he doing that he couldn’t travel?? You can’t just claim that you can’t travel. You’d have to back it up and I would assume get permission before the season started. DWTS is his boss.
The only possible scenario I could think of is that when Val found out he was paired with Paula (through process of elimination because Mark/Bindi and Alexa/Derek were top vote getters), he threw a shit fit and demanded a change of partners.
I like to see on the Switch – Up
My Predictions
Alexa & Derek Alexa & Val
Bindi & Mark Bindi & Louis
Tamar & Louis Tamar & Mark
Paula & Val Paula & Derek
Nick & Whitney Nick & Lindsay
Carlos & Emma Carlos & Emma
Hayes & Lindsay Hayes & Sharna
Andy & Sharna Andy & Whitney
I’m totally excited about the switch up. I’m loling about Tamar & Louis and can’t wait to see them. Hopefully it will be very revealing who is the flexible teacher and student. I don’t care who ends up with who, and I don’t feel sorry for anybody.
Not all viewers dislike the switch up. I find it more interesting than the predictable Nick and Bindi on top all the time. Our local viewing party next week is going to be so much fun, can’t wait.
Okay when did Mark say he did not want a younger partner? He never specifically said any of that. The issue is that they completely ignored the highest votes of Bindi and Mark. Plus he has been supportive of Bindi from the beginning, so I am sure that would have been a good partnership compared to Val and Bindi who I have never seen interact.
@Kathy2 agree on all points. Some questionable pairings have worked out quite well. The twitter voting just can’t work out as we would hope for various reasons so just get rid of it. That way when it plays out as it seems to have you remove the frustration of fans for feeling duped. I still have faith that all the Pro’s are truly that professionals and would not purposely try and sabotage a celeb.
@angela is there a way to see who truly got the highest votes? Think those scandalous bots have a way of disrupting who we “think” got the highest votes.
Yes, Candace had Tony. She wrote of her experience in her latest book and basically said Tony was a big goof-off, like he didn’t take anything seriously with her and she didn’t really learn much from him.
Hi Courtney! Actually that makes perfect sense. Thanks! Her face was still hilarious though…?
I just hope this is the final year of the Switch Up. So far…DWTS/ABC (imo) has made two really bad decisions this season…making them dance two dances on Week 2 & now the Switch-Up.
PH (#71), I think Mark’s problem is two-fold.
1. He doesn’t like sharing his partner, and I don’t mean that to sound as bad as it does, but he kind of needs to be needed. More than most pros, he seems to want/need to develop a very strong bond with his celeb. Not a romantic connection, but one where they have emotional commitment to each other (we are family) and where his partner relies on him as more than just a dance teacher. Alexa can’t/won’t give him that, and I think he feels unappreciated.
2. Disappointed hopes. When he was paired with Alexa, he thought he had a real shot at MBT #3. However, from day 1 things haven’t gone to plan.
While I do feel sorry for him on one level, I think he’s responsible for some of his unhappiness. Instead of going with the flow and making the best of things, he chose to get PO’d and basically check out. It’s not the first time he’s gone this route.
I really want to know how some of these switch up pairings happened. For instance, Val and Bindi and Mark and Paula.
If ( I’m say IF, not that he did) Val demanded Bindi instead of Paula, then I don’t understand why the showrunners constantly give in to his diva demands. He’s no Derek, hell for that matter he’s Maks. So why enable his douche behavior?
I think Cidra made some excellent points with regards to Mark’s psyche. He seems like his creativity is directly related to his emotions. When he’s happy with life and his partner, everything is peachy. When he’s unhappy or uninspired with his partner, than we get checked out Mark.
I do hope he shows off Paula well on Monday night. As we’ve seen previously, Louis has his hands full dealing with a partner who needs a lot of positive reinforcement and attention.
I hope “good Mark” shows up and not “bad Mark”.
Also if Val was Paula’s original switch up partner, if Mark does well with her, it’ll send a big F*** Y**
to Val. Well, at least it will for me.
I thought we were having a hyperbole free day? I requested that yesterday. “Nick and Bindi on top all the time” is again, hyperbole. Bindi has held the top spot 3 out of 5 nights. Nick has held the top spot 2 out of 5 nights but one of those was a tie with *Alexa*. Tamar also had the top spot one night. So, Nick and Bindi don’t have the top spot “all the time”.
But let me ask you this, Kathy2 – would you prefer that the judges have the celebs “take turns” at having the top spot (which I think they actually do) or would you rather the best dance get the top spot?? I would rather this show at least ATTEMPT to be a legit competition from time to time. We get farther and farther from that every single season – either it’s someone else’s turn to win the MBT (cuz they’re going on tour), or they need to over score someone to keep them safe another week (Alexa), or they turn a blind eye multiple times to lifts when it doesn’t suit their agenda (Tamar). How about we TRY to live in reality – since this is a reality show – and quit with the manipulation of every aspect of this show?
I am actually pretty happy with the pairs. Kinda scratching my head about Bindi and Val but I think it’ll be a nice change for Val. Same with Paula and Mark. I’m super excited for Nick and Witney! I would’ve been okay with him having any of the female pros except for Allison. I feel she wouldn’t benefit him at all, and he is the one I am rooting for the most. Also SUPER excited for Alexa and Derek! From the very beginning I was hoping these two would be paired up. Then I found out she was paired with Mark and I got a little less excited.
I just think Derek will be able to bring out the best in Alexa because to be honest, I feel Mark is just not cutting it. Alexa is a fantastic dancer and I can tell that by the way she moves. It’s just…something about the way Mark is teaching her is not helping her reach her full potential as a dancer. I feel she is always holding back, and I do blame Mark for that. That’s why I’m excited to see what Derek has in store for her.
Also, I’m interested to see how Allison will do with Hayes. The guy can dance, but of course part of it is how Emma teaches him and how she adapts to him as a partner. Allison lacks that, so either their dance this week will be not that great, or…well, great. All depending on Allison’s teaching abilities, which we all know are just meh.
Oh! And I’m interested to see Andy and Sharna too. Let’s see what this guy can do with a TRAINED and KNOWLEDGABLE ballroom pro this week.
You might be right, Cidra – you put it quite well. That’s why he’s so successful with the youngsters – they easily give him what he needs to feel validated.
#PH
I don’t like reading too much into things, but I do so I thought I´d share my thoughts. I don’t think there is a problem between Alexa and Mark, I think they are getting on really well when the two of them are together. Neither a problem between Carlos and Mark or a problem with Carlos and Alexa. I think there is something between Mark and Witney. They don´t seem to get along that well, at least it doesn´t come across like that and they used to look really close before. Mark also deleted all the posts or at least 98% of his instagram posts with Witney in them and I know that some Markney shippers can take it too far, but that´s what I meant regarding reading too much into it. I also remember Witneys dad commenting on the picture Marks gf posted about the emmys somthing like “You’re dreaming like Alice in wonderland, this is Witneys year baby” Which i checked was later deleted.
I think the “issue” becomes and issue when the four of them are together. That´s when Alexa seems to be too interested in what Carlos and Witney are up to and choose to be with them above Mark. And Mark probably doesn´t want to hang out with someone he doesn´t get along with.
I also don´t think Mark seemed sad or anything on AllAccess, I actually thought he seemed quite happy, and happier than previously in the season despite the scores and dance they´d just had.
Just my thoughts
I’m not sure I follow why there would be a problem between Mark and Witney, NA. Last I knew, Mark was VERY close with both Lindsay and Witney – didn’t he teach them at Vibe?? Perhaps his only reason for deleting photos of him with Witney is simply to discourage the shippers?
As for Witney’s dad – I have a hard time believing he would hold that against Witney. He has to know that any father is going to make comments like that when they are (rightfully) excited about their daughter getting an Emmy nomination. At least, I hope he would.
I think the more likely explanation is the one that Cidra talks about, above.
Heidi, I re-watched the Alexa/Mark segment on All Access twice and while it didn’t seem AS bad as I remembered he seemed really checked out of the convo at times. But maybe he was just focusing on the screen and what was going on. He just seem very disinterested unlike other times I’ve seen him up there.
On another note I really gotta get Candace’s book it seems interesting.
Seems like we have our own little “Rashomon” going on here regarding Mark.
From what I’ve observed, Alexa is simply not able to fully commit to a partnership in this competition, because of her prior (more important) partnership with Carlos. Mark bears the brunt of this. In her view the idea of surpassing him in this competition is a betrayal of “choosing Carlos.” I don’t know if this is all in her mind, or if Carlos would actually feel betrayed if she surpassed him, or if it’s an attempt to follow the exhortation to submit to one’s husband (this last thought comes from their having met in bible study). For whatever reason, Mark does not really have a partner in this competition. Her ambivalence turns what should be forward motion into spinning wheels. I don’t think it’s a matter of Mark needing (ego) validation. What he needs is a partner who is in it with him. Mark gives his all to his dances, and he got that in return from his “youngsters,” Sadie and Willow. I can imagine it must be incredibly difficult to continue to put in that kind of effort when you know the person for whom you are expending all that energy is on some level not wanting it to be THAT great. I disagree that Mark wants/needs a more involved (not romantic) relationship with his celeb than other pros — they all wind up with more involved (not romantic) relationships to one extent or the other. It’s inevitable. As Derek has said, it’s like a 10-week marriage. I’m sorry that he won’t have Bindi for a week. I’m hoping that he will find something engaging in Paula.
Hi Suzy, I politely disagree. I think it just comes off to me that Mark had very specific desires for this season, and since things aren’t coming off exactly as he wished, he’s having a hard time adapting. I think that lots of relationshps, like a mother son pairing for example, would be tough on contestants if they happened on a show. I think for example if kim had been on with her husband, she would have struggled with the same thing. Yes, she does need to focus her attention more on mark, but I don’t think alexa is all to blame for what’s happening with their partnership and their underwhelming performances the past few weeks. I think seeing her dance with derek will help us see whether or not its actually alexa who is hindering their potential as a partnership or not.
My guess on mark and witney is that he wants to stay away from all the shipping and stuff, since he seems to be pretty serious with BCJean, etc.
Hi Jodie, Polite disagreement acknowledged!
Just want to add one thing — most people who have commented on this refer to Alexa needing to focus more attention on Mark. I don’t see it that way — I think she needs to focus more attention on HERSELF.
Suzy, needing validation wasn’t pejorative. Lots of people need it and there is nothing wrong with that.
I don’t think you can lay it all on Alexa. Part of Mark’s job is to work through all the issues he may or may not have with his partner. He’s the pro. That’s the job.
The Switch-up is not hated by everyone, GL HAHN. I’ve heard several pros say they enjoy the Switch-Up, including Derek in a interview this week. I like it too, when it’s done right.
I’m thrilled over Alek getting Emma, which was a pairing I actually voted for. I just hope Val will make the week as lighthearted as he can possibly make it for Bindi. I can only imagine how much she will miss Derek in that rehearsal studio.
Mark was the obvious choice for me, not only because he has worked so well with the younger celebrities, but also because he has a fun-loving nature like Derek. He’s also a huge fan of Bindi’s dad and has said that he has watched every single episode of the “Crocodile Hunter.”
Add me to the list of those who are tired of the whole Alexa/Carlos, married/competition thing. I find them both annoying at times, BUT, I’m now thinking more like Heidi on Mark’s attitude in all of this and feeling more annoyed with him than I am with Alexa and Carlos. He does have a partner with a lot of potential, in fact, I would consider her a good dancer. He just needs to be less intense and learn how to calm his partner by being calm himself. When he and Alexa were on All Access Monday night, the FIRST thing he starts talking about is her mistake in the dance. Derek would have never mentioned it, he always focuses on the positive aspect of the dance. Even in interviews, Mark wears his feelings on his sleeve too much. He goes from smiling one minute to looking disgusted the next. I love Mark dearly, but he really needs to grow up some if he ever wants to win another MBT. Maybe having Paula will make him appreciate what he had in Alexa more.
Suzy, I agree with what you say about Alexa and that Mark has a more awkward situation than Witney. He knows he has good “raw material” to work with but Alexa’s ambivalence makes Mark’s job more difficult and less rewarding. However, I feel he hasn’t handled it as well as some others might because I feel he does need more validation than others, he does take things a little more personally and emotionally. That’s not a knock against Mark, it’s just who he is. That’s one reason I do feel somewhat sorry for him.
I’m not “annoyed” with Mark – I’m rather baffled with him. This just seems like something that a bit of focused effort could resolve.
I would politely agree with Suzy, but I don’t think Alexa is to blame for all of it, this is obivously a partnership and a team effort, Mark is a very easy person to read, his face says it all. Maybe he´s just had enough DWTS and this is his last season or something like that.
I guess I see Alexa’s position as way more intractable than others do. For me, her reaction to Alphonso’s comment revealed her bedrock. While I agree that Mark could certainly improve his demeanor, I personally don’t think there’s much of anything he could do to change Alexa’s perspective.
Suzy, if that was Alexa’s bedrock, then she shouldn’t have signed up to do the show with Carlos and the sooner she and Mark are eliminated the better. Then she can sit in the audience and play the role of Mrs. PenaVega, cheerleader. What a nightmare if Carlos gets the boot before she does. Hope Carlos being in jeopardy was just for show and not a warning shot. Yikes!
@ Cidra- I second that! My worry is if she does go Carlos will not rise to the occasion. Not that he doesn’t have the talent because he does—but he will be all wrapped up in the emotional piece. such a shame what happened to him?
#Cidra
I´m in the opposite boat. I want Carlos to be eliminated before Alexa, so bad, I really want to see how she´ll do if he´s gone. If it changes things for the better or if it just gets worse + I prefer Alexa over Carlos anytime. I´m not really feeling Carlos. He had this charm and personality about him week 1 and I loved it and then I felt like it all went down from there, for me at least.
Cidra, You have accurately (if maybe a bit tongue in cheek?) stated my view. If you remember, in one of the PenaVega promos Alexa pushed Carlos into the pool — she did it playfully, but still, she pushed him into the pool. I think it all changed for them once the competition began in earnest and they knew what it felt like to actually be in competition with each other. If they knew then what they know now, I don’t think they both would sign up.
For me with Mark, I feel like he has seasons where he is really on where he gives everything he as or seasons where he is really off and kind of checks out. I wouldn’t say that he’s checked out just yet, but I don’t see him more towards that side. I agree with Cidra (#82) a lot. I think Mark needs a strong partnership and validation and I don’t think he’s getting it this season.
I’m really interested in seeing how Alexa does with Derek. I think it could give us some good insight into whether it’s Mark’s teaching that’s not working or Alexa that’s just not connecting with some of us.
Kim, I don’t think Carlos would be that upset about Alexa getting eliminated before him. He’s definitely more competitive and he has a bit of a macho streak so the husband should win in the husband vs. wife competition within a competition.
NA, I think Alexa would be devastated if Carlos got eliminated before her. My guess is she would become even less committed to the show.
Neither PenaVega has lived up to their potential, in my opinion, and DWTS’s husband vs. wife storyboard is a massive fail. It was a long-shot to begin with and doomed as soon as they picked the wrong couple.
105 #Cidra — Agree with everything you said!!!
Agree- I still think the husband-wife thing has some potential to it but this was the wrong couple indeed. It will be interesting when one of them goes to see how it plays out. From before the show started I for some reason pegged her as the “surprise elimination”.
LOL, I think we’ve beaten the Mark/PenaVega discussion into the ground. So I’m moving on. 😀
I don’t know that he has to change Alexa so much as he needs to alter his style and work within the confines of her…attitude or whatever it is….and not show it quite so clearly that he’s unhappy. If he’s unhappy every time something doesn’t go as planned, he’s in the wrong business.
I guess that’s my long winded way of saying suck it up and make the best of it.
Mark’s always been one of my least favourite pros for reasons like this. People wonder why he’s had negative tabloid press in the past labelling him as “miserable” etc and this season is a perfect example of why that is. He seemed to have turned a corner this past year and a half but now the old immature Mark has returned. I very much respect him and what he brings to the show creatively and when he chooses to leave DWTS I think he’ll be a big miss for that reason. But I certainly won’t miss this side of him he needs to seriously grow up when things don’t go his way. It feels like not winning a mirrorball in so long is starting to take it’s toll on him. He seems very dedicated to his music, maybe it’s time for him to seriously consider hanging up his dancing shoes and taking that up full time.
Well, I think the same thing could be said of Val. Apparently he WAS quite vocal about being paired with Paula in the switch. So they switched it for him…after all we can’t have the reigning champ unhappy…He’ll be doing the winter DWTS tour…it’s likely that Mark won’t be since he didn’t do the last one. I just don’t understand why TPTB kowtow to Val all the time.
I am unhappy with the results, save for Alek/Emma and Alexa/Derek. The other pairings were made willy-nilly, not by how the public actually voted on Twitter. :/
Kelly,
Who said Val was vocal about not being paired with Paula? I highly doubt he would care. Its one week…Paula hasnt gotten higher than a 6 all season, no one is expecting her to be great. There would be no pressure on him with Paula vs with Bindi. Outside the travel, it would be more like having a week off.
I think Mark has been just fine this season. He might be a little bit more quiet than previous seasons, but I don’t see him being at all checked out or unhappy. The routines that he has created for Alexa, IMO have been at the same standard of quality creativity that he’s always done.
Also, aside from the first week (when the show had their agenda), Mark and Alexa are pretty affectionate, just like Mark and his previous partners.
I just want to say, I’m a fan of both Val AND Derek. I think Derek is going to do really well with Alexa, obviously. He’s a good teacher and she is a really good dancer. I love Mark but he’s been disconnected somewhat, yes, so has she but I’m a dancer and I can see the potential she has and Mark hasn’t used it fully. I’m hoping he will soon because she’s good.
Secondly, Val had Zendaya season 16. They were absolutely incredible. She was younger than Bindi and she is a very bubbly person like Bindi. From what I’ve seen, he is also a great teacher. Just remember, we see only a snippet of their practices. I’ve had teachers like both Derek and Val and they are the types of teachers I love and need. So, I personally think Val and Bindi will do really well.
Also, someone looked up the stats and it ended up that BindiVal had more tweets than BindiMark in the end. So it wasn’t complaining, it was truly votes.
Oh! I also am kinda excited to see Paula and Mark. I think it will bring out a whole other side to him and be fun to watch.
Jenna, we study the stat here, obviously. And BindiVal was no where CLOSE to BindiMark. Not even a little.
I am surprised to see the Allison hate here! Poor girl has been saddled with a bad dancer like Andy who can’t even commit properly to the show because of his tour, so how can she show her strengths as a choreographer? With Riker, she proved all her haters that how great of a choreographer she is by choreographing back to back fantastic routines!
Andy is like Jonathan, a really bad dancer with poor fanbase. That’s all. Remember how Jonathan danced his worst dance ever with Peta during the switch-up? So will you guys also say Peta is a bad choreographer? I am sure even Emma can’t score anything higher than an 8 with Andy. It’s just because he is a bad dancer and has no musicality in him and not because Allison is a bad choreographer. Allison deserves better!
And how come no one complains about Witney getting back to back good to great partners? -Cody, Alfonso, Chris and now Carlos. She never got a Tommy or Michael, but no one will complain about that but will rip apart Allison!!
PDS, using the word “hate” to describe the discussion about Allison is immature and inaccurate. No one here hates her, and if you read the site for awhile you would possibly get that.
Allison is an amazing contemporary dancer. She is not trained in ballroom to the extent the other pros are, nor has she spent her life dancing ballroom competitively. those two facts alone mean that she will often fall short on ballroom routines. She just does. I think she’s improving, but she’s not there yet. She has a tendency to cram too much stuff into a routine for a novice dancer like Andy.
And sorry, you don’t get to put it all on the celeb – the job is teaching celebs how to dance. Andy isn’t Paula or Kim or Gary. I think she’s doing the best she can – but being a great dancer doesn’t mean you will automatically be a great teacher or choreographer, especially in a genre you weren’t trained in.
P.s. Riker had as much or more ballroom training as Allison. Not only that, he competed in ballroom. Biggest ringer of all time, possibly. Not too hard to choreograph when your partner is already trained in half the styles or more.
@PDS- it’s not Allison hate at all. I personally find Allison to be one of my favorite dancers right now, but I just don’t feel that she’s cutting it on THIS show. Her ballroom has improved but I think it’s hard to choreograph a good ballroom dance if you’re not fully trained. I rewatched their dance on Monday night and their cha cha was so fast and had so much content. If she put a few less steps in there for him he probably could have performed the dance a lot better. No, I don’t think he’s going to be any better with a new partner because things can’t change overnight, but I think if he had someone else to start giving him less steps he could have been better.
Allison CERTAINLY has not been saddled with a bad partner. Hell, even SHE said that she really thought she could win it this year. And nobody complains about Witney getting back to back good partners because she hasn’t. I’d say Witney and Allisons first three partners are pretty comparable actually. Somebody who had potential but isn’t doing great (Andy and Cody), a “ringer” (Riker and Alfonso), and somebody not great at all (Jonathan and Chris).
I think once you take your love for Allison out of the picture (which I have also had to do because I think she is the most amazing contemporary dancer), you’ll find that she is still a good dancer but has a lot of things to still improve on with DWTS.
@PDS – I’m actually wondering, what is your standard actually for the “good to great dancers”? You list Chris the Clydesdale on that standard, but Andy isn’t? Andy has a good musicality and can move pretty well, to me none of those things Chris possessed (or ever shown to have). The problem I see is that, just like PH mentioned, Allison either just didn’t choreograph well (that Foxtrot without a recognizable Foxtrot element in it) or crammed too much on a routine that Andy could barely keep up (that Jive in particular). I’ve warmed up a lot to Allison lately since her debut season but to say she always had a bad partner (and Witney ALWAYS getting the good ones, ooh the hypocrisy) is a blatant lie.
As much as I dislike her being on the show, Allison is one great human being and she’s a great presence on the show, and her dancing any Contemporary routine will guarantee to blow my mind away. She’s just not the best Ballroom choreographer, not by a long shot.
Ahhhh, “hate” – a tool of the weak-minded and immature used to demean any opinion they dislike…
Everyone here has already done a great job of shooting down PDS’s ridiculous “Wahhhh, everybody’s being mean to Allison!!!” rant, but I’ll just hit on a few points:
*It ain’t hate, honey – it’s a critical (and entirely valid) opinion of Allison’s skill set as a ballroom dancer.
*Allison’s a nice girl and a fantastic contemporary dancer – but on a show where the bulk of what is being danced is ballroom, her skills don’t pass muster. She needs to SERIOUSLY hone them before she can even be near the same ballpark as the other pros on the show that have been dancing ballroom their entire lives.
*Oh, Riker proves that Allison is a great teacher? Nevermind the fact that Riker already had a ton of ballroom experience, and that, while Riker danced them well, none of the routines Allison choreographed for him were choreographically impressive. But sure, keep citing that, if it helps you sleep at night.
*Andy a crappy dancer? Not a chance – dude just can’t freakin’ keep up with the chaotic routines Allison choreographs for him. He’s got rhythm, he’s got musicality – Allison just can’t harnass it. The old “it’s all the crappy-dancing celeb’s fault!” is a move straight out of the Keo Motsepe fans’ playbook. Let me guess: you think he’s just gotten saddled with crappy partners, too?
*Jonathan wasn’t a bad dancer, either, despite what you think – awkward? Sure. But he had shades of talent that showed through from time to time – his jazz routine was an example. Just once again – ALLISON DIDN’T KNOW HOW TO HARNESS IT.
*Diverting the argument to a topic that has absolutely nothing to do with the topic at hand = another tool of the weak-minded to shut down arguments that they just don’t like. If you think Chris was a good dancer but Andy sucks, then you need to fire your optometrist – because you’re blind. Possibly willfully so. I’d also argue that Cody may have had talent, but generally refused to apply himself; Carlos has some talent, but like Cody, can’t seem to focus on really utilizing it. So far, Allison has had one dancer with a ton of experience and a good work ethic (Riker) and two dancers with some natural talent that she just isn’t able to utilize (Jonathan & Andy). I think she’s gotten off easier than Witney so far.
Please work on your emotional maturity and sense of logic before commenting again.
I don’t mean to keep this Allison argument going but I was so excited when she was announced as a pro. I thi k she has an amazing attitude and I love watching her dance. After a few dances with Jonathan my friend (she loves allison too) and I agreed that she needed to makes the choreography easier. I know nothing about ballroom besides what I see on DWTS and I think I’m in the majority of people who watch the show. People like me want to see fun dances that are neat and the celebs look comfortable. So my point is even fans of Allison (like myself) know she’s not doing great as a teacher but we certainly don’t hate her.
Mark is normally my favorite pro but I am getting a super weird vibe from him. I know his mom and friends have said there’s nothing wrong with him so either he’s getting bad edits or he’s just bummed about something. My mom watches the show but she doesn’t vote or read anothing on the Web unless it’s on People or some other big magazine. She specifically asked me after week 1 what was wrong with Mark (she knows I read message boards and blogs). She said he acted like he didn’t like his partner.
I have to say I’m not a big fan of the switch up. Every season I can’t wait until it’s over. Especially since it seems like our votes don’t matter. In season 18 Derek was supposed to be with Meryl and got Nene and this season Bindi should be with Mark and got Val. Maybe Val for some reason couldn’t travel so they had to change things I don’t know but if that’s the case then TPTB should let us know so we don’t waste our time voting.