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TV Guide Special Tonight, Get Caught Up With Your Past Favorites From Dancing With The Stars

Heads up!! Tonight on the TV Guide Network is a new Dancing With The Stars special called “The Cast of Dancing with the Stars: Where Are They Now?” It starts at 9:00pm ET. Below is more from TV Guide as well as a teaser with Tony Dovolani and Melissa Rycroft…..

All-star champion Melissa Rycroft will take viewers on a hike with Cameron Mathison, speed around the race track with Helio Castroneves, get the details on Julianne Hough’s new shoe line and more!

March 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

Derek and Julianne Hough Develop Ballroom Drama “Blackpool” for Starz

Apparently, there was another announcement for yesterday – don’t know what happened to that one, but Derek’s publicist made it clear that this is a different one. And pretty exciting as well. But I don’t have Starz. Yet. :-) From The Hollywood Reporter (click to read the whole thing):

Julianne and Derek Houghare delving into a world with which they’re familiar.

The brother-sister pair is developing a Starz scripted drama set in the world of competitive ballroom dancing, for which they will draw on years of first-hand experiences as competitors at the world championship level. TitledBlackpool, the drama effort will revolve around the prestigious annual ballroom competition in Blackpool, England, with a focus on the darker side of ballroom dancing.
“When you’re in the world, you’re so invested. It’s literally the be-all and end-all. But when you step back from it, you see that obsession with perfection and the fact that the lifestyle that you thought was so glamorous is actually a little shocking,” Julianne Hough says in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The comment comes mere weeks after Hough revealed in a Cosmopolitan cover story that she was a victim of physical and emotional abuse as a young dancer living in England.

Her brother, who appears on Dancing With the Stars,one of the many TV series that have capitalized on the interest in the dancing genre in recent years, makes clear that the series will push into particularly bleak areas of the sport. “What makes it so interesting is seeing all of the politics and the scandal,” says Derek Hough. “It’s framed in the world of ballroom dancing, but the stories that are intertwined are of the partnerships and the sex and the love triangles.”

In addition to lending their own tales from the ultra-competitive world, the Houghs will serve as executive producers on the project as well as the head choreographers. At this time, they have no plans to appear on screen, though they do intend to be actively involved in the process of hiring and casting. Julianne, currently on an international press tour for her film Safe Haven, notes that she is currently meeting with potential writers in London.

The siblings acknowledge that this drama is something that they have toyed with bringing to the small screen for some time. They shopped it to a handful of networks but suggest that they were particularly struck by Starz CEO Chris Albrecht’s passion for it in the room. And while they have a deep well from which to draw from, they don’t intend to make this an autobiographical tale. “We definitely want it to be fictionalized,” says Julianne. “We’re going to start with our experiences in the world and stories that we’ve either seen or gone through, but it’ll be fun to be able to elaborate and fictionalize these characters.”

February 26, 2013 I Written By

I'm a nerd and proud of it. Two degrees in geology also means I love BEER. :-) I'm also a Derek lover - proud of that too. So don't scream at those of us on this site and call us a bunch of "biased Derek-lovers" - it's just ME. :-) It may sound like I hate DWTS at times, but really, I'm just a snarky nitpicker from way back. And I'm cynical and jaded too. But I do love DWTS. :-)

DWTS Peta Murgatroyd, Derek Hough, And More Attend Safe Haven Premiere And After Party

"Safe Haven" - Los Angeles Premiere"Safe Haven" - Los Angeles Premiere

Last night, Dancing With The Stars Peta Murgatroyd and Derek Hough graced the Red Carpet at the Safe Haven Premiere in Los Angeles, California. Not sure about Peta, but, Derek also attended the “Safe Haven” after party at The Terrace At Hollywood & Highland in Hollywood, California as well. Peta is stunning in a pink chiffon dress while Derek is so handsome as always in a black and white suit. You can view more fabulous takes of them and other Dancing With The Stars related celebs like Chelsea Kane, Maria Menounos, and Samantha Harris also who attended these events at Pure Derek Hough, Zimbio Pictures, and Getty Images. And, of course, you can see JULIANNE HOUGH who plays one of the leads in “Safe Haven”!

Also, Access Hollywood interviewed Derek Hough on the Red Carpet. He talks of his new projects which he can’t reveal any information about yet, but, he’s excited. Derek also reveals he’s not sure he’s returning for the Spring season of Dancing With The Stars, but, he might return for the Fall season (For selfish reasons, I hope so. I want to see him dance as much as possible and I just can’t imagine the show without him.). You’ll be to catch that interview and others at Pure Derek Hough. Miss Heidi has the goods! Don’t miss it!! Keep checking back again because she keeps finding more coverage.

ADDING: Below Peta takes some pictures with fans. Also, Peta tweeted that her dress was designed by Dalia MacPhee!!

February 6, 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

PureDWTS 2013 Karina Smirnoff, Derek Hough, Julianne Hough Dazzle At Golden Globes Instyle After Party

What do you think of these beautiful faces and what they wore? Dancing With The Stars Karina Smirnoff, Derek Hough, and his sister Julianne graced the Red Carpet at the Golden Globes InStyle After party last night. I’m not sure I’m liking Karina’s dress and the 1930′s look on her, but, she still looks amazing. Derek and Julianne look perfect. I love pink on Julianne. She definitely has a Spring fashion personality. Stunning! You can view lots more pics of them at Pure Derek Hough and Zimbio Pictures.

January 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

Julianne Hough Graces Cover Of February Cosmopolitan, Talks Of Past Abuse and More

To think Julianne Hough was abused in any fashion just makes one heartsick!! :( Below is a take from Cosmopolitan where she talks about being abused at 10 years old while she was in London learning to dance. She was also told she’d never amount to anything, etc.. I guess she showed them, eh?

“I was 10 years old looking like I was 28, being a very sensual dancer,” she says. A precociously seductive smile became her public mask—and she rarely took it off. “I was a tormented little kid who had to put on this sexy facade because that was my job and my life. But my heart was the same, and I was this innocent little girl. I wanted so much love.”

With her parents an ocean away, Hough says the adults around her took advantage. “While I was in London, I was abused, mentally, physically, everything,” she says. In what way or by whom exactly, she declines to say: “I’m a very forgiving person, and I don’t want to hurt anybody. What’s past is past.” A ripple of tension tightens a face that is always so relaxed and bright, like a sheet being pulled tight. It got worse, she says, “when I started hitting puberty, when I started becoming a woman and stopped being a little girl.”

“You can kind of hear the quiver in my voice….” She pauses but only a beat. She’s going to nail this move, even if her ankle is broken and her feet blistered. “This is the farthest I’ve ever gotten into my London situation,” she says. “I was told if I ever went back to the United States, three things were going to happen. One: I was going to amount to nothing. Two: I was going to work at Whataburger. And three: I was going to end up a slut. So, it was like, I can’t go back. I have to be this person.”

Also, did you know Julianne and boyfriend Ryan Seacrest were in Hurricane Sandy? You can read about it and more at Cosmopolitan. Also, here is some “behind the scenes” action of Julianne’s shoot….

You’ll be able to pick up this issue of Cosmopolitan on newsstands every where on Jan. 8th.

UPDATE: Julianne’s former dance school in London have distanced themselves from Julianne’s suggestions that she was physically and mentally abused at Cosmopolitan. You can read more at Express Showbiz.

Hough’s comments have prompted Academy bosses to release a statement, insisting media outlets suggesting the star was abused while studying there are wrong.

The release reads: “We feel this article has been extremely badly worded and if re-read, you will see that although it mentions our name, it does not say that any abuse took place here.

“We feel sure Julianne would herself be horrified to learn that she had caused her old school any embarrassment or harmed its good name.”

January 3, 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

Derek And Julianne Hough Attend Halloween Party, Hint Of Upcoming Projects Together

“May the force be with you” and Bonnie and Clyde might need it. Pictured above is Dancing With The Stars Derek Hough and sister Julianne Hough with boyfriend Ryan Seacrest! This weekend they attended a Halloween Party in Beverly Hills, California. Other celebrities to attend the party dressed in their halloween best were Maria Menounos, Alessandra Ambrosio, Hilary Duff, Paris Hilton, Seal, and Cindy Crawford. Pictures above are from Zimbio Pictures. Heidi has collected a bunch more pictures of Derek at PureDerekHough as well as everything from this past week of he and Shawn on Dancing With The Stars.

Speaking of Derek and Julianne, while you are at PureDerekHough, be sure to see THIS POST as it has a hint of Derek’s “upcoming projects” with sister Julianne in it. “Scripted drama”? Whatever they are up too sounds fascinating! Be sure to listen and see for yourself.

October 28, 2012 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 All-Stars, Week 4: Apolo & Karina Bring the Heat (and Innuendo) to Access Hollywood

If Kelly & Val are the couple in “puppy love” this season…then Apolo & Karina are the couple most likely to be lusting after one another, methinks ;-P  There’s simply too many “meoooooowwww” moments in this clip to list them all – trust me, you need to just watch…and giggle like a schoolgirl, like Karina.  The couple hit up Access Hollywood yesterday to chat about their chemistry, their hip-hop routine, and…”man Kegels”??? 8-O

 Ok, you all know I’m not typically the type to swoon over the male pros/celebs on DWTS (the female pros? That’s another story ;-) ).  But something about Apolo in this clip – and just in this season, in general – makes me want to climb all over him like a jungle gym.  He’s definitely grown ‘n’ sexy, and has a wicked, saucy sense of humor that seems to make Karina melt like a popsicle on the 4th of July :-P The hapless hosts just keep inadvertently asking some eyebrow-raising questions – and Apolo just keeps answering with zinger after zinger, without missing a beat.  And Karina rolls with it just as well! After titillating us with innuendo about 50 Shades of Grey, “hooking up”, and who has more stamina, Apolo also talks about the differences between being partnered with Julianne vs. Karina (“She was only 18, we were not hooking up!”), and Gilles’ quest for the MBT (“He’s got his fangs out!”), and the two also chat briefly about their hip-hop routine this week – Karina says Apolo’s going to be choreographing some of it, and Apolo’s ready to “show everyone his hip-hop side”.  I think I’m most excited for their routine next week – not only because Apolo seems really excited about it, but because they got an AWESOME song…which we will be spoiling at some point this weekend.  Keep your eyes peeled 8-)

The two also briefly weighed in on Drew & Helio’s somewhat surprising eliminations, and Bristol’s staying power…I kind of love their facial expressions when talking about Bristol :-P :

So who else is TeamOhYes? Or at least Team “I Wouldn’t Kick Apolo Out of Bed For Eating Crackers”? ;-)

October 11, 2012 I Written By

Ultrasound sales specialist by day, semi-knowledgeable DWTS fan by night...with a smattering of hair & makeup enthusiast, occasional model, and crazy cat lady peppered in to make things REALLY interesting ;-) I might pee my pants in happiness if Donny Wahlberg ever does DWTS - or if they ever use "Sunglasses at Night".

DWTS 15 – The Great Quickstep Debate: Breaking Hold vs. Not Breaking Hold

In his Access Hollywood interview from after Monday night’s show, Mark explained his reasons for “breaking hold” in he in Bristol’s quickstep – and he also insinuated that a few other couples also broke hold in their quicksteps this week, yet didn’t get called out by the judges.  So it got me thinking: did the judges, indeed, turn a blind eye to some couples’ rule-breaking, while calling out others?

First, a little bit of background as to why breaking hold in quickstep is such a big deal.  Earlier this year, I went into detail about it in one of my “Ask Courtney” posts – the basic gist is that quickstep is the only ballroom dance on DWTS that is only danced in the International Standard style, in which you cannot break hold at all, and they’ve carried that rule over to DWTS.  I personally think it’s kind of a dumb rule, considering that DWTS is not a real ballroom competition (and never will be), and considering that you can break hold in the waltz, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, and sometimes tango (the last one is whole different debate). Read more..

October 4, 2012 I Written By

Ultrasound sales specialist by day, semi-knowledgeable DWTS fan by night...with a smattering of hair & makeup enthusiast, occasional model, and crazy cat lady peppered in to make things REALLY interesting ;-) I might pee my pants in happiness if Donny Wahlberg ever does DWTS - or if they ever use "Sunglasses at Night".

DWTS 15 All-Stars: The Great “Previous Dance Experience” Debate – Helio Castroneves Edition

 After a brief hiatus to accomodate all of the hoopla of the revealing of the 13th couple, I’m back with another edition of my series examining the highs and lows of our all-stars’ original seasons.  As always, if you’re playing catch-up, check out the previous editions with Kelly Monaco, Emmitt Smith, Drew Lachey, Joey Fatone, & Apolo Ohno :-) Today I take on season 5 winner, Helio Castroneves. 

I picked his Mask-inspired quickstep as Helio’s best dance:

 

And for his worst dance, I chose he & Julianne’s bizarrely chilly rumba:

 First, I feel like I have to get this off of my chest: I do not think Helio was the best dancer on his season, and I actually think he was one of the weaker champions we’ve had, in terms of dance skill.  The one big advantage he had, though, was personality - in BUCKETLOADS.  :-D I think that’s ultimately what won him the MBT over Mel B. – while she herself was a big personality, I feel as though he managed to endear himself to viewers a bit more, and generated a stronger chemistry with Julianne than Mel maybe had with Maks.  I think his quickstep is a perfect example of how his chemistry with Julianne & his personality carried him through to the end – he was just so FUN.  Plus, he seemed to really excel at the ballroom dances, which seems to be an area in which even the best male contestants seem to falter.  However, when you take a closer look at his quickstep, you’ll see that he sometimes tends to get so carried away with the character of the dance, that he loses a bit of the technique – a problem similar to Joey’s.  And judging from he & Julianne’s rumba, in which he couldn’t really play a character, his weaker technique seemed to stick out like a sore thumb…and his chemistry with Julianne also suffered.  To date, I still think it’s one of the strangest, least romantic rumbas we’ve ever seen on the show…and as I recall, the judges seemed kind of horrified by it.  I think he & Chelsie are REALLY going to have to work on their chemistry, first and foremost, if they want to stick around – and if they can forge a good chemistry, then I think it’s on Chelsie to strike a balance between making Helio focus on technique, and still giving him the opportunity to be a showman. I do think they’re going to have to make a big splash, though, and they’re going to have to do it soon – because they’re kind of becoming this season’s “forgotten” couple for me: the couple that I always struggle to remember when I’m listing off all of the couples this season, because they haven’t yet made a huge impression on me. 

Court’s verdict: I think Helio’s success this season is seriously going to hinge upon whether he’s able to really connect with Chelsie – and if she’s going to be able to choreograph to suit both his technical weaknesses and his strengths as a showman. 

What’s your take on Helio? Is he going to struggle this season…or will he & Chelsie surprise us all?

August 28, 2012 I Written By

Ultrasound sales specialist by day, semi-knowledgeable DWTS fan by night...with a smattering of hair & makeup enthusiast, occasional model, and crazy cat lady peppered in to make things REALLY interesting ;-) I might pee my pants in happiness if Donny Wahlberg ever does DWTS - or if they ever use "Sunglasses at Night".

DWTS 15 All-Stars: The Great “Previous Dance Experience” Debate – Apolo Ohno Edition

Today we continue our series with season 4 winner Apolo Ohno – and if you’re still playing catch-up, be sure to check out our previous editions featuring Kelly Monaco, Emmitt Smith, Drew Lachey, & Joey Fatone 8-)

For Apolo’s best dance, I picked his samba – which I still think is the best samba from a contestant that we’ve ever seen on DWTS:

For his worst dance, I picked the ill-advised Pulp Fiction jive he & Julianne did:

I think the most obvious advantage that jumps out at me when I watch these videos is chemistry – Apolo & Julianne had FANTASTIC chemistry, and I think that helped carry them through week after week.  The question is: can he forge that same chemistry with Karina? If he can, then I think these two could be frontrunners this season.  Apolo’s obviously got some natural rhythm and is comfortable moving his body, so Karina’s definitely got something to work with.  However, Apolo’s Achilles’ heel (hehe) does seem to be really refined footwork – I saw instances in both his samba & his jive (ESPECIALLY his jive) where he just seems to put his feet wherever they feel comfortable, and the end result looks a bit confused and purposeless.  POINT YOUR TOES, APOLO! I also think his showmanship could use a little work – Apolo mentions in samba rehearsals that he’s used to keeping a “poker face” in speed skating, so it’s hard for him to really use his face to emote.  He did pretty well in season 4, but I still saw a few instances of “poker face” – especially if he wasn’t quite sure of what he was doing and was trying to regain his bearings…I noticed it in his jive, whenever he seemed to foul up.  With such big personalities like Joey & Kirstie around this season, I think Apolo is going to have to really work on projecting a BIG personality on the floor – he’s got the range of motion, now he just needs the range of personality :-) I also hope that Karina is able to strike a nice balance between dancing well and not outdancing Apolo – as much as I loved Julianne with Apolo, I do think there were times that she really outshined him, and I noticed it big time in their samba.  I do think Karina is a pro that is able to find that right balance, though, so I think that’s an advantage.

Court’s verdict: Definitely one to watch, especially if he can forge a good chemistry with Karina & clean up his footwork – and if he can bring enough personality to the table to compete with big personalities like Joey & Kirstie :-)

So what are your thoughts on Apolo? Does he have the juice to go all the way?

August 23, 2012 I Written By

Ultrasound sales specialist by day, semi-knowledgeable DWTS fan by night...with a smattering of hair & makeup enthusiast, occasional model, and crazy cat lady peppered in to make things REALLY interesting ;-) I might pee my pants in happiness if Donny Wahlberg ever does DWTS - or if they ever use "Sunglasses at Night".