Maksim Chmerkovskiy Writes Of His Dances On DWTS Week 3, Previews Next Dance
Maks Chmerkovskiy has written a new blog at Entertainment Weekly. He writes of his dances this past week with Amber and Val. He also gives a sneak peek into his next dance with Amber (sounds kind of strange). Read on….
On the routine with Val from last night…
We were given this incredible opportunity by the producers. This was one of the main reasons I wanted to be back on the show, to get to flex those creative muscles. As soon as we knew there would be the “Results” shows this season, we pitched this idea of “The Maks & Val Show” hijacking DWTS, using this massive million-dollar set we have. There’s nowhere else we’d have the opportunity to do this, so we were excited about it.
The biggest thing was working out the script, and making sure people weren’t “uncomfortable” with us speaking on the show. One of the producers at the last minute was like, “Is this even a good idea?” and rightfully so — I wouldn’t give me a live mic! [Laughs.]. At the very last second, Val went up and asked Vanilla if he wanted to be part of the gag and he was totally into it.
But the end result was a great routine. I’m glad for the opportunity because we really wanted to tailor something specific to this set. On the “Maks and Val” tour over the summer, there was a segment where I’d pull someone out of the audience, so we wanted to find a fun way to integrate that into this. True story, the lady in the audience did not know what was happening, but it worked and I think she was into it!
Everything we heard afterwards was so positive, and that it was fun, high energy. And that’s what makes something like this successful, how genuinely happy we are to be able to do it.
On next week’s theme…
Next week we’ll be doing some kind of Tango, and integrating “Zumanity.” Now, “Zumanity” is cabaret, and all about sex and sexy things, so am I going to have to make a Tango that’s conservative? That’s definitely not going to happen. We’re taking steps forward each week, and Amber’s not struggling physically in any way, so I don’t think we’re going anywhere. It’s obvious to me that Amber is consistently getting better, and I can’t wait for the time when we finish the performance to a standing ovation and for Amber to finally have her moment.
More at Entertainment Weekly.
‘One of the producers at the last minute was like, “Is this even a good idea?”’ – Give that person a raise.
And that poor grandma Maks pulled out of the audience, sat in a chair, and opened her knees, didn’t know about it ahead of time? In the back of my mind I thought, of course they must have staged that, as sad as that was. But no. Just speechless. They’re going to get sued one day by one of these older women.
I’d love for Maks to go next but I was shocked Rick went so….
I have to wonder if Amber stayed around last night so she could do the sexy Zumanity tango next week! I mean Maks has all this pull with the producers now, according to Maks, so maybe they made sure Amber had another week left, because no matter what you think, Maks, Amber is not getting “consistently better”. She won’t either until you decide to actually choreograph a half decent number!
He wants more constructive criticism from the judges? Like when he was a judge and said he gave Val a high score “because I can”? His hypocrisy gets on my nerves.
After Maks and Val’s performance, I just said to myself “what the heck was that?” I felt like I watched 2 squirrels who drank too much red bull.
The concept and intent behind it was correct and I do agree with him taking advantage of being back on the show to showcase their own tour, I would too, but it did seem too last minute for me…as if they didn’t have enough content for the 2 hour show so the producers told Maks and Val they got this time slot and GO! … at least IMO. Just too hectic. I did like the Ray Chew nod though.
Yes Maks, you will have to be creative and choreograph a conservative tango while still oozing sex appeal and tieing Zumanity into it…be innovative, think outside of the box. Everything does not have to be explicitly portrayed. We don’t actually need to see AMber shaking her bum or twerking like in the salsa. Leave some stuff to the imagination…and make us feeel the emotion.
Sorry for the rant, but I was frustrated with this results show. So much fluff, hectic performances, and so much manipulation.
On a more positive note, I do like the theme for this week and look forward to the packages of the couples traveling to different shows. Let’s see who get the “we didn’t get enough rehearsal because of traveling” package.
Re their tour, some people were extremely disappointed in its length, could easily incorporated 2-4 more numbers for the price of the tickets. One hour and 30 minutes, 20 of which was an intermission??!
I actually have really enjoyed Maks’ blogs this season- something feels more sincere about them (and about him in general). I also like that he’s supporting Amber’s slutwalk- I’ve always loved Amber’s honesty and activism about women’s issues.
I don’t buy that there wasn’t anything more they could do with the song- Witney and Alfonso managed more than fine with the same song and style. I do agree, though, that giving Amber some constructive criticism would be appropriate. I don’t like when the judges solely focus on what the pro did wrong. Yes, that choreo was crap, but only telling her that isn’t really helpful.
I’m a little worried about the tango. With this and the salsa song, it seems like they are pigeonholing Amber a little- and Maks isn’t known for taking sucky songs and producing amazing choreography.
#EmnEm…”Two squirrels who drank too much redbull.” ????
I read this blog only to try to get a peak into next week’s theme. Aside from that painful “comedy” opening and the unnecesary violation of the unsuspecting audience member, I acyually liked their number. While I wouldn’t call it particularly ‘creative muscle flexing,’ I’ll take some good, upbeat, audience inclusive dancing any day over another of Mandy Moore’s objectification fests.
I’d say Amber has gotten a bit more comfortable performing but it’s hard to critique or say if she’s any better when her pro hasn’t been giving her applicable choreography. Somehow I don’t see that changing this week which, true enough may have certain assigned challenges.
His blog is more about him and less about Amber I get the vibe he’s just having fun and not helping Amber at all A good teacher could produce more than what he is doing with her JMO I sometimes think DWM (his family owned company) has money in or bought out the show If they brought back Maks to help ratings I watch the show less because of all the hype the “C” Bros get I record and FF through when they are on I also think 2 hours on Tues is not necessary Big waste of time
Shannon, I feel the Houghs get the same treatment as well. Derek is always given special treatment. The C brothers aren’t the only ones hyped.
I laughed at the “squirrels who drank too much Red Bull’ comment!! Maks and Val are all about Maks and Val. That obviously hasn’t changed. Their tour is OVER! I’m SO glad that I didn’t waste my hard earned money on tickets. I’ll save it for Derek in SITR next year and hopefully MLOT ’17 again.. I SO hope Derek can tour next summer with Julianne!!
Name some special treatment, Marie.
I saw the Our Way show and it was good. It wasn’t the “Hamilton” that they wanted it to be, but it was good. It wasn’t original, but it was good. I’m glad they had a good time and I’m sure their die hard fans loved it.
I have a horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that the whole body shaming incident was to set up this week’s tango. Maks is going to try and make it so over the top sexy that it will end up being more awkward than last week. I hope I am wrong because I think Amber deserves better.
Last thought, he certainly isn’t as articulate as some others who will not be named who write blogs. 🙂
Amber did some slut shame walk tour yesterday. So I’m wondering if her comments on loveline was a way to earn sympathy votes for the show and get attention brought to her slut walk event?