Amy Purdy, James Maslow, and Peta Murgatroyd reflect back on their Dancing With The Stars journeys with Parade Magazine. I love these. I am missing the show already. *cries*
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
Mark Ballas talked with Ralphie Tonight about this past season of Dancing With The Stars. He puts the rumors to rest about Maks and Meryl dating and how and why they dodged the question saying, “They’re just intelligent. They know how to play the game” (if only they knew how much respect they lose when they play games with fans like that). Mark also discusses his new album and his new “Get My Name” single below. More at the link including how he’d liked to jump on tour with a major artist. There is also an audio link of this interview at the link. Also, be watching TMZ LIVE as they should be posting a new interview soon.
“The day we put it out, it debuted at No. 24 on the iTunes Pop Chart,” Ballas recalled proudly of May 5. “I’m doing this all independently: no (record) label. So considering that, I’m really excited.”
The song is a fun pop track – Ballas croons over a bouncy beat infused with a bit of jazz. His “DWTS” cohort Derek Hough directed the song’s music video, a total throwback to the era of the ‘50s and ‘60s. “Get My Name” is the first single from Ballas’ forthcoming LP.
“This is the first full studio album I’ve done,” the singer said of the project. “I’ve done acoustic EPs and I’ve done acoustic stuff before, which has been a little more stripped back because I hadn’t had the resources or the access to amazing producers in the genre that I wanted to go into.”
That changed when Ballas signed a music publishing deal with Nashville-based BMG.
“(BMG) put me in the studio with some great producers like Jim Beanz, The Stereotypes, and then the producer that’s done a majority of my record’s name is Wizz Dumb,” Ballas revealed. “He’s Timbaland’s protégé; he works in that camp.”
ETA: To see Mark interviewed by Z100, go here. He also performs “Get My Name”.
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
So against my better judgment, I decided to resurrect these awards, after skipping them for a few seasons 😛 Just figured that everyone had some pretty strong opinions about this season, and would want to discuss (or argue…) about some of the finer aspects of this season…so here’s the gist:
1.) You get one vote per award category.
2.) If you don’t see your first choice listed, you are able to write-in votes for SOME of the categories – but here’s my strong words of caution: seldom do write-in votes win these awards, so I would encourage you to only write-in if you feel really strongly about something; if your write-in vote is grossly misspelled, doesn’t make sense, or cannot be understood, I’m throwing it out – I’ve had too many seasons of weeding through pages upon pages of write-in votes that were only slightly above jibberish in terms of clarity. And if you decide to be a little jerk and answer questions like “Which was the best dance of the season?” with “All of Meryl’s dances!!!” or “tie between Meryl’s tango, Candace’s contemporary, Amy’s Argentine tango, and Charlie’s jazz”, I’m throwing out your vote. Pick ONE – like all of the people courteous enough to actually follow the rules of this poll.
3.) Polls will be up for ONE WEEK – so get your votes in NOW. Read more..
Ultrasound sales specialist by day, semi-knowledgeable DWTS fan by night...with a smattering of hair & makeup enthusiast, occasional model, baker, and crazy cat lady peppered in to make things REALLY interesting ;-) I might pee my pants in happiness if Donnie Wahlberg ever does DWTS - or if they ever use "Sunglasses at Night" as a paso doble.
One of my twitter followers private messaged me about this topic taking place at the Dancing With The Stars discussion area and it also showed up in one of my searches. I thought this might make a fun topic for us too. Question: Who was the better dancer: Nicole Scherzinger or Meryl Davis? Also (and I had to throw this question in too), which were your favorite dances for each?
I think Nicole was the better dancer hands down. Meryl’s Tango with Val was brilliant in my opinion and her Tango and Freestyle took my breath away with Maks. However, most of her other dances felt weak to me in some way. They didn’t give me that “moment”..and especially the faster dances when she had to move her hips. As for Nicole, it seemed there wasn’t one dance she couldn’t master. Every week, she came out full of intensity for with something to prove for each. My favorite dances for Nicole were Argentine Tango, the Paso Doble, the Jive, and the freestyle.
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
This is kind of cool. In this AOL exclusive, Tony Dovolani shows how you can keep fit through dance…
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
“Makes your soul feel good” ~ Mark Ballas
Dancing With The Stars and singer Mark Ballas talked with 95.5 WPLJ FM about his new music and new album coming at the end of the summer. He says it’s finished, but, he wants to put out a couple of singles first. He’s also hoping to tour after the album comes out too. I’m excited for him. If the rest of the songs are anything like “Get My Name” , it’s going to be a winner in my opinion. Go Mark!
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
Guest blogger, Lois Troutman, writes a review of the Dancing With The Stars Season 18 seen from her eyes….
DANCING WITH THE STARS SEASON 18 R-E-W-I-N-D
Written By Lois A Troutman, May 24, 2014Season 18 of DANCING WITH THE STARS is now history! Archived in the ABC computer memory banks. Trillions of tiny pixels have captured every dance step, every word spoken, every movement! Please come with me as I R-E-W-I-N-D and review the tiny pixels in that memory bank! With a click of the mouse, those memories come back to life!
We waited in anxious anticipation of the Cast Announcement! Where and when would we discover the next group of celebrities willing to take on the arduous challenge? We always have cast leaks but they are not necessarily exact. Every season begs the answer to this question – would The Blushin’ Russian or the Prowling Lion, whichever one shows up, return? You know exactly who I mean! Wink! Wink!
Wah Lah! The magic begins! On March 4, 2014, the Cast Announcement took place in Los Angeles, Californina, on GOOD MORNING AMERICA! A lucky audience witnessed the reveals.
ERIN ANDREWS debuted as Co-Host, ably taking the stage with Host Stalwart, Emmy Winner, TOM BERGERON. The first of many changes which I will cover as I R-E-W-I-N-D those pixels.THE CELEBRITIES AND PROS IN ORDER OF. THEIR ENTRANCE ON THE STAGE:
DANICA MCKELLAR AND VALENTIN CHMERKOVSKIY
CODY SIMPSON AND WITNEY CARSON
BILLY DEE WILLIAMS AND EMMA SLATER
DIANA NYAD AND HENRY BYALIKOV
NENE LEAKES AND TONY DOVOLANI
JAMES MASLOW AND PETA MURGATROYD
SEAN AVERY AND KARINA SMIRNOFF
DREW CAREY AND CHERYL BURKE
CANDACE CAMERON BURE AND MARK BALLAS
CHARLIE WHITE AND SHARNA BURGESS
MERYL DAVIS AND YES FOLKS HE CAME BACK – MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY
AMY PURDY was announced via tape with DEREK HOUGHMarch 17, 2014, Season 18 debuted for the DANCING WITH THE STARS faithful television and in-person audiences! WOW – Season 18 already! I remember the very first show of Season One! The show has evolved into a juggernaut, a dancing dynasty! If I had my wish, and I believe I speak for the majority, we will have 18 more seasons! Oh pshaw, I would love to be in the Old Folks Home Rockin To The Dancing Beat in my rocking chair! If I can still pull words out of my brain, I’ll still be writing about the show!
SEASON 18 CHANGES:
THE SWITCH-UP:
The change that generated much chatter and confusion was The Switch-Up. Derek hinted at this change during the Cast Announcement broadcast. Everyone seemed confused if this was a one-week occurrence or would actually go further. Votes were cast for the switched celebrities and pros. The confusion was cleared up in Week Four as Week Five would be the only week for the switched partners. Phew, wiping of brows spread throughout the studio! The original pairs would resume in Week Six.
My Grade For The Grand Switch-UP! – A-
I had actually thought of this before. What if they danced with another pro? Since it was a one-time occurrence, why not sit back, relax and enjoy what could be done with other pairings. Sure it wasn’t the same vibe, but the vibe was still pretty darned entertaining!
ADDITION OF MORE GUEST JUDGES:
Guest judges were the rule as most weeks there was a fill-in with a guest. Returning was JULIANNE HOUGH. Joining In the guest judge rotation were ROBIN ROBERTS, RICKY MARTIN, ABBY LEE MILLER, REDFOO, DONNY OSMOND, and renowned Director/Choreographer KENNY ORTEGA.
ORTEGA, as an expert, offered the best commentary. I enjoyed the different takes and views of ROBERTS, MARTIN, REDFOO, and OSMOND. HOUGH really rubbed me the wrong way this season. Yes, her commentary of Maks phoning it in didn’t help. But quite honestly, she need not return if they have guests for Season 19. The wrong way rubbing continued with me big time with MILLER. Again, her comments about Maks didn’t sit well with me. But, her entire appearance left me colder than an iceberg in Alaska!
My Grades for Guest Judges – A for Entertainment! D- For the inclusion of HOUGH and MILLER!
Should there be guests next season? Sure, why not, but how about being consistent and using pros each guest shot who are not dancing on the show. For example, if LOUIS VAN AMSTEL isn’t dancing, have him be a guest judge.
The $64,000 question for next season is whether LEN GOODMAN will return. If he decides to hang up his “A TEN FROM LEN PADDLE”, who would you choose for his replacement? Off the top of my head I could choose KENNY ORTEGA, KYM JOHNSON, and The Blushin Russian MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY. Both JOHNSON and CHMERKOVSKIY have now had judging experience. Perhaps they should be at the top of the list. Of course my preference is to stiil have GRUMPY GOODMAN, if he decides to give the paddles another whirl. But, whatever he decides will be the right thing.
THE INTRODUCTION OF DANCING DUOS:
All season long I was waiting for the Trio Dances! The season wound down to the final weeks, no trios, but dancing duos. My opinion is I find any dancing styles, combinations to be entertaining. But darned if I didn’t miss the trios! For example, I was looking forward to Henry, Sasha and Artem perhaps chosen for trios. No biggie, I suppose but perhaps next season the trios will be reinstated. Or some other combinations. I love the Team Dances and of course the highlights of any season, the Freestyles.
My Grade for Duos – A for Entertainment
NEW WAYS OF ANNOUNCING ELIMINATIONS, ETC:
Often on Season 18 the eliminations, who was in jeopardy, etc, were announced sporadically throughout the broadcast. Often expecting the couple to dance when they found out they were in jeopardy. Two eliminations were announced the second week of the show. I suppose they had to do something to keep within the time restraints of number of shows. But throwing two couples out the first eliminations had to sting.
Grade for This Category – B- – For the shock factor and seemingly being hard on the contestants to dance after finding out they were in jeopardy.
THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE SKYBOX:
Thank the Dancing Gods for bringing back the Skybox! It just simply made more sense to separate the dancers from the judges, than the ghastly glitter pit they had for Season 17. It is a much better place for ANDREWS to conduct the interviews of the dancers after their dances. And to get their scores. Plus the cast can gather together, watch from above, and show their support for each other.
Grade For Bringing Back the Skybox – A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
My Grade for ERIN ANDREWS as new Co-Host – A+. I like her as a Sports Reporter. I am equally pleased with her on the show! She did fine work and I welcome her back next season!
FURTHER THOUGHTS ON SEASON 18:
The dancing was of high caliber and phenomenal! It was hard seeing couples who were excelling, doing superlative dancing leaving. Yes, it happens every season. But my jaw dropped at the eliminations of especially MCKELLAR and WHITE from finale consideration. The dancing was exceptional and the eliminations had to be. But it got harder to see dancers who were doing blockbuster work leaving the ballroom.
Personal stories unfolded that left us inspired, AMY PURDY’s spectacular, how-does-she-do-that dancing journey with DEREK HOUGH. To CANDACE CAMERON BURE overcoming nerves and fears with the help of MARK BALLAS. To MERYL DAVIS AND MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY intense, sweet, explosive, never before seen for Maks chemistry. To CHARLIE WHITE AND SHARNA BURGESS keeping us happy every week. To JAMES MASLOW AND PETA MURGATROYD taking us on a journey of intense passion. To DANICA MCKELLAR AND VALENTIN CHMERKOVSKIY making us happy we were her guests at the dancing ball. To all the rest of the couples for drawing us in to this very happy show!
I adore every pro! I am in awe of their astounding dancing talents! Even if they aren’t teaching, they work hard each season. Especially this season they were included in a lot of the couple’s dances. I loved that aspect! It added to the effect, offering a dance revue style, etc. I love each and every pro number from the openings to the re-instated Macy’s Stars of Dance! I don’t think there is anything these pros can’t learn and teach! They do it all with stupendous talents! I salute every one! They are all stellar and have their own unique qualities to bring to the dancing table!
Conrad Green, long-time Executive Producer at the helm, is hanging up his dancing duties. Rob Wade will be at the helm starting in Season 19. Perhaps many more fresh ideas will enhance this already brilliant show calked DANCING WITH THE STARS!
I was ecstatic to see The Mirror Ball Trophy hoisted by MERYL DAVIS AND THE BLUSHIN’ RUSSIAN, MAKSIM CHMERKOVSKIY! I am ecstatic to see him win his first! So well deserved!
The season meandered along at a clip faster than a speeding bullet! From their first introductions to the final crowning of the champions, it seemed like it was a blur of dance steps, sequined costumes, host chatter, judges scoring paddles, etc!
Season 19 will return in September with a new cast! I shall welcome this one with the same gusto that I have welcomed each cast! I have seen every season, every show! My hopes are to have the show continue twice a year for many seasons to come! Each season is unique and special!
As Bruno said about the Team Loca Dance, if there was a Results Show there could be an encore. I felt that way about many dances. And, I have not been shy about wanting the Results Show to return.
Thanks for reading my opinions and this DANCING WITH THE STARS, SEASON 18
R-E-W-I-N-D! We will be wound up again in September for Season 19!
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
ABC World news featured a segment with Maks Chmerkovksiy last night. They talked of his life and his road to winning a mirror ball on Dancing With The Stars. I’m loving the footage of when he was little…
ABC US News | ABC International News
Also, People has an article posted with some pictures of Meryl and Maks celebrating their win at a New York City night club. Val Chmerkovskiy, Tony Dovolani and Jenna Johnson were also there.
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
Copied from Pure Derek Hough where you can find lots more goodies including rehearsal news, more interviews, screen caps from the week and lots more…
Good4Utah has a fun new interview posted with Derek Hough. I can’t embed it, so, be sure to see it at the link. Derek tells them about his tour coming to Utah and what he plans to do with his dad while he’s there. Amy Purdy is interviewed too and she chimes in. They talk on Dancing With The Stars as well. Below is a take. Be sure to see the link for more.
Viewers this season have watched Amy redefine “impossible” with Derek’s groundbreaking choreography, dance moves that Utahns will get to see up close and personal during he and sister Julianne’s new summer dance tour.
“Julianne and I are taking the tour to Utah and we are dreading it because of the altitude…” said Hough.
Altitude aside Derek says, even after 18 seasons in Los Angeles, on Dancing with the Stars, it’s Utah where he feels most at home .
“I really hope that coming from Utah, I represent it. I don’t know if I am or not, but that we are doing them proud,” said Hough.
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
The summer dance tours are heating up! Derek and Julianne Hough’s MOVE Live On Tour is about to begin. Also, “Ballroom With A Twist” is gearing up for it’s summer run as well. Scott Stander, the producer of “Ballroom With A Twist“, tells us the show “is going great guns!” He also tells us they have a “very exciting schedule this year and some shows are already SOLD OUT”! He also informs us of all the pro dancers from Dancing With The Stars for who will be performing. They include Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy, Tony Dovolani, Karina Smirnoff, Anna Trebunskaya, Sharna Burgess, and Cheryl Burke! He also tells us Maks and Val will be hosting some shows as well as performing. Here is more from Scott…
BALLROOM WITH A TWIST is going great guns!… We have a Very Exciting Schedule this year and some shows are already SOLD OUT!
Summer 2014 will be our Starriest Tour- and we think the fans will be psyched to see their favorite Celebrity dancers up close and personal. Maks & Val will perform together! Hosting and performing on stage in one show! This dream has been a year in the making so I’m really looking forward to seeing that chemistry hit the stage. And the icing on the cake is bringing this show and the Big Stars to Hawaii for the first time. I don’t think Waikiki will ever be the same.
Below is a list of the shows and the pros who will be dancing….
BALLROOM WITH A TWIST – SUMMER 2014 SCHEDULE:
Brooks, CA Cache Creek Casino Resort June 21, 2014 (Anna Trebunskaya and Val Chmerkovskiy)Dallas, TX Music Hall at Fair Park July 19th (Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Tony Dovolani, Karina Smirnoff, and Cheryl Burke) 2 shows
Beverly, MA North Shore Music Theatre in July 31 and Aug 1st (Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, and Sharna Burgess) Sold -Out
Westbury, NY NYCB Theatre at Westbury Aug 2nd (Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, and Sharna Burgess)
Lancaster, Pennsylvania Fulton Theatre Aug 5-10 (Val Chmerkovskiy & Sharna Burgess)
Seattle, WA 5th Avenue Theatre Aug 15-17th (Sharna Burgess, Val Chmerkovskiy, Maks Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff)
Honolulu, HI Blaisdell Concert Hall August 19 & 20th (Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Val Chmerkovskiy, Karina Smirnoff, Sharna Burgess,Tony Dovolani & Cheryl Burke)
Then we start back up in the fall thru Spring and into next summer. Stay tuned for more amazing news!
For ticket information for how you can attend, see our Ballroom With A Twist schedule which is featured in our “Pure DWTS Features” in the top bar. As most of you know, I saw the show in February and it was a gas!! What a lively night of fun and entertainment!! If you think the pros are fun and awesome to see on TV, wait until you see them up close and personal. It’s a whole different ballgame.
"Dance is the hidden language of the soul" ~ Martha Graham. That's what DWTS makes me think of every Monday night. To read more about me and my other interests, see Lisa Kay Photography. You can also follow me at Voguerista Twitter & Voguerista Soundcloud.
