Dancing with the Stars Season 25 – PRO WATCH!!
It’s that time of year once again folks. And sans Derek and Mark, I can’t say I’m terribly enthused…unless we can get Sasha or Sharna a MBT this time around. 😉
If you have something to contribute, PLEASE PROVIDE a SOURCE – by that I mean a link. We appreciate the help, but it needs to be sourced, otherwise it’s just a distraction. Thx.
Derek recently said, very firmly, that he’s not coming back. Since he’s committed to NBC I would assume that to be solid, despite what he says about Celine Dion. 😉 I’m fairly sure I heard Mark say that he is out as well, but I’m not as sure about that. Peta has started playing the Chmerkovskiy salary negotiation game – all three (Peta, Val and Maks) have implied they “might” be back. Peta pretty much outright said if she gets a good partner. I have a question mark by Jenna with the word out because I think it hinges on SYTYCD. Based on her pick, I suspect she’ll be available.
ETA2: It’s Pro Reveal Day on GMA!! Watch this space down here and I’ll be updating (or trying to) as we go!
We think Mark is back based on the silhouette!! Pray…our only male choreographic hope sans Derek!!
Gee, I had forgotten how lame GMA is. :::rolls eyes::: This is why I watch CBS This Morning. This show is crap.
Thank you Jesus. Mark is back. Please give him a decent partner. oOooo…sounds like they lured him back with his partner.
LOL to Bruno!!
Shit. Looks like Sasha might have gotten hosed. Alan lovers got their way for some mysterious reason. Let’s hope he lives up to the hype. I have my doubts.
There might still be a pro to be revealed, since we appear to be one short….
ETA: With this latest update from ET, it looks like we now have a full roster of pros. Sorry, Jenna/Allison/Sasha fans. Cheryl fans, rejoice! 🙂 -Court-
Male Pros
Val – IN
Gleb – IN
Mark – IN (Hooray!!)
Artem – IN
Derek – OUT
Sasha – (OUT??? not announced and we already have 7)
Maks – IN
Keo – IN
Alan – IN
Female Pros
Sharna – IN
Kym – OUT
Emma – IN
Witney – IN
Allison – OUT
Lindsay – IN
Jenna – OUT
Cheryl – IN
Peta – IN
Status of Former Pros (You never know!)
Tristan MacManus – No, appears to have sworn off TV dancing
Anna Trebunskaya – Expecting Baby #2
Lacey Schwimmer – Unlikely
Louis Van Amstel – ?
Chelsie Hightower – ?
Corky Ballas – ?
Karina Smirnoff –
Edyta Sliwinska –
Tony Dovolani –
The Troupe
Brittany Cherry – Filling in for Jenna for first three weeks
Britt Stewart – In
Hayley Ebert – In
Brandon Armstrong – In
Sasha Farber – In
Jenna Johnson – In
Artur Adamski – In
Shannon Holtzapffel – Out
Dennis Jauch – Out
Kiril Kulish – Out
ETA: Let the guessing begin!! I guess Tony and Cheryl.
Hey, #DWTS fans: @Tom_Bergeron just confirmed to me that two former pros will return for the show’s 25th season. pic.twitter.com/h7MT5PkEjX
— George Pennacchio (@abc7george) August 18, 2017
Totally with you Heidi on a Sharna or Sahsa Mirrorball…and I’d also add Lindsay to my wishlist! 🙂
I’m currently looking for the link but I recall a recent interview in which Mark said he was probably too busy to come back this season. (Also, would you prefer we post links in the comments or send them to you elsewhere?)
Today’s photoshoot might also be noteworthy, as it’s almost definitely to promote the new season in some way. Emma, Sharna, Alan, Keo, Artem, and Lindsay were all there for it, so I don’t know whether that means they are pros, but I’m guessing that as of this moment the plan is for all of them to be on to at least some capacity.
Oh yeah, bring me on board for a Sasha or Sharna Mirrorball too. I’d love it if Gleb got one too!
Here’s to the pro watch!!!
I have to say unless Mark or miraculously Derek make a come back which I believe neither will ever be back. I am not too excited unless perhaps they have an extremely popular star competing
Anna is pregnant.
I’m curious as to why Jenna is listed as “out” but Allison isn’t? They’re both doing SYTYCD right now so it’s up in the air whether or not they can even be considered for pro spots yet. Did I miss something like Jenna saying she wouldn’t come back?
No C bros or Peta and I’ll be just fine with whomever is left a gal can dream
That’s right – I forgot all about that, Amy.
Jesus, Julia, dial it back to about 10. Nothing has been confirmed yet and I just threw in some guesses.
I think Jenna is more likely than Allison, since Jenna picked based on Fam connections and Kiki ain’t all that.
F*ck off, Z. Buh bye.
This post has been up for a couple hours and some of you are already acting like demanding assholes. If you know ANYTHING about me, you know I don’t give two shits about the troupe on any given day.
People point at promo shoots every season as evidence of them being pros and it’s just not always the case. They may not get a partner or a partner they have might bail – it’s not a guarantee of anything.
If you find links, email them to us through the contact us link or you can send them to me at Heidi@purederekhough.com
You know, the show might be a whole lot more appealing with a smaller cast, provided the Fam doesn’t participate. It would be nice to see longer dances, a return to technique, less gimmicks, and less manipulation. I’m with you, #6 Christine.
A Sasha or Sharna mirror ball would be great but I’m more hopefully for a Artem or Lindsay mirror ball. Mostly just Lindsay but she’s my fave lol Would love seeing Allison back. Totally fine with no cbros or peta ( just my opinion) lol My only other hope would be seeing Alan bumped up to pro status. Met him on the tour this summer just love his personality and would love to see him get a shot.
Just gon’ leave dis here, for those of you that seem unusually fixated on the troupe: https://www.puredwts.com/2016/08/15/puredwts-season-23-court-rants-why-i-dont-really-care-about-the-troupe/ I’d also like to point out that Artur was only added to the troupe after it became apparent that Alan would be covering for Maks for more than just a week or two last season – I would not automatically assume he is going to be in the troupe again, particularly if Alan doesn’t end up getting promoted to pro.
And I tend to agree with Heidi about Allison being less likely to return to DWTS than Jenna – Jenna made a point of letting the fans know “I’m taking a season off from DWTS, but I’ll be back!” last season, while I don’t recall Allison saying much of anything; also seems like Allison has been taking on a lot more outside choreography gigs…gigs I’m not sure she’d have time for (or would even be allowed to accept) if she was planning to return to DWTS. Besides, now that Emma isn’t the “disposable” female pro anymore, TPTB are kind of obligated to hold a spot for her as the returning champion – and I don’t see them sitting out Lindsay or Sharna, who are the two brightest choreographic stars the show has right now. I don’t see them sitting Peta out (and I don’t see her sitting out, despite the attention-whoring, Lizzie Grubman-esque PR dog-and-pony show the Chmerkovskiy clan has become known for in every pre-season), and given that Jenna and Val are currently “on” again, I could see TPTB milking that as well…that leaves one, maybe two spots left (if they cast more male than female celebs) for female pros, and even though Witney has been largely unimpressive these past few seasons (and could run the risk of getting benched next year) I don’t see them sitting out a former champion this time. I just think the prospects for an Allison return are a bit grim – and given that Derek seemed like her closest pro friend (and had a hand in getting her the gig in the first place), it may be possible that she’s not all that interested in a return to DWTS.
I would just like to see some original pros return back for Season 25, but no Chmerkovskiys or Peta.
@John…Some of the original pros going back to 10-12 years may be doing other things now. Some have had babies probably enjoying be with their families. As far as the 3 Chmerkovskiys, I feel the same; but it’s not likely.
@Taryn…No way!! You really met Alan in person. I love his personality while he filled in for Maks and I also would totally love to see him bumped up to Pro. So happy that you got to meet him. I watched every video clip of the DWTS tour just to see him. He’s a great dancer!
Peta “negotiating” hahaha. If the executive producers had any backbone whatsoever they’d tell her, her husband and her brother in law to accept the amount we’re offering or take a walk. I guarantee that they’d come crawling back closer to the time as the reality dawns of a year without a dwts paycheck. One day that family will realise that the show is far bigger and will do just fine without them. How the producers don’t realise this either I do not know. Make no mistake though all three of them (four if you count Jenna) will be back.
Allison seemed very upset last season when they cut her out of her pro position. I didn’t know she had other things going, or I would assume she would jump at the chance. Ironically for Mr and Mrs C, the big rivalry the show tried to hype last season went absolutely nowhere. I did not get the impression many people gave a hoot. They want those jobs badly though because they moved back to LA almost the instant their wedding festivities ended. I’m ok with little bro primarily because Jenna is one of my favorites and, like Courtney, I wouldn’t be surprised if the hype is on them this season, if Jenna is available. I would actually love to see Jenna get a contender a la Rashad. I’m glad that Emma will most assuredly be in, and I think Sasha proved himself and will get a partner. My one big wish would be for Karina. I used to think that they cut her, but I’m starting to think that perhaps she told them to take a hike after the way they treated her.
I was really hoping there would be no C Bro’s. HOWEVER this is Season 25 and we are down to only ONE regular season this year do no doubt they will want at least 1 male pro who has WON an MBT. With Mark and Derek out that leaves only Maks, Val or Tony. If those are my only choices I’d much prefer Tony over the C’ bros. Maybe Val will sit it out to do choreography on SYTYCD? Cringe worthy and hughly unlikely but hey if it keeps him out a season it works for me. I’m probably dreaming but fingers crossed anyway.
I suppose now that LOVE ON THE FLOOR has been pushed back IF they can get Cheryl they might opt for her over Peta. OR put them both in. I’m OK with the ladies even Peta if she tones it down a bit.
Looking for Sharna Lindsay maybe Sasha MBT THEY deserve it! The ladies have been sacrificial lambs for “the fam.
Good point, Taryn – I forgot Lindsay. She would actually be ahead of Sasha and Sharna for me, in terms of MBTs. I can’t say I’ve been overly fond of Sharna lately. Can’t put my finger on why, exactly.
Totally don’t get the Alan love and I also don’t get why people are so sure that he’ll get a spot. He certainly doesn’t deserve to take the spot of any of the main pros, at this point. Except Val.
As for the Fam and their negotiating…I would think the tour that was sans any Chmerkovskiy would be proof enough that they are unnecessary. That tour doesn’t do as well as MOVE, from what I can see, but it certainly performed as well with Val as without. As far as I could see anyway.
I think much of the Val and Jenna hype comes from….Val and Jenna, and the crazy ass shippers. Perhaps all of it. Val’s been playing that game with his fans for YEARS as a way to get votes on DWTS (Kelly, Janel…). I don’t know that the show cares that much about them. They’re much more into celeb/pro hookups, seems to me. They’ll pimp Val and his partner, but I’ve not seen any pimpage of Val/Jenna. I don’t think we will, either. Unless Val/Jenna make it happen. Derek was with Hayley when he was still on the show and you would only know it if you were watching the backstage cams in All Access. But then, he was dating her for a year and a half before either one of the publicly acknowledged it. The only time that we saw anything on Emma and Sasha was when he proposed.
Because of all that, I’m not inclined to blame the show for they Val/Jenna hype – I think it’s all on Val. Maybe not even Val, but Jenna.
Narice, I doubt very much that Val will do any more choreo on SYTYCD. Maybe one dance, but more than that? I doubt it. Not only is Val not a name choreographer like that show typically uses, but that show is just not ballroom heavy and Val doesn’t do other styles. I would guess that we see maybe four or five ballroom dances over the course of a whole season and we’ve already seen two. It’s not like they have one every week.
In any case, it would be a FAR from every week proposition. That show loves Nappytabs, Travis Wall, Sonya Tayeh, Mandy Moore and a host of other Emmy nominated choreographers. Dimitri is more likely to make a return appearance as he’s a SYTYCD alum.
Frankly, I would be happy if Val, Maks and Peta did not show their faces on DWTS. Of course it won’t happen. I am not liking Peta much anymore since she is firmly attached to the egotistical, vain, obnoxious, arrogant Maks. Since she has been with him, she has changed, and not for the better. I hope Sharna gets a good partner and wins the MBT this season. She paid her dues and deserves it. Sad that Derek won’t be back. But he is on to better things, unlike Val and Maks, who are at DWTS until the show breaths it’s last breath.
Oh well kind of figured that and while they gave him a nod I didn’t hear a lot of enthusiasm out of Nigel. Like I said wishful thinking. I just can not stomach another season of his arrogant pimping.
Princess Heidi-
I just think my love from Alan comes from both tours I saw him on. I just really loved his personality and could see him really having a great relationship with the a celeb. But that’s my opinion so I’m by no means an expert and he could be terrible. Also definitely don’t think there’s a garuntee as a pro but if they did pull up another guy he seems likely as he’s been in the troupe the longest of any of the guys that haven’t been made pro yet.
But my love for Alan coming from the tour is the same way I found I didn’t care for Jenna. I don’t get the hype with her so I guess everyone feels different. I just found her personality so boring. IMO the key to being a pro is part personality and part dance skill and a lot teaching and choreography ability.
Glad you agree on Lindsay too I really just have grown to love her so much as a pro. I was always a fan of Allison but I think I’m her absence I’ve Lindsay some how became my favorite.
Also agree on Sharna I dont dislike her I’m just not hyped on her.
Also I didn’t go to the move tour when it was in my area wish I would have but it was way expensive. Did go to the DWTS tour and I have to say I really enjoyed it. Also meeting all the pros after they were so gracious. Only made me like them more but the cbros and petas presence were not missed.
Sorry this got so long. Looking forward to the season whatever happens hopefully it’s a good one.
I’m on board with a c family free season. NONE of them. I’m not a Sharna fan,either,maybe because she’s too close to the “fam”. Now, Sasha, I would love to see win the MBT. Emma has certainly paid her dues, and was rewarded with Rashad last season. However, I think it was a complete surprise that he could dance and entertain like he does. Definitely not a ringer. Hope we get someone like that this season. I wouldn’t mind seeing Cheryl back. Or Chelsie. I know Derek has said nope in no uncertain terms, but would love it if Mark could find another season not too unpalatable. Love the Utah girls, Lindsay and Whitney.
I’d love to see Lindsay get a mirrorball. If she has a contender, I’m more likely to watch.
Could definitely do without Val or Maks.
The C fam asking for more money and Peta agreeing only if she gets a good partner should be a non-starter for any producer. There is no evidence they deserve it more than the others unless you count # of times in People magazine. But, that would go away if they were not on the show. Let them go. Val has shown he is not the next Derek. I think Alan is weaker because of his inability to get Heather through a couple more weeks. I’d take any girl over Jenna and I’ll admit that sometimes I get Whitney and Lindsay mixed up. I see them as the cute, young, blonde pro filling the spot of Julianne and Chelsie. Both are really good dancers and choreographers though.
I thought I read an interview with Gleb stating he wanted to stay with his family. Maybe he’ll just bring them to LA. I don’t have a sense of what pro I want to win. I can easily change my mind half way through the season. But, my favorite pro is Sasha.
I think when it comes down to it Lindsay has paid her dues just like Emma and it’s time that they gave her a capable partner to bring home a MBT. I will say I had been on the Sharna deserves one boat and really wanted her to bring it home with James but after having to deal with Bonner last season I feel like Sharna would have to have a certain type of partner for me to want it for her this go around. So for me at this point I say Lindsay winning the MBT with a great partner for season 25 would be my goal.I wouldn’t be mad at a Sasha win either would be kinda neat for him to win right after Emma.
@Gunny I think the thing that caused Heather to go home was the lackluster Jazz that Maks choreographed more than anything. Even though it was Alan performing it with her still Maks was hell bent on choreographing it. I think Alan did everything right when it comes to stepping in. I thought he was a solid partner for Heather and his choreography that he did with her was great I still rewatch their tango a lot. So I wouldn’t say that Alan is necessarily weak based on that alone. Personally I think he’s shown promise to be a good pro (having the mix of a good personality and it seems like he’s a good teacher add in he’s a great dancer and you have a good combo), I thought in the future once other males started doing other things that he would be a potential good one to step in after he filled in with Paige back in season 22 but I think his work with Heather kinda further cemented it with me.
I would much rather see Alan as a pro than have to deal with Maks or Val. Especially Val, after his win with Rumer it’s like his ego has grown to massive proportions.
And it looks like Val choreographing for SYTYCD isn’t a one off. Kristyn Burrt confirmed the list of choreographers for week 2 and Val was on the list again. Someone asked her in more detail about it since he’s apparently in Europe currently and she said she didn’t know how he was doing it but that it was the official list and that it would probably get explained on Monday. I don’t know what that means for the rest of SYTYCD but just thought I would share that tidbit.
I would love to see Tony and Mark back. I really would love to see Mark back. I don’t know if I would be able to handle him taking a third season off!…
so I have a question for you guys, I was under the impression that Sasha was a pro bc we just happened to get celebs to fit his height these last couple seasons, true or false? Also, Do you think TPTB are going out of their way to cast a shorter celeb for him? if not we will see him? bc I don’t know anyone who was thrilled with his work Simone (although he was GREAT with Terra)
So I know this questions is totally coming out of left field but what on earth ever happened to Chelsie? She danced with Roshon and just dropped off the face of the earth.
As for my opinion of the C-Bros and Peta, their egos are just a huge turn-off. I kind of miss the old Val if I may be honest, the one who danced with Kelly, Zendaya, and Elizabeth. Yea his choreography was still a bit lackluster and stop and go-ish as has been pointed out but at least I could name the steps he did in his routines. Liz’s Samba and Cha-Cha, Kelly’s Cha-Cha and Paso Doble, and so on. Then it just went down hill from there after he won the GOLDEN mirrorball. At least at that time he seemed invested in teaching technique. Now it’s all flash and trash.
Sad to see Peta go down the road of her husband. I mean Maks has always had his off views with the show, storming off vowing never to return and coming back a few seasons later. Peta I really like especially when she was with Donald, Tommy, and Nyle. To think she is getting to big for her britches is disappointing me. I was hoping she was following in Karina’s shoes starting off kind of divaish but learning from her partners and letting them humble her. Sort of how Billy Ray and J.R. did to Karina.
On another note, Lindsay is FAR overdue for a MBT. I find Lindsay to be the new Derek. Every partner she has had she manages to get them to shine (Even Victor had his moments). I only hope she really gets a contender this season and kills it.
@Richard – The great myth about Sasha that seems to have spread among the DWTS fandom is that he’s extraordinarily short and that’s why he only sporadically got cast. In reality, he and Mark are about the same height – the 5’6″-5’7″ range – but since Mark had seniority, he typically got the shorter ladies first, and if there happened to be any others, then Sasha got a partner as well. Now that we don’t have Mark, that seems to availed more partners to Sasha. I don’t think TPTB really need to “go out of their way” to cast a shorter celeb for him anymore, as there’s usually always at least one lady in the under 5’3″ range each season…and now they don’t have to find someone for Mark as well. And I don’t necessarily agree with the implication that his work with Simone was somehow severely lacking – I think a lot of what some perceived as as a deficiency on his part was more just the propaganda machine at work. TPTB went out of their way to ensure that Simone did not win last season – and whether it was making Sasha look like a slouch or making Simone look whiny/uncooperative/etc., they threw those two under the bus whenever they could. Yeah, Sasha wasn’t always perfect – but he wasn’t terrible, either, and I wouldn’t think his performance would somehow negatively affect his chances at a pro spot this season.
So to answer your question, Richard – I think Sasha will be a pro again, barring any huge shakeups.
@Kyle – This is just my opinion, but as for what I think happened to Chelsie? Lindsay & Witney. Their season of SYTYCD was in the summer of 2012, and Chelsie’s last season of DWTS was fall of 2012 (while Lindsay & Witney were committed to the SYTYCD tour, and the all-star season was happening). Lindsay got signed on as a pro in the spring of 2013 and we never saw Chelsie again – I think a large part of Chelsie’s problem was trajectory, in that her best season of DWTS was her first season, and she never really got that far ever again (and was often an early out). When two new, young, attractive, blonde, ballroom-dancing Mormon ingenues from SYTYCD came on the scene, and it became apparent that Chelsie’s career on DWTS was kinda stagnating…I think TPTB made their move. And I think it was a wise one – Lindsay is a choreographic bright spot and really has become the new Derek in terms of utilizing any partner’s strengths, and even Witney at her low points is still far more popular and charismatic than Chelsie ever was. And if interviews Chelsie has given after leaving DWTS are any indicator, I think she was rapidly tiring of the show, anyway – I don’t know that she would have stuck around much longer had they not let her go.
Omg i am so happy to see so many people on the Lindsay boat! I reallllllyyyyy would be so thrilled to see her win season 25! Female Derek for sure! Go linds!!!! 😀
Honestly don’t agree with Sasha winning a MBT. I think others deserve it more. Lindsay, Sharna and Artem. But I agree with some of the others – don’t think Sasha did a fantastic job with Simone. I mean, certainly wasn’t shabby, but wasn’t impressive either. Certainly not on the level of Lindsay imo.
Would be wonderful not to see the fam at all. I think they tend to bring certain negative energy to the cast, because i’m sure the pros are not blind to what’s going on around here. They’re sure to have noticed by now that Val is forever getting ringers.
Can’t wait for season 25!! Also, miss Allison, hope not to see Jenna. Jenna I seriously CANNOT stand. She’s such a camera junkie!! Forever hogging the limelight from whoever is next to her. I can totally understand why she and Val can be an item! They’re exactly the same!! Sometimes I wonder how her relationship with Lindsay and Witney are like now. Lindsay is such a good hearted person, sometimes i can’t understand how she can be such good friends with Jenna.
The male pro lineup badly needs a shakeup. All of the male pros seems kind of same to me.. always showing off body & trying to look sexy & lacking creativity.. no wonder the last 2 seasons were big disappointment (to me atleast) in terms of choreography. Val, Artem, Gleb, Keo, Alan, Maks seems similar to me.. only Sasha has a slightly different personality, but then i’m not a big fan of his choreography. He could’ve done so much with Simone.. that girl had so much potential.. but he failed to utilize them.
I know it will not happen.. vut i hope they cast new male pros if Derek/Mark don’t come back.
On the other hand, i’m very happy with the female pros…Lindsay, Sharna, Emma, Peta are all good.
Good to hear! I have always liked Sasha!
Nigel is RARELY kind to DWTS pros who cross over to SYTYCD – he was really mean to Mark when Mark did it. I think Nigel has a lot of envy in his heart when it comes to DWTS – he’s always making snide comments about the show, but at the same time admitted on twitter that they tried to get Derek to choreograph but ABC/DWTS wouldn’t let him do it. That probably contributed as well to the issues Nigel has with the show.
Yeah, I don’t see how Val could possibly do it since he’s been in Europe for a while and that wedding they’re all attending is today. I don’t see how he gets back before Monday morning.
If he does make another appearance, I think that would be it for him. Or we could get lucky and he’d stay over there and they can have his boring ass choreo. 🙂 But I doubt very much we would be that lucky. Very interesting, though, that DWTS is willing to let him do it when they would never let Derek.
I agree that it was on Maks to keep Heather around, not Alan. Maks just did not ever do her justice.
You only get to be called “the new Derek” if you do all of your own choreography. And we’re just not sure that’s the case with Lindsay. Ain’t nothing wrong with getting help, and she can make her partner shine (which is the entire point of her job – if only all pros understood that), but to be the next Derek you have to do your own Choreo.
Yeah, I don’t think I quite agree that Sasha’s work is lacking – I’m not hugely impressed by him yet, but I’m not disappointed in him either. Agree with Courtney that there was a big propaganda machine running where Simone was concerned – they didn’t want her to win for a variety of reasons. They really wanted Normani to win…but besides that, I don’t think they wanted two gymnasts to win in a row.
Nigel has said a lot of things he shouldn’t have. He used to say some pretty mean things to both choreographers and contestants – he’s even ripped into Dmitry multiple times, and that’s one of his own. I think he’s tempered down the negativity in the last couple seasons since he’s been struggling just to get the show renewed. He was pretty positive about Mark’s routines and Sasha and Emma’s routines last year. Nigel may have actually liked Val’s choreo, but nowadays he seems to remain positive about everyone’s choreo so it’s hard to tell.
I think Nigel’s frustration with DWTS stems from the stronghold they have on their dancers. Like Princess Heidi said, he really wanted Derek. He probably still does because when he was talking about having Val on the show, he mentioned sharing talent with DWTS. Giving Val a choreographer spot may have been a peace offering of sorts, but Nigel’s ambitions probably extend beyond Val (although I don’t know what Derek’s contract is like now that he’s with NBC). Nigel also mentioned so many SYTYCD people going over to DWTS, so he may be bitter about being lenient with letting people like Chelsie and probably others out of their contracts so they could be on DWTS when the favor hasn’t been returned (in his eyes at least).
What’s interesting to me is the way contracts work for DWTS pros going on SYTYCD. Derek couldn’t but Val can, and in the past Nigel seemed to struggle with just getting a couple all-star appearances from Chelsie, Witney, and Allison. Even though Nigel likes Jenna and thinks she is a good choice for a ballroom all-star, she’s kind of his only choice. I don’t see DWTS letting Witney or Lindsay be a SYTYCD all-star and then go right to being a DWTS pro like they did with Jenna, considering they only let Witney on a few times when she was in troupe. It will be interesting to see how things play out between the two shows this year. Since Allison’s contestant is likely to make the SYTYCD finale, she’s probably out but I guess we’ll see how flexible they are with Jenna’s contract since her contestant will be eliminated before then.
In a perfect world (at least for me) I would take Alan over any of the C-brothers. To me, both of the C-bros are stale and repetitive and lack creativity. Yawn!
Hopefully Emma and Lindsay both have great partners this upcoming season. Last season was hands down my favorite season yet, with Miss Emma taking home her first MBT.
It should tell you something, MRP. Derek is/was DWTS marquee pro – the guy who brings home the Emmy. They would never let Derek go over to SYTYCD…but they let EVERY other pro go, if they are wanted. I don’t think Witney or Lindsay were wanted by So you Think. There is no reason to think that DWTS wouldn’t let them, if they would let Val, Mark and others. I think it more likely that SYTYCD just doesn’t want or need them.
It’s most likely that every pro has to get DWTS permission to do something like DWTS. For Derek, they say no. For everyone else they say yes. I think the reason is pretty clear. Who are the only DWTS pros with an Emmy along with name recognition? Derek. Julianne. Period. Witney and Lindsay aren’t needed on SYTYCD as All Stars when they already have Jenna and Paul as the Ballroom reps. They’re not going to want more than two, I don’t think, since that show has no respect for ballroom to begin with.
Lindsay definitely is one of the two top lady Pros with the other being Emma in my opinion. I looking forward to see them both are on S-25. Sasha did an incredible job with Terra Jole in S-23, and before that season was S-20, when he filled in for Derek w/Nastia. You have to be good enough to fill in for Derek that long. And, Derek choreographed every dance (and he always did his own Choreo) As far as anyone being the next “Derek” it would be pretty darn hard to fill his shoes. He’s a legend and a master at what he does, in my book.
I still am hoping Alan gets a shot as a Pro to show what he can do, since Jenna also had a shot at it.
One of Derek’s Emmy nods was shared with Chelsie. I’m always curious about the DWTS and the SYTYCD connections. Nigel should be happy that so many of his contestants made it into a steady job and exposure. As for Derek, I think DWTS agreed to have him do at least one gig every season – Macy routine which is his chance to win another Emmy. It is sad to see the “former pro on DWTS” as a reference to him in articles. I think the only possibility is if a big name celebrity requests him or Hayley talks him into it.
Even though he seems to have a commitment to NBC, it’s still a promo for DWTS, so ABC won’t let him go.
Alan for pro 🙂
What are you talking about, Gunny? ABC won’t let him go? They don’t have much choice in the matter. Contracts come to an end and you either renegotiate them or you walk away. Obviously, Derek has walked away. Will he ever go back? Who knows? But he does have a contract with NBC now – and I don’t think anyone knows how restrictive that is. Maybe THEY won’t let him go now.
As for Chelsie – so what? Several people share an Emmy nom with Derek yet can’t seem to get one on their own for their own work. Yet Derek gets consistently nominated alone AND in teams.
Next year he won’t be in the running (unless he does pop up on DWTS for a week) and after seeing WoD and just the first week of SYTYCD, neither will DWTS.
I wish people would vote against Jenna on SYTYCD. Since she got back with Val, she has been acting like him and being an entitled brat. Val literally had everybody rally for her last week including the fam when people were upset that she chose the Chmerkovskiy’s friend over this other guy people loved! Talk about nepotism! It’s funny how she used to talk shit about him on her blog when he basically dumped has ass for Amber Rose and kept her hidden for 3 years. Since they got back together and out in the open (People called Val out on this btw…lol), they both been obnoxious and insufferable, especially her. She needs to be dropped down a peg. Just because you’re a mile away from being a Chmerkovskiy and part of the clan, you still need conduct yourself in a mature manner and not arrogant asshole. She’s so desperate, it’s sad to watch.
On the male side, my thought is that the only change we’ll see is Alan in for Maks if Maks decides not to return, unless a celeb requests someone like Tony or Louis. I honestly have no feelings on Alan, and I’m interested to see what he’ll do, so I’d be fine with him as pro.
The female side seems like might be room for someone new. I personally doubt Kym is coming back and I wouldn’t be surprised if Peta sits out (although I love both of them and would miss them.) Does anyone know what the SYTYCD contracts are like? Even if Jenna and/or Allison is out early, would they realistically be able to commit to the show in time for practice to start? Between the two of them, I’d rather see Jenna. I freaking love Allison, but not on DWTS. I’d like to see a little more of Jenna to see if she has the choreo/teaching ability for the show.
Outside of Allison and Jenna, I wonder if they’d promote Hayley or bring back in Cheryl or another OG pro? I would love to see Cheryl or Karina back in the ballroom with someone halfway decent.
Ummm…. about the troupe….. What about Brandon Armstrong and Artur Adamski?
Are they out for good?
As the old saying goes, I’ll eat my hat if Maks sits out. Have no doubt he, wife and bro will be front and center (with “good partners”).
I watched the clips Derek posted of Hayley on his IG tonight and I’m not sure she’s quite ready to perform as a ballroom pro. I’m guessing Wit will return if Kym doesn’t. Even if Jenna is eliminated in the next couple of weeks, she is technically still tied in to perform in pro numbers I believe, unless they were to release her. I would love for her and for Cheryl to return though (and Mark and Karina). I’m not going to wish for Derek since his show has been renewed.
I think Gleb will return so I’ll be surprised if Alan gets in unless he bumps Keo.
@Chayse I don’t know what the SYTYCD contracts are like, but in theory it would probably be fine with them if Jenna were to do DWTS because they let her last year. However, logistics might make it more difficult this year. Last year she was eliminated on August 1, and the SYTYCD finale/DWTS 23 premiere was on September 12. The timeline is tricky this year because the live shows were pushed back, which means she won’t be eliminated as early.
I think it would also depend on what is required from her on the SYTYCD finale, which again is the same day as the DWTS premiere. Last year she wasn’t required to be at the finale because all of her numbers were pretaped. The tricky part about this is that last season of SYTYCD was weird with the kid contestants. They had to pretape a lot of numbers because the kids had limited hours per day. They might not do the same thing this year since they don’t have that restriction.
Heidi, I love how blunt you are to folks. Can we be best friends? Haha
Ok, since the post has been updated, if everyone could a) actually read upstream, and b) quit getting worked up about the troupe, that would be greeeeat.
Val will want to choreograph as much as possible on SYTYCD. Mainly because he’s probably realised by now that he won’t ever get an Emmy nomination on DWTS and his only slim chance of getting one is choreographing for two pros on SYTYCD. Unfortunately for him his choreography isn’t good enough to get him a nomination on that show either. All I ever read about is people suggesting the male pro lineup needs a shakeup. Personally I’m the opposite and would much rather see a shakeup of the females. Dropping Allison was a good start, I’d drop Jenna and Witney and if Peta continues to try and get more money using her family as leverage, I’d cut her as well. The reason why Alan will probably be in is they’ve been pushing him like crazy, he’s been in the troupe for ever and they always give long serving troupers a chance eventually. I think someone like Dove Cameron will have been cast spec
*I think someone like Dove Cameron will have been cast specifically with Alan in mind. A bit like when they gave Jake Austin to Jenna and Cody Simpson to Witney. They never risk giving new fairly young pros older celebrities in case getting told what to do by someone younger that could be their child rubs them up the wrong way and causes problems until they’ve had experience as a pro. Sorry for the double post, accidentally submitted my comment before finishing.
Wasn’t Jenna in this same position last year at this time? It seems like she was and she came back to DWTS.
ETA: I seem MPR has confirmed my spotty memory. 🙂
If Val gets an Emmy nom for SYTYCD I will eat my f’ing hat. There are too many far better choreographers on that show for his choreo to get a nom even if it were good enough, thanks to the anti-ballroom bias those awards have.
If he consistently choreographs for SYTYCD, I’ll be surprised, for reasons already mentioned in another comment of mine. Of course, SYTYCD could be grabbing at any port in a storm in an attempt to get their ratings up. Sad to say, I don’t think Val’s going to do it for them. Honestly, I agree with Nigel from last week – Jenna’s choreography is better and should be shown more on that show. I’m not a fan of hers by any stretch, but she is much better than Val. Cross training??
ETA: dropped my train of thought here. I was going to add that the first live show of SYTYCD has some EXCELLENT choreography and none of it was ballroom. Tyce Diorio had a good dance, as did Travis Wall, along with Wade/Amanda Robson. There were others that were great as well. Comfort’s dance was awesome, and I really liked Fik-shun’s as well. It was rather upsetting because the ballroom routines just weren’t up to the standards of the other routines. They’ve got to bring in better ballroom choreographers – where’s Louis?? He bugs the shit out of me, but he’s done the best ballroom choreo that show has seen.
Just adding to what Heidi already said quite well: only ONCE has a ballroom routine even gotten nominated for outstanding choreo from SYTYCD, and that was way back in 2009 – and it was the Argentine tango Dmitry choreographed for Chelsie & Joshua. It didn’t win, and no other ballroom routine has been nominated since. I don’t think one ever will, and it certainly won’t come from Val – seems like the ballroom choreographers only drop in for a week or maybe two if they’re lucky each season these days, so not many chances to dial in and churn out a perfect, Emmy-worthy routine.
And if he’s that desperate for an Emmy, I think his best bet is to hitch his wagon to a better choreographer (like Jenna) and try for a collaborative nomination. Granted, she still seems to have a penchant for hair-flipping and mugging, but I do see some flashes of talent in her choreo – it just needs time to mature. And I agree that her cross training helps her immensely – while Val seems stuck in this “purity = quality” measure of choreography, which doesn’t even really make much sense when one notes his penchant for time-wasting choreography.
I kinda hope Edyta comes back, and if she does set her up with an athlete or popular male singer. I also wanna see what Hayley can bring to the table, she seems like she has spunk in her, which if I’m being honest I feel like she rubbed off on Simone last season (during her post trio moment of empowerment), and its not like the cocky attitude that other pros exhibit. Kym should also come back and partner Steve Harvey (This is just a partnership I’ve always dreamed of, I by no means have any insider knowledge on DWTS, so just to clarify this is just a dream partnership).
Just to pile on to this discussion, since SYTYCD has been on the air, Derek is the ONLY pro to get nominated for a ballroom routine – except maybe Mark. Wasn’t his nomination for ballroom?? Everyone else from DWTS has, I believe, been nominated either for non-ballroom, or it was a nomination before SYTYCD really raised the bar. Derek’s actual wins were for contemporary routines. His nomination this time around is kind of a fantastical hybrid of AT and contemporary and stepping, etc.
Even the very best ballroom choreographers don’t see regular nominations. Louis choreoed an absolutely fantastic AT for SYTYCD and didn’t get a nomination, which was a damn shame. Up until last year, the choreography nominations were done by committee, which meant it was heavily weighted in favor of contemporary. Now, it’s an actual peer group (I’m not looking at my Emmy rules, going on memory here, so I could get the terms wrong) where everyone who is a choreographer and a member of the academy gets to nominate and vote. This SHOULD have worked in DWTS favor in terms of nominations, I would think – all the DWTS pros can join, vote and increase their chances. But I think the DWTS pros in general are too insular – they aren’t like Derek and going out and making new connections, working with other people, HIRING other people to do work for them, etc. There is something to be said for networking. That Val is actually making an effort to choreograph for SYTYCD is a step in the right direction. But DWTS disadvantage at Emmy time is only getting bigger, not smaller, now that WoD is in the mix. And Derek is on THAT show.
I think DWTS wouldn’t let Derek do SYTYCD because they knew the possibilities of him getting an Emmy nomination and possible win were great????. A platform with basically no restrictions and working with pros too. Nigel knew it too, that’s why he wanted so bad-lol Easy one..
Honestly, I hope he does choreograph a piece on that show one day..
Respect to Lindsay-Shes’s doing great but a female Derek Hough-Nope, she ain’t!! He set the standard and bar high for dwts -not to mention 10 years of hard work, blood sweat and tears. She has to earn that title!!????
I for one don’t really care for Jenna. She’s so camera hungry and over dances everything, plus she’s fully drunk on the Chmer koolaid red string, evil eye, and all. Let sytycd have her. I would like to see a couple new male and female dancers in the pro line-up. There’s got to be more dancers out there with creative abilities and great personalities. I’m not on the Allan bandwagon and I’m not sure Hayley even wants a pro spot, she seems pretty content in a supporting role. Maybe Artur and Britt should get a shot. I just think the pro merry-go-round needs a shake-up.
If they want to keep Val they’ll make Jenna a pro. Last season they had already broken up by the time the season started so they offered her troupe and she turned it down. Unless they break up in the next couple of weeks, she and he will be pros.
I agree with whoever said on a different post that if they talented pros had a chance to jump ship, this is the time to do it. I can’t help but wonder if DWTS will be stupid enough to make one or both c-bros a judge for the jr version. I could also see them offering judging to Peta and Maks. I don’t plan on watching it so it doesn’t matter to me but I think the kids deserve better.
Looking forward to seeing Emma, Sasha, Lindsay and Artem. The rest can be replaced as far as I’m concerned.
side note: I loved the tour with Mr Ego and his side chick this time around. It made it possible to everyone to have a moment and shine.
Meant to say without them!
@molly I respect your opinion re Jenna even though I disagree. I wanted to comment only to clarify, she is not his side chick. She is his main chick ????.
Jenna will struggle badly as a pro while she continues to overdance with a celebrity partner which she’s apparently even doing with her professional ballroom partner on SYTYCD. It’s the same problem Allison had which contributed to her downfall on DWTS. TPTB had to give her the biggest male ringer the show’s ever cast just to keep up with her. In terms of Val, I just think he’s desperate for an Emmy nom. He’s probably realised that if he can’t get one with Laurie and Normani as partners, he never will on DWTS hence his logic is go on SYTYCD and he’ll have a better chance. But as you all say compared to the others choreographers he is substandard and as such this will also fail. As for Hayley, when she gets her shot as a pro I think she’d do well despite a lack of ballroom training in comparison to others. Mainly because she’ll have a certain Mr Hough behind the scenes quietly advising/helping her with teaching and choreography when required.
Jenna has the dance talent and choreography skills to be a decent pro IF she can lose the “HEY LOOK AT ME!” attitude and let her PARTNER take the spotlight.
She’s been called out on it by the judges on SYTYCD AND DWTS it would be to her benefit to listen to their advice.
I completely left out ARTEM in my earlier comments.
He along with Emma Sasha Lindsay and Sharna had some of the best dances last season. I’d love to see him with another good partner Doesn’t have to be winner just someone with a level of confidence he can work well with.
I think you give Val WAY more credit that he likely deserves, if you really believe that he would base his participation on DWTS on Jenna’s status. I don’t think he’s that noble. Or foolish, depending on your POV.
I really hope they have a new female pro and a couple of new male pros to add this season. It’s just gotten so stale having the same personalities on every season that it’s not exciting to tune and watch the same old routine anymore. I can’t stomach the C-bros anymore. I was never was a Peta fan but if she came back solo, I’d be fine. But they sell themselves as a package which I don’t think is wise in the end. One paycheck is better than none.
I’d love to see Britt, who was in troupe last season, be a pro. I thought she stood out and wanted to see more of her personality and dancing. Besides that Karina is my favorite. I love Lindsay, Witney, Sharna, and Emma. I don’t get bored with them. Witney hasn’t been the best at choreography lately but I just love her charisma and personality.
I don’t feel strongly about Alan either way which I don’t think is the catalyst for wanting someone as a pro. I want to be really excited to see a certain someone, not just, we’ll settle for this guy and give him a try. And I can’t see why in the world tptb would want Jenna back as a pro. She has the same personality she did before. That’s just who she is. Insecure, playing to the camera, begging for attention, wanting to be seen as hot and a leader when she’s really a follower. I don’t see tptb picking her as pro because she’s with Val. What do they care. They’d be more invested in Val single for shipping purposes. Not to mention she was in troupe for 5 seasons and when she got her chance, she didn’t connect with viewers not to mention she didn’t seem to be able to teach well. All just my opinion of course.
Would love to see edyta or kym (or ideally both 🙂 ) back as pros. If Karina came back I’d Be over the moon happy too.
I have been reading all the comments above, with great interest. I enjoy seeing all the diversity of opinions, and I have tried hard to express how I really feel about this show, after so many seasons of being a rabid viewer and then being so disinterested for the last few seasons. When they select the cast for this season, I want the cast to be so intriguing that I will be forced to watch again. A cast so interesting, dancing so mesmerizing, a show so fresh and unpredictable, that I would schedule my evenings around it. Sadly, I haven’t done this for quite a while now. I only watch a select few dances on YT….specifically to avoid the Fam., the manipulation, the lackluster choreography, the sob stories, theme nights, predictable outcomes and double eliminations. I also avoid supporting the commercial sponsors.
Comments above seem to indicate that the Fam, united in arrogance and an inflated sense of self-worth, is holding out for special concessions and more $$$$$. I would like to remind TPTB that team players produce better outcomes and achieve more success for the common good than any inflated, whining, solo performer. The team talent is there, if you utilize it to it’s fullest potential and let it evolve. I’m talking about Emma, Lindsay, Artem, and Sasha. Remember, too, your greatest team players brought you Emmy nominations, great ratings, AND a few Mirrorballs for themselves…you know who I am referring to. And, they have left…Perhaps TPTB should reflect on that and purge the show of all the selfish whiners….they aren’t worth the salary they request because they don’t produce the outcomes the show needs and need an awful lot of “assistance” to make it to semis. Thanks, Mods, for allowing me to express my opinon here.
I think the interviewer let PM off the hook too easily. I would have asked her to define good partner. I suspect their demands started last season and will continue as long the new producers allow them too. I just didn’t how the show reaped any benefit though.
I am a huge fan of Britt! I hope she gets a chance to get a partner. Sasha and his lobster dances will always be dear to my heart.
I just hope for Emma, Lindsay and Witney. For the boys Sasha and Artem. And if one of them is going to the finals i am more than happy. Just want to see Witney and Lindsay to get good partners.
I don’t really care for the others, especially the C-Bros and there other halfs. I don’t want to see a show who is just around them.
So, Val’s confession to all the entertainment news outlets about his love for Jenna…
The timing of this “news” seems a little strange, no?
The word I was thinking was “opportunistic”, Nukegrrrl.
Anyone notice how the C Bros are trying to be ” like Mike” ( substitute Derek’ s name)? SM posts, photos, daily activities, seem to mimic many of Derek’s…even ” inspiration” themes and references. Give me a break and be sincere instead of phony and opportunistic!
I’m sure you guys have seen this and haven’t gotten a chance to update since you have actual lives outside this blog :), but George Pennacchio reported on twitter that, according to Tom, two former pros are coming back this season.
I’m going to put early money on Tony being one of them.
Really Chayse? Not about the “life” part, cuz that is very true right now. 🙂 I’m also going to bet on Tony. And…Cheryl? Beats me.
That’s gotten to be so standard, Joanne, that I don’t even notice it anymore. Derek and Hayley have been dating for two years and suddenly decide to be a tiny bit more open about their relationship and, due to the sorry state of entertainment media, he gets asked about that as much as his professional accomplishments. So what does one do when they want the attention that Derek gets?? There you have it. Suddenly in love. I would buy it if he hadn’t played the showmance card so many times to get ahead on DWTS.
Jenna is a fantastic dancer and a really good choreographer, from what I’ve seen (although I’m not really a fan) – I sure as hell hope she knows what she’s doing.
As for “two former pros” coming back….(I also suspect one is Tony, also.)Ha
George Pennacchio also tweeted an hour ago:
One of the goals of Season 25 of #DWTS – to make you feel good. Expect a celebratory season without heavy drama! (would be good if that included pros)
When Season 25 of #DWTS kicks off, don’t expect to see Sean Spicer or Anthony Scaramucci in the cast. @Tom_Bergeron strongly suggests NOPE!
(hope it’s definite NOPE)
I’ve seen several different names popping around for the potential two former pros. I’m willing to say that it’s going to be Tony and Cheryl. Tony has made it clear as of late he wouldn’t say no to coming back and Cheryl her tour got pushed back to next year didn’t it? If so then she’s got plenty of free time as well. My guess is that Cheryl is taking the spot Kym held last season, since I’ve seen several say that Kym said she wasn’t going to be back in an instagram live a few days ago. I think that Gleb might be stepping out to stay with his family since they just welcomed their little girl a week or two ago. Which is I’m assuming that’s the role that Tony would be over taking if it’s him. This is just me making some guesses but I won’t be surprised if this ends up falling into place like this. The fact that George said it’s going to be a less drama free season makes me feel good, because it would be nice to have a season that’s not got random drama at every turn.
I’m like tony and Cheryl ( but she has dance moms so not sure about her ). Other people are throwing Louis’s name out there. Although after some of those nasty tweets he had I’m not so sure I’d like him back. I’ve only been watching religiously since season 19. So I don’t know a lot of former pros but I think it would be cool to see someone from way back unexpected. I guess new to me. Or maybe if your predict on Gina is right we get Derek back. Unlikely but I can hope lol
I’m thinking edyta and cheryl (I don’t know if kym is coming back but all three in one season again would be heaven).
Another thing to think about with SYTYCD and ballroom: the number of ballroom dancers that make the live shows has continued to fall over the years, especially in seasons that they do a top 10 and not a top 20.
Because of that, I think the number of ballroom routines has dwindled over the seasons, and my guess this year is that Nigel is giving “auditions” to some of the DWTS pros to see if he likes their choreo on a live stage. If he doesn’t like it for various reasons, you don’t often stick around and it also might be a very long time before you get another shot. It’s happened a lot.
I think Nigel’s probably doing it because there aren’t a lot of ballroom choreographers out there that he actually likes/are available. For the past few seasons, he’s only really used three Dmitri, Jean-Marc, and Leonardo and Miriam (who really only choreograph ATs).
I’m kind of interested to see if any of the DWTS people stick around if there’s another season but I doubt one of those is Val. I wasn’t that impressed with his actual ballroom routine, and I think his disco routine was probably a Mandy Moore choice of assistant rather than him being picked directly.
Ya’ll sure are quick to believe producer BS, I’ll say that. 🙂 I’ll believe it when I see it re: “drama free” and I won’t be holding my breath.
Hey…maybe “drama free” is code for no Chmerkovskiy’s??
It is interesting that he’s hitched his wagon to Mandy, Justin – I did wonder if those claiming he was desperate for an Emmy (cuz he needs everything Derek has) might be on to something. I would find that sad and pathetic and I don’t wish that on anyone.
LOL! PHeidi #90 ….I tend to believe what Tom says than anyone else.
I would be very surprised if one pro isn’t Tony. Maks said he and PETA have a project they’re working on, fingers crossed, I may be pleasantly surprised cause I would have laid money on them returning. George saying drama free season is a good sign too.
I hope Jenna knows what she is doing too. don’t think that entertainment outlet really let anything out of the bag re her and a Val. They’ve been public all summer long, and the entertainment sites have been on it, but it does look like they’re getting very serious.
When sytycd announced that the opening number was choreographed by Mandy Moore and Val, I immediately thought that Val was piggy backing himself with Mandy to get an Emmy nod. And his long Instagram post about how grateful and inspired he is and that Mandy is his mentor. Blah blah. It was so over the top, to me.
I would love Cheryl and Tony to return as pros. Love them both. Definitely want Lindsay and Emma back. Witney is kind of funny in a Kelly pickler kind of way.
As far as my favorite troupe male in dwts ever is Shannon Holz-something. Super handsome and danced with Michael Jackson, JLo etc. Wasn’t he in LaLa Land and going to be in a movie with Hugh Jackman? He was major eye candy and a great dancer.
So 2 former pros returning………
On the ladies side, it’s not that painful, to me at least. I thought Kym was only a 1 season deal and she seems to be very busy with her new studio. So there’s an opening. Frankly, I wouldn’t mind Allison back but I like Cheryl too. As long as Emma isn’t screwed! But what about Val’s love, Jenna? Would she qualify as a former pro?
Tony has made no bones about the fact that he asked for 1 season off and wants back on. But if any guy is a “returning pro” who from last season is out? Maks, Val, Artem, Gleb, Sasha, Keo. And what about Alan Bersten. I’m indifferent but there really has been a lot of desire to see him promoted.
Same goes for the ladies too actually. Other than Kym, who could be out and why? Peta, Witney, Emma, Sharna, Lindsay.
Karina and Edyta please!
I’m guessing Karina & Tony as the returning pro. ????
I don’t see Maks and Peta being on this season. I know Val will be though don’t see him taking a season off. I would love to see Mark back though.
I’d love to see a Chmerkovskiy free season!!!. Ya know, I used to really like Peta. LOVED her with Donald Driver and Tommy Chong but since she hitched her star to Maks et al, she’s changed as someone else already said and not for the better. Oh well.
I’ll guess Tony and Cheryl too along with Heidi. Although I really wish it were Derek and Mark. The show has lost it’s creative choreography since their departure 🙁 Lindsay is good but she’s not at Derek’s level.
#97 Dee, Karina is teaching in Lithuania until August, 31 . So I don’t think she is doing DWTS .
What makes you so sure they tell Tom the truth, KKat??
I would hardly consider Jenna a “former pro”. How long was she an actual pro? One season? And she’s been gone for one season? If she’s the former pro, color me disappointed and disgusted at the mind games starting so early.
I’m really starting to get the feeling maybe neither of the cbros and peta will be back. Idk why but I just feel it. I could be totally wrong but it’s just my gut feeling. With that happening and no allison or jenna returning we could see a fresh female pro all together which would be cool. I just would love new blood.
As much as I would love a season free of both Val and Maks I don’t see it happening. At this point I can see Maks and Peta sitting out the season but I can’t see Val doing it. Even though he claimed he “might” take a break I don’t think he will.
As for Jenna I don’t see it being her. Even if hypothetically her and Kiki get eliminated Monday (which is a high possibility seems as though a lot of people were pretty mixed in their opinion on them this week) I don’t see her being a pro. I could maybe see her being invited back for troupe but she pretty much crashed and burned her first outing as a pro. They gave her a partner with a lot of potential and she failed miserably. Jenna’s problem is she outshines her partners and it’s pretty off putting. She’s a great choreographer I won’t doubt that. And I doubt it’s Allison because it seems like she’s kinda done with the show.
George made a comment of it being pros that have been out at least one season or more. The most realistic ones are Cheryl and Tony. George threw out the idea of it being Mark but I highly doubt it’s him. I think he’s like Derek and washed his hands of the show. As fun as it would be to see some old faces like Lacey, Chelsie, etc. I just don’t see it happening. Especially Chelsie since we have Witney and Lindsay that filled the role that she left.
Princess Heidi, I definitely agree that if Jenna is one of the “former pros” who are returning, I’ll be very, very disappointed and angry at the stretch. But that doesn’t stop me from wondering if it is her!
Trying to see this in likelihood instead of wishful thinking ……. I expect every once pro, or at least most, would be happy to have TV time. We know this doesn’t include Derek, on another network or seemingly Mark. (By the way, Jersey Boys is returning to Broadway.). Karina seems finished with DWTS. I sincerely hope that was her choice. I don’t feel like it was Allison’s. (Judging from an interview with tWitch who seemed hurt on his wife’s behalf.). I honestly can’t see ANY others except Tristan, Kym and Anna willingly skipping S25 when they won’t get another opportunity until a year from now! Unless, they have other great career opportunities happening now/soon.
I’d forget anything said by Maks, Peta and Val about maybe not returning. If one doesn’t, I’d definitely suspect they’ve been offered a sweet deal on DWTS Jr. I’d expect Jenna to want to return to DWTS with her love and probably not as troupe. But did they ask her? Looking at last season’s pros, we know Kym probably isn’t returning. But if there are TWO “returning pros”, who else gets bumped?!! And while I’m indifferent, I did/do expect Alan gets a pro slot, I’m worried for Sasha and Artem! I expect TPTB to definitely offer spots to Val, Maks, Peta, Sharna and I hope Emma. Witney is a MB champion. I need Lindsay! So who do they consider expendable?
Heidi, I was kind of wondering what was going on there. Normally, Disco routines on SYTYCD are done by Doriana Sanchez, and when they said Mandy Moore and Val choreographed it, I had to rewind my DVR to see if I heard right.
It does sort of seem like he’s a bit desperate for an Emmy nod, but I’m not sure Mandy Moore is the route to do so, especially looking at the list of choreographers on SYTYCD this season.
Mandy isn’t the way to go. They might give her one this year because of her choreography for La La Land (since there isn’t a choreo oscar), but next year she probably shouldn’t hold her breath. I personally found La La Land to be HUGELY over rated and the choreo was rather simplistic. Good from the stand point of the location and the number of dancers in the opening, but beyond that…not impressed. I watched the movie with my family and we were underwhelmed to say the least. Although we love Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling. Who doesn’t? 🙂
Jersey Boys returning to Broadway doesn’t mean Mark will be doing it. He was successful at it, but I think it would be a mistake to go back. Their music career needs to be a focus – hardest entertainment career there is and it needs constant attention.
Maybe Witney is planning on having a baby. Not sure why everyone thinks Alan is going to get a shot – why? If a former pro is returning, there really isn’t a place for Alan unless both Maks and Val sit out.
I’m with Heidi. I don’t see Alan getting promoted if one of the returning pros is a male since even aside from that one of last season’s guys would get bumped out (I’m assuming it’s 12 couples since it’ll be a 10-week season but I could be wrong).
As for Witney, pretty much every time an interviewer has asked her about kids she’s said she wants them but not for a long time. So unless she’s pregnant with a “surprise” baby I don’t think pregnancy would be a reason for her to sit the season out.
Assuming one of the former pros is male (I agree that Tony is most likely with an outside chance of Mark) it means one of Alan, Keo, Sasha, Artem, Gleb, Maks and Val won’t be a pro as they wouldn’t have 8 female celebs from a cast of 13. I know you have your doubts Heidi but I’m still sticking my neck out and saying that Alan will get his spot this season. They couldn’t have pimped him any more over the last year or so only to have him back in troupe. I think it’s far more likely they demote Keo or Maks is sitting it out. Gleb and Artem certainly aren’t safe bets either. Gleb has very recently become a dad and while I’m sure he’d want to be a pro TPTB may force him to sit it out. They’ve also proven in the past that they aren’t afraid to bump Artem off the list to fit in their favourites. Artem and Emma have been the two pros most expendable in the eyes of TPTB in recent seasons but Emma’s mirrorball has hugely solidified her spot I hope.
That’s a good question and good point, PHeidi. It just didn’t cross my mind but definitely could be a possibly.
How. Was. Alan. Pimped?
I swear to god you guys are seeing things I’m just not seeing. He filled in for Maks. He was on tour. So. What?
He could well be a pro…but I’m seeing nothing you all are seeing. There’s a difference between internet noise and reality.
I think that the “pimping” is making reference to how Maks and Val said through out last season after Alan stepped in that he should be a pro the next season. At this point with Keo’s track record (not necessarily his own fault he’s not been given a lot of partners with promise) but I won’t be shocked if they demote him back to troupe to give Alan a shot this season. Because as much as I do enjoy Keo I don’t know if a pro spot is the best for him, I tend to enjoy him more in troupe. But I will say last season he deserves an award for being able to keep up with Charo because she’s like a crazy energizer bunny.
I think if Tony is one of the two returning pros then that means either Gleb or Maks is sitting out. And I feel like it’s a 50/50 shot as to who it is. If both are sitting out then that makes it to where Keo, Tony, and Alan could be pro, but if Maks isn’t sitting out then I definitely think someone gets demoted to troupe and it’s between Keo and Artem and the more likely of the two being Keo. Artem has shown that he can do well with a not as skilled dancer like Patti and that he can do well with a good dancer like Lea and Nancy.
We should have all of our answers as to who is pro on Thursday but if for some reason the pro reveal doesn’t give us all the pros Kristyn Burtt said that the pro/cast photoshoot is next weekend. So if we only get a few pros from the reveal we might be able to fill in some of the blanks with that as well as get some potential leaks on celebs over the weekend.
I’ll take any two out of Tony, Cheryl, Karina or Kym for the former pros returning.
Val professes his love for Jenna. Right on time before pros are announced. Who cares. He played the same game around the same time last year to get her attention just before they finally gave her a shot at pro. They were “seen” together all over all of a sudden. I know they’re together currently but big deal. She’s been following Val around like a puppy dog for years now while he goes through a phonebook of other women first. Not quite the catch by anyone with standards.
Would love to see that Shannon Holtz-somehting too as someone else said upthread as troupe or pro. He was major eye candy, danced great, and seemed like a decent guy. I liked the German guy too, Dennis.
I just read on justjaredjr.com that Mark said that he is too busy to consider returning this season, and I gotta say that I believe and have seen that 100%. Let’s look at it. Jersey Boys, Alexander Jean (who should be and I hope are nominated for a couple of Grammy’s somewhere down the road ( I keep saying that, but their music is just tooooooo grammy worthy) ). As much as I want so badly to see the most creative male pro on DWTS back ( in my view ), he is on fire right now. Still, I can’t stand watching another season without MB. Also, from what I’ve seen on Instagram, it looks like he and BC are doing some shows and may be going on tour this fall. I don’t know that for sure. Either way, if he dose not come back soon I just might go bananas. Still, I wish he and BC even more success…GO MARK…!!!…
Jersey Boys is in his past. If he’s too busy for DWTS, that means he’s going all in on Alexander Jean. Good for him. Making that successful is a full time job.
And I think you mean “more bananas”, CH.
I don’t consider Maks and Val’s big mouths to be actual, real pimping – just them being their mouthy selves. I think they each only said it once in any case. Never stopping to think, of course, that Alan becoming a pro means someone else sits out.
Gleb. Curious what kind of contract he has. It sounded like DWTS offered him enough to move & stay. He was talking about spending more time at home & having his daughter in one school. To me, that sounds like more than one year but you know what they say about assumptions… and he spent a season & a summer on the road already. Really enjoyed him on Strictly, hoping tptb will let him be himself here. I wonder how much shifting to just one adult season this year changes things, for tptb & the pros/troup.
Thanks for keeping us informed & thinking.
I really think coming back at this point would be a step back for both Derek and Mark.
I hope Gleb returns if he can. Tony I’m neutral on. He was running one of the studios and looked like he had settled back East, but probably hard to turn down the kind of money DWTS provides. Looks like Maks is hinting at being ready. I’m still hoping its for his other project lol. If so, then Alan might get a shot at it.
Ok call me crazy but I think Witney is trying for a baby hence her absence from tour/potentially next season. Her IG story today if you look her roots are almost halfway down her head – you can’t dye peroxide when pregnant. Is that reaching?
Hey guys!! Hope everybody’s summer has been treating them well thus far even though it’s almost over ???? Oh well-not really looking forward to another season of DWTS but it is what it is I suppose…
I actually wasn’t going to post this early but I figured what the hell-I came across an Instagram story a few days ago-Friday? ???? Anyway it showed Keo, Peta, and Witney all showing up at the DWTS studio around the same time. Paparazzi were trying to get their attention as usual lol. I don’t know how significant/insignificant info this is but in light of the fact that the cast announcement is coming up, I’m libel to, possibly, believe that all 3 are in for this season. We’ll see….
As far as who the two old time pros are, I’m also betting on Tony as one. I’m thinking he needs the $$$/exposure at this point more than anything else. Even if they give him an easygoing partner who gets him voted off early, what does he care? He still gets paid, gets his face on TV a little more and still goes home to his family lol. As far as the other pro goes-even if it’s Cheryl or Kym, I don’t even consider them old time pros anymore-both of them were just on in recent seasons ???????????? I highly doubt Mark is coming back, especially after he pretty much said NO in that interview so who does that leave? Edyta just had a 2nd baby….I’m actually thinking maybe Karina? Somebody said she’s teaching/working up until August 30th-that still leaves plenty of time to do the season-I could definitely picture her wanting to come back-she’s had quite a break and I’m sure the producers would be thrilled to have such a veteran back….
Lot of talk about Alan being made pro this season ???????????????? Give me a break lol. Just b/c we saw slightly more of him last season does not a pro make lol. And with the announcement of two vets coming back, I agree that I just don’t see room for Alan to be made a pro this season-not unless he were to replace someone else….would Gleb return now that his wife just had a second baby? Kids are expensive and I could see him still wanting to keep his face on TV so, in my opinion, Gleb will return-we’ll see….
As far as the whole Chmerkovskiy clan goes-‘sighing’ whatever-I already commented on Peta’s sighting at the studio so there’s a strong possibility she’ll be back but just b/c she might be back doesn’t mean her husband will….We all know how Maks loves to play the will he/won’t he game ???????????????? And if one of the old time pros is by any chance Karina, I’m not sure Maks would want to do a season with his wife plus his ex lol-he just might sit this one out-just my speculation LOL
Val, no doubt, will be back-does he really have anything better to do with himself? ???????????????? Even his recent stints on SYTYCD, in my opinion, is bogus lol. I watch the show every year and I’ve been watching it this summer-he’s got a clear agenda for trying to, all of a sudden, make a name for himself on that show. Problem is-it ain’t gonna work-not with the already established choreographers on that show and the lack of the ballroom on that show. Too little too late to try to branch out now in my opinion. Maybe he feels he’s got enough experience to compete with the big boys, in terms of choreo, on SYTYCD? ???????????????? Or maybe he’s starting to freak out at the fact that DWTS is likely going down to one season lol. Doesn’t matter-for as long as DWTS still exists, he’ll still be on that show-he knows where his bread is buttered-at least for now….
As far as his GF goes-who cares? Jenna could stay as far away from DWTS as possible lol. She’s perfect for SYTYCD and yet, even on that show, as a mentor, she shows her flaws big time year after year. All she’s ever had going for her is the fact that she can dance-ain’t no doubt about that. But her immaturity and selfishness as a partner will never make her a good enough pro on DWTS so I, personally, don’t see her being given a shot at it again and that’s just fine with me ????
Well looking forward to the cast announcement next week-curious to know who’s in/out-til then, Happy Guessing!! ????
Just throwing my two cents in, I tend to think that if a pro is on SYTYCD this season we won’t see them on DWTS. Nigel released Chelsea Hightower and Lacey Schwimmer to dance, but they waited at least a season before DWTS cast them. So I think both Jenna and Allison would be a surprise on DWTS this year. Frankly I don’t care to see Jenna, she is still the all about Jenna ass people inferred about her on DWTS with the partnering on SYTYCD. The guy she has Kiki, is a Fam member and was a no name in the troupe on DWTS previously. She picks the FAM over a pretty amazing untrained guy Kevin, who killed his routine with her in the audition. She then throws Kevin under the bus and diss’s him in her responses to fans as to why she chose milkquetoast Kiki over the charismatic Kevin. So he’s untrained, um, that has been the freakin narrative for years on SYTYCD, now you get a guy who could actually be a contender and not trained, and he’s put out to pasture so Kiki can get another DWTS audition. Not very happy with how the fam is manipulating the show and stealing fan enjoyment.
Val’s first try at choreographing a SYTYCD ballroom routine for me fell flat. It was just another ballroom competition routine, while challenging lacked the creativity of say a Jason Gilkinson – the burn the floor type of choreo that SYTYCD fans can respond to. They just don’t respond to technical routines that lack visual interest or are lame Gleb Russian alternative to American ballroom. Nor should they. I think he needs a muse to push him in the right direction.
I agree with the above poster that Val will most likely be back on DWTS, he’s not dancing on SYTYCD. Choreography seems to be inter-changeable while the actual dancing I think the shows try to not have a pro on back to back.
This Love kissy kissy crap that Val and Jenna are doing is purely for votes and keeping them relevant. It’s very obvious that the more Val and Jenna get their childish followers to ship them, the more Jenna will get votes on SYTYCD. The first dance they did was lame for two pros, and their hip hop was cringeworthy, and yet they probably will stay around, dumping more worthy opponents. Val is following Maks’ playbook and it’s just tiresome.
Don’t think Val will ever be out until he does something relevant outside of the show. He has nothing else to do except for those dance studios where I asume he’s a partner and very rarely shows up (considering they’ve been around forever just like him on the show). So there’s no reason for him to be out or think he’ll be out. And as I’ve been saying for a couple of seasons, the show seems to believe he’s now the only “male star”, so they won’t let him go that easily. It would take Mark and/or Derek to come back for the show to feel comfortable without their precious Val.
If Maks and Peta, who also have nothing else, managed to be on the show with a newborn, then why not with a toddler? (Does he qualify as toddler yet?). So I don’t think they’re out. Specially Peta who has never actually left the show, unlike Maks. She missed because of injury and pregnancy. And with a new baby which means financial needs, I doubt she at least misses a season.
Tony coming back is unnecessary for me, he’ll just get the token old lady or lame dancer. Or maybe he’ll come back because they promised him somebody good finally.
Different strokes for different folks because I love Jenna. I think she’s a fabulous dancer and I see her as a dedicated partner to Kiki. That’s not to say I think he will go far, or should for that matter, given the level of talent on that show, but I enjoy him as I do most of the participants this season. The good news for DWTS fans, seems unlikely that she could do DWTS now or it seems that way anyway.
A Peta sighting at the studio pretty much seals it. Was hoping to be pleasantly surprised. I’m sure that means her other half is also in since he was flexing his muscles at the gym the other day saying he would be prepared. So much for other projects.
As long as Emma gets a good partner, I’m good with this season. Hoping for a Gleb sighting too and would like to see Artem get a good partner, but have a feeling I’ll be fast forwarding a lot again this season.
It would have taken a lot for Gleb to have left Strictly when he did. He had made an impression in his first season and had nailed himself a spot for the foreseeable future. I don’t think he would have left had DWTS only offered him a one year contract. The fact that they put his kid up in school suggests his contract was clearly long term and offfered stability. Surely his kid would be due back in school in September as well. I think he’ll definitely be back. We’re running out of male spots though. Alan, Artem, Gleb, Keo, Maks, Sasha, Tony/Mark/whoever, Val. At least one must go. Either Alan has to wait another season, Maks is sitting out (unlikely) or someone is getting dropped.
Casanova, Jenna and Allison both were pros last fall while being on SYTYCD…didn’t Jenna even have a conflict between the two shows?
Could someone please tell me what on network SYTYCD & Strictly Come Dancing televised? I’d like to see if I can find them when their show is on. I’m in OH and have Time Warner (which Spectrum just took over). Thank you.
SYTYCD is on Fox. SCD is UK so you’d have to watch it on line…I think it was ITV but it’s been a very long time since I’ve watched it.
@PH really? I thought for sure they didn’t compete in the same season. I stand corrected. Anyway, for those watching tonight it was great to see Sasha and Emma as choreographers, and Rashad Jennings was in the audience! How cool is he to follow and love dance. I always hoped the winner of DWTS would really embrace dance and this guy, with no dance training is one of the coolest winners ever.I assume Sasha and Emma will be back on DWTS so I don’t thing the side gig on Sytycd will affect that.
Well Jenna and her partner made it through another week on SYTYCD-the pimpage of her on that show is nauseating ???????????????? Something tells me she and Kiki are going to stick around longer than expected-definitely past next week’s cast announcement. The finale of SYTYCD has been extended to Sept. 25 so if she and Kiki last, the chances of her being a pro on DWTS this season, I would think, are pretty much slim to none. And I’m not mad lol ????
honestly, jenna still being on sytycd just shows how talented she is, DWTS SHOULD want her back. she has so much support from the DWTS pros on social media- shirley, sharna, emma, sasha, etc. pros love her. the fact that she’s still on sytycd with kiki shows that people LIKE her, and obviously she’s a good dancer that people connect with. i think we should be giving her credit for what she’s doing. and i dont really get the vibe that she’s all about herself at all- if she was, she wouldn’t still be on the sytycd program so ppl obviously connect with her.
Thank you, PHeidi for the info. I get Fox so I’ll be able to see SYTYCD. I can watch the rest of this season. Guess I missed it tonight.
?? If DWTS starts on Sept. 18 Premier Monday, does that mean the SYTYCD finale will be on during same time as DWTS week 2 airs Sept. 25th??
Kreative Kat SCD is broadcasted on bbc
“Staying” on SYTYCD isn’t just about how much people like YOU as a dancer, but how much or how little they like other dancers on the show. Much like DWTS. Just because you stay a few weeks doesn’t always mean you’re a hit…it just means you’re better than the people that left before you.
Allison got bumped last season and I think she’s more popular than Jenna.
Jaylee… I don’t think Jenna’s a bad dancer what my issue is with jenna is her personality. I just am not a fan of her personality from what I’ve seen via DWTS tour and on DWTS and social media. Also I don’t think she really is a great partner. Read something someone else wrote that she seems to overshadow her partners and I totally agree with that. But I wish her all the luck on SYTYCD but won’t be sad to not see her on DWTS. I’d rather have Allison back.
Jenna is a great dancer-there’s no denying that-she wouldn’t have lasted in the troupe on DWTS, nor continues to be an Allstar on SYTYCD if she wasn’t. She does have a pretty big fan base considering the fact that she was only a pro on DWTS for one season. I think much of her fan base stems from her experience/reputation on SYTYCD, as well as her current relationship with Val. The shippers are going wild over them now ???????????????? and that has, actually, spilled over into her professional life. Nigel, last night, basically mentioned the fact that Val is her BF on national TV-you don’t think that’s not gonna get her and Kiki some extra votes from those crazy Val/Jenna fans? Ofcourse it is! Like I said-the pimpage of her was over the top last night and their dance was NOT deserving of it. Why? B/C it’s 500% true that Jenna outdances and outshines all of her partners! We all know she’s a great dancer herself but when it comes to ‘partnering’ somebody else, she has difficulty reigning herself in and toning herself down in order to make her partner stand out more and show her partners strengths. She has been called out on this flaw more than once on SYTYCD as a mentor, even this season with Kiki, and when she was a pro that one season on DWTS. So is she a great dancer? YES Is she a great partner? NO
FYI-this is just my opinion but I think Nigel is making her SYTYCD’s golden girl now that it seems that DWTS might have cut her loose. If you watch the show every week and hear his remarks, it just makes me think that ???? Bear in mind too that Kiki is ‘fam’ as in Chmerkovskiy connected-he shouldn’t even be on the show let alone Jenna having been allowed to pick him-but Nigel allowed it even though there’s a clear conflict of interest there? I smell something fishy lol
Jaylee, I agree completely. I do think Kiki has a bit of a following, which surprised me, but I didn’t get the impression that either expects to go the distance. They seem grateful to be on week-to-week and Kiki sounded so excited to be given the opportunity for work with Mandy. This is a new type of experience for him, completely different than what he is used to. I love Allison too, but I don’t think she took it well when they cut her spot last time, not that I can blame her. I’d rather see both of them over a couple of the cherished female pros.
I agree. My guess is Tony and Cheryl. Tony will take Keo’s spot and Cheryl will take Kym’s spot.
Love Kym. I hope they keep her around like they have in the past. Filling in for Erin.
Kym was just on KABC channel 7 in LA promoting her new dance studio and said she’s not gonna be on this season.
Not sure if this confirms Sharna or not, but in her live video on Instagram somebody said they were so excited to see who her partner is for DWTS and she said she was as excited to find out too. (I don’t know if there’s a way to link to it on here, so I apologize for not putting it here) She was also asked if she was going to NYC on Thursday and she said no, and she also said she didn’t think anyone was going to NYC.
@Grainne, Thank you. BBC is not on my cable; but at least SYTYCD is though.
I think Jenna and Allison are in the sytycd camp for now. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jenna is a headliner on their tour the way they are talking her up. I personally think sytycd is a better fit for her anyway.
Val, I have no doubt, will be back on dwts. Someone further up the thread mentioned his dance studios and I’ve read he was supposed to teach a few classes at a couple of them this last month which he backed out of at the last minute. I wonder how many signed up for classes just to meet him? This “no show” habit seems to be a Chmerkovski trademark. Buyer beware.
My guess for the 1 of the former pros returning is Karina, not sure what she’s been doing professionally since she left besides a few dance performances and judging. I’d be surprised if Gleb didn’t come back, I mean they moved him to LA last season so he could be on the show.
I agree with Miss Heidi and I’m gonna say Tony and Cheryl will be back. I actually miss Tony. He might not be the best choreographer but I do like him a lot.
Other Misc Ramblings:
I’m one of those people who really doesn’t care for Jenna. Yes she is a good dancer but the over mugging on camera and the over dancing just gets to be too much for me.
As for the C-Clan: They can hem and haw all they want but I have a feeling they’ll all be back. I don’t mind Mr and Mrs too much but I swear to God can we just have one season without Val?!
Please hand Lindsay a MirrorBall! I love that girl so much and she deserves to win!
Also on my wish list – can we just enjoy one freaking season of this show WITHOUT Carrie Ann Inaba. She is insufferable. I know- that’s not going to happen but I can dream can’t I?
I’m pumped for the new season! Hopefully it doesn’t turn into a sh*tstorm!
Still no idea which male pro is sitting out I’m assuming? Going to be some disappointed fans tomorrow I think.
@M8- Do we know for sure a male pro is sitting out? Tom said two former pros are returning, not that one was a guy. I know a lot of people, myself included, assume one former pro would be a guy, but conceivably the two returning pros could both be women.
Karina would make the season for me. Don’t get my hopes up 🙂
Someone posted that Gleb is back in LA so I think he’s in. I’m going to be pissed tomorrow, no doubt, if either Keo or Sasha are demoted (although I guess they could do it to Gleb which would be just as bad). I vote to put the big C bro in the troupe.
Do the pros on SYTCD do the tour too? I am watching mainly because of Jenna, although I will continue if she and Kiki are out because the talent is crazy good, but I thought I heard the competitors are the ones that do the tour.
@M8 & Chayse – I would guess that Maks won’t be back – I just cannot shake this gut feeling that he’s somehow gonna end up at the judges’ table on DWTS Junior. He’s seemed pretty lackadaisical about DWTS the past two seasons he’s been on, so I doubt he’ll mind terribly…especially if he is already armed with the knowledge that he’s gonna be the big cheese over at DWTSJ come spring time.
@Rose1: Competitors are all on the upcoming tour along with two of the all-stars.
My main guess for a returning pro is Mark. He and BC did an Alexander Jean Facebook Live last week; during which they said they will be doing a residency at the club Hotel Cafe in L.A., starting on 9-20, with additional shows every 3 or 4 weeks. So far no other dates have been set or announced. Plus they are still settling in to their new home and are looking to have a home recording studio built; and writing EP #3. So he would seem to me to be local and available. Maybe it’s two male pros returning…Mark and Tony; or Mark and Cheryl.
It wouldn’t surprise me Court. I’ve been vocal in the past in saying that there is a strong chance that DWTS Jr is being used to find a long term replacement for Len. If so you can bet that Maks will be desperate for that spot, he couldn’t have made it more obvious in his past judging stints that he’s been eying up Len’s seat permanently.
After his last guest judging stint on DWTS during S22, the thought of Maks judging anyone, let alone children, is nauseating to me.
I think Maks is definitely in based on recent posts he made, but would love to be wrong. He and Peta rushed back to LA after their wedding and have done nothing since so I really think they were eager to negotiate a spot. I don’t plan to start watching the junior version, but if he moves over to Len’s spot I will stop watching altogether. Can barely stomach CAI and Jules, could not stomach him at all.
#Christine B.- wasn’t Mark asked, at that recent interview, whether he’d be back on DWTS this season and I believe he said NO? Unless I heard wrong….????
I heard the same thing re. the SYTYCD tour-all ten finalists and so far only 2 Allstar mentors-Jasmine and Paul signed on. The tour, itself, seems to be only a month long so far unless they extend it. In my opinion, they, actually, would be smart to sign on Jenna-she’s got a big following for ticket sales. I, too, am starting to wonder if that’s why Nigel is putting her in such a pedestal on that show this season-maybe to get her to go on the tour….????
#Anonymous-That interview was at the beginning of this month. Mark didn’t say “no” when asked if he would or was considering coming back. He said “Not at this point” and “It’s too soon to tell (or say)”. Both of those statements can be taken in several ways; and are similar to ambiguous answers he and other pros have given in past seasons when asked. So I still consider him a possibility at this point.
#Christine B.- I suppose-I, personally, think if there was a possibility of him coming back though, he would’ve answered a little more definitively. His answer, to me, is a NO but I guess we’ll find our tomorrow lol
#Anonymous-Sure, mileage varies and all that. I, personally, think if the answer is no, Mark would have just plainly said so. He’s already left the show; so there’s really no need or reason for him to be vague. Maybe it’s just habit; having done it for so many years. As you say, we’ll know tomorrow, unless they don’t do a full pro announcement.
Does anyone know what Ashly Costa or Anna Demidova are doing nowadays? I’m just curious, I don’t think Anna would come back, but Ashly did show up randomly for season 10(I think??) so who knows maybe Ashly is competing again.
I think Ashly is just teaching and being a mom. Anna is still competing I believe. Ashly was apparently brought on season 10 as a last minute replacement because karina backed out at the last minute.
People keep saying Jenna has such a big following – how come she only has 60k followers on Twitter?? And less than 300k on instagram? That is not a “big following” except MAYBE in comparison to some of the other SYTYCD All Stars. Allison, for example, has nearly twice the number of followers. Fik-shun has more than 800k followers on instagram. And really, how many of her followers are the result of her ‘ship with Val that’s she’s pimping all over the place?
Just watched GMA and they showed a shadow of a “returning” pro. Sure looked like it was Mark. Wonder if a celeb requested him specifically???
Alan as a pro will be interesting to say the least. Disappointed we won’t be having Sasha back. But so so SO happy to see Mark back!
So Sasha is the unlucky one. I guess they didn’t have room for another shortish pro with Mark coming back.
It’s suck that Sasha isn’t a pro.I loved him last season.I’m glad that Mark is back
Well I’m definitely eating crow right now cause I thought Tony was one of the returning pros back LOL But I’m thrilled to see Mark is back-the ballroom definitely needs his ingenuity!
I’m just curious to know what happened to the other returning pro? Change in plans I suppose? And obviously with Alan being given a shot at pro this season, I guess somebody had to be bumped off too and that somebody was Sasha:(
No surprise about the entire Chmerkovskiy clan on board ????????????????
With exception to having Mark back, the pros are the same pros basically-I hate to say it but Alan does nothing for me so….let’s see who their partners are-maybe then I’ll start getting a little more excited about this season….????
Feel so bad for Sasha. Hope he’ll still do troupe. Instead they grace us with another member of the fam. Lovely.
Mark Ballas is back baby!!! Whooo
Disappointed that we won’t have Sasha this season, but Mark is back.
Wondering who the other lady is going to be though???
Long time reader first time commentor.
I’m happy to see Mark back.
I know this is a common topic. I’m upset to see “the fam” back. Maks and/or Peta should stay home with the baby. Their dances are repetitive and often lack substance. Whenever their dances come on during the show, I automatically change the channel to something else.
I don’t want to see the same pros. Give me new pros or promote people from the troupe. I would like to see people from other dwts shows from other countries.
So so happy to see Mark Ballas in the ballroom. Would have preferred that the “C” bros would have taken the season off. Their choreography is the same old, same old. I don’t mind Peta, but those two brothers are pathetic!! Sure hope that Mark gets the “ringer” this season and walks away with his third mirror ball. Really sounds like his celeb might have requested him, and he seemed happy about the partnership. I’m wondering if it is the celeb that Derek knew would be on this season.
Happy to see Mark
Not surprised about seeing ALL of the fam back (like that wasn’t obvious)
and while I don’t dislike Alan or Keo I’d have preferred Sasha who has done a better than either of them.
Since they are short on female pros I’ll say Cheryl but maybe we’ll be surprised with someone we haven’t seen in awhile.
It is no surprise at all to me that the C-Clan is back (all 3 of them). So much for Maks wanting to be a stay-at-home dad….
I am also eating crow for thinking that Tony would be back. I’m sad he’s not back but I’m super thrilled for Sir Ballas!! I truly wasn’t expecting that!
I am interested to see what Alan can do. I really wish there were some more brand spanking new pros.
I hit “submit” too early. One last thing – what the heck happened to Sasha?????
So happy about Mark! They said 2 old pros coming back so I guess the other one will be a judge?
Still think it might be Cheryl as a judge. I guess we’ll have to wait on that one.
Feel bad for Sasha. Not surprised that Maks, Val and Peta are all back. With no Spring adult addition, it would have been a long time for all of them to possibly NOT be on TV/getting publicity/having the steady gig if they are not going to be involved with the Jr. version.
Hoping the last pro is Cheryl or someone really interesting from a ways back. Looks like Jenna won’t be a pro which is fine by me as they would likely pimp her relationship with Val to high heaven. Interesting that Val would never acknowledge her though they dated a lot over the last several years, but once his public fling with Amber Rose was over, he is now in love with Jenna and they are both publicly soaking up the attention.
This really is turning out to be a Fam show now. Alan getting a spot over Sasha makes it even more. Hopefully it was only a celeb height issue and not an actually favoring of the C bros fam over non Fam.
Best news of the day is MARK! He, Emma and Lindsay (and somewhat Sharna and Witney) will make the show much more watchable this season.
Best news on hearing who will be the Pros for Season 25 is Mark returning. Now hopefully he has a decent partner. He, Lindsay, Emma, and Sharna (though she can be a hit & miss) will make it an enjoyable season. I did like what I saw last season with Artem and Nancy. I hope Artem gets another Nancy.
Ok so ABCNEWS just announced that there will be 13 couples for DWTS season 25 and that the next returning pro will be announced at the full cast announcement on September 6th! Wonder who it could be? Gotta be a woman I’m assuming to even the playing field? ???? I’m still banking on Karina coming back but I was wrong about Tony so I’ll probably be wrong again LOL ????
WHY can’t Maks, Val and Peta just take a season off. I don’t even want to think who their partners are. If Peta was in fact saying she would come back only if she had a good partner, then she got her wish. And we all know Val won’t be given anyone under 30. Have to keep feeding his ego. Maks hasn’t been as bad, but he can get the ego and attitude too. One season free of them would have been delightful.
Very, very disappointed Sasha isn’t back as a pro. He deserves it. So Alan moves up and Sasha goes back to wearing crab costumes? So wrong. But Sasha will do it with grace, have fun with it and always have the smile on his face. I don’t have high hopes for Alan, so maybe this will be a one season thing for him.
If it’s true that Drew Scott is dancing, I’m hoping he gets Emma. Sasha has already been taken away so give Emma a contender. She more than earned it last season. I think those two would be a great pair and have a lot of fun.
And thank you, thank you Mark for coming back! You’re choreography will be a bright light in the season. Welcome back! You have been missed.
Thoughts:
1. I’m stunned and thrilled Mark is back. Although he’s gotten some pretty great partners the last time he’s been on, I still want him with a super ringer. So excited for the choreo.
2. Pissed about Sasha. I’ve really enjoyed him as a pro, and I think his choreo has been improving every season. Unless they have a cast of Amazonian women this year, its just another example of the least-problematic pros (Emma, Artem, Keo, etc.) getting the short end the stick. I’m interested to see Alan in action, but not in place of Sasha. I’m curious to see if he stays.
3. I’m not surprised to see Maks and Peta back. I wonder if DWTS not being on in the spring made them not want to sit this season out. I don’t blame them, its a steady paycheck (and I do love Peta).
4. 7 Guys? I’ve been watching for a long time, and with the exception of the massive cast of season 9, I never remember that many male pros. I’m still guessing that Cheryl will be the remaining pro (although I also strongly felt Tony was returning).
Wow. Mark was the last one I would think will be back, but now I’m really thrilled for this season.
I don’t know how to write this but its just my opinion. I think the “disput” between him and Witney is long over. In season 22? they seem distant, and some people say they hated each other and other comments. But you could see in the pro reveal that they are stil friends. Maybe not so close than before but still. As her picture came on he clapped and you could see a little smile, just what his body language said to me.
As for Alan, don’t understand the hype for him. And the fam still there… don’t even know what to write to them.
Now I hope that Emma, Mark and Wit get decent partners. But please don’t let it be BC. I really love her/ her voice, but I think there shouldn’t be partners of the dancers on. Bad that i can’t vote for them from Germany.
Have a nice day and I’m sorry that my English isn’t the best. I’m more of a talker then a writer 🙂
No surprise about the C-fam all coming back. *yawn*
Really feel sad about Sasha not given a pro spot. I think he did well last season. *sigh*
Best news: MARK IS BACK! At least there’s one from among the male pros that will give exciting choreography. And, of course, I’m very happy Lindsay and Emma are in, too.
Thanks for the updates, mods!
Thank god Mark is back. I actually have one thing to look forward to on the male pro side and overall for the show. Please, please tell me the 13th couple will be returning pro Karina. I don’t know who else it could be that they would wait until Sep. 6th but I’ll take it. I would love for her to have bells and whistles to announce the return of Karina.
Is it possible that Julianne decides to put on her dancing shoes and is the “secret” pro?
I can’t imagine them dragging out Karina or Cheryl as a big announcement since they recently did the show–unless they hadn’t signed the contract yet and couldn’t make the announcement.
Have to say I’m a bit surprised Mark came back. I wonder if he’s partnering with the friend that Derek alluded to. I think the money and exposure for most of these people is too good to pass on. Just goes to show how much in a league of his own Derek is to not only be able to break away, but to land a better job.
A few people here have my hopes up that Karina will be the final pro. I also think there’s an outside chance it could be Jenna. I love both of them, but Karina should be back, assuming she would want to.
Fingers crossed that Emma gets her dream partner, Drew. I’m going to scream if he went to Peta. I think the high and mighty attribute has rubbed off on her. Must be bittersweet for Emma right now though. I just don’t get the Alan thing at all, but he has been hyped up on social media so perhaps that’s it.
I thought I read that Allison is doing a tour with Twitch this fall so I don’t think she was available even without SYTYCD. I got the feeling the parting with DWTS was tense.
Did anyone have a thought to maybe Julieanne returning to pro status? Either her or Cheryl have to be other one
Thrilled to see Mark is back. Sad to see Sasha is out. I enjoyed him a lot this past season.
It’s been several hours and I am STILL in shock and emotional that we actually have Mark back. Like.. I never would have DREAMED we would have him back. I am SO glad though. He’s always been my favorite pro out of everyone and I have been missing him so badly this past year. At first I was so in shock I thought but wait he didn’t troll us like he normally does on twitter.. yeah instead he trolled us in that interview he did with BC by acting like he wasn’t back. When everyone started talking about the shadow silhouette I was like yeah that is totally Mark hair but I did not want to get my hopes up. Because had you told me a week ago that Mark would have been back I would have laughed in your face.
Mark being back and Alan being a pro as well as Emma and Lindsay keeping their pro spots makes me more than happy about this upcoming season. I will admit when they started reading off the names and they said Maks, Keo, Gleb my first thought was Maks you SOB you pumped up Alan as pro and got fans all excited about the possibility and you are going to stay in and now he’ll still be in troupe so I was shocked when Alan’s name was said at the very end. Then I was shocked about Keo still being a pro so much so I totally didn’t realize until about 5 minutes later that Sasha’s name wasn’t called. I know a lot of people think he’s been demoted to troupe and that TPTB are screwing him but I honestly don’t think so. I have a feeling that this maybe was his own choice. I have a feeling that the way the show treated him and Simone put a bad taste in his mouth so I wouldn’t be shocked if he takes the season completely off and doesn’t even do troupe. Kinda like the year that Emma had off except in that case it wasn’t her decision. With how vocal Sasha was about being unhappy in regards to Emma getting the boot that season I would think he would do the same thing if it was himself.
But is anyone else shocked that Keo held onto his pro spot since he was probably the most expendable on the male line up?
As for the final pro that will be revealed on the 6th.. part of me thinks this will be like s19 and how they did with Sharna not very surprising even though they are trying to act like it will be. Then on the flip side since they were able to get Mark back makes me think they might have been able to wrangle an oldie that really hasn’t been around for awhile like Lacey, Chelsie, I’ve even seen some people throw out Ashly, and then of course too Karina. If it’s an uneventful reveal I think it’s Cheryl. If not I would take any of those ladies I listed. But I think Karina would be my pick behind Cheryl in terms of preference.
Now that we know the line up I REALLY hope we start getting some more celeb leaks. more specifically Marks partner. Because boy deserves a ringer and if they screw him over so help me god. There were a couple of people saying they thought Cyndi Lauper was his partner since she was on GMA too this morning and as much as I love Cyndi Lauper no. Mark deserves someone thats got potential. I’m kinda hoping he gets whoever Derek’s friend is that’s doing the show.
So excited to have Mark back! Definitely wasn’t expecting that! Mark seems like he came back because he’s going to have a great partner. I didn’t see/hear what Rose1 mentioned about Derek’s friend. If that’s true I would love to see Lindsey Stirling on and partnered with Mark! They would be a dream team for me! And I just checked – her tour ends September 2nd. Fingers crossed haha
I like Jake’s thought about Julianne possibly coming back as a dancer, that would be a twist not many would expect. Can’t wait until we have the celeb reveal! I just hope there aren’t ones that make me want to throw the remote at the tv when they are announced 🙂
Not that shocked about Keo. Don’t forget he’s the only pro of colour they have which has given him huge leeway throughout his time as a pro. I’m pretty sure the only season he sat out, Cheryl returned so it’s obviously hugely important to TPTB that they fill their colour quota for the season. Reckon that last spot is going to be Jenna. They just can’t announce her until they know where she stands in terms of being voted off SYTYCD or not. Worse case scenario they get an old school pro to replace her last minute. She also ticks the former pro box as she wasn’t on last season.
@ Rose1 post 186: I also think Mark returned to be paired with Derek’s friend, and maybe it’s Kesha?
Glad to see Mark’s artistry return to TV but this mildly disappoints me too? I figured his music career would take the front seat to DWTS.
Okay, well I just saw on Twitter that they still have one more pro to announce. Still holding out for Cheryl. Hoping anyway it is her.
No, Ash she doesn’t have to be one of the returning pros. It could be any number of people. HIGHLY doubt that it’s Julianne.
Considering the relative heights of the male pros, it’s most likely that Sasha got sidelined because of Mark, not because of Alan. Alan’s a fairly tall dude. It might just be that they have taller ladies this time and Mark has someone that specifically asked for him.
A music career is not one that you should walk away from DWTS for – you need pretty constant exposure. I think this is the right choice for Mark. It will only help him with the music career by putting his face on tV more.
I Agree 100% PH… I am most definitely beyond stoked that Mark is back! I just wish we knew who his partner was right now.
Having Mark back is the best news possible. The most exciting dancer on the show is back, and a real star of the show is here now. This is where the money is for him, and the exposure too. I’ve been reading way too many comments overestimating his “music” and his “career” in music. It never took off, sadly. He’s been away for too long, he needs this now.
Having Maks back is kind of the worse news possible. I can’t stand him, his dancing or his choreo.
I wasn’t too impressed with Sasha last season (I do think they were screwed by the show, though) so having him out isn’t really surprising. Perhaps there are no short people this season? Since they’ve shown that that’s what they need him for. He’s only been a pro for Snooki, Kim and Simone right? And having Mark back means somebody is out and who knows what went on behind the scenes to make Alan a pro. Kind of sad, but pretty obvious and understandable that Sasha is out.
Everything else stays the same except Alan and we knew that was happening. Yeah, Mark is back is the only real exciting news.
et online is reporting that cheryl is back
I’m not sure how reliable of a source Entertainment Tonight is source wise, but for what it’s worth, they just said that Cheryl is the 13th pro.
@ Princess Heidi @ 196: I agree that musicians being on DWTS is great exposure for pop music (like if Kesha is a Star this season, that exposure will work great for her) but Mark seems to be doing the indy/grunge thing. Not sure if the DWTS and rock scenester worlds mix much to his benefit, or if being on DWTS will damage that indy-ish rock credibility he’s tried so hard to create.
Shows how little I know LOL.
I’ve seen the Cheryl article – trying to update. If everyone could just be a bit patient, the site is moving REALLY slow today…
[…] tour got pushed back to 2018, and how returning to DWTS was a “no-brainer”. Given that she wasn’t announced as a pro on GMA today, it’s safe to say she is likely the 13th “surprise pro” that will be announced […]
Really happy with the pro lineup.
So happy to see Mark back. Hoping to see some amazing choreo from him. Hope he’s not partnered with some dud!
Also happy to see Sharna, Lindsay, Emma back. Could’ve done without Witney though. She seems to have lost her charm.
Don’t care about Keo, Gleb or Artem.
Very happy to see the entire Chmerkovskiys back. Actually after Derek gone, they’re the only one who can pull in viewers to watch the show for them besides the celebs. They’re extremely popular.
Finally happy to see SASHA being kicked out. He was pretty useless, IMO..& only good for troupe. IMO, he had no personality, wasn’t sexy or good looking & was a poor choreographer. I still feel bad for Simone. Due to Sasha’s poor choreography, they were eliminated before the finales. Or else, someone of Simone’s stature would’ve won with any other pro. She’s an olympic legend with a huge fan following!
Excited to see what Alan can do this season with his celeb partner. 🙂
@DWTS Fan – Yeah, no – Simone would NOT have won with any other pro, given that TPTB seemed bound and determined to not have (2) gymnasts in a row win (and seemed hellbent on Normani winning) and went out of the way with the propaganda to ensure Simone didn’t win. Maybe think a little deeper next time, instead of just parroting what you hear from other fans…
@DWTSFAN – you’re giving me a good laugh. If the C clan brings in so many viewers, why didn’t ratings soar last week when both parents returned? The show is in decline, going to one season per year instead. Not saying Derek is the missing link persay, but they certainly aren’t. Sorry, I know we’re not supposed to address other posters, but I really think you’re just looking for a reaction/attention.
For some odd reason, I prefer Maks over Val – he isn’t even shy about self promotion. Out of the blue he promotes his love for Jenna. The reason Derek starting talking about Hayley is they have been dating for two years and with Julianne’s wedding, in every interview they asked if he had a girlfriend so he couldn’t deny it. I read that one big reason for keeping it private was all the trolling Hayley was getting. She was my favorite on SYTYCD on season 10 – same year as Britney and Jenna, and Alan. I remember how the judges were so shocked that Jenna ended up being in the bottom three so many times. She wasn’t popular then either.
@Rose1 – You’re fine, and DWTS Fan is a known instigator around here. I’m guessing he/she is just looking for attention, but I’m also kinda done with the whole “it’s Sasha’s fault Simone didn’t win” trope, and yeah…the show does not revolve around the Chmerkovskiys. I’m hearing far more buzz from fans excited that Mark & Cheryl are back than I am about people being excited that the three Chmerkovskiys are back…again…after another season of teasing that they might not be.
Okay reading everyone comments seeing a lot of the same. I guess my overall feelings:
Marks back whoooo hooooo ( but not really because I’m not a huge fan but I’m just glad it’s not Luis)
Cbros are back + Peta can they just be done already. I’m so over them. Last season I enjoyed Val was rumer. Last season I enjoyed maks was Meryl. Last season I enjoyed peta was Tommy. Since then I just haven’t cared for the pimping, lack luster choreograph and the camera hogging from the partners.
Alan is a pro this I am excited about. I see people have their doubts and that’s fair but I really have loved Alan’s personality on tour and when he’s filled in. So I’m all for seeing what happens if he’s terrible send him back to the troupe next season and promote someone like Hayley. I think everyone deserves their shot but the privilege to stay is earned.
Oh Sasha my Sasha… my heart is breaking that he’s not on. They ran through the pros so fast. I got dissapointed to hear maks name and excited to hear Alan i missed sasha not getting called and when it set in I was bummed. He’s been so gracious with his tweets and that’s why it makes me so much sadder he’s not on.
I am also so stoked about Mark being back! He was my favorite pro for 9 years and the past two seasons weren’t the same for me. I am trying to reign in my expectations and not get too excited, though…he left at the top of his game in Season 22 with Paige, and I doubt this season will match it. I am just going to try and enjoy his return for what it is. 🙂
Did GMA announce Cheryl’s name this morning? I must have missed it.
So happy that Mark and Cheryl are back! Yay!
I’m glad that Alan has a shot at pro this season. I enjoyed his time on the show last season tons over snoozefest Maks.
Sorry that there is no Sasha this season. I wish he could have replaced Val.
I’m curious to see what type of partner Miss Emma gets this season. Hope it’s a goodie.
I don’t know what happened but I’ve kind of lost some interest in Sharna, hopefully my mind will change this season.
My favs so far are Mark, Emma, Lindsay…. and maybe Alan. Waiting on pins and needles to hear the pairings.
No Sandy Cheryl wasn’t announced on GMA. ET leaked that she was back. They said this morning there was still one pro left and they would be revealed at the cast reveal on the 6th but ET beat them on it.
Just putting this out there: this is all linked in the post…
Kesha is a no go. She’s touring all fall with lots of Monday shows. As for Maks and Val if they were popular they wouldn’t have had to flog their tour tickets on cheap secondary sites and perform to half empty theatres every night.
Like pretty much everyone else, I am excited that Mark is returning this season. I get goosebumps just imaging the choreo that’s been in his head sitting out the past couple of seasons, that with a good partner he’ll be able to bring to life.
It was mentioned somewhere that perhaps BC is his partner. That would be a new twist.
Disappointed Sasha isn’t returning as a Pro this season, but truly believe it’s a height issue and he’s holding the short straw (pun intended).
Yes, Mark said in the same interview with BC when he was asked if he was going to be on S-25, probably not unless his partner could be BC. Oh, the suspense now that he is back!!!
Alan being on the cast list was my wish come true. I really like his personality and he impressed me last season filling in for Maks. With Alan & Mark being added this season, it will help in more ways than one.
Funny that Cheryl wasn’t announced on GMA. More suspense!!! ET leaking that she is on the cast list, must be true. DWTS producers wanted to keep us in suspense I guess.
As for Sasha, must have been a height issue.
Happy to see Lindsay back, hope she gets a great partner.
Looks like there will be 13 couples this season…usually is for the fall show.
Uh Mark was interviewed this morning on @GMA after he was announced as a returning pro and no way did he say that his wife was his partner LOL He said he knew who his partner was and the fact that he was in NY was a reason to be there for his partner, so it happened to work out for the cast announcement as well but NO WAY is his wife his partner! They did ask him if he would love to have BC as his partner on the show sometime and he said absolutely and he talked about how they danced for their wedding. They tried to get Mark to spill who his partner was a little more but he didn’t take the bait lol. That was as far as the convo went re. Mark and the knowledge of his partner lol
People CONTINUE to buy the bullshit that the producers sell on this show every single season – that’s part of the reason people believe that Val is all that and that others aren’t. I mean, how many partners does he have to get that are either under 35 with dance training, or a dead ringer…or both?? Wake up people.
Derek never really started talking about Hayley until they were busted by the paps…and it’s very likely that someone in Derek’s camp told him that if continued to play the DL game of not acknowledging his girlfriends, he was never going to keep one. Ain’t many women who will put up with that shit long term. Hayley getting trolled? They all do, part of the game – but Derek has ALWAYS been like this, at least since Shannon.
I am scratching my head over all the Alan hype because he fades into the woodwork for me. I didn’t watch him with Heather so maybe that was key. Will be interesting to see who he gets since it looks like they’re really promoting him.
Well, at least Mark, Lindsay, Emma, and Artem will interest me and produce some beautiful choreography as well as dancing. Pretty sure we will see that from them no matter who they dance with. I will bet money TPTB will ensure Mark and at least one of the others is in the FINALS. They need the ratings up.
Hmmm MarK, Cheryl, Peta, and Val, have 2 MBT’s each so I suspect someone’s going to be whining about having only ONE.
Really hope that’s NOT the narrative
So very happy that Mark is back, I so have missed him. Hate that Sasha is out, I think he deserved a spot over some of the returning pros. Hope he does take a spot in the troupe. They are in so many of the competing couples dances now that I sometimes think they get more airtime than the actual pros. Besides what would Halloween be without Sasha pranks?
Does anyone know if Julianne is a judge this season? If not could we dare hope for Derek to be a guest judge? I’d also like to see Shirley Ballas guest judge as I don’t watch SCD and would like to see she how she is as a judge. (Please no cries of it’s not fair when Mark is a pro. Julianne was a judge for several seasons when Derek was a pro and Maks was a guest judge a few times while both Val and Peta were competing. Derek and Shirley are far too professional to let friendship or family ties sway their score)
Just wondering if Mark’s partner is Gina Rodriguez? Or maybe Nina Dubrev? I doubt if it will be another gymnast. Just guessing!
Any chance Mark’s partner might be Lindsey Sterling?
Lindsey is following him on instagram, but he isn’t following her back yet. He and Derek are the only dwts people she’s following
@Anonymous…if you are responding to my post #217, I said in an interview with his wife BC (I believe the video is on one of the post on the board). I was not referring to his interview live on GMA.
I am glad Cheryl’s back. I was hoping one of the returning pros was her or Karina. Mark, Lindsay, Emma, and Cheryl are the bright spots for me this season. I hope these pros get celebs with great personalities.
#KreativeKat no I’m not referring specifically to you-I actually know which interview you’re talking about; but I am trying to clear up the assumptions I’ve been reading that his wife is his partner LOL
MARK!!! yeay!
I know people kept saying they want Lindsay and Sharna win (which I really want to also) but I really want Mark win too!
#227- She is the right height for him, as is Dove Cameron or Gina Rodriguez. I bet it’s Lindsey. She contributed to Kairos which is nominated for an Emmy. The Emmy’s will be announced right around DWTS premier week.
@Anonymous, thanks for clearing that up. At this point, anyone could be Mark’s partner.
#KreativeKat very true! I tell you though with all the married couples on this show now, the producers could start adding spouses as contestants for some laughs!
The line up of pros this season has a few bright spots, especially with Mark and Cheryl returning. These two have always had strong fan support and great creativity so I hope each of them get a contender. If Maks and Peta and Val leave early then fine. ABC must be giving them a gift for spewing their wedding and PDA’s with girl friends all over social media. It is the channel of the Bachelor after all. (Gag)
As for Sasha not in the line up, I’m not all that mad at it. If he was sidelined because of Mark’s return it’s because Mark certainly has senority as was indicated, but also Mark’s choreography for me, although initially goofy (dancing Gorillas) has matured well. It seems that Sasha gets the “niche” celebrity, the one who is daring and matches Sasha tumble for tumble, like Snooki, like Nastia, and of course Simone. Sasha is a great choreographer for the athletic dancer, he and Emma did a fabulous job for Logan and Allison this week on SYTYCD…but Mark’s choreography has evolved to fit more types of celebrities, athletic and non-athletic alike.
This may be a little unrelated but I really think that Mark’s warm reception coming back not only by fans but also the other pros speaks a lot of his personality! I remember back in season seven when him and Kim kardashian were eliminated, everybody was really sad to see mark go and were all over him while Kim was standing on the outside. We don’t really get this with the c-bros because of their cold attitudes, and you can see it on the seasons when mark and Derek aren’t around. Just something I’ve noticed and I am excited mark is back!! Also you can bet since Cheryl’s back the dance moms girls will at least be in the audience- maybe even perform!!
mark ballas’s partner could be nikki bella. I heard she is doing the show and also mark said in his interview he came to new york to meet his partner and also nikki is in new york right now so maybe.
Mark isn’t Derek, but Mark’s return will help fill the huge void that Derek leaves behind. Sasha is very watchable, but this is a numbers game as well as an entertainment show.
True, no one can replace Derek – but Mark at least can partially fill that void.
I’m sort of going off Sharna over the last few seasons. She seems to get you, fit or capable celebrities each season and doesn’t have to try too hard. Thing is despite a string of potential winners she,s never actually come up with the goods. I would love to see Mark, Artem or Cheryl win but you just know one of the Chermensky triplets will win.
Mark may not be Derek, but he definitely has his own style and image as a pro. That is why he is my main favorite male pro, because other pros are more traditional and simple with their dancing and choreography while Mark uses his artistic skills to add some major flavor to it. He’s different and that’s why I am a huge fan of his.
I brought up Lindsey Stirling in a post yesterday morning, but nobody replied then about it. This would be a dream partnership for me! I remember watching an interview quite a while back and she said she’d love to do it (I wish I could find this but I can’t). I feel like she also said in that interview she’d want to have Derek as a partner – but if you can’t have Derek, his best friend who is also awesome is a good thing too. I also looked and her tour ends on Sept 2nd. I can’t wait until full cast announcement day!
Jamie – You can have your opinion, but I’m sorry, I completely disagree with you. Sharna doesn’t have to try too hard? She has had some fit partners lately, but also with some physical limitations that she did so well working with. Nobody would have guessed James was to be as good as he was either. Maybe if Canada was still able to vote James would have won? Who knows. Antonio was in shape but didn’t take it seriously for a while. The only “ringer” in a sense that she has had lately was Nick Carter, and coming close in 2nd place against arguably the most well loved contestant ever or in a very long time, Bindi… Nothing on them, it was Bindi’s to lose.
@Jennifer…Lindsey Stirling is in S. America. She has been tweeting that she loves the people in Chili where she just performed. So, maybe she wouldn’t be available now, and the Pros are meeting their partners and going to begin their teaching.
@PHeidi…Absolutely!!! Derek is the “master” as Kenny Ortega said (in a past season when he was a guest judge).
I think Sharna makes it look too easy when she has really broken partners. And even though Sharna (or her pseudo ‘ships) get a lot of press she has never got that MBT.
No one said he didn’t, CH. Season hasn’t started yet and you already need to dial it back.
As good as it sounded, I don’t think it could be Lindsey either. Looking at her schedule, she hasn’t been in the US and I thought Mark said he met his partner the other day. I do think it may be the friend Derek alluded to though. I, for one, would be ecstatic if it were BC. The C fam gets all kinds of gifts thrown their way, why shouldn’t Mark every now and then.
I think Sharna is hit and miss. She did a great job with Nick going in I thought, but seemed to lose her way toward the end. The freestyle was lackluster. I wonder if she let him have too much input, or whether by that point they didn’t feel they had a chance and just had fun with it.
Just wanted to add that I just hope they don’t snatch Drew from under Emma’s nose. Bad enough IMO that they cut Sasha.
@CH (#241), I agree that Mark plays a unique role on the show. Having him back is no consolation prize for me.
You’re making some wild assumptions, Rose1. First that Drew is actually on the show. Second, that he’s Emma’s partner by some kind of right.
If he’s on the show partnered with someone else, it’s hardly “snatched from under Emma’s nose.”
Anonymous – Julianne Hough was partnered with her then boyfriend Chuck Wicks. So DWTS has gone down a similar path.
Having said that, I hope Mark was not lured back only to be partnered with his wife. I hope his partner is someone else.
And speaking of Drew Scott… I just can’t imagine him decked out in rhinestones and strutting his stuff on the dancefloor. I just can’t.
I thought it was confirmed by ET that Drew was on and people on SM have been saying that he and Emma have been tweeting back and forth for some time. She said either he (or his brother not sure which) is her dream partner so I meant it only in that sense. Of course, tptb can do whatever they want.
#Sandy I already said that Mark, himself, made it very clear on @GMA that HIS WIFE BC IS NOT HIS PARTNER!
WOW guys reread the comments before you comment again please!
And I said that it would be fun to have spouses on the show AS A JOKE!!! ????
KKat, we have that news up (on Nikki and Drew) already and I think you commented in the post too.
Also Guys, don’t forget to send news and links to our ‘Contact Us’ link instead of posting them in comments. Thanks so much. xxx
@Anonymous – I listened to the interview as well. I know what he said as well. Thank you very much.
But pros have been known to misled the public somewhat as far as their new partners are concerned. Even to go so far as the leak the wrong name in an interview to throw everyone off. Karins comes to mind.
Having said that, I’m sure that BC is not his partner.
I guess I will have to read and dissect your comments much more carefully from here on out.
#Sandy Mark has, definitely, been known to dissuade the public and his fans, more through social media than anywhere else; and we, certainly, saw it first hand this season-I think very few people expected him to come back. However, when he’s being asked, point blank, on national TV, who his partner is and if his partner is his wife, and he, definitively, says NO but gives other clues about his partner, I think it’s safe to say we could believe him and that his partner is NOT HIS WIFE. Why people keep speculating that it is, is beyond me!
Vogue, I don’t think I posted anything concerning Nikki and Drew on this post. I went up through my posts and didn’t see anything.
I did post a link on another, and I will send any links in the future to “contact us.”
Thrilled that my guess was right and Mark is back. I agree with Princess Heidi’s post at #196, that this will help Mark’s music career by putting his face on tv more.
Jennifer when was the last time she got a partner who was older or not good looking. Yeah they look after her. Charlie white was a odds on winner, one of the biggest ringers of all time but didn’t even get into the final. I guess we just like and dislike different things. Was just my opinion I guess yours is different. For your info, couple of seasons ago there was no bigger Sharna fan than me. Just wanted to see her in a different role than sexual. Every partner they give her is intended to create a story. The shipping of her and Bonner earned her over 100,000 insta fans in one week. It was played up to big style and I just not into that kind of PR. Too fake.
@Jamie – I kind of agree with you. I used to be a big Sharna fan but for me, somewhere along the way she has lost her appeal. Maybe it has something to do with Lindsay and Emma just killing it, and Sharna isn’t.
Much like Sasha with Simone, I think Sharna did her best with Charlie, but it seemed like TPTB had other plans in mind. Charlie also shared a fanbase with Meryl, so I don’t fault Sharna at all for not making the finals that season.
I don’t know what it is about Sharna either, but she has lost her appeal for me. The winks to the camera and other such things just hit me the wrong way. It seems like a “look at me, I’m so cute” kind of thing. And she has gotten a couple massive ringers – unfortunately for her, they didn’t work out for a variety of reasons.
I get the same impression with Sharna. Seems like she’s just trying too hard to get that win. Emma would be a good example to follow to tame it down.
Didn’t a lot of people like Sharna with James? Or was it just James?
Wow, Court says Lindsay fans could the happiest… This could be her season! 🙂
Lindsay knows how to play the game… beautifully. Okay, now I’m excited.
Glad Mark is back, too bad to see Sasha missing. As for Sharma, I think she’s a little more up and down. Has her good seasons, and other mediocre seasons.
Oh forgot, nice to see Cheryl back.
Sasha looked alright with Nastia, so I don’t think he needs super tiny partners.
I also hope that Emma gets a decent partner again, or rather, someone who might be a decent partner.
Rachel, It sounds like Emma got her dream partner, let’s hope he has moves though lol.
@Rose1 – YAY for Emma! I’m happy to hear that. I can’t wait.
I do like Sharna much better when she has a “challenging” partner. That seems to bring out the best in her. When she has a partner she thinks could go far, or even win, she tries too hard to make that happen, IMO, and it comes off weird. Or maybe she’s just desperate now for that trophy – it being her turn and all (tongue firmly planted in cheek). Either way, the dew has definitely come off that rose for me.
Since Val has the challenging/disabled? partner that could be inspiring, per Courtney, I wonder if it is the Boston Marathon survivor and amputee that was mentioned a few seasons back that wanted to be on DWTS.
I think I thought of that as well because the Mark Wahlberg movie, Patriot’s Day, about the incident just came out around Christmas this past year.
Since she’s a trained ballroom dancer, she would still fit in Val’s wheelhouse. Could be, Maria.
#Courtney you are on fire with your hints and tidbits about the celebs on this season of the show! You rock!!
@ Maria_D (272) Adrianne Haslet-Davis seems very likely for Val. My speculation.
I believe that’s who several of us are referring to, Fruit Loops. Even when they give Val a challenge, they give him an advantage, seeing as how she’s trained in ballroom.
I didn’t know who Adrianne Haslet-Davis was, but I just looked her up. I really hope she isn’t one of the celebrities on the show. She is a self-described professional ballroom dancer. I understand that she has an inspiring story and she seems like a really great gal, but this would be just another Heather situation (but actually worse, in my opinion) if they cast her as a celebrity contestant.
And Val will act as if he is/was the only pro dancer to ever have a challenge of this type. And that he is so wonderful as a pro. Blah, blah, blah.
PH – “Even when they give Val a challenge, they give him an advantage, seeing as how she’s trained in ballroom.”
That’s exactly why I thought of her because she is a trained ballroom dancer and it is just like tptb to finally challenge Val but with an advantage. She’d be impossible not to root for. Not to mention Val won’t be able to control the dial on his unsolicited lecture rants on life because he’s just oh so wise and learned.
LOL Sandy…I agree–can picture it. ooooooh! Rumors getting juicier by the day.
@ m…who is the “Heather situation” who mention in your #277?
@KreativeKat When I said “Heather situation,” I was referring to Heather Morris and all the backlash she got last season for being a contestant who was a professional dancer.
Oh, ok, m…understand what you said now. I was thinking Amy Purdy. (as far as Adrianne) but she wasn’t a trained dancer.
Mark! Mark! Mark!!!!!!!
Okay, I might just be back in dammit.
I hope Val doesn’t have that Adrianne Boston Marathon victim chick. Wasn’t Derek supposed to do a performance with her on the show?
@Kelly K – No worries! Court says, “Val’s partner is not Sarah Herron or Adrienne Haslett”.
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