DWTS Season 11, Week 8 – Media Roundup Before The Show

Just a few things to report to you before showtime. Are you ready? 😀

First up, we have a new rehearsal video of Lacey and Kyle and, as usual, them goofing around from ET Online. There is some fast footwork here. Look at it closely without the sound and any distractions.

Here is Brandy and Maks as well from ET Online. Brandy is really scared of the dances tonight as well she should be. I like what Maks says about being the “puppetmaster” this year (lol).

And here is Kurt in a new TV Guide interview. He says he is “dumbfounded” by the instant dance and more. Here is a take. Be sure to read the link for more from him.

TVGuide.com: This week, you have two dances and the Instant Dance for one of them. I think getting your music 20 minutes before the show is kind of sadistic. What do you think?Warner: I guess, being the celebrity, I don’t really understand why. It’s hard enough to learn two dances — well, it’s hard learning one — but to learn two different kinds and to throw this wrench into it, I don’t understand the purpose. For me, it’s so hard to hear the music because I’ve never done that before. Maybe it’ll be an advantage because I don’t hear the music anyway, or maybe it’s going to be harder since I usually pick up some of the timing by hearing music during the week. I’m just kind of dumbfounded of what the purpose is. It’s just like, “We’re going to try to freak them out at the last minute.”

TVGuide.com: How does Anna feel about it?Warner: She kind of feels the same way, like, “I don’t really understand it.” We’ll make it work and go with it. I think the big question is: When you get your music, does it mean you adjust your routine? For us, it’s not like we can go, “OK, take Part 3 and make it 1.” You’re working on muscle memory, too. But we’re all in the same boat.

TVGuide.com: The judges have been harsh on your technique — last week was your head sticking forward. Were you glad Emmitt pointed out that it’s a habit of football players?Warner: [Laughs] Yeah. So much of what athletes do is about momentum and moving the whole body in the same direction, and so much of dance is the opposite. I always tell Anna, “That’s not right. It’s counterproductive.” My upper body’s twisting one way and my legs move in another direction. … I don’t expect to be a perfect dancer. I have no problem being criticized, especially the other night. The way they did it was, “You were great, but you can work on this.” It’s like, “OK, no problem.” I think that’s what the show should be about, pointing out things that you can really apply for the next week to try to get better, but everybody leaves with a good feeling about their performance.

Speaking of Kurt and Anna, here is a cute and funny picture she posted on her Facebook page.

Mark updated his Journal on USA Today with some hints about their dances tonight. I wonder what this “secret” trip was all about?

It’s 6:00 a.m. and it’s been a long week. Actually, it’s been a long month … okay, it’s been a long season! I’m checking in from the airport t, but my destination is a secret. Bristol and I are traveling for the show this weekend, but it’s a short trip as I’m gone for only 30 hours or so.

After we rehearse all day and night Friday and all morning and afternoon on Saturday, I fly back to Los Angeles Saturday evening. I’m heading back for my fitting for Monday’s show, and also to see Florence (Henderson) and The Machine perform at The Wiltern Theatre.

Remember a few weeks back when they performed on DWTS? I’m a huge fan and can’t wait for this show on Saturday night.

Last entry, I told you that our first dance for Week 8 is the Argentine Tango. We were in the dance studio choreographing and learning that routine for eight hours Wednesday, followed up by another long day on Thursday. I now know what our second dance is — the Samba.

While Bristol picked up the Argentine Tango quickly (remember how well she did with a similar dance two weeks ago with Tango, earning us the encore?) the Samba provides a new challenge to her.

We learn of our music at the beginning of the rehearsal week, but we won’t know our Samba song until 20 minutes before we have to dance it live in front of 20 million people. Think about that for a moment. It’s genuinely terrifying to a non-dancer. But I’m used to it because that’s how all ballroom competitions are. I try to downplay not having the music in rehearsal though, because it’s really not a big deal. Bristol has musicality, so I know she can adapt to whatever song they give us.

Don’t miss these two on The Ellen Show today on NBC before the show.

Lastly, this past week, KiisFM in LA gave away dance lessons by Cheryl and Derek to some lucky winners listening to their station. They’ve disabled the embedding, but you can see a great video here:: KIIS FM Video !! Thanks to Heidi and Pure Derek Hough for this information. We have to post a picture too because they are just too cute.

Ok, here’s to the show tonight Guys. Get your reviews ready and be sure to post them in Courtney’s “Power Rankings” post afterwards.xxx