Brooklyn Cheers For Zendaya And Val Chmerkovskiy For DWTS Finale, Zendaya Reflects
Zendaya reflects in her new blog for Access Hollywood. She has some great memories from doing Dancing With The Stars one of which is Val and what he first said to her in the beginning which we’ll let you read below….
As I look back on this experience, I will take away many great memories. I remember when I first met Val and thought, he’s kinda short! lol But I hold Val in the highest of regard and I have learned so much from him. First and foremost is his dedication to his craft. Tuesday night for example, when everyone was at a party celebrating the 300th episode, he was at the gym cooking up our next routine! He is a perfectionist down to every movement and how you feel it from your core to your fingertips.
I remember one of the first things he said to me that has stuck with me throughout this competition: “I don’t want you to be good…I want you to be incredible.” He said that with such resolve that I knew he would give me all the knowledge, support and technique I needed to reach “incredible!” I have gained a trusted friend, brother and mentor in Val and I thank ABC and DWTS for having the foresight to pair us together.
More at Access Hollywood including a plug for what she has planned for the summer and what she experienced at a recent and touching visit to the Holocaust Museum.
Also, check out what a school in Brooklyn made for Val and Zendaya. So cute!
Its been really disturbing the amount of hate that she has been getting not saying some of her fans are not doing it too but she is 16 & the ones that are writing the disgusting comments are adults with kids that are the same age as the girl they are spreading hate all over the internet. I just wish people would stick to just praising & loving the team they want to win and leave out the hate for the other couples
Val’s old school. He said it made him cry. AWWWW. And I loved Zendaya’s blog. She really does look up to Val.
Ashley, I couldn’t agree with you more. Although I think “hate” is too strong a word. I don’t think anyone really hates Zendaya. She’s just arguably the stiffest competition for other couples favorites, so therefore she gets the criticism about being favored and already being a pro dancer. Good life lesson for her since she’s chosen to be a public figure. Everyone is not going to love her. She’s got to learn to rise above it. She’ll be fine. Can’t wait to see her and Val give it their best shot in the finale.
If you don’t like the discussion here, Ashley, hit the road.
I was talking about other DWTS fansites that have been saying disgusting things about someone who is working really hard to learn ballroom dancing and she deserves to win just like the other former celebs that have won with dancing history. Even though all my support & votes are for Zendaya & Val I never say horrible things about the other couples and their fans who support them.
Well, Ashley, I think you’re just going to have to deal with the fact that not everyone likes Zendaya and people are entitled to say what they want about any of the couples – it’s a sweet thought that people would just stick to praising couples they like, but it’s not very realistic. There’s unfortunately not anything you can say that’s going to make them stop, so you may as well get used to it and learn to cope with it – you’re always going to encounter nasty people in life that you don’t agree with and you just have to learn to deal with it. My suggestion would be to stop worrying so much about her detractors and just focus on your own love for them. You seem to be taking it very personally.
Honestly, my issues don’t really lie with Zendaya herself – I’m upset with the preferential treatment she seems to be getting, and I’m a little disappointed with the way Val has handled some of this season. I’m also beginning to wonder if Zendaya’s father may be a bit of a “stage dad” and may be pushing her a bit hard, just based on some murmurings and some things I’ve seen. But even if my issues were with Zendaya – as “disgusting” as my comments might seem to you, Zendaya is a public figure, and when you put yourself in the spotlight like that, you open yourself up to both praise & criticism. It’s part of fame – and you don’t get to be exempt from it just because you’re “only 16”.
Now I’m seeing people saying it’s unfair that others get to practice for as long as they want but Zendaya’s time is limited because of age and school. So when I comment that she’s seen the show, she knew what the deal would be doing it and didn’t have a problem signing on the dotted line…..I get nasty comments on face book 🙂 lol
They seem to forget she already has an advantage actually having dance background.
Also, I had a couple of Tony fans ask me to “Vote for Val and keep the trophy in the family. Do it for Maks.” …….. WHAAAAT?????? rotflmao
(They asked me because I had sent a compliment to Tony for being a good friend to Karina, so they thought I was a fan of his).
@sheery – “Vote for Val and keep the trophy in the family. Do it for Maks.”
That will be the only way Maks will be able to get his hands on a MBT that’s for sure.
What turns me off to Zendaya is her fans are some of the most obnoxious towards the other contestants and their fans on social media. And while there is some bickering between each group of fans, Zendaya’s seem to take the cake. Most of it seems to be directed towards Kellie and Aly but her fans take to the abcdwts instagram page and flood it with some straight nasty comments that generally have nothing to dancing and more to do with K & A’s personalities.
Actually, Maks was photographed with Peta’s MBT in his hands, so he has had his hands on one. But, since Maks “doesn’t play well with others”, getting one of his own is probably not happening. But, I’m gonna enjoy watching him try if he comes back next season. 🙂
I don’t have any issues with Zendaya either…it’s her fans that turn me off too. I wish fans could see how their hate can turn people off the celebrity they want people to vote for.
Ironic thing is while these fans bicker the celebs get along perfectly fine. Aly and Zendaya are friends. Kelly and Zendaya are seen taking pics and cheering each other on. Zendaya doesn’t get to hang out with the adults because well… she’s a kid and has school in day, vocal lessons, recording her album, disney stuff then goes to rehearsal. So at night she is understandably tired.
I don’t think time is a factor because like she said. Val, knowing they hardly have time, comes up with the routines the night before they start practicing. He doesn’t choreograph with her there. So when she comes in its work work work. And from their rehearsal video (not the fluffy ones seen on the show) its work work work with them, no messing around, just busy busy dancing.
Ironic thing is while these fans bicker the celebs get along perfectly fine. Aly and Zendaya are friends. Kelly and Zendaya are seen taking pics and cheering each other on. Zendaya doesn’t get to hang out with the adults because well… she’s a kid and has school in day, vocal lessons, recording her album, disney stuff then goes to rehearsal. So at night she is understandably tired.
I don’t think time is a factor because like she said. Val, knowing they hardly have time, comes up with the routines the night before they start practicing. He doesn’t choreograph with her there. So when she comes in its work work work. And from their rehearsal video (not the fluffy ones seen on the show) its work work work with them, no messing around, just busy busy dancing.
Weird double post there. BTW. She says she has a state test today, I guess its one of those test home school children take. Crazy to me that she can focus on school work and do DWTS as well.
I can’t even focus on my assignments because I’m watching TV Shows. Far less being on one… two for that matter.
@Ashley You hit the nail on the head! Agreed 100%
And it won’t happen because of that, Sandy, because what Val and Maks have both said in the past often sounds like they’re dissing other couples AND lots of their fans are assholes. That’s what makes me laugh about some fans – look, if Derek and his partner get voted out, I might vote for someone else…but not if you were an asshole to me while Derek was still on the show. Nope.
Which, incidentally, is probably why there is a four person finale. TPTB can see the votes and read the tea leaves. If Kellie got voted out, her fans would likely vote for either Jacoby or Aly. Same for Jacoby or Aly. We can’t have that. 🙂
By being on DWTS, Zendaya is getting a little sneak peak of the negativity that fame can bring. I think its good for her so she is really prepared. I’m sure here parents prepared her for it as she got older. But now all haters, rumors, and backlash is really coming out. She is handling it very well.
The thing is that Zen is encouraging her fans to keep voting and show everyone else that she has some right to be here. Now Zen’s fans are kids and when you give them a task, they really go for it. Her fans are fighting HARD for her. I do agree that they can get a little out of control and obnoxious. But this is probably their way of being heard. Of course there are other ways of being heard……
I just want this to be an exciting, decent, fair (hopefully), and fun finale. All 4 deserve to be here. Hopefully everyone will be able to “deal” with whoever the winner is in the end…..
*steps off soap box* 😉
Go Team ValDaya!!! I’m so excited for tonight, my emotions are starting to take over. Lol I love Zendaya and Val as a dance couple and everything they stand for concerning their work ethics and artistry. No matter what happens tonight, whether they win(they better!) or lose. I believe Val and Zendaya will continue to work together on many different projects, influencing kids to dream big, work hard and never give up.
I agree Rocky. Val tweeted that Zendaya is the little sister he always wanted but never had. And Z said Val is like family to her and he is stuck with her for ever. I was like AWWWWWW. I’m really happy that they are both taking away so much from this experience. From Val being pissed initially because he got a 16 year old to getting to the point where they close like siblings is just great. That’s one of things I like about this show… the connection these celebs form with their partners.
Yes! I absolutely adore the connection they have with each other! It makes me like them as a team even more. Val’s pro dancing is all about passion and sensuality and yet, for this season, he’s had to dial it down and make it age-appropriate for Zendaya. As a result, he’s created some amazing routines. Their partnership also proves that sex doesn’t always sell. Val was disappointed at first but he soon learned just how wonderful Zendaya was as a dance partner. I also appreciate the fact that he never went easy on her and trained her as if she were competing in an actual ballroom competition. Through dwts they have learned so much from each other and gained inpiration to be even better and dream bigger for their futures. Lately, they’ve been so sweet to each other on Twitter and it’s making me so emotional. Lol
What makes you think that Val was “pissed” to get a 16 year old,toonmili? Did he actually say that???
Maggie: When they were doing the thing with the stars get the cameras when she was interviewing him.. he said he was “disappointed… to be honest.” But then he also said that she absolutely the best partner he could ask for and her couldn’t be happier. Then Tom said after the clip. ” You know Val you don’t always have to be honest.” lol.
He has also spoken about his reaction in many interviews about being hesitant because she was sixteen and there would be parents, teachers and limited hours. And he said he was expecting her to be undisciplined and unfocused because she had achieved so much at a young age and thought he would be dealing with temper tantrums. lol. But he says she has been the ideal student, she listens to him, matches his commitment, that she is enthusiastic and if he gives her criticism she wants to work on it to make it better. he also said he developed a level of trust with her parents. They trust him with her and they are great parents because they keep Zen grounded.
He is always asked this question and he always answers along those lines. He says this answer if she is there or not. He never said the word pissed but you can tell from what he said that he was. And all that changed based on the kind of student she is and her parents. They seem to have an understanding and it turns out that she is none of those things he thought she would be like.
Rocky, I know what you’re saying with their tweets. I always find myself going… “how cute”. Even Maks tweets cute stuff. (in a more Maks way naturally). When Zendaya tweeted that people were saying lies about her parents and she seemed down about that he tweeted her something… It’s like having a two big brothers… one to keep your head in the game and another one to throw some punched for you.
great team.
How kind of Val to change his mind when he discovered she was teachable! I imagine some pros would give her the benefit of the doubt no matter what her age.
I’m currently sitting in rush hour traffic…but once I’m home, expect me to make it rain some truth up in this mutha about dance shoes…
I think most people would have the reaction of having an underage partner. Limited hours, parents always present, having to teach an actual kid when everyone else has an adult. Anyone would have a level of hesitation. They may not say it, but you can bet that hey feel it. He is serious about his dancing and yes he wants to be able to teach the person he is with. He could have been really lame and jump for joy when he found out his partner is popular (2.7 Million twitter followers). He was just concerned about the dancing and being able to teach her. I don’t see anything wrong with that. He just want someone who will be committed.
So I guess he is guilty of not being fake.
LOL Court! Bring it!!!!!
Hey Guys and for those interested, be sure to see the new Blog post with Val and how he wants people to vote for him and Zendaya since he hasn’t won before. That excuse is so poor and getting to be a real pet peeve of mine.
You do recognize the difference between “disappointed” and “pissed” or “angry”, right, toonmili? Anything else is you projecting.
So, Val as the asshole of the season is now confirmed?? Good to know.
Yep!!!!
Well let me preface this by saying I’m sorry Val got hurt, but now we know why Zen hasn’t been wearing heels …. she’s brutal! It’s a joke, Zendaya fans. 😉
@toonmili
they made an amazing team and it translated very well into their routines! I’m glad the producers paired Zendaya with Val as it turned out to be a perfect match. Zendaya said in an interveiw that when she was asked about any preferences for a dance coach. She told the producers she wanted someone touch and strict; a perfect balance between nice and tough. Too nice wouldn’t get her anywhere. Val was most definitely the right choice for her. Now she has two new big brothers for life! 🙂