Maksim Chmerkovskiy Looking Forward To The Finale And Performing With Amber Rose And Emma York

Maksim Chmerkovskiy explains his dance this week with Laurie Hernandez and his brother Val in his new blog at Entertainment Weekly. It was a great experience and an emotional one too. He also gives his thoughts on the final four. Note that next week he is not only performing Qith Amber Rose, he’s also doing a piece with with Emma York. Here is more…

On the final four in the finale

I thought Jana stepped it up this week. I saw the dress rehearsal and I didn’t like the dance too much, so the fact that it came out the way it did was a testament to their continued hard work. Though, I have to say, I don’t think Jana is someone who has necessarily improved over the season when I consider everyone else. Even Laurie — who came in very much as a ball of muscle and already in shape — we’ve seen transformation into more of a performer than she was at the beginning. The same with Calvin; I would say he has made noticeable improvements over the course of the last several weeks as well. But I don’t know, I just don’t see that with Jana.

James had another great set of performances last night. I feel like he now knows what’s up and understands where he’s at in the competition. And I think Calvin, Laurie, and James — specifically because they’re athletes — are more equipped at dealing with a final push to the finish line.

Next week will be freestyle performances, and I just don’t know what those will look like for some of the finalists. It will be interesting to see what each couple picks. I’m looking forward the finale, though, and working with Amber again! Also, Emma York, who is a superstar — she’s incredible and a lot of work went into this little piece we’ll have in the finale, so we’re very excited!

More at Entertainment Weekly.