Maks Chmerkovksiy Gives Advise For Remaining Couples On Dancing With The Stars, Makes Finals Prediction
Maks Chmerkovksiy has written some thoughts and advise for each of the remaining couples at his new blog at Entertainment Weekly. I’m agreeing with everything he’s written except the part on Derek and how he’s not supportive and making an effort with choreo, etc, for Marilu, but, I do agree that she doesn’t seem comfortable and she just needs to have fun. More below including Miss Heidi’s thoughts. Let us know what you think too. Maks also makes a Prediction on who will make the Finals: Laurie, Calvin, and James.
Marilu and Derek:
I think this is the first time we’ve seen Derek in a role he’s not used to. It’s the role of not being the best couple in the competition, nor having a partner who can do things the way he wants her to.
We always see similarities from season to season — all of us pros recycle stuff. Having several years of DWTS experience, we know there are weeks that are easier than others. We know a set of steps that we can put in that will impress, we know a set of lifts that we can put in that will impress, we know some choreography pieces that we can do over and over. I’m not saying this in a bad way at all — it’s just the way it is.
But I think maybe Derek is attempting this and it’s not working. Marilu is a different person than other people he’s worked with. I don’t doubt that he puts an effort into choreography and stylizing the dance and trying to make her look her best. But when he hits a wall and sees that she’s not responding the way he wants her to, I think he just gives up and moves on. She needs something that needs to be styled for her, so Derek’s signature fast footwork doesn’t really work. She needs to be a little bit smoother, and maybe slower action, or different song styles.
To me Marilu seems like she wants this the most — she genuinely loves the show and loves to do this, but it seems like she has zero fun. The look in her eyes as soon as she messed up just seems like she’s not comfortable in the situation. And Derek just doesn’t seem supportive enough. You can get frustrated (believe me, I know this) but then you have to come back and figure it out, work together, and try something else. You change your approach, and sometimes change your own personal style for the benefit of your partner.
Like I said I’m not innocent; I’ve obviously had issues and been frustrated with a partner in this competition, so I get it. But I feel like I’ve come back and adjusted my approach and made the best of a situation. Not everyone comes into the competition being great, but it’s a matter of adjusting to have the best outcome, and more than anything, being professional.
More at Entertainment Weekly.
Heidi: Maks has thought that Derek always had great partners for YEARS. To claim that this is the first time that Derek hasn’t had the best dancer is moronic at best – me thinks Maks still has a hard on for Derek and his only explanation for those six trophies is that “Derek always gets great partners”. Jealous much? Not only has Maks’ read on the show always been WAY off base (and not just about Derek, but in general), but he’s never understood the show and how it works. That much is obvious from his own lack of trophies except that one that was manufactured for him. And that he’s giving advice to DEREK of all people is beyond laughable. Derek is the one who changes tack with all his partners until he finds what works – Maks is the one who is rigid and unbending (that he thinks otherwise is delusional). The proof is in the pudding, dude. But most of all – that he doesn’t acknowledge that the packages don’t tell the whole story – something he’s complained about in the past – is just idiotic. But then…our sources have said that many of HIS packages were accurate because there was nothing good to show. So maybe he’s projecting. 😉
+1 Heidi!!!
This piece by Maks is like a diaper he’s so ready to change. Full of $hit!
What a typical load of crap from Maks! To my recollection he never accepted responsibility for his partners not doing well; it was either the partner’s fault or it was another couple who were being favored! Even now, he cannot admit that Derek has had partners that were in no way the best” in the competition, yet he could take them deeper into the competition than Maks could even when gifted with his own ringers! Just when I’m ready to give Maks (or Val on occasion) credit for finally growing up and getting the chip off his shoulder, he goes and says something like this! Bitter much Maks?
One thing i noticed was that he said Terra received all nines. He might want to fact check before he writes, since he gave her 3 points higher than she actually got.
Both Val and maks grate my everlasting nerve
I’m truly gobsmacked that even Max would write something like this. He really is such a self serving sorry as* (really, I can’t even think of another word that fits). The only time I’ve ever been a fan of Max was when he was with Kirstie Allie. Somehow, with her, he was able to come off of his high horse for bit, looked like he was having fund, and treated his partner well. His comments on Derek & Marilu don’t reflect well on him. Out of all of the pro dancers, Derek is probably the one most able to tailor his choreography to his dancers and always goes out of his way to make his teaching tailored to his partner’s level, and wants them to have a good experience (quite a different way of teaching compared to the C brothers). What a “hit job” piece. Max should be ashamed, but I don’t believe that word is even in his limited vocabulary.
Why does he even comment about Derek? It just shows his jealousy. Seriously he is giving advice to Derek because Maks.2 has had an epiphany about what DWTS really is? To funny.
Maks also thinks it’s a better show now because there’s a new exec producer. :::rolls eyes::: Truly delusional. This show is worse than it’s ever been. I dread to see what they will do next season. Have they found the basement yet?
My eyes might just roll out of my head!!! I couldn’t even read the whole thing.
I agree with all these statements, Its just another way to hurt Derek, because some of these dancers seem to be on the attack of him right now. They need to remember, you reap what you sow, be careful about throwing stones.
Maks is entitled to his opinion, but even Louis Van Amstel (who has never worshipped at the altar of Derek Hough) has given him a shoutout for respecting the integrity of the dances this season, and has praised Marilu repeatedly. Of course Derek gets frustrated and wants to give Marilu the best experience on the show, but sometimes results are harder to achieve. And if Marilu had ZERO fun, why would she beg people to vote for her to stay? I think she’s just tense due to the mistakes, but I don’t think she is a masochist. I just hope she will recall this experience fondly in the future, regardless of the outcome.
Well well well the real Maks rears his jealous head again. He does seem to forget about some of Derek’s partners that had “experience” , Amy Purdy, Kellie Pickler, Bindi Irwin, Maria etc etc etc. I am a bit concerned with his last sentence and the “being professional”. I hope he was talking about himself. He and his brother frustrate me to no end.
Great comment Heidi. Wish Marylou would make some comment about her experience so we could better understand and maybe put everything in perspective. I know Derek isn’t a saint (although I like to think that) but I do believe he is giving his best.
Maks “seems” like a user. Judging by his “critique” of Derek, he likes that word so let’s throw it back at him. Yes, people, I threw that microphone at my partner, Meryl, but I have seen the light. I want a judging job damnit!
Really a piece of shit interview. I never cared for Peta much tbh, but why even she would want something like this dude is beyond me.
Sorry, that pissed me off 🙂
Just when I think maks isn’t acting like a jerk this happens. Going to forewarn you this is probably going to sound brutal to some but that comment and something else he said annoys me more than words can express. First and foremost, he loves to pick on Derek but those are big words for a guy who had to use the shows manipulations to win finally…..same for his brother. Me thinks it sounds like jealousy thatbderek has more mbts and dare I say talent then them. Second, nice to see that he thinks changing his training strategy once (Kirstie) is such a big thing to him but get he doesn’t get that his “me maks you follow my intsructions and no fight” was used on all of the rest except for the partnership mentioned before and Amber (which was a shit show in terms of everything since he basically said screw it I don’t care from week one on…which was sad becuase she could have been good and he didn’t even scratch the surface of her potential). Third, Marilu has zero fun?! How about no. She is clearly having the time of her life out there but then again this is the same man that thought he is giving his partners so much fun I guess. Fourth, (and this is the part that bothers me the most) he seems to think that Derek has been given all great partners and has always been a frontrunner every time it seems. Well Maks, let’s just revisit one of Derek’s partners shall we. Amy Purdy was I think the biggest challenge any pro on the show has ever had and yet Derek made it work and made her a dancer and a front runner. now lets look at your partners….That’s a lot of ringers that you couldn’t get past the finish line there buddy. Him and Val have that in common I guess but their egos can’t comprehend that it’s their faults and not anyone else’s….typical maks and Val but at least Val has enough common sense to not sabatoge himself and his partner while maks does this right in the middle of the season. I’m going to guess that some people aren’t going to take kindly to his critique of Derek since he is generally loved by the fans.
@vin 100% agree…
Please Maks, you shouldn’t be giving advice to any of the couples especially Derek and Marilu. I wanted to say more and did but decided to erase it and just say that he sure lives in his own fairy tale world.
Lol @Linz!
Seriously?! Maks might as well go kiss Rob Wade’s behind. Maks, sucking up to the producers won’t make you again. Maybe your wishy washy critiques just suck and you do not display the unbiased, leadership like, wisdom and intellectual qualities that a judge on a TV show or a real competition should have.
However, I will preface what I’m about to say with I don’t know too much about Marilu before DWTS, but maybe the fact that she has had multiple divorces might be because she’s difficult to get along with.
Why do some viewers or we in general assume if a couple is having difficulties or communication gaps it’s because of the pro…Maks out of everyone should understand this the most and should have Derek’s back.
I just think Marilu is a controlling difficult person to work with. Personally, she’s probably fun! In one video she even called the producers to try to be the villain in their Cirque performance and Derek was confused and said oh really?
Also, by now we should know that if you don’t see it come out of their mouth its a sound byte. The package for Marilu was so processed and cut and added I can’t even. The head gestures didn’t even seem like they fit in with Derek’s words. Argh. ?
Just like how Bruno said “trust your partner.” If Maks wants to be a judge he needs to have every pros back.
As the saying goes: Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.
I know I have no reason to feel this way but I am kind of shocked to hear him revert back to his very old ways. I truly thought he had grown up and that fatherhood along with the DWTS break had served him well. I could not be more wrong.
As if the Derek part in this interview wasn’t enough, I do understand the reason for him to say “I am no fan of Ryan’s but …” in regards to his dance. Like, do you have to be a fan of anyone to give them any positive critique? The comment was completely unnecessary yet could also be received as hurtful too in regards to Ryan.
Maks is such a conundrum to me. He’s so much better than he was years ago, and I actually agreed with a lot of his advice but holy cow does he have a huge chip on his shoulder when it comes to Derek.
His section on Marilu/Derek was so much longer than everyone else’s, and it was directed almost completely at Derek. I’m sorry, but if Derek is going to take advice from someone he won’t take it from the guy who only knocked out a win when partnered with a professional dancer (and this is coming from someone that likes Maks). If Maks thinks he’s so evolved choreo/teaching wise, he needs to go back and watch his and Amber’s dances this season a few more times because he really let her down.
What’s weirdest to me, though, is that his comments in that article are not that same his comments on All Access. Maybe its because he was sitting next to Peta and/or Emma, but he was a hell of a lot more complementary towards Terra, Calvin, and Marilu/Derek. Peta straight up said Terra was her favorite. It appears Maks is a lot bolder when he’s not sitting next to someone who can push back.
I can’t believe he said he’s “not a Ryan fan at all” … and his point is??? If you wanna be a judge…you don’t say stuff like that.
If Peta wasn’t pregnant and was Ryan’s pro, I doubt he’d say that and would probably talk about how DWTS should be about the journey and not he best ringer blah blah blah. ?
Sharon1, I don’t know how much of it will be apparent in our interview with her, but she sure sounds like she’s having a good time. She said that this past week was her and Derek’s “best yet”. Take if for what you will. And I sure enjoyed talking to her.
You’re right, Jackie – I neglected to mention the Ryan B.S. as well. Maks clearly doesn’t have the maturity to be a judge on this show. To think he worried about Julianne’s impartiality? I may not always agree with her (and I do think she serves the producer agenda when required), but she’s actually more strict on her loved ones than on the others.
In some ways I can see what Maks is saying. Derek is an excellent, excellent dancer/instructor. However, Marilu is kinda having a problem catching on. She is so exact until she seems to be having a problem keeping up or concentrating on the steps and timing. She gets so angry at herself until it get’s in the way with her dancing or something.
Agree 100% with the above and found it beyond interesting that MAKS called Val’s crying routine a lot of B.S.
justine1, if that was ALL Maks had said, there wouldn’t be a problem.
Thanks Heidi. Looking forward to the interview. I was getting the impression that she was enjoying her time, so glad to hear that.
Forgot to add one thing. I love how he is predicting Laurie for the finale (which is clearly going to happen unless there is some catastrophic dance) but wasn’t it Val that said that nastia and Derek were so perfect it was uninteresting. I’m really confused here…when someone else has the gymansit that is great it’s uninteresting but since it’s Val, all maks can criticize is Val crying. Wanted to add that before but I couldn’t remember of Val had said that about nastia or ally.
justine1 – I think it’s been said more than once that Marilu is dancing well in rehearsal and then makes mistakes/lacks confidence during the live show. That’s not a problem in ‘catching on’ – it’s a problem that the live performance gets in her head… Unless Derek can telepathically turn her thoughts while dancing (and I don’t know of ANYONE who can do that!) then she’ll have to keep trying to do it for herself. Derek’s done beautiful, content-filled choreography for her, which she can handle in rehearsal, so I think that unless he tones it down completely, maybe to the level of Val’s content-light choreo for Laurie, then she’ll have to keep on ‘thinking’ through her dances, and she’ll look like she’s thinking instead of having fun.
By the way – is anyone else having trouble seeing the EW full article? I keep clicking on the link and getting an error page, and the article doesn’t show when I put EW in by itself, either. I’d love to see how ridiculous Maks might have been about the other couples, too. It’s a PureDWTS article, not PureDerekHough, so it should have the content for all of them…
It’s not just you with the article Laurie R. It happens with that site sometimes…that’s why I tend to avoid it unless it’s huge casting news or a movie announcement lol.
Perfect response, Miss Heidi! Always love your candor and sense of humor! 🙂
I’ll preface my comment by saying that I only read this segment about Derek and Marilu that Vogue posted here because I’m not getting the full EW article when I click on the link…maybe it’s just as well!!
I personally wouldn’t put too much (or any) credence into the advice given by someone whose record is 1 and 16. And that sole and predetermined win was with a partner who was a newly-crowned Olympic gold medalist ice dancer (whose short program/dance, BTW, was choreographed by master choreographer, Derek Hough!). Maks: “I think he [Derek] just gives up and moves on…Derek just doesn’t seem supportive enough.” Writing this makes Maks sound seriously delusional. And this is coming from a fellow colleague and so-called “friend.” How sad it is to know that Maks feels this way about Derek, but I guess we just have to consider the source. We don’t have to defend Derek…his incredible accolades and tremendous fan base speak for themselves. Now with these most recent remarks, Maks has surely shown his true colors.
Just when you think Max can’t throw anymore BS out! BAM!! There he is again. Honestly I can’t wait for the critique of the baby’s birth and how he did the whole thing by himself didn’t even need Peta or a Dr. because we all know he is just perfect in everything.
Has Maks even been watching the same show as the rest of us?
He seems to reside in the great Bubble of his own reality in faulting Derek on everything from music choices, teaching/choreography, former partners, support of Marilu, the kitchen sink & the Middle East Peace process!!
All this unsolicited advice from a 1-hit wonder who had to be pimped to a win with an Olympic gold medal ice dancer (and who could not even manage to write his own blog unassisted).
Max questioning Derek’s professional accomplishments and teaching & coaching abilities reveal only his own continuing jealousy & UNPROFESSIONALISM.
Okay, I have decided to be just a lurker this season but this post just compelled me to comment. Agreed with everything that has been said about Maks and his delusions. I laughed so hard at what he has written about Marilu and Derek. I bet Maks didn’t realize how ridiculous his criticism of Derek is. Derek not supportive enough? In what/whose universe, Maks? Oh, yeah. Yours, hah! And he had the gall to say that the “rivalry” between was all from Derek’s side? *snorts*
I.T.A. with PHeidi!
Marilu had loads of Fun in her Jive, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz & Cha Cha the last 2 being just 3/2 weeks ago. She has 2 bad weeks & suddenly Derek is the worst coach ever who takes all the fun away from her.
I feel like Derek is really missing Mark’s compassion and support this season. Derek was wonderfully supportive to Mark in his tense season with Alexa. Alexa like Marilu often just couldn’t deliver despite her potential and Mark’s hard work and Mark was beyond frustrated.
So typical of Maks – say a lot of good things that I agree with, then shit the bed when it comes to Derek. I like Maks, but he should just refrain from saying anything about Derek because even if he has an element of truth in there – I DO think Derek is frustrated – Maks just can’t react to Derek without his bias rearing its ugly head. Some of what he says is absolutely laughable, given the person delivering it.
Guess Maks wouldn’t be Maks if he didn’t make it hard to keep liking him.
All Maks had to say is that Derek and Marilu have some issues, but that both of them are doing their best to fix them. But that’s the problem with Maks, he doesn’t know when to shut up or to move on to another topic.
He’s calling out Derek’s professionalism and that’s not right. Derek has moved mountains for his partners. He’s also the best pro at not only seeing what his partners can do, but what their potential is and helping them to get there. He gets them to do things they never dreamed they could do. That’s what an excellent teacher does.
Of course he can get frustrated, but I don’t see him showing that frustration in the same manner Maks has with his punching a wall, throwing his mic pack, shoving and pushing his partners body into place and checking out completely. Your record isn’t good dude, so why are you throwing sticks and stones at Derek?
You’ve got a beautiful and kind fiancé, a baby on the way, a successful dance studio and a family that loves you, LET IT GO. The pissy comments about Derek are beyond tired and serve only to make you look like a bitter, jealous hag.
Maks has serious collegiality issues. Just thinking about all of the assholey behaviour he’s displayed through the seasons and all his fellow pros stayed collegial and never blamed him for anything. Derek & Cheryl stayed supportive and collegial when Maks threw a fit during team rehearsals with Hope Solo. Last season Maks threw a lot of shit on his “friend” Keo & now Keo is basically only hanging out with Derek & Hayley.
I wonder if Maks realizes that this is exactly why he’s not a judge and never will be. He can’t open his mouth without showing his envy of Derek and heaping disdain on anyone who might threaten his own narrative that Val “is the star” of dwts.
I think Marilu and Derek are both a bit frustrated – something just isn’t working between the two of them. Don’t quite know what is it really. But having said this I still enjoy watching a 64 year old lady in action trying to do her best. BUT I really don’t think Maks needed to throw all that shade over in Derek’s direction. I really think Derek is trying to make it work but for whatever reason the dances aren’t going as planned.
The comment that shocked me more than anything else is the Ryan comment. That was so ridiculously rude. I’m not a Ryan fan either and I’m happy that he’s gone but I really cringed when I read that. So unnecessary.
I guess Maks is never gonna learn when to keep his mouth shut. Once a Motor Mouth, always a Motor Mouth. It’s sad that he has to be that way and he sees nothing wrong with his behavior. Let’s hope Junior is more like his mom and not his dad!!
@Carrie W
About that Ryan comment – yes ridiculously rude & unnecessary particularly in light of Ryan saying that the pros & celebs on DWTS really became like a family to him. And Derek saying that DWTS is a positive show when confronting the Lochte protesters.
Perhaps everyone should just read what DEREK has to say on the subject, eh?