Dmitry Chaplin | Pure Dancing with the Stars

Pure Dancing With The Stars: Rate Your Favorite Male Pros

Hey, thanks Everyone for your participation in the “Rate Your Favorite Female Pros” post. It appears Kym and Anna were the most popular with our readers. So now, how about the male pros? How do you rank them at this time from your favorite to least favorite?

Mine goes as follows:

Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Derek Hough: Seriously, I go back and forth on these two and can never decide who is my absolute favorite? I love them both so much. Derek is our modern day Fred Astaire. He has a fascinating Fox totem who magically connects and blends into each of his partners. His creativity, choreography, and good looks are one thing…but, then there is the “character” he gets into every time he steps out there. I so LOVE LOVE his dramatic facial expressions as well. Such a class act, humble, and can rise above most anything. He’s beyond amazing. In fact, legendary!!

Then there is Maks in all of his bad boy charm. You just can’t help to love him. Yes, he’s made some mistakes along the way, but, he is a constant learning process and always striving to be a better person. I love his mysteriousness, edginess, strength, power, and how romantic he is on the dance floor. He’s got the “X factor” in spades. It’s unexplainable, but, he leaves you always wanting more on the dance floor and in life in general.

Damian Whitewood: This guy is so sadly under-rated and forgotten about with producers when he is serious fan favorite. Look at the mark he left with just one season and how we’re still talking about it and him. He’s full of compassion like his girlfriend Peta. He soaks up the camera and stage just like her. If producers read this, PLEASE BRING ON DAMIAN THIS SEASON!!

Val Chmerkovskiy: Every time this guy has danced on the show in pro numbers, he leaves me wanting more just like his brother Maks. He’s a powerhouse out there and he plays the violin in the same way!!

Tristan MacManus And Teddy Volynets: I love these two newcomers. They are fun to watch in the troupe and always leave me wanting more as well. Both cute, refreshing, compassionate, and romantic. Teddy V’s personality is just waiting to bust out. I really hope we get to see it happen one day.

Tony Dovolani: This guy is so full of heart. I’ve always enjoyed his dancing. He gets the most awful partners though sometimes which is sad.

Alec Mazzo: I loved Alec and his dancing. Such a romantic dancer….especially with Edyta!

Jonathan Roberts: Like Tony, Jonathan is so full of heart. I always enjoyed his dancing too….especially in the pro numbers with Anna! He’s unforgettable!

Dmitry Chaplin: I haven’t always been a big fan to Dmitry, but, I really liked him last year with Petra!!

Louis Van Amstel: I like Louis and I like him on the show, but, there have been times I didn’t too. His best season has been with Kelly Osbourne. That’s when I liked Louis the most.

Corky Ballas: I favor and respect Corky as a “teacher” to some of the above pros more than anything. I’ve also enjoyed his dancing in some of the pro numbers. But, I really haven’t liked him paired with a celebrity…although sometimes it’s probably necessary with older celebrities.

Mark Ballas: What can I say? Mark has seriously gotten on my nerves these last few seasons. Although he can have heart, he also has an egotistical side that dominates his role on the show and the dance floor. He has also copied a lot of choreography from Derek for his dances and yet, tries to take the credit. Sometimes he’s too ‘in your face’ much like Lacey is. The one thing I do like though is his futuristic mind much like in a Lady Gaga kind of way. Now, if he could just learn when to bring it on and when not to is the question?

Ok, YOUR TURN!! We look forward to your replies as always!

Dmitry Chaplin Talks About Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Fashion, And More

MF Magazine has a great new interview up with Dmitry Chaplin. He talks of his experiences on So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing With The Stars and how much he has learned from each of them. Of Dancing With The Stars, he described it “as one of the most exciting and memorable experiences ever!” He hopes to come back as a “regular pro” for future seasons. All this and more below. Be sure to read the link for the full story for what he says on fashion and how he keeps in shape, etc.

Okay, let’s move back to your performances. Tell me about your days on Dancing With The Stars.
I really enjoy my experience on Dancing With The Stars because not only do I get to meet and dance with different celebrities, but I find the whole process from putting the choreography together and teaching your partner to dance, picking the music, costumes, and then performing live in front of 22 million people every night as one of the most exciting and memorable experiences ever! This show has made an incredible impact on people around the world and changed the industry completely! I received some very touching emails from people around the world telling me how watching us dance has made a huge impact on their lives and that dancing has given them a new hope and inspiration!

Wow, that’s awesome. Ya think any more seasons on the horizon for you after this past one then?
I hope that I get a chance to come back to the future seasons as one of the regular pros on the show and that I can continue to enjoy my dancing career as I’m doing it now!

Was your schedule strenuous and exhausting though?
There are a lot of responsibilities when you have a celebrity partner and it takes a lot of time to turn them into a dancer! I always try to find their best qualities and then try to showcase them on the dance floor. If they have a fun personality I try to have them do some exciting moves so they could really connect to the dance. If they have good lines like Petra for example, I definitely try to give them some lyrical moments that will make us stand out! In reality it takes some time to learn about your partner and make them trust you, so rehearsal hours can be very long…

How did you balance your personal life and other obligations during that time?
I pretty much don’t have any time for my personal life when I’m on the season. The schedule is so packed that I would literally leave my apartment at 8am and get home around 10pm and by that time you don’t feel like going out or doing anything else but going to bed. (He laughs.)

DWTS Season 13 – Pro Watch!! August 3, 2011

Did someone say Pro Watch?? Why yes, Courtney did. Every season we do a post that keeps a running update on which pros appear to be confirmed for Season 13. Keep in mind that we post it how we hear it – unless a Pro says “Yes, I am on DWTS Season 13″, the rest is all conjecture and guessing and hoping and inference and gossip. We try very hard to label guesses and hopes as just that – guesses and hope. Ain’t nothing wrong with a good bit of hope – we just try to call it straight up.

I’m not going to continually update this particular post – when it’s time to do a bit of live updating, I will let you know. I think it’s a bit too soon. My boy Tommy B tweeted today that the cast announcement will be August 29th (which Court was “psychic” about), which means we are getting down to the wire and the rumors and pro confirmations will start flying fast and furious. But the “for sure” pro cast list (aka “leaks”) is probably still two weeks out. At least.

The MEN
Derek Hough – YES, per Deena Katz on Ryan Seacrest’s Radio Show
Maksim Chmerkovskiy – Most likely, per Maks’ twitter
Mark Ballas – Unknown
Louis Van Amstel – Unknown
Tony Dovolani – Unknown, but a recent interview could be taken as an affirmative – but just a guess, IMO
Dmitry Chaplin – Unknown
Corky Ballas – Unknown

The WOMEN
Cheryl Burke – I’d be shocked if not
Kym Johnson – unknown
Chelsie Hightower – strong possibility
Lacey Schwimmer – unknown
Karina Smirnoff – unknown
Anna Trebunskaya – unknown

Ballroom Battlers – confirmed by Louis
Lacey Schwimmer
Mark Ballas
Tony Dovolani
Louis Van Amstel
Cheryl Burke
Karina Smirnoff

For the record, I do NOT believe that taking part in the Ballroom Battle is indicative of the pros’ participation in DWTS with a celebrity one way or another. I’ve also heard that BB is NOT going to be that time consuming, to the point that it would preclude those pros from competing.

The Troupe
Oksana Dmyrenko
Tristan MacManus – Yes
Peta Murgatroyd
Kiki Nyemchek
Nicole Volynets
Ted Volynets

I assume all the same troupe members will be back – but I will update them as required. As always, give me the heads up if you hear anything that I’ve missed – I’m not stingey with credit.

DWTS 12 End of Season Award Winners – Which Couple Was the Best Dressed?

John: Impossible to decide between Kym, the blonde bombshell with the awesome accent, or the super model with the amazing accent. Does it really matter what they wear or who their partner is? Correct Answer: No.

Vogue: This was a toss up between Hines and Kim or Petra and Dimitry. Both couples always took my breath away. In the end, Kym and Hines got my vote. Not only does Kym have a knack for dancing and teaching, she knows just the right costumes to pull out and when for the most part. They aren’t too gawdy or in your face. They are never ugly or tasteless. They always match the dance which is really important in my opinion. Totally classy all the way.

Courtney: I’d like to say a little prayer of thanks & praise to Our Lady of the Awesome Boobage, because she easily ran away with this title, IMO Seriously – Kym’s hair, makeup, and costumes were picture-perfect this season, and I think she did a great job of styling Hines well, too. My favorites had to be her quickstep dress (quite possibly my favorite ballgown in the history of the show) and Argentine tango dress (who would have thought thousands of pearls could make a bigger statement than the cliched rhinestones?). I think Kym’s biggest strength in styling both her & her partners is that she knows when to keep it simple – most of her popular costumes are very uncomplicated silhouttes, in flattering colors and textures that compliment the moves of the dances. Wish some more of the female pros would take a page out of her book…you listening, Lacey & Karina? Petra was a vision in all of her costumes this season – but how couldn’t she be, when she’s such a vision on her own? And a sweetheart to boot…I have to admit, I really liked she & Dmitry together this season, despite thinking I would find them boring. While I don’t think all of Kirstie’s costumes were terribly flattering (still trying to figure out her jive & waltz costumes…), I do think they were memorable and fit the dances well. Thought some of Romeo & Chelsie’s costumes were just lovely – god I loved both their Fred & Ginger-inspired foxtrot costumes, and their Titanic-inspired waltz costumes! Rounding out the write-in category: Ralph & Karina (12), Chelsea & Mark (7), Chris & Cheryl (1), and “No one” (1). Ralph & Karina were kinda hit-or-miss for me – loved their foxtrot costumes, hated their salsa costumes, loved their rumba & waltz costumes, hated their paso doble & quickstep costumes. Karina’s kinda all over the place for me, costume-wise. Looks like Chelsea & Mark are a polarizing couple – people seemed to either really love or hate both their dancing & their costumes! She had a few good ones (foxtrot, cha-cha), but I’m afraid she was overshadowed by the ridiculous ones (paso doble, samba, freestyle). As for Chris & Cheryl – I didn’t really LOVE any of their costumes this season, but I didn’t really hate them, either. They were just…there.

Marianya: Instead of saying “best dressed” I’ll instead say who I think didn’t annoy me with their costumes. In this case it would have to be Petra and Dmitry. However, if we’re measuring the entire course of the show, then of course Hines and Kym.

Heidi: In re-watching the various seasons, I’m continually in awe of the hot blond with the awesome boobage – and I ain’t talkin’ Derek. What I can’t figure is why Kym is so under the radar – I guess she’s second only to Derek in the lack of self promotion. It’s like she goes into hiding between seasons…but this girl is just gorgeous!! Inside and out. It’s safe to say I have a straight gurl crush. Seriously – two trophies, great record with her partners, gorgeous…and the best dance-face around. Best example is her Team Paso with Warren – fierce. Speaking of Paso Doble’s with Warren – that pleather ensemble and the Matrix tribute dance?? Awesome. This season, I have to go with the quickstep dress -fantastic. She’s my new favorite girl, easily.

DWTS 12 End of Season Award Winners – Which Couple’s Elimination Was the Most Disappointing?

John: I had an odd season with no real emotional favorite (although, I did like Chelsea). However, Ralph was just a class act. Plus, I’m afraid Mr. Miyagi might come and kick my trash if I said otherwise.

Vogue: LOL JOHN!! Seriously, Ralph for me too!!! The judges finally had their way. I’ll never understand why they picked on him so? A total shame. He belonged in the Finals! I really enjoyed him and I was the happiest when he and Karina brought in an Oriental influence to some of their dances. Beautiful!!

Courtney: With the exception of maybe Kendra & Louis (who I still must applaud for a very classy exit), I was disappointed to see all of the above couples eliminated – but the sting was definitely the greatest with Ralph Echoing Vogue’s sentiments, it was the last straw – the judges had finally gotten away with manipulating the outcome of the show. And Ralph looked so heartbroken, even though I think he knew it was coming. I think Ralph’s unceremonious ousting (and season-long abuse by the judges) will go down in DWTS history as the most unfair cut…even moreseo than Brandy, because this time around – only the judges are to blame. I also got a little sad when Romeo was cut, just because he had grown so much in the duration of the season & seemed so humbled and thankful for the experience. Chris was just so funny & charming (and he got dealt a crappy dance the week he was sent packing) that it hurt to see him go too; and Petra was just an absolute angel and seemed truly humbled by the experience. Really and truly, with the exception of Wendy – I think all of this season’s eliminated contestants were very classy & gracious when they were eliminated. Very impressive Some write-ins: Kirstie & Maks (7), Mark & Chelsea (2), None (2), Mike & Lacey (1). I never really count those who make it to the finale but don’t win as “eliminations”, but I could see how those could sting just as bad. I liked Kirstie & I was glad to see her beat Chelsea, but I think deep down I know that there was no way she could bridge the points gap between her & Hines, thanks to the judges. I felt bad for Chelsea (who I think was a bit of a pawn this season), but I can’t say I was disappointed to see her go – her very presence in the finale seemed unfair, and had she won – it would have been a very hollow win. I didn’t hate the player – I hated the game.

Heidi: I don’t think the judges realize that manipulating someone into the finals doesn’t mean people are suddenly going to start voting for her. By that stage of the game, the voting is pretty set (for those doing the serious voting especially). And if you’re not getting votes, it might be for a good reason, not an accident. Most have learned from Sabrina by now. For that reason alone, it was a shame that Ralph got the boot. But I agree with Courtney in that I was sad to see a lot of them go for a variety of reasons. But Ralph’s ouster just pissed me off. I have to think that the judges get in their heads the “good dancer” and “bad dancer” labels for each contestant and they can’t seem to bridge that when someone starts to improve and do well.

Marianya: Really? Really?! REALLY?!?! How do you choose? There were so many (ok, really only two in my book) disappointing eliminations, but one that I was definitely screaming and pouting about was Ralph and Karina the judges proverbial punching bag. I mean COME ON! The moment that TPTB allow people to call in and pick which dances they liked you have to expect the popularity vote, there’s no ifs, ands, or buts about it. **Sighs**

Dancing With The Stars Kym Johnson And Dmitry Chaplin Light Up The Mohegan Sun

Last night, Kym Johnson and Dmitry Chaplin gave a free dance for some lucky fans at the Mohegan Sun. Gina Scarpa (pictured above with the two dancers) of Reality Wanted sat down with an exclusive interview with the two before they danced. She asks them what they’ve been doing in the off season and how they feel on becoming celebrities in their own right. She also ask them on their favorite styles to dance (I’m not surprised how they answered this, are you? ). This and much more below and at the link.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you both do during the off season, when you’re not on Dancing With The Stars?
A. Kym: At the moment, we’ve been doing a lot of shows around America. We just came from Florda, San Francisco, I’m going somewhere else tomorrow… we’ve been very busy. I’m hoping to enjoy some of the summer here in America and have some time off soon.
A. Dmitry: Everybody’s teaching. We’ve been dancing. We’re dancers. That’s what we do best. I’m going to be choreographing for So You Think You Can Dance this summer. Louis [van Amstel] will be choreographing as well.
A. Kym: Yeah, we teach and we do shows. We’re always keeping really busy.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You guys are becoming celebrities in your own right. Do people recognize you when you’re out?
A. Kym: Yeah, especially when the season has just been on. The show is so popular and I think that this was the most watched season ever. It’s incredible that we’ve been on for so many seasons…
A. Dmitry: Well, you have!
A. Kym: The fans just love the show. Some of the die hard fans have watched it since day one.
A. Dmitry: Oh yeah. Some of them record every episode and have like, a library of every season. They know exactly what happend five seasons ago.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What will you guys be doing tonight?
A. Kym: We’re going to do three dances. We’ve danced together quite a bit.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is there a style that you prefer to dance?
A. Kym: He likes more of the Latin stuff.
A. Dmitry: Well, I’m more Latin trained.
A. Kym: I like more the Ballroom stuff. Tonight, we’re doing a tango, cha-cha, and rumba.

Kym Johnson Talks On Healing Up From Her Neck Injury On Dancing With The Stars And More

The Day spoke with Kym Johnson on the phone last week. They talked of how she is healing up from her fall with Hines. She’s doing “so much better now”. Kym plans to keep doing physical therapy over the summer. She’s still dancing too. Her and Dmitry Chaplin are dancing at the Mohegan Sun tomorrow (Friday). They will also sign autographs as part of the Sun’s Reality Check series. You can read more about the event at the link as well as what drew Kym to ballroom dancing.

The video of Johnson being injured in rehearsal was stunning:
“I still actually haven’t seen it myself. But, you know, I’m so much better now. My neck’s feeling okay. It’s actually my shoulder. I tore a little tendon off the bone when I fell on my neck, so that’s what I have to look at now. And that’s what I have to fix up. I’m just going to be having physical therapy, and I’ve got time now to get better.”

When complimented on how easy she made dancing look on her first post-injury show, her response is:
“Well, I did have a few painkillers to get me through it. When the doctors cleared me, they didn’t clear me until Monday to dance that day. … I knew I wasn’t doing anything dangerous where I could hurt myself again. We both decided, let’s do it. I was more concerned about Hines because he knew to dance with me. It’s hard when you have to then suddenly dance with someone else, and that’s what we would have had to do. We both decided, yeah, let’s do it. …

“He was great. He really pulled me through the routine.”

Johnson has partnered with celebs who each had their own level of abilities. She explained the knack of choreographing dances that makes them each look their best:
“The first (celebrity) I had was Jerry Springer. I had to be a little bit more accommodating for the routines because there were a few things he couldn’t do. Then I had Joey Fatone, and Joey’s an incredible dancer. So I changed it up with him. It really just depends on who you get.

“And then with Hines, he just had the whole package. I could do so much with him. He was strong, he was young. Donny Osmond, I would do a lot with as well. He was from a performing background. He was the showman, and we could be very showy with him.

“You just have to adapt to whoever you have. I have done 12 seasons, so you’d think I’d get bored with it, but each season is so different. Whoever you’re dancing with inspires you to come up with different stuff, so you don’t get stale.”

How can anyone not think Kym is show stoppingly beautiful in and out?!! Here’s to Kym continuing to get better from her neck injury!

Pure DWTS End-of-Season Awards – Season 12

We know you all love the comedy of the Cheesecake Awards, but we here at PureDWTS do know how to be serious, as well So it’s time to vote in our end-of-season awards – we started this last year as a way to look back at the season and see what the bests and worsts were, and see how our readers really felt about the season as a whole.

The voting categories are below – please vote on each one. We will reveal the results in a series of posts in the upcoming weeks, as well as our commentary on the results. Vote away and enjoy!!!

NOTE: There is an “other” box, if you really & truly don’t agree with any of the options listed for a particular category. We did our best to compile a list of good nominees for each category, but not everyone is going to agree. C’est la vie. So if you want to vote “other” – simply click on that option and type in your answer. However, a word of caution – if I cannot understand what you typed, I won’t count it in the vote totals. I’m afraid some went a little crazy with the “other” box last season, and I was left to muddle through some badly misspelled, grammatically confusing, and downright incoherent answers…as well as answers that were already listed as nominees. *facepalm* So for the sake of my sanity, kids, please – at least try to spell things correctly, and make sure the thing you are voting for isn’t already listed a nominee

DWTS 2011 – Not All Play And No Work For The Dancing With The Stars Pros Who Traveled To Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

As well as some of our pros in Las Vegas this past week, Louis Van Amstel, Jonathan Roberts, Dimitry Chaplin, and Anna Trebunskaya traveled to Casa Dorada Los Cabos Resort & Spa in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for some fun and relaxation in the sun. They also danced for one of the nights for some lucky guests while they hosted a Wrap Party. Above is a picture of the four with Greg Louganis and One Tree Hill actress Shantel Vansanten who were also enjoying some time at the resort. Apparently, Louis injured his calf muscle during a dance on the last day, But, he was able to get some extra spa time in and hopefully, it will heal up soon. Here is a picture Anna tweeted from her twitter account too. I love her hat!

DWTS 13 – Las Vegas Odds Makers Predict Which Pro Will Win Season 13

Would you believe odds makers in Las Vegas are already making predictions for which professional will win Season 13? Take a look below at the numbers. They’ve got Derek Hough and Mark Ballas placed neck and neck at first. Cheryl Burke and Maks Chmerkovskiy are tied at second with Anna Trebunskaya and Lacey Schwimmer in third. Even though they deny it at the link, sometimes I have to wonder what they know that we don’t…or is it vice versa? What about Kym Johnson? Have they forgotten she won Season 12? More below…

Although none of these rumors have been confirmed by the stars or producers of Dancing With The Stars, more times than not, the rumors ring true. Online sportsbooks tend to have a good idea of what is what with reality television and although the current entertainment betting odds listed are lines on the gender of the winner of season 13, it is likely that we will see one of those names as a betting odd once the announcement of the stars of season 13 is made official.

Derek Hough +550
Mark Ballas +550
Cheryl Burke +700
Maksim Chmerkovskiy +700
Anna Trebunskaya +900
Lacey Schwimmer +900
Chelsie Hightower +1000
Kym Johnson +1000
Karina Smirnoff +1200
Dmitry Chaplin +1600
Louis van Amstel +2500
Tony Dovolani +2500
Alec Mazo +3000
Edyta Sliwinska +3000
Jonathan Roberts +3300
Anna Demidova +4000
Ashly DelGrosso +4000
Damian Whitewood +4000
Corky Ballas +5000
Elena Grinenko +6600
Inna Brayer +6600
Jesse DeSoto +6600
Andrea Hale +8000
Brian Fortuna +8000
Charlotte Jorgensen +8000
Fabian Sanchez +8000
Nick Kosovich +10000

Whatever happens, I hope Derek is back and we see him and Maks in the Finals!! I’d like to see Damian dance next season and I hope he reaches the Finals as well. Same with Anna! Which pros would you like to see in the Finals?

Source: Sportsbookgurus