Bruno Tonioli | Pure Dancing with the Stars

Bruno Tonioli Discusses Judging On Dancing With The Stars And How He’s Not Biased

Bruno Tonioli was a guest on Access Hollywood today. They asked him if William is his favorite since he gets up and goes wild for him after a performance, but, Bruno says he’s not biased. Below is his take on William…

“I don’t have a favorite. I respond to what happens in front of me. And, you know, you can’t deny it. He’s hot. Hot is hot. And he’s good. He’s actually good,” Bruno said on Friday’s Access Hollywood Live.

Known for his fun-spirited, and sometimes saucy comments (and hip rolls while delivering them), Bruno admitted he was unaware of William before the competition, but the Latino hunk has continued to impress on the dance floor, churning out excellent performances with professional partner Cheryl Burke, week after week.

“I had no idea who he was to be honest… It’s not just because he’s good looking. He produces electrifying performances, but you can be good looking and boring as hell. He’s not. He actually performs wonderful dances,” Bruno continued. “Hotness helps, but the hotness alone? You can have the hottest person in the world, the most beautiful person in the world and they don’t have personality, they don’t have depth to it. It’s boring. It’s like watching, you know, a mannequin.”

I’ve loved some of William’s dances too, but, I think there has been some favortism going on with the judging. Then again, we are all biased at times with our favorite dancers. So, can we not expect the judges to be the same? I don’t know…maybe if they weren’t picking on Roshon so much, I wouldn’t feel that way?

More for how Bruno feels at Access Hollywood. Hopefully they will have a video of this interview up shortly.

UPDATE: And here it is thanks to XKorita05 at You Tube (a good one to follow if you are a big William Levy fan)….

DWTS 14, Week 7 – Who’s Got the Edge in the Team Dances?

So we now know for sure what the team dances are (paso doble & tango) and who’s on what team (Katherine, Maria, Jaleel, & Roshon vs. William, Donald, & Melissa). So who’s gonna win? Let’s see how they stack up. I looked at several factors that could come into play in helping to determine who has the advantage – experience level of the pros on each team, experience level of the couples on each team, number of couples on each team, what dance each team has, and other miscellaneous factors that may affect the outcome. So let’s get to it!

Pro Team Dance Experience

Derek: 6 wins (seasons 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13), 0 losses, 0 ties; average team dance score: 27.5
Cheryl: 4 wins (seasons 7, 8, 10, 13), 1 loss (season 11), 0 ties; average team dance score: 26.8
Kym: 2 wins (seasons 7 & 9), 1 loss (season 13), 1 tie (season 12); average team dance score: 25.75*
Maks: 2 wins (seasons 11 & 13), 1 loss (season 10), 1 tie (season 12); average team dance score: 25*
Chelsie: 1 win (season 8), 0 losses, 1 tie (season 12); average team dance score: 25*
Mark: 0 wins, 2 losses (seasons 8 & 11), 1 tie (season 12); average team dance score: 23.67*
Peta: 0 wins, 0 losses, 0 ties (never been in a team dance); average team dance score: 0

*Since there were 4 judges’ scores given for the team dances in season 12, I subtracted Donnie Burns’ score from the two team dances in that season in order to normalize with all of the other seasons, which only had 3 judges’ scores.

Team Tango: I’d say their biggest advantage is having Derek – the guy’s undefeated, so he’s clearly figured out the formula for what works and what doesn’t work in the team dances. Say what you will about team dances being a product of all the pros working together (I agree to some extent), but the only common denominator in every single team dance win has been Derek, regardless of what other pros have been on each team with him, what the dance style has been, etc. Many of the pros have also gone on record as saying that they tend to let Derek take the lead when choreographing the group portions of the team dance, so I’d say he probably has a lot to do with the success of each of the teams he’s on, as the judges do tend to really harp on synchonization, interesting formation patterns, and overall performance quality in the group portion of team dances. I’d say Kym is an asset as well – she’s been on a team with Derek twice before (one of those times was another team tango), and when she hasn’t been on a team with him, she’s managed to tie once, and the 1 team dance she lost was not really all that bad, IMO. I don’t really know if Chelsie is battle-tested enough to say whether she’s good in the team dance or not – but I don’t get the impression that she is one to make waves, so she will probably be very cooperative and easy to get along with. My only concern is Mark – he seemed rather volatile in the team dance rehearsals in season 12, and seems to have a penchant for very flashy, high-energy, in-your-face choreo…which doesn’ t always translate well in the team dances. I’m hoping that he lets Derek take the lead on the group choreography, and really focuses on giving Katherine some good, solid solo choreography this week.

Team Paso: While I think they don’t have quite the same edge that Team Katherine does, I don’t think they’re super weak, either. Both Cheryl & Maks have been on teams with Derek before, so they’ve probably at least picked up a few tricks and strategies – I would say Maks is probably the stronger choreographer, judging from what I’ve seen him do in other team dances and pro dances. The big question mark here is Peta – we just don’t know how she’s going to fare, since this will be her first team dance. I doubt she’s going to suck at it (I don’t think anyone has really sucked at it – except maybe the unfortunate souls in the team mambo in season 8…), but it may take her a little longer to really get a feel for how the team dances work and what to do for Donald’s solo. I think she’s probably going to rely on Cheryl & Maks for the group choreo, and isn’t likely to make any sort of big fuss, since she’s the new kid on the block.

Who has the edge in pro experience? I’ve got to give this one to Team Tango - they’ve got the only undefeated pro, and each of the other pros has been in at least 2 team dances. Read more..

Celebrities And Pros Represent Dancing With The Stars At John Wayne Cancer Odyssey Ball

Katherine Jenkins (pictured above) as well as Mark Ballas, Peta Murgatroyd, Tony Dovolani, Martina Navratilova, Bruno Tonioli, and Donald Driver represented Dancing With The Stars in fine form at the John Wayne Cancer Institute 27th Annual Odyssey Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California over the weekend. You can see a whole slew of pictures of them as well as other giving celebrities from this charity event at Wire Image. Proceeds from the event went “to the understanding and curing of cancer in order to eliminate patient suffering worldwide”. You can read more about this mission and how you can help here.

Dance Floor Confidential: Behind The Scenes Of Dancing With The Stars To Air April 23rd

Last week, we reported how the judges met with Cameron Mathison for a new interview. ABC Medianet has released more information about it. The interview and special “behind the scenes” look at Dancing With The Stars will take place on a special edition of 20/20 on Monday, April 23rd at 11:00pm ET. Note how Kirstie Alley, Joey Fatone, Julianne Hough, Ricki Lake, and Mario Lopez will also be a part of this special. Below is more…

“Dancing with the Stars” has become a part of America’s television landscape and inspired millions around the world to waltz, cha-cha and samba. Now, for the first time in its 14 seasons, the hit show gives television cameras unprecedented behind-the-scenes access to see how the wildly unpredictable reality show comes together on and off the dance floor. Hosted by “Good Morning America’s” Lara Spencer and by actor, “Good Morning America” contributor and former “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Cameron Mathison, “Dance Floor Confidential” takes viewers backstage to reveal the secrets to the music, the dance, the costumes, the tanning, the judges, and even the tension and high octane pressure that make the show one of the most competitive on TV. Also, former “Dancing with the Stars” favorites including Kirstie Alley, Joey Fatone, Julianne Hough, Ricki Lake and Mario Lopez talk candidly about the show that brought them a new level of fame, and in some cases, some dramatic weight loss. “Dance Floor Confidential: Behind the Scenes of ‘Dancing with the Stars’” airs as a special edition of “20/20,” MONDAY, APRIL 23 (10:01-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

DWTS Season 14 – A Peek Behind the Scenes

And the result of one man’s trip to DWTS confirms something that we have discussed here on this blog in the not to recent past!! Billy Masters was recently at the show and had the following to say on his Windy City Times Web Site:

And yet, there I was at Dancing with the Stars last week. With several friends on the show, I wanted to be supportive. Plus, I’m on the East Coast for the next few weeks. There’s a good chance that one (or all) of them will be voted off by then! My first surprise of the night was bumping into Chi Chi La Rue and Doug Jeffries at the VIP check-in. (La Rue is friends with Bruno Tonioli.) Before the show starts, the judges and hosts are introduced to the audience. The person who generated the loudest applause was Bruno! Girlfriend knows how to work it.

I’m not accusing anyone of cheating, but I must tell you that the audience is encouraged to cheer more for certain stars than others. For instance, before William Levy’s dance, we were instructed to be up on our feet and really get into his salsa (something I didn’t need prompting for). I don’t recall anyone asking us to get excited about Melissa Gilbert Brinkman Boxleitner.

I love watching how “celebrities” treat fans. Some are great, some try to avoid them, but most fall in between. I am surprised, nay shocked, to say that the most personable participant was Derek Hough. Everyone I’ve shared this information with is surprised—I guess people expect him to be a little aloof and cocky. (They might be thinking of Ryan Seacrest, who I hear has a little … well, never mind.) Derek was lovely to everyone who went up to him. Of course, my beloved Sherri Shepherd is just a girl who can’t say no and was everyone’s best friend by the end of the night. And I was impressed to see that sexy Levy remained remarkably composed and gracious when two girls ran down to the dance floor during a commercial to take a photo with him. Where, oh where, was security?

Gee, I’m so shocked that they were encouraged to get up and be crazy for William – I had no idea that the producers of this show could be so manipulative!!! Yes, that was sarcasm. This is where I say, gently…I told you so. Wonder what Courtney and Vogue would say about this…

Courtney: Here, let me put on my “fake surprised” face Seriously, the fact that people balk at the idea that the audience is somehow “coached” actually makes me balk at them in return – every single person I know that has been to the live taping (and I know several) has commented on how they’re told when to clap, how loud to clap, when to sit down, when to stand up, when to look happy, when to look shocked, etc. My boyfriend actually commented on what a drag it was, as he was exhausted from all the fake enthusiasm by the end of the show. All live audiences are coached to a certain degree, and I would venture a guess that the DWTS audience falls more on the “extremely coached” end of the spectrum. But the question still remains: why push William so hard on the audience?

Vogue: How sad to encourage the audience to applaud more for some celebrities and not others!! What the?? Something is wrong with this picture and what’s more, phoney and unfair! As for Derek, I’m not surprised he is more personable and sweet than some of the other pros. I’ve never understood why some would think he is cocky? When has he ever been cocky on this show? It’s not in his makeup in the least. Yep, Heidi and Court, you told us so!!

Kiss, Sabrina Bryan, Kyle Massey, Jose Manuel Carreno, & More To Perform on Dancing With The Stars

Gear up Kiss fans! As promised last week by Tom Bergeron, the 70′s legendary rock band will be performing next week on Dancing With The Stars. What’s more, they will be performing for both nights. Below are some more details about the songs to be performed and also details about Karina dancing with ballet dancer Jose Manuel Carreno on Tuesday. Sabrina Bryan and Kyle Massey will also be performing. Say what? Yep, see why below. It’s going to be a great week to watch the Troupe dance as well. Who’s ready?

Rock Week returns, with KISS opening the show with a spectacular performance of “Rock and Roll All Nite,” accompanied by the Troupe. Bringing lots of leather and lots of fire, the remaining ten couples will perform to some of the greatest Rock songs of all time, MONDAY, APRIL 9 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

On Tuesday, KISS hits the stage for another rockin’ performance of “Lick it Up,” with Mark Ballas, Chelsie Hightower, Henry Byalikov and Oksana Dmytrenko accompanying their performance. “DWTS” alums Sabrina Bryan and Kyle Massey will return to the ballroom with a sneak peek at their “Dancing with the Stars: Live in Las Vegas” show, which debuts April 14 at the New Tropicana Las Vegas. Also during Tuesday’s show, a special performance featuring Karina Smirnoff and one of the world’s best ballet dancers, Jose Manuel Carreno, who was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet and the American Ballet Theatre. Their dance will be accompanied by a live performance from Gotan Project’s “Santa Maria,” the band’s U.S. network TV debut, and one more couple will be sent home, TUESDAY, APRIL10 (9:00-10:01 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

You can read more at the ABC MediaNet.

Dancing With The Stars Judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli To Be Interviewed On 20/20

Pictured above are Dancing With The Stars judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli being interviewed by Cameron Mathison for a new segment on 20/20. Carrie Anne tweeted that the three “always have fun together”. We’re not sure when this interview is taking place, but, be sure to tune into 20/20 Friday night just in case this new interview airs. It should be a good one!! If we find out more, we’ll be sure to let you know.

Thanks to Carrie Anne for tweeting the photo above! I love her dress!