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GMA And Louis Van Amstel Review Dancing With The Stars Season 16 Semi-Finals (Recap, More Interviews)

So, dance pro Louis Van Amstel has weighed in on last night’s dances on Dancing With The Stars at ABC. While reviewing the couples, he gives them some advice too.

Kellie Pickler and Derek Hough’s Argentine Tango. Without a doubt Kellie has the best legs of any celeb that has ever been on “DWTS,” even Nicole Scherzinger. It was a very classical, less is more Argentine tango with great lifts, especially the last two. I’d love to see more inner fire next week. Great scores!

Ingo Rademacher and Kym Johnson’s Samba. I must say Ingo looks the most comfortable in this dance. He looks masculine and he is very aware of his body. I’d like to see more samba bounce and less walking around. Wow, I agree with Bruno and I agree with Carrie Ann about being the underdog. And I agree with Lennie. That’s a first!

Aly Raisman and Mark Ballas’ Rumba. It’s very clever on Mark’s part to make this more of a contemporary rumba. It was beautifully executed. It was sincere and not overdone trying to be too sexy as a young lady. Aly wore a very flattering dress. Again, I agree with the judges. Bruno was a little too kind. In the final, like Kellie, I’d like to see more inner depth. I like that Mark cleaned up – very handsome. Great scores!

Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff’s Argentine Tango. I loved their song. Karina and I used that when we competed together. The set was absolutely amazing and Jacoby totally impressed me with the combination of content, masculinity, calmness and he is so great at partnering Karina. [Their dance was] best of the night so far. I agree with judges. If the others got 10s, they should get 11s.

Zendaya and Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s Quickstep. OK, here we go. The intro was too long. They didn’t stay in close hold all the time, and there was a lift BUT BUT BUT, Zendaya has the energy both Kellie and Aly were lacking in comparison. The dance was awesomely executed. I disagree with Carrie Ann completely. For breaking the rules they should get deducted, but for entertainment value it should definitely have been three 9s. It’s always a risk to break rules.

And below Louis gives his final take and predictions which I agree with. What do you think?

Like I said many weeks ago, Kellie and Zendaya are for sure in the final, while Jacoby and Aly fight for third. There’s a fourth couple final, so, in my opinion, the only way Ingo can make the final is by his fan base.

After tonight, it’s no longer clearly between Kellie and Zendaya in my book. Jacoby and Aly have made their mark and could actually win as well if they go all out next week.

I can’t wait to see all the freestyles. Sometimes I wish there was a cumulative score so that when a couple does fabulously all season and then loses the freestyle, they wouldn’t necessarily lose the entire season.

For more on the second set of dances (which is a good read as well. Though not sure I agree with what he said on Derek and Kellie’s flamenco. I think it was perfect), see ABC.

Also, be sure to visit this link at GMA. They have a fun recap and some interviews after the show.

Stay tuned. Miss Heidi’s new Number’s predictions post is coming up next. ;) xx

May 14, 2013 I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

Dancing With The Stars Interviews After The Semi-Final Dances Season 16 (Videos)

What a night on Dancing With The Stars. So many of the dances reminded me of why I love this show …so much creativity and there seemed to be something for everyone!! Let’s see what the couples had to say about it with George Pennacchio of On The Red Carpet.

First up, Karina and Jacoby! Karina goes over what happened with her injury and the tough week they had, but, they are so happy with the outcome of their dances and scores last night. They hope it’s enough to get into the finals. Since the margin is so small, it could go either way. They also address Raven Nation about their costumes and how they picked the right colors this time.

George asks Kellie on her wig since it reminded him of Tammy Wynette. Derek talks of how much Kellie has taught him. They discuss the scores and how tight they are which evens them all out. Derek says it’s anyone’s game now. George also asks Kellie about the adversity she’s over come. She gets goofy at the end with her gum when asked about the finals.

Aly talks of how happy she is for Jacoby and how he finally received 10′s tonight. She’s also happy about making the top 5, but, wants to make the finals. Mark talks of how much time they are putting in. They don’t plan to change their strategy of working hard, being dedicated, and having fun. Mark also discusses how the drums helped Aly’s timing and cue’s last night (fascinating! My fave part of this interview!).

George asks Val on his favorite moments on the show (the second dance he mentions is one of my faves too). Zendaya is still dancing in place. George asks her about her new book deal. She’s excited to write about how being a 12 year old isn’t easy. They are happy with their dances. Val is happy he was introduced to the Hip Hop. Zendaya hopes to make the finals, but, isn’t thinking about it. She just wants to take it all in. Val and George praise her for her wisdom at such a young age. Read more..

I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

Karina Smirnoff Hurt In Rehearsals For DWTS, Possible Whiplash And Dislocated Jaw

People.com is reporting Dancing With The Stars pro Karina Smirnoff was hurt in rehearsals yesterday and had to be taken to the hospital. This is sad….let’s hope she’s going to be ok.

Jacoby Jones and Karina Smirnoff were practicing a flip when something went wrong.

Smirnoff landed on the NFL pro Sunday, twisting her neck and banging her face, and she had to be taken to Cedars Sinai Medical Center for possible whiplash and a dislocated jaw, a source tells PEOPLE.

Jones and Smirnoff were set to perform the Lindy hop. If Smirnoff can’t compete, the show can provide a last-minute substitute pro, putting Jones – already behind frontrunners Zendaya and Pickler – at a severe disadvantage at this late date.

More at People.com.

Thanks to Lori for the fast heads up on this news.

ETA: People.com updated their site with ABC video. Also, Karina tweeted a few minutes ago that she’s dancing tonight. Good news!! -Heidi

ETA2: Here’s a little treat from Jimmboe today of Karina at the Wango tango. Keep Karina in your thoughts all…. and thanks Jim!!

Karina

May 13, 2013 I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

Dancing With The Stars Pre-Party With Anna Trebunsaya, Lindsay Arnold, And More

ABC has released their new Dancing With The Stars Pre-Party!! They recap last week’s dances and prepare us for this week’s new dances and he 300th episode. Dance pro Lindsay Arnold also joins them to discuss her first season. They also discuss what goes into make-up and show us what the stars go through every week getting ready to go on stage. Anna Trebunskaya is also on tap. Lots more goodies below….

I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

DWTS Mark Ballas And Aly Raisman Interviewed In Rehearsal About Afro Jazz, Len Goodman, and More

A new rehearsal interview! This time we have Mark and Aly chatting with Access Hollywood. Mark starts out saying how Len’s criticism of Derek and Kellie’s Trio dance was outrageous. There is no way that dance deserved a 7. He thinks it deserved an 11! Then again, he says it’s Len’s “thing” to “freak out”. He’s the crazy uncle and they’ve learned to laugh. They aren’t really worried about how the judges will score their Afro Jazz tonight. See why and more below….

I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

Judge Bruno Tonioli Assesses And Advises The Final 5 On Dancing With The Stars

USA Today has a new interview up with Dancing With The Stars judge Bruno Tonioli. He discusses the Final 5′s weaknesses and strengths. He also gives each couple some advice which you can read below. See if you agree?? I think he pretty much nails it.

For Ingo….

tighten up. Don’t make any mistakes. Really smooth out the Latin.”

For Jacoby….

Bruno’s advice: “He has to clean up the footwork and make it much more exact, because he has the performance value and energy” to go all the way. Bruno notes that past football stars have done well, including Emmitt Smith, who was crowned DWTS champ in 2006, and Hines Ward, who won in 2011. “The sportsmen, in a way, they comes to the final and they deliver in an unexpected turn. I think the margin is going to be very, very small whoever gets to the finals. It often comes down to the freestyle dance. Jacoby has that explosive energy that could bring the house down.”

For Aly….

Bruno’s advice: “Add the softness to the strength.”

For Zendaya…..

Bruno’s advice: “If she took three or four ballet classes, she would learn to sustain the long times. I think that’s what, if anything, she needs to work on: elongating the lines in the slow, lyrical dances.”

For Kellie….

Bruno’s advice: “Kellie, throw yourself into it with gay abandon!” He adds, “She has to believe in herself. Don’t show doubt in her face. Ever. At all.”

To read this interview in full, see USA Today. It’s a good one.

May 12, 2013 I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

DWTS Gleb Savchenko And Wife Elena Samodanova Attend “On The Go Beauty” Event in Beverly Hills

Awww, it’s so good to see pro dancers Gleb Savchenko and his wife Elena Samodanova again, isn’t it? Such a beautiful couple that I’d love to see dance together on Dancing With The Stars. Yesterday, it looked as if they had some fun in the sun as they attended the 5th Annual “On The Go Beauty” Event in Beverly Hills, California. Sean Lowe was also in attendance. To view some fun takes of them all, see Getty Images.

I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

Dancing With The Stars Peta Murgatroyd And Cheryl Burke Attend 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango

Don’t these two look hip and stylish?! Last night pro dancers Peta Murgatroyd and Cheryl Burke attended 102.7 KIIS FM’s Wango Tango held at The Home Depot Center in Carson, California. So cute and I love peta’s shoes and shorts. You can view more fun photos of them at Zimbio Pictures.

I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

PureDWTS Exclusive: Henry Byalikov Talks Of Dancing, Choreographing, And His Movie Role In The Great Gatsby

We have an exclusive new interview to share with you with dance pro and Troupe Member Henry Byalikov!! He took time out of his extremely busy schedule currently to answer a few questions about Dancing With The Stars. Also, and in case you know, this is a very special time in Henry’s career as he’s also featured in the new movie “The Great Gatsby” which is now out in movie theatres everywhere. So we also asked Henry some questions on his role and part in the movie. He takes us right there up close and personal. Check it out…

Hi Henry! How are you and how is Dancing With The Stars going for you this season? As always, our staff and fans are enjoying you immensely on the show. Speaking of, you choreographed an opening group number for Week 5′s Results show that was indeed spectacular! 

Hi there! I’m great and have to say this is one of the most exciting season’s of my Dancing With The Stars experience. Loved being able to choreograph this season! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did :)
 
Wow, and your help with Derek and Kellie and their Great Gatsby dance in Week 5 was off the hook. What was the creative process like and working with Derek again?
 
It certainly was a pleasure working with Kellie, Derek and Anna this season. The creative process was somewhat more separate as compared to season 14’s Bollywood Samba. In this instance, I was able to choreograph the foxtrot that Anna and I performed. Once that was complete, it was a matter of marrying the two routines (Derek and Kellie’s and Anna and mine), so that we could make a real performance piece of it. I think that’s where the collaboration started, as Derek, Anna, Kellie and I, all wanted it to be more of a scene performed together rather than a strict side by side comparison. I think it worked out to be more entertaining that way.

DWTSWeek5

This was also the first time, on Dancing With The Stars, that I have performed a traditional ballroom number and I had a blast! Incorporating a Gatsby theme was almost part and parcel of this collaboration, as I had already been part of “The Great Gatsby”. Performing with Anna, Derek and Kellie was a wonderful experience!

Speaking of The Great Gatsby, it’s premiere is coming up on May 10th! Many dance fans may not know this yet, but, you have a featured part in this movie as a dancer. Can you tell us a little about it and how you were approached to help? Read more..

May 11, 2013 I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality

The Odds Makers Switch DWTS Jacoby Jones And Aly Raisman, New Odds For Week 9

“Success is not measured by what you accomplish but by the opposition you have encountered, and the courage with which you have maintained the struggle against overwhelming odds.” ~Orison Swett Mardenon on beating the odds

Sports Bovada has posted their new odds for Dancing With The Stars. What do the odds makers think this week? Well, take a look below. Note: for the first time this season, they have placed Jacoby behind Aly. I don’t agree and I hope Jacoby makes a strong showing this week. I still think he is just as much of a force in this competition as Kellie and Zendaya? Don’t get me wrong, I like Aly as a person, but, why is Aly so over-rated and will the judges continue to overlook her and Zendaya’s faults while crucifying Kellie’s, Jacoby’s, and Ingo’s? Sad, and I’m not sure I’m ready for another week of this? :?: :-?

So, below are the new odds:

Zendaya Coleman 2/3
Kellie Pickler 13/10
Aly Raisman 12/1
Jacoby Jones 18/1
Ingo Rademacher 150/1

Here are last week’s Las Vegas Odds to compare.

Zendaya Coleman 10/11
Kellie Pickler 1/1
Jacoby Jones 10/1
Aly Raisman 12/1
Ingo Rademacher 100/1
Sean Lowe 100/1

Let’s see what Miss Heidi and Court think. Be sure you let us know your thoughts and predictions too in the comments section.

Courtney: *shrug* Maybe it’s the fact that Andy is gone, maybe it’s the fact that voting (either to keep someone in the competition, or in the various Twitter contests) seems to be an exercise in futility, but I just find myself altogether apathetic about the odds (and really, the show in general) now.  It doesn’t seem to matter how well any of the couples dance anymore – the praise/ridicule they get will have little to do with how they actually dance, and at the end of the day, the person that TPTB have a vested interest in winning, will win…and right now, it seems pretty clear to me that that’s Zendaya.  And oddly enough, I’m beginning to wonder if they’re setting it up to be a close finish between Zendaya and Aly as the last two standing – double-whammy with the youngin’s, maybe? Lord knows…I just find myself puzzled by the gushing over Aly, considering that Kellie & Jacoby have far bigger personalities and Aly tends to come across rather bland.  As for Kellie & Jacoby – if the Zendaya & Aly lovefest continues, I worry that they may not be able to hope for any better than 3rd & 4th place, respectively.  I think Jacoby may unfortunately get picked apart for subpar technique, and Kellie may be collateral damage as a result of Len’s “there wasn’t enough content!” tirades.  Ingo? He’ll be gone this week, unless they really lay into Jacoby…which is possible.  I’m hoping that TPTB realize that they’re going to be better off having a good entertainer (Jacoby) in the finale, than another ABC family member who’s pretty marginal (Ingo).  But as I said, I’m fully preparing myself to be let down by the finale, so I wouldn’t be surprised if we lost a fun contestant like Jacoby to make room for another ABC pimpee like Ingo.  Just…blah.

Heidi: Read Derek’s blog and tell me what you think of what he says Len said to him when he and Kellie were in jeopardy. It does NOT give me faith that this ending won’t be totally manipulated, as opposed to just a bit manipulated as it’s been in the past.  It would be funny if Zendaya and Aly split the vote, though, and either Kellie or Jacoby slipped in there. I just don’t get the Aly love fest either. I don’t think she touches either Kellie or Zendaya in talent nor Jacoby in FUN.  The fact that I can barely bring myself to think about The Cheesecake should tell you how I feel about this season right now.  They just have it SO set up to pimp Zendaya every step of the way. On Facebook, Kellie is wondering why she and Derek haven’t gotten an encore yet – good f*%king question, Kel.  Aly’s had two and Zendaya’s had 2 or 3- if you count Team Paso. If that doesn’t tell you about the outcome of this show, nothing does.  Lots of visual and audible cues that Zendaya and Aly are supposed to be winners. Some visual cues that Kellie is a winner, but then they hide her completely for a results show and then smack the crap out of Derek the week – giving the audience the BIG cue that Derek’s doing it wrong. Gotcha ABC. Congratulations, you’ve completely shredded ANY faith I had in you NOT fixing the actual outcome. I’ve been backing you up for years, saying you don’t care who wins. Guess Disney got you this season, eh??

I Written By

I'm a fashion and music nut....and I have always loved dancing too of any kind. Dancing With The Stars seems to have this way of bringing all of those things together. Derek Hough (one of my favorite dancers) said at a recent Get Healthy event that ‘dancing’ is an outward expression of what is going on inside you. He says that in some ways, everyone dances and it's so true. To TPTB, how about this song for next season's theme song? Robin G Ft. Wilunleashed - A Good Time (Original) // Download High Quality