PureDWTS Discussion: Who Are The Three Best Choreographers Currently On Dancing With The Stars?
With all the “choreographer” talk in the Emmy Nomination Post, here is a new question for you: Who do you think are the THREE best choreographers currently on Dancing With the Stars? You can also name two or three alternates if you like. RANK them in order as well. When you weigh in with your answer, remember this isn’t about who dances the best or who is your favorite dancer necessarily, but, about who makes the best routines for their partners (and pro numbers, etc) as a whole. See you in comments! 😉
Ok, I think the best three choreographers currently on DWTS in this order are:
1. Derek Hough
2. Sharna Burgess
3. Val Chmerkovskiy
Three alternates: Karina Smirnoff, Peta Murgatroyd, Cheryl Burke
I almost put Mark Ballas too…but, sometimes I get kind of turned off by some of his choreography.
Peta, Derek and Val
1. Derek Hough
2. Mark Ballas
3. Val Chmerkovskiy
1. Derek Hough
.
.
.
2. Sharna Burgess
3. Cheryl Burke
Those with Serious Potential:
Mark Ballas
Val Chmerkovskiy
Emma Slater
Honestly, anyone who doesn’t have Derek at number 1 has credibility problems. And no, I don’t think that’s my bias talking. I think it’s YOUR bias talking if you DON’T have him as number 1.
Easy peasy!
1. Val Chmerkovskiy
2. Derek Hough
3. Sharna Burgess
My top three would match Vogue’s…
1. Derek Hough
2. Sharna Burgess
3. Val Chmerkovskiy
My alternates would be
4. Karina Smirnoff
5. Mark Ballas (yes, his choreography does irk at times, but I have to admit that he does have a lot of Genius in his choreography)
6. Cheryl Burke
Ranking choreographers:
1. Derek Hough
2. Sharna Burgess
3. Mark Ballas
Alternates: Val Chmerkovskiy and Karina Smirnoff
I chose those three because I feel that they are most creative and able to step outside of the box a lot. They don’t have a fear when they’re creating and just go with what their mind says. Derek just has a mind that nobody can compete with. Sharna has so much creativity and willingness to explore and Mark definitely goes outside the norm often.
I debated switching Val and Mark but decided that I think Mark is more creative. I do really like Val and Karinas choreography, but I feel that they are just very good latin/ballroom choreographers. Derek, Sharna, and Mark have either been Emmy nominees (or winner) or I can see them being a nominee, whereas I don’t see Karina and Val getting there just yet. With the fact that they dance with celebrities they can’t produce as difficult pieces, so I think they just need to think more outside what the judges will score.
Derek, Karina, Sharna
I know this topic was brought on by Derek’s Emmy nom/Maks’s lack of Emmy nom so I want to say something about Maks’s choreo. I think it’s night and day when Maks has a partner who can dance vs one who can’t. It’s like he’s just not willing to put in the effort with someone who can’t dance and goes harder for the gimmicks to try to cover up that fact rather than coming up with something the partner can do. Kirstie and all the kissing and removing of his shirt are perfect examples of that. Yes I know he did the fake kissing thing with Meryl every week but when you’re desperately catering to a group of shippers to try to win a trophy you need that. It had nothing to do with Meryl’s ability.
It doesn’t get much attention but one of my favorite Maks dances was the waltz he did with Erin where she was blindfolded. Sure they wasted some time at the beginning but it was Story Week and the judges have let far worse things get by. Maybe it was the whole trust storyline after everything Erin had been through but I thought that dance was beautiful and I would watch it again 50 times before I ever rewatched any of his dances with Meryl.
1. Derek
2. Val
3. Mark
Derek isn’t one of my favourite pros but even if you don’t like him, you should really be able to point out the fact that his choreography is excellent. Val a close second but his Freestyles have held him back, to ms. Mark has a lot of potential still.
Sharna a close fourth. Although I wasn’t rooting for Charlie last season, I think they really got screwed over with a lot of song choices and so she didn’t get to show her full potential.
1. Derek Hough
2. Sharna Burgess
3. Karina Smirnoff
Honorable mentions to:
Val Chmerkovskiy, Mark Ballas and Cheryl Burke.
I almost put Val as my #3 instead of Karina but I think Karina has been a little more consistant with her choreo. Even when she had partners like Billy Ray or Steve Wozniak.
1 Derek Hough – nobody can compete with him on dwts.
2 Sharna Burgess
3 val chmerkovskiy
1. Derek Hough
2. Peta Murgatroyd
3. Val Chmerkovskiy
My alternates…
Karina Smirnoff
Emma Slater
Sharna Burgess
Oh I forgot about Emma. I’d probably add her as my 3rd alternate.
1. Derek
2. Mark
3. Peta
#1 is a no brainer. Derek is a genius.
I didn’t put Val in my top 3 mainly because he’s never been really challenged – you hear people say that for Derek a lot (and it’s ludicrous) but it’s especially true for Val. The man has had more ringers than not and even with some really good dancers he’s done some stupid crap. But he’s got a TON of potential, if he doesn’t fall into the same traps that Maks has. He doesn’t include all the walking/running that Maks does, and is low on the faux kiss scale – but he certainly did use a showmance to get ahead. The difference being that he seemed to regret it. So, I think he can move into the top three with some work. I would like to see if he can come up with a Futuristic Paso for a model who started out stiff as a board though. 😉 Then we’ll have a serious contender.
1. Derek
2. Sharna
3. Karina
Same as a few of you guys. lol
I’d put Val as an alternate because he did give Meryl some killer choreo for that Argentine Tango. But most of his work is susceptible to hype (a la Zendaya) or really just forgetful to me.
I think Emma does have serious potential, and I hope she’s given a ringer next season.
When Mark has someone like Candace, his choreography is more enjoyable, even if it is a little simplified. When he has someone like Chelsea Kane, it’s a bit over the top.
Peta only really had some good choreography with Donald, I feel. James was cool and I liked him a lot, but some of his dances felt a little blah to me.
1. Derek!!!
2. Mark
3. Sharna
1.Derek
2.Sharna
3.Mark
1.Derek Hough
2.Karina Smirnoff
3. Sharna Burgess
Honorable mentions–Mark Ballas and Val Chmerkovskiy
Derek Hough is by far the best choreographer DWTS has ever had or will ever have! no other Male Pro could have gotten Amy Purdy to second-place last season. Derek has such a creatively brilliant mind that he was able to work around Amy’s limitations with her prosthetics in ways that other pros wouldn’t have been able to conceive! I saw people on the DWTS Facebook page outraged over the fact that Maks wasn’t even nominated. I just couldn’t even bring myself to comment. He was given a partner that already knew how to dance. It was readily apparent during such up week. Val’s choreography for Meryl was far superior to anything Maks choreographed for her during the entire season.
Karina had stellar choreography for Corbin bleu during season 17. I think Karina is the best female choreographer on the show but I think Sharna is giving her a run for her money And Sharna had phenomenal choreography for Charlie…. they just kept getting screwed over by the judges. 🙁
I loved the side of Mark Ballas we saw this past season being partnered with Candace Cameron Bure. He was at kinder, gentler Mark. Not the overbearing, out dance my partner that we saw with Christina Millian. The producers did a good job with that partnership that’s for sure!
To be honest I would’ve preferred seeing Meryl Davis parent with Val Chmerkovskiy as opposed to being paired with Maks but I still believe that Max was promised a ringer for a partner in order to return for this last season……Well he got his plastic disco ball. Now he can go away permanently! I do not want to see him at the judges table replacing Len!!
#1 Derek Hough (the man who “redefined choreography”
#2 Mark Ballas
#3 Sharna Burgess
My *alternate would be Val Chmerkovsky (if he would only stick to the same guidelines as my first three choices; because Derek, Mark, and Sharna don’t use such gimmicks as show-mancing, almost smooching, added props and back up dancers (only in dances like the “Disney Night”), etc. They use their talents mixed with the music, their own distinct style, and themes along with their patient ways of teaching out of kindness and respect. Val is a good dancer, especially in the Latin styles, if he would only stay away from the old C. family gimmicks attempts to earn his rewards. The public is not stupid, and most don’t fall for their shenanigans.
My ranking:
1. Derek Hough (great choreo for both the traditional and the modern styles, adds unique touches, works with his partner first and foremost in mind)
2. Sharna Burgess (great choreo for both too, especially more modern styles, definitely choreographs for her partner)
3. Karina Smirnoff (IMO the best choreographer for the more traditional styles of DWTS, e.g. rumba and quickstep, but a little lacking in the newer ones — has improved over the seasons to choreographing routines that better fit her partner)
Alternates:
Val (Needs a non-ringer)
Emma (Needs a ringer!)
Mark (Needs to do what he did last season a few more times)
In my opinion, there are four traits that successful choreographers on DWTS have (Sorry for the long post):
1. Tailoring choreography to enhance their partner’s skills and hide their shortcomings
2. Choreographing to the music and with the theme of the music
3. Staying true to the dance styles they are choreographing, being well versed in both the ballroom dances and the more modern ones, and knowing when and when not to use “fillers” (e.g. kissing, walking) in their dance, as well as how to use staging and costuming well
4. Being strategic — knowing when to take risks, which partners to take them with, when to hold back a little and when to create full throttle routines
Derek is the best choreographer on the show because he does all four of those things, each and every season.
Mark and Cheryl.
I haven’t been impressed with Sharna and Karina. Something’s missing with both of them IMO.
Depends; if we’re talking about choreo on strictly ballroom/Latin then I put Derek, Val, & Karina but if we’re including other dance styles Derek, Sharna, & Mark. That’s just my opinion. Honorable mentions Kym (tho she’s not on anymore), Cheryl, and maybe Peta. But then again maybe I should just rank the pros with Emmy noms but that wouldn’t be fair. 🙂
1. Val
2. Sharna
3. Derek (I’m not a Derek fan but I do think he’s a great choreographer for the most part, although I’m not a big fan of some of the choreo he’s done)
Alternates: Peta (she’s my favorite professional, but I will admit, there are better choreographers than her even though she is a fantastic choreographer), Henry because he’s one of the most over-looked pros on the show. I honestly believe he is one of the best choreographers out there but he has been given no spotlight and hasn’t gotten the attention that he deserves. And Karina would be my third.
1.) Derek
2.) Sharna
3.) Karina
Honorable Mentions
Val, Mark, Emma, Cheryl
Derek Hough
Mark Ballas
Cheryl Burke to be different.
Altrenates would Be
Val Chmerkovsky (dont mind the spelling)
Sharna Burgess
and Karina Smirnoff (dont mind the spelling)
Sorry after Cheryl’s name dont know how to be different was in there. disregard that please.
1. Derek Hough
2. Sharna Burgess
3. Peta M.
Runners –
Mark
Val
Emma
I’m with Kelly K – with her comments regarding Maks ! it was so obvious… I LOVED what Val did with Meryl – and yes I think they should have been partners to start with…
Derek is in a class of his own. I am not ranking him with the others.
1. Mark
2. Sharna
3. PETA, – Katrina and Cheryl are inter- changeable.
4. Would be Val and Emma. Emma needs a better partner. What she did with Bill was fabulous.
Sasha’s dances with Snooki were creative.
1. Derek Hough
2. Sharna
3. Emma
As for runner ups Mark, when he is having fun. Val is good but like others I think he needs someone who needs to challenge him. To many ringers.
Derek, Karina, and Sharna in those orders,
Derek is far out in first followed by Karina. And some distance and then .sharna, Sharna is creative but hasn’t learned yet to tailor routines to their celeb yet, I think she can, Karina and Derek are creative and focus on their celeb. Remember Donald’s freestyle was Karina’s idea too.
Sharna suffers at times IMO a little what Mark has which is concept wins over what is best for the celeb. Mark is creative but sometimes I think he focuses more on a concept and gets stuck and suffers a bit in execution. His freestyle for Aly is a good example. With Bristol, he is like I always wanted to do Chicago for a freestyle. Nice idea. Wrong celeb.
Val suffered from bad choreo choices like that surfer flamenco. Awful. His work with Kelly ism overpraised IMO considering Kelly kept up dancing after the show. It is an insult to Alec to think Kelly’s dancing was all from Val. I do think he can do good competition style choreo considering he competed longer than some pros. I think he struggles in some ballroom dances. He clearly loves jives because those are good. But his foxtrots and waltzes are not great.
• Derek
• Sharna
• Mark
My rankings:
1. Derek Hough (hands down, no competition, THE BEST) He is his own competition.
2. None
3. None
No one comes close to Mr Hough.
My alternates (in their own class):
Mark, Sharna, Cheryl, Emma, Karina and Val. (No in orders).
I’m not ranking them because I think some are better then others in certain areas and others are worse in some areas so I think it’s subjective….but – Karina, Derek, and Sharna
My alternates are Val, Mark, and sometimes Cheryl. The thing with Val is that I think he is finally starting to see what works and what doesn’t work on the show. With Danica (and his week with Meryl) I really hope he continues on the path because he put out quality every week. Hopefully this version of val sticks because I hope he learned his mistakes from Kelly and zendaya.
I think with EVERY choreographer (even the golden child) they recycle moves and have dances they’re weakest at. I think Karina is morphing into what the show is becoming and that’s really great (I wish some people would do what Karina is doing).
Sharna is breath of fresh air, and you can feel it in everything she does. Mark and Cheryl, I go back and forth with them. It’s depending on the day
# 1: Derek
nobody comes even close to him. But I give # 2 to Mark, he has brought out some amazing stuff.
# 3 is a tie for many. Sharna, Louis, Val, Emma
I have seen many really good choreos on the show. They are just not outstanding like Derek’s are.
Derek
Karina
Sharna
Alternates
Emma
Cheryl
Mark
Also I agree with everything Donna (#8) said She is right on the money
1./2.Val/Derek
3.Mark – I loved him the most I think the season he danced with Chelsea Kane, I found all of those dances brilliant, and Katherine J. I also loved loved how he handled Bristol Palin. That season he really earned my appreciation.
mentions: Sharna. Emma.
I tend to agree with Megan2 with slightly different rankings.
Derek is great at everything he touches, but the others are better at some things than others.
After Derek, I would say Karina for ballroom, Sharna/Mark for contemporary/jazz and Cheryl/Val for Latin.
Derek
Karina
Sharna
Alts:
Mark
Val
Cheryl
P.S. Want to see what Emma could do with a great dancer.
Male Pros: Derek (by a mile), Val, Tony (j/k) & Mark
Female Pros: Cheryl, Karina and Sharna
1. Derek
2. Derek
3. Derek
There is no one that can compare with Derek Hough
Alternates: Mark, Sharna, Emma
1. Derek
2. Sharna
3. Karina
My alternates: Cheryl, Val, Mark and Emma
Derek
Karina
Mark
alternates: Cheryl, Sharna, Val
1.Derek Hough
2. Karina Smirnoff
3. Sharna Burgess
Alternates: Mark, Emma, and possibly Val.
Damn, I always write essays whenever assessing choreography. Here it goes!
@Penny #21 ITA with what you listed as traits of a great choreographer. That’s exactly why I went from just being lukewarm with Derek to absolutely loving him the past few years.
Now I think a great distinction was made in one post. There are the pros that are incredibly creative. And then there are the pros that make beautiful traditional choreography. Both types are absolutely amazing at what they do.
So for creativity:
1. Derek- He uses every nuance of the music to the greatest effect to tell stunning stories through dance. Like he always says, “motion equals emotion.” It sounds cheesy, but I truly feel like every dance is a beautiful expression of his soul. Nobody can touch him when it comes to raw emotional quality of a dance. He continues to challenge himself to broaden his creative horizons. Choreographing for ice dancers, ballerinas, a double amputee–keep it coming Derek! He’s redefining choreography for his generation. Need I say more?
2. Mark- His choreography is so “maximum impact.” High energy, eye catching costuming (even though his choices are often questionable), very stylized quirky moves, and again, his choreo is so connected to the music. Overall love his eccentricity, even though I don’t always love everything he does.
3. Sharna- you’ve seen an amazing contrast with her. She can create entertaining routines for the rhythmically challenged like Andy Dick, and stunning intricate pieces for ringers like Charlie. She’s gotten some odd songs thrown at her but the choreography always looks so cohesive. I don’t know how to exactly explain it, but her choreo just sits perfectly into the pocket of a song.
Honorable mention: Kym (if she were still there!) and Emma
I think all the pros in this category understand the best what it means to choreograph for a camera. On top of that, they’re the most versatile, the risk takers. They can seamlessly transition into styles like contemporary, jazz & hip hop. They’re freestyles are consistently great (I know I’m projecting with Sharna, but it’s obvious she’s got what it takes) Nothing intimidates them. On top of that, their routines always feel the most complete for me. It’s not just a dance for them. It’s a whole production. It’s art/poetry in motion (Derek), it’s masterpiece theater (Mark & Sharna). I feel like their ideas are endless. The choreography just flows out of them.
For traditional ballroom/Latin choreography:
1. Derek-Before he was the crazy mad scientist genius, he started the show as a thorough traditionalist. But what set him apart was the musicality of his choreography. And to this day, I’m always impressed how he can make classic ballroom dances look so glossy and fresh without losing the integrity of the traditional dance. When it comes to standard ballroom, I think he makes the most beautiful Viennese Waltzes, Waltzes, ATs/Tangos, and Foxtrots.
2. Val- He became a favorite of mine very quickly. Such a strong passionate Latin dancer. Killer jiver, love his Pasos. Yes, he’s been very blessed when it comes to partners, but he never lets up on the choreography. It takes more than a great partner to have a great dance. It’s been said so often, but that Argentine Tango he did with Meryl trumps everything Maks did with her. He knows how to challenge his partner, even though perhaps he hasn’t been very challenged himself. But I’m happy to see him stretch himself creatively.
3. Karina- I haven’t always been a fan, but I respect her a lot. Even though I consider her a traditionalist, she’s not short on creativity either. If she can choreograph a foxtrot to Boom Boom Pow and managed to make The Situation look kind of graceful, then that’s freakin amazing in my book. I feel like she’s never given enough credit. I think she’s the most well balanced choreographer in ballroom and Latin. Seems like TPTB enjoy screwing her over a lot, but she pretty much conquers every challenge they throw at her. Hope she gets another shot at the trophy with a contender.
Honorable mention: Kym and Cheryl
Well this is hard… I think I’ll break it down in groups of male and female pros.. if I may:
Men:
1) Derek
2) Mark
3) Val
Women:
1) Sharna
2) Karina
3) Peta
I’d put Cheryl in Peta’s spot but I think because Cheryl has been on the show since.. forever.. I feel like her choreography’s been “not-that-amazing” lately. I still love her as a dancer though, and she is one of my favorites but this past season particularly Peta showed some pretty cool choreo. I think she’s learning more and more each season.
Top 3 choreographers for me:
Love to watch:
1.Derek (Awesome)
2. Sharna (Challenges)
3. Karina (Passionate about what she does)
Alternates…Val, Mark and Emma
1.) Derek – because he knows how to choreograph just about anything, for anyone, to any song. Doesn’t matter if he’s handed a dud in any of those categories – he’s still able to deliver a quality routine…and I think that’s what makes a truly great choreographer on this show.
2.) Karina – like Derek, she’s able to work with just about anyone or anything and churn out something good. A few misses here and there, but overall quite good.
3.) Val – As I’ve said before, I think he’s still analyzing and getting a feel for what works and what doesn’t on DWTS, and I do see shades of genius in his work. I think his choreography for Danica has been some of his best, and he’ll likely continue to improve to the point where he could rack up some Emmy nods.
The best of the rest…
Sharna – still learning and growing, but very clever and entertaining choreo that suits her partners.
Emma – very good at concealing her partner’s shortcomings while playing up their strengths…just needs a contender to show what she can really do.
Mark – it’s 50/50 genius & insanity with him, I’m afraid. When he isn’t too wrapped up in being “out of the box” and original, he’s just as good as Derek.
Sasha – good choreography. Just haven’t see a whole lot out of him yet.
Cheryl & Kym – both have always been good at motivating their partners and making the best of them.
Peta does alright when she has an able-bodied partner, but I don’t think she’s been truly challenged yet and thus isn’t battle-tested as a good choreographer.
Man, I can’t believe I left Karina off.
I put Cheryl on my list because with her it’s not the choreography that’s an issue but her attitude. Really, when she’s invested and having fun, she’s kinda hard to beat on the female side in terms of knowing what works on this show.
I was 50-50 on Peta. I think she did really well this past season and didn’t fall into the showmance trap.
Karina really has evolved and grown. I remember not liking her with Mario but she has really gotten what the show was about. Way before the rest of the familia and some I still don’t think quite get it. Even Tony who won. One moment with Karina that stands out is her paso with Ralph. She incorporates the iconic karate kid moves. He is like looks odd but she says but it is so you, looks good on you. Also that foxtrot with The Situation to horrible song and her lovely rumba with Ralph. She gets it. She can overthink like her freestyle with Corbin would have been better without that trick, prior to that trick, thought it was a terrific freestyle. She is the best female choreographer.
Funny how Derek is seen as this rebel by some particular some factions. He was more traditional than Mark or Julianne IMO when he started. I also agree about the music and using it to maximum effect. I think some upset his jazz with Amy got nominated can’t get over the table. They are like she didn’t dance. Emmy winning bench dance by Mia had Heidi sitting for most of it. But to me she danced, it stirred an emotion and Mia choreographed a lovely piece. Choreography isn’t about a syllabus. That jazz piece used the music well and so smart and interesting. Adam Shankman once was asked difference between choreography and directing. He joked directing paid more. Paraphrasing but I think people should remember choreography not just about the steps.
People who claim that Jazz piece wasn’t dancing (and a lot of Amy’s other dances for that matter) are lacking in logic, emotion, imagination…the list goes on.
One thing they have a lot of is stupidity though. 🙂
#41. No, #1 is Maks. Don’t you know that he’s best of the bestest? All those Emmy nominees are nothing compare to him, not even his brother Val. He’s beyond greatness. He’s beyond the Emmy. He should get an Oscar or something like that. The fans has spoken. Hillary has spoken. Meryl has spoken. They dance beautifully. They could’ve make babies while dancing & gazing at each other. But he needed to be given the platform they gave to Derek ie. dance with Amy or Amber! Maks would’ve win it with Amy you know. It’s all their mistake, why oh why did he got Meryl.
Peta definitely needs to be challenged. And if anyone says Derek needs to be challenged, I’m sorry but they need to be hushed. His last partner had no legs!!
#52 Thiana, your post is hilarious. Still laughing…
My absolute favorite is Derek. His musicality is so incredible! And I tell you, when I watched that jazz with Amy I felt as if I were watching a short movie. Every second of that dance was memorable. And it made me think of Liza Minelli in Cabaret dancing to Mein Herr, where she danced most of the time on a chair. The problem is not using a prop, but not knowing how to use it to enhance the dance, and Derek did that wonderfully.
My second favorite is Karina, and my third, Mark Ballas.
Sorry Thiana, I didn’t realize you posted before. Anyway, I am cracking up at the “They could’ve make babies while dancing & gazing at each other.” Yeah right. lol
So this was a tough one:
1) Derek : What can I say that hasn’t been said.
2) Karina : She just takes everything into consideration from head to toe. And I love that.
3) Mark: So this was a tough one but he is just so good and creative. Yes, he has some tics but overall he has made some great dances on the show.
Now my fourth and fifth choices:
4)Val
5)Cheryl
I love discussions about choreography with knowledgeable people. It feeds my soul.
1. Derek- He’s not only a smart choreographer in that he can tailor the movement to fit his partner, but he doesn’t have to bring his choreo down to match his partners skill level, instead he brings them up to meet his choreo. That’s badass.
His musicality is incredible as well. He finds the light and the shade and all the in-betweens in the music. His top dances are Paso and Rumba.
2. Karina-I love that she takes chances and that she pushes and inspires her partners to give as much to the dance as she does. Girl’s got balls the size of Brooklyn.
She’s not as quirky choreographically as Mark (who is?), but she’s not afraid to push the limits and show us something we haven’t seen before. Jive and Waltz are her best dances.
3. Cheryl- As PH said earlier, when Cheryl is engaged and focused she’s golden. Nothing really earth-shattering as far as choreography goes, her strength is the ability to craft a really entertaining and memorable dance. Her Tangos are to DIE for.
Honorable mention:
Val- I do believe he’s finally starting to get into the groove of what makes a great dance on the show.
Sharna- She’s my mini-Karina in that she’s not afraid to take a chance. Great musicality.
Emma- From what we’ve seen so far from her, I’m really impressed. Imaginative and fun.
My picks
1) Derek
2) Karina
3) Sharna
#52 LOL Thiana Maks should dance with Maks. That would be the best showmance ever, even better than Meryl!!!! They guy absolutely loves himself more than anything else. 😀
Maks and a clone of Maks would win millions and millions of mirrorballs. Yes, perfect plan.
1) Derek Hough
2) Sharna Burgess
3) Val Chmerkovskiy
Alt: Karina and Maks
Haha.. Voguerista…that’s ok. I’m just tired of all the bad talk about Derek. What did he do to Maks fans? Or even Maks personally? It’s all jealousy, period.
LOL! Della
I love your 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choices!!!! 🙂
@PHeidi #51
I absolutely agree 100%.
If Kenny Ortego thought it was brilliant, there needn’t anymore be said.
LOL Thiana. I’m just glad you weren’t serious which at first I thought you were.
I like the choreographers that have worked with celebs who are not the best dancers and made it about the celeb and not themselves. Since the show is supposed to be about the celebs and not the pros even though it has changed a great deal in that direction. Val doesn’t get that and has not been challenged with a celeb who has no dance experience. The pros who have done that imo are Derek, Karina and Cheryl. They have had ringers and they have had non dancers and have created great routines for them all.
Derek
Mark
Val
Cheryl
My Top 3 DWTS Choreographers:
1. Derek Hough
2. Sharna Burgess
3. Mark Ballas
Alternates: Val Chmerkovskiy and Peta Murgatroyd
The best choreographer, by far, is Derek.
I believe that Cheryl is awesome, but needs good partners.
Val is very good and so is Maks, especially this season.
1.Derek
2.Cheryl
3.Maks
4. Alternate:Val
1. Emma
2. Derek
3. Val
Alternatives: Mark, Karina, Tony
Think most of the others are all too similar to be original
My first choice is: Derek My 2nd choice
is Emma Slater My third choice is
Mark Ballas
Derek – duh – can’t wait to see him next weekend in Phoenix!
Val – the waltz he did the first season was beautiful. It seemed he got a little too enamored with Kelly and the artistry wasn’t there (but the passion was) – but with Danica and the tango with Meryl, he choreo was wonderful
Karina – she is fearless and always upping her game like Derek. Her work is never lackluster regardless of who her partner is, like some of the other pros.
The top 3 choreographer from my point of view are :
1. Derek (of course)
2. Peta
3. Sharna
Potential to creater better choreo are :
1. Val
2. Mark
My top 3 choreographers are:
1. Derek
2. Karina
3. Val
I think Peta, Cheryl, and Mark are all “hit or miss” choreographers. Sometimes good, and sometimes not so much.
Top 3 are Derek, Val and Mark
Alts are Sharna , Emma and I think keep an eye on Whitney. She really surprised me with the dance she did with Drew.
My top 3:
1.) Derek – no explanation needed
2.) Karina – probably the most underrated and under appreciated. She has grown to understand what this show is about and has pushed herself to choreograph styles she isn’t well versed in.
3.) Val – I really enjoy his dances. He bugs me sometimes, but I akways FEEL something watching him and he partner. He does get the more….agile dancers, but my favorite partner of his was Sherri Sheppard, lol.
HM:
1.) Mark
2.) Cheryl
3.) Sharna – 3 seasons as a competing pro does not get you into my top 3. Her choreography with Charlie was amazing, but I always felt it was missing a spark. I was never satisfied when they finished. The only dance that completely did it for me was the jazz with Charlie and Andy and Andy’s foxtrot.
Almost forgot: I think Emma is the one who will give Karina a run for her money!
(1) Derek
(2) Karina
(3) Val
1- Derek
2- Karina
3- Sharna
I don’t get why everyone says that Karina is underrated, she is obviously a fan favorite.
Derek
Karina
Sharma
—-
Cheryl seems to be very hit or miss depending on her interest in & the talent level of the partner she draws where the above three consistently know how to make anyone look good.
1. Derek
2. Sharna
3. Mark/Karina
Alternates: Emma, Sasha, I would say Kym but I think she has moved on to other things. Cheryl is hot and cold for me. I know I didn’t pick either Cherm bro but I think Val hasn’t been tested yet and Maks….well his history doesn’t sparkle.
As far as the Emmy nominations, do people think that the nominated folks are the only ones that submitted something for consideration. Hello, we don’t know necessarily who submitted what. All we know is that Derek was nominated. Some of these Cherm bros fans live in some other dimension where their “team” has special rules. Sheesh I get tired of it.
1. Derek – there is no one even close to his ability
2. Mark – when he’s not trying to be sexy
3. Val – when he is trying to be sexy – lol
Alternates: Sharna and Lacey.
Derek
Mark
Karina /kym
Derek Hough, Karina Smirnoff, Sharna Burgess
Honorable Mention – Emma