Dancing With The Stars II - week 1

[Larinda McRaven]

Just thought I would get this up and going for tonight! I won't be around for the first half of the show but I will check back in when I get home from work. Keep the commentary rolling and Have FUN!

[Katarzyna]

Great idea Larinda :)
(btw thank you for the tan, I really love it. might have to find a way to get some more in couple months :) )

[Indiana_Jay]

We have choir rehearsal and a studio practice dance tonight, so I don't know when we'll get around to watching the reply. Guess I'll avoid this thread until we watch it!

[Katarzyna]

The first contestant is trying to pull off John O'hurley, but he has to do more than just stand around and let Edyta dance around him... Perhaps he will get a chance to work on the dancing.. Poor guy calling on senior citizens to call for him... :) the score seemed fair. It only leaves room for improvement

[LXC]

First one done and I really like it! Generally good rhythm and presentation.

[Katarzyna]

Poor Luis starting with a waltz again. a lot beter than his waltz last time around... definitely not his strongest dance... Lisa looks great, I think they have a chance to do really well... the latin should be really good. can't wait to see some great latin dances. They will stick around for quite a while I think.

[LXC]

The first contestant is trying to pull off John O'hurley, but he has to do more than just stand around and let Edyta dance around him... Perhaps he will get a chance to work on the dancing.. Poor guy calling on senior citizens to call for him... :) the score seemed fair. It only leaves room for improvement

I think he will get the senior vote:)

It seems I'm more critical with the standard dances. I can bear watching George standing but having a good time but can't stand Lisa's frame and nervous face.

[LXC]

Can we disagree more? :p

[mamboqueen]

I agree. I think Lisa will do really better in latin. Loved her dress and hair; however, she seems to look uncomfortable in her lips. Nice to see her hubby cheering her on, too.

As for George...he's out of his element here....maybe they need a senior version of the show??!! Hard to compete with those fit young'uns.

[Katarzyna]

I think he will get the senior vote:)

It seems I'm more critical with the standard dances. I can bear watching George standing but having a good time but can't stand Lisa's frame and nervous face.Lisa's frame wasn't very good, but she didn't get much support there from Luis...

[Katarzyna]

Can we disagree more? :pI just see a lot more potential in Lisa.. :)

[chandra]

:)

Did you see the stare off between the football player and the espn guy? That was funny

[chandra]

I liked the first cha cha WAY better than this one!

[mamboqueen]

Okay...Andrea Hale and her guy do not appear to be dancing *together*. Egads!

[Katarzyna]

Kenny seems off beat the whole time... He is trying really hard, putting a lot into it.... but he will need to work on technique to stick around... he needs to soften more, he was trying to go for sharpness, but didn't quite get it...

[RhumbaWaltz]

How do we describe Kenny's dancing? (and I use the term "dancing" loosely...)
I wonder if his partner is secretly annoyed. I do like his shirt though.

[Katarzyna]

I liked the first cha cha WAY better than this one!definitely agree with that

[LXC]

Kat, now you know how good George's cha was! :D

I like Kenny's efforts though.

[mamboqueen]

I just see a lot more potential in Lisa.. :)

I have a feeling this is going to hold true with most of the women. I just think the men are at such a disadvantage...having to lead these women who are dancing way beyond them. The men are almost accessory to their partners. The male pro's on the other hand, don't seem to be as severely over-dancing their partners. Just my opinion, tho.

[RhumbaWaltz]

Kenny is really funny in the post-dance interview. :)

[Katarzyna]

I have a feeling this is going to hold true with most of the women. I just think the men are at such a disadvantage...having to lead these women who are dancing way beyond them. The men are almost accessory to their partners. The male pro's on the other hand, don't seem to be as severely over-dancing their partners. Just my opinion, tho.you are definitely right about this. It just seems that they are in a lot better shape, flexible etc... The men try to win with character so far, the girls with ability.... Seeing Stacy and Tony, they look really good :) with her long legs they could use more movement... good lines.

[LXC]

Stacy and Tony: good posture and good lines but they don't move! One picture line after another... OK I'm asking too much for first week.

[mamboqueen]

Maybe they need to have the lesson ratio a little different; more hours for the men.

Though Stacy and Tony did great considering smooth is not his strong suit. I wouldn't have expected as much grace from a wrestler as she put forth; her arms looked really good as did her posture -- and what a bod!

[mamboqueen]

Wow! Talk about humbling a guy...Cheryl to Drew this is not a boy band remark....

[Katarzyna]

Drew is the best man so far... some awkward moments but a lot better than all the other man. at least he can step on the beat... his body is a little more free too

[mamboqueen]

yeah, he actually got a few cha cha steps in there....not sure I agree it was the best dance of the night, but happy to see a female pro not make the difference in skill so overwhemingly apparent ... she did some basics, too.

[RhumbaWaltz]

Stacy and Tony: good posture and good lines but they don't move! One picture line after another... OK I'm asking too much for first week.

I agree - they looked really good, but where was the actual waltzing?

[Katarzyna]

yeah, he actually got a few cha cha steps in there....not sure I agree it was the best dance of the night, but happy to see a female pro not make the difference in skill so overwhemingly apparent ... she did some basics, too.agree 100% with everything in this post!

[LXC]

I think Drew is the best so far. There's some actual dancing and he looked like he's having a good time.

[scotttocs]

I agree - they looked really good, but where was the actual waltzing?

I don't know, it looked like smooth to me. They had what 3 bars of closed hold?

Then again, I don't know anything about smooth.

[mamboqueen]

welcome scotttocs!

Jury is out on Max and Tia....not sure

[Katarzyna]

Max looks pretty good in standard.smooth. Tia has some work to do I think... quite a bit...

[Shannon]

Well, I haven't chimed in on any posts in a while but this show has brought me back.

I agree with a lot of the comments already posted.

I think Drew did really well. I wasn't thoroughly impressed with George and the other guy, name is escaping me.

I think Stacy did well but I was wondering the whole time if they were every going to take closed position and they never really did. Disappointing.

I actually think Tia did a great job especially stepping in there with all these fit ladies after just having a baby. Go Tia! And I enjoyed the fact that they had a good balance of open and closed figures in their routine.

[Katarzyna]

P MIller will be out SOOOOOON

[mamboqueen]

I actually think Tia did a great job especially stepping in there with all these fit ladies after just having a baby. Go Tia! And I enjoyed the fact that they had a good balance of open and closed figures in their routine.


You're right. Just to get out there a month after delivering is brave. High fives for that.

This guy....P Miller...yikes...couldn't he have removed the hat? Poor Ashly...gets another clunky guy.

[mamboqueen]

My mother just called me...she's in love with Max. Not sure what to make of that....

[chandra]

It kinda looked like ashley was dancing with a brick wall... That moved...

[Shannon]

Well, it is obvious that P is on the show just because of a commitment of his son's. Poor Ashly.

[RhumbaWaltz]

This guy....P Miller...yikes...couldn't he have removed the hat? Poor Ashly...gets another clunky guy.

Ashley and P Miller were tough to watch. I do like the phrase "ganga cha cha" though!

[mamboqueen]

Well, it is obvious that P is on the show just because of a commitment of his son's. Poor Ashly.


Just imagine the grief his poor son is going to get!!!

[pygmalion]

You're right. Just to get out there a month after delivering is brave. High fives for that.

Amen. I kept wondering whether or not the judges would ever consider braving the floor after childbirth. I thought she looked great. I bet her dancing will be better, week by week. :cool:

This guy....P Miller...yikes...couldn't he have removed the hat? Poor Ashly...gets another clunky guy.

Amen. Exactly what I expected. :( :?

[LXC]

OMG, how bad can it get? P wasn't even trying, despite all that talk

[mamboqueen]

Ashley and P Miller were tough to watch. I do like the phrase "ganga cha cha" though!


a gem!

[scotttocs]

P MIller will be out SOOOOOON

That was just painful.

[Larinda McRaven]

Jonathan came off a lot more humble than his intriduction on the first season and Giselle looks great. The choreography looks to be a great skill level for her!

[Shannon]

Can I just say that I am soooo happy the women are putting their hair up this season. I was so tired of all the flying hair last season. I hope it continues.

[alemana]

godDAMN the forum was down for me for almost the whole show! and now nine minutes after the show is over, DF is back. UGH. i missed you all so much!

[mamboqueen]

Wonder what happened there...very inconvenient time for a crash!

Not sure about Tatum's dancing, but I actually think she dances better than she acts. Eeeek! She seemed very unnatural.

Ummm...I was wondering if anyone kind of kept any eye on how the pros were to their students. I don't think I could handle Max's "tough love" (well, okay, maybe for a little while *LOL*). But, I thought Jonathan was incredibly encouraging to his partner. I dunno...if I had to go through this for 8 weeks, I wouldn't want to spend it with someone who was constantly pointing out the negatives. But, I guess who knows what we're not really seeing??!!

I didn't care for Giselle's dancing at all. It seemed awkward and seemed like she was always on the brink of being off balance. I'm not quite sure what the judges thought was so great...maybe someone an enlighten me.

I hope Jerry Rice improves. I like his attitude. Plus, I always thought he was a "stand up" kinda football player. Decent guy.

[scotttocs]

Looking forward to seeing the tables turned and the women do some Latin.

(what happened to the site!?)

[mamboqueen]

Jonathan - where were you??!!!

[scotttocs]

Wonder what happened there...very inconvenient time for a crash!

Verily so!
I hope Jerry Rice improves. I like his attitude. Plus, I always thought he was a "stand up" kinda football player. Decent guy.

I dunno, he looked pretty decent. Certianly in comparison. He had some movement, and just needs to redirect it. I think only he and Drew had any sense of dance whatsoever tonight among the men. And for some reason, I expect him to pull of closed hold better than Drew.

[Larinda McRaven]

I saw SDSalsaguy sitting right behind Len Goodman... everytime.

[mamboqueen]

Verily so!


I dunno, he looked pretty decent. Certianly in comparison. He had some movement, and just needs to redirect it. I think only he and Drew had any sense of dance whatsoever tonight among the men. And for some reason, I expect him to pull of closed hold better than Drew.


Well, it seemed that whenever she did some sort of flashy movement, he stopped and watched...just stopped the feet from moving (which is what made me chuckle when someone commented on his good footwork). I think he has potential, and I think a lot of the guys seem to do the same thing (maybe they're just in awe watching the girls??!!)...I'd like to see JR stick around...

[standardgirl]

Just finished watching the show and reading through all the posts. It does seem like the women are doing so much better than the men, with probably Drew being the only exception. I wonder if they should seperate the men and the women because the guys ar obviously at a disadvantage to begin with.


I like Stacy's waltz, but I can also understand why Len didn't like it. It's pretty obvious what Len is looking for (in waltz, since I am not really familiar with latin), and I was able to tell whether he's going to like it or not. I think a lot of it has to do with the routine; yet that's completely up to the pro, the lady really doesn't have much control over that. Louis looks a lot better than the first season. Jonathan, Max and Nick all look pretty good with their partner.


One other thing that I also noticed is that it seems like the better pro's are doing better with the stars. It was especially obvious when you look at Nick's frame. He gave his partner such a nice frame. It looks very stable and supportive. That helps out so much for the lady. There were several times when Tatum broke or just "move around" with her upper body, but Nick was so stable and kept his frame unmoved at all. The differences in the pro's will probably become another influential factor as to how well the couple does......


Oh yeah, I did NOT like the camara work at all......anyone else feels the same way?
DF is crashing btw, I guess there are already too many of us here ;)

[alemana]

Aieeeeeee

[JupitersStorm]

I was really really impressed with Drew. Like REALLY impressed. I kind of want to dance with him now.

My only main complaint is i cringed everytime they called the cha cha the "Cha-cha-cha".

I have only heard it called the "cha-cha-cha" when talking to childeren under the age of ten...

Am I just weird? Do you guys call it the cha-cha-cha?

[RhumbaWaltz]

DF is crashing btw, I guess there are already too many of us here ;)

When the server crashes it's the sign of a good thread!! :)
-RW

[alemana]

i cringed at that too. we just call it the chacha. and pronounced even shorter, more like "ch'cha." sometimes, i will admit, we say "the cha."

tatum was kind of disappointing. her head and neck were sort of bobbling around in the *waltz.* i mean, there seems to be very little excuse for that.

and i saw Salsaguy too, with his trademark grin.

[cornutt]

I didn't care for Giselle's dancing at all. It seemed awkward and seemed like she was always on the brink of being off balance. I'm not quite sure what the judges thought was so great...maybe someone an enlighten me.


So I wasn't the only one with this reaction -- I thought she was scored more generously then any of the other dancers. The main thing I picked up on was that her posture was very spotty; there were a lot of places where her head and upper body were waaaay forward. And she tried one skirt trick that wound up being a total mess. I notice she didn't attempt another one.

[scotttocs]

Am I just weird? Do you guys call it the cha-cha-cha?

Only when I stutter.

[alemana]

what did people think of the costuming, versus last season? i felt sort of neutral about anya's dress, thought nik looked great (duh), liked lisa's dress (suited her), felt tia's stylists did the best they could, thought giselle looked great, and of COURSE cheryl is infallible.

[cornutt]

Well, it seemed that whenever she did some sort of flashy movement, he stopped and watched...just stopped the feet from moving (which is what made me chuckle when someone commented on his good footwork). I think he has potential, and I think a lot of the guys seem to do the same thing (maybe they're just in awe watching the girls??!!)...I'd like to see JR stick around...

I don't think Jerry had the slightest idea what she was going to do at any moment; it wasn't so much back-leading as just total disregard for her partner. I really felt like she was trying to show him up. My DW said the same.

[cornutt]

A couple of other thoughts on the men:

George: I haven't seen it mentioned in this thread that he's dancing with four broken ribs. And I could tell. His footwork actually wasn't bad, but from the waist up he looked like he was in a straitjacket.

Kenny: Jeez, I didn't think he was that bad. The guy is a bundle of nervous energy (he was the same way on ESPN), and he really pushed himself hard -- maybe too hard. A lot of his footwork looked more like jive than cha-cha. On the other hand, he did have a lot of upper-body action, which isn't something that comes easily to most male beginners (I know!). An aside: For some reason, his voice sounds different from what I remember.

P: Okay, so he only had one week. I don't know that I could have done any better with one week of training. And bear in mind that he's more of a producer than a performer; he's not used to being in front of the camera. Still, it was, frankly, not good. Everyone involved -- P, Ashley, and the show's producers -- got sucker-punched. I give them props for trying to make it work. But I'm pretty sure he will be voted off.

Drew: Wow. I was impressed. It was a little odd how he picked up on a few things right away, while other moves seemed to elude him. But he was the best of the men. Good movement, and he had a good feel for the dance. Needs to work on his foot positioning and his timing.

[caityrosey]

I agree. I think Lisa will do really better in latin. Loved her dress and hair; however, she seems to look uncomfortable in her lips. Nice to see her hubby cheering her on, too.

As for George...he's out of his element here....maybe they need a senior version of the show??!! Hard to compete with those fit young'uns.

Keep in mind that Lisa has probably botoxed those lips within an inch of their lives ;)

[caityrosey]

You're right. Just to get out there a month after delivering is brave. High fives for that.

This guy....P Miller...yikes...couldn't he have removed the hat? Poor Ashly...gets another clunky guy.

Yes poor ashley...I had hope that she would get a really good partner this time around...she's just cute

[cornutt]

... felt tia's stylists did the best they could,...

Actually I thought Tia looked great. Wayne's World was almost fifteen years ago. She's got curves now, and they dressed her appropriately.

[caityrosey]

Wonder what happened there...very inconvenient time for a crash!

Not sure about Tatum's dancing, but I actually think she dances better than she acts. Eeeek! She seemed very unnatural.

Ummm...I was wondering if anyone kind of kept any eye on how the pros were to their students. I don't think I could handle Max's "tough love" (well, okay, maybe for a little while *LOL*). But, I thought Jonathan was incredibly encouraging to his partner. I dunno...if I had to go through this for 8 weeks, I wouldn't want to spend it with someone who was constantly pointing out the negatives. But, I guess who knows what we're not really seeing??!!

I didn't care for Giselle's dancing at all. It seemed awkward and seemed like she was always on the brink of being off balance. I'm not quite sure what the judges thought was so great...maybe someone an enlighten me.

I hope Jerry Rice improves. I like his attitude. Plus, I always thought he was a "stand up" kinda football player. Decent guy.

I really liked Jerry Rice and his partner together...she's going to "take him apart and put him back together" huh? I like her attitude. And he takes it with the right amount of humor and seriousness. You can tell he has discipline.

[alemana]

i don't disagree. they worked with what they had - the results were good.

[cornutt]

i don't disagree. they worked with what they had - the results were good.

Sorry; I must have read something into your previous post that wasn't actually there. My apologies. :oops:

[alemana]

but i will go back into catty mode and say LISA! BACK AWAY FROM THE NEEDLE! good christ.

[Another Elizabeth]

I agree. I think Lisa will do really better in latin. Loved her dress and hair; however, she seems to look uncomfortable in her lips.
Not sure if that was an intentional typo - but my comment as she started was "step AWAY from the collagen." I did think that she was the contestant most screwed by the judges.

Please let Master P go away before I have to see him dance quickstep. I'm actually considering calling in a vote for Kenny Mayne, just to improve the odds that Master P will be the first to go.

[alemana]

*waits for the west coasters to log on after the show*

[Porfirio Landeros]

I saw SDSalsaguy sitting right behind Len Goodman... everytime.Yeah, I wonder if he would have held back Len, if Len had decided to rush Tony for the comments about "not knowing the difference between International and American style"... that was AWESOME!

Did anyone else notice David Caradine (from Kung Fu and Kill Bill) behind Tom, the host, the entire show?

After I tape the Friday show, I'll put up screen captures here of SDSalsaGuy and David Caridine. :-D

[alemana]

wait, there was another brouhaha about that? what was the exchange? i didn't see that part.

[wooh]

Anyone else think Len has it in for Louis Van Amstel? I actually agreed with his assessment, that there wasn't enough actual waltzing. (But I think that might be the Latin dancer in him, he's used to putting on the flash.) But between his comments last season, and then tonight.... Or maybe I'm just reading too much into it.
I'm pulling for Kenny, he was really trying. I could see him all of the sudden blossoming into a decent dancer. Especially with his partner at the helm! Won't win, but could really pull out some nice stuff. And Master P, didn't look worse than my husband did after a mere week of dancing! Drew was impressive, they were actually dancing TOGETHER! The "couple steps then stand there" male cha cha is a pet peeve of mine. And Jerry did respond well to the "Russian" way of coaching.
As for the girls... Nick and Jonathan really brought out the best in their partners. Tia looked amazing for not only having given birth recently, but she's the mom of a 3 month old! Heck, if she'd adopted the baby and didn't have the physical recovery to deal with, being a mom to an infant is tiring by itself! (She must have a nanny to help or otherwise the laws of science are being turned on their head!) And I've got to agree, Lisa is beautiful but the plastic surgeon injected a little too much fat or collagen into those lips. She and Louis do look great together, and I look forward to seeing what they can do when they dance Latin to a Latin dance instead of Latin to a Smooth dance.

[Porfirio Landeros]

wait, there was another brouhaha about that? what was the exchange? i didn't see that part.When Tony and Stacey were backstage, the hostess actually asked Tony what he thought of the judges' remarks, and pointed the mic at him (can you believe they're letting the dancers talk ;)). Tony said it straight up... Len doesn't know what American style is.

Earier, during the judging, Bruno called Len out on that, too, saying "This is American-style, not International".

[alemana]

interesting... wasn't there a female pro last season who had the same exchange with Len just after he delivered his remarks? it stood out to me at the time since the pros were pretty much totally muzzled last season, and there she was (rightfully) spouting off. was it ashley?

[Porfirio Landeros]

I'm pulling for Kenny, he was really trying. I could see him all of the sudden blossoming into a decent dancer.I think "P" should leave before Kenny, because "P" didn't even try on any level, other than stand out there. He didn't put on dance shoes, he wore a cap, he didn't act like he liked his partner, and he didn't pull anyone in... I know they can blame lack of time, but we've got to judge the performances as we saw them, and Kenny went all out, and gave us enough to judge. "P" didn't give enough to judge, so might as well give him a DQ.

[alemana]

i wish they had them dance a mambo on this show. to be totally juvenile and self-centered, that would freaking rule.

[Porfirio Landeros]

interesting... wasn't there a female pro last season who had the same exchange with Len just after he delivered his remarks?Ashley did - I believe she snapped back in response to Len's dislike of the Big Spender Foxtrot.

[swan]

Am I the only one to think that this season's line up was not nearly as exciting as the last season?

Nevertheless, I enjoyed watching it. The practice clips seemed less funny and a lot of humor was manufactured.

Back to dancing, the gals were all great. I like the dancing from the female wrestler the best - was that Stacey?

One post commented on Tatum's acting. I actually thought she got a great dreamy expression & made that waltz look that much more convincing. The acting compensated for her dancing. She didn't have any of the dance training or flexibility as Lisa "the botox/collagen" or Stacey "the ballerina". But I thought her whole presentation was the most 'natural'. If everything were to be close hold or Intl' Std instead of Smooth, I'd bet Tatum would float to the top among the gals. BTW, Lisa's husband and Louis looked so much alike! At first when I saw the pix of her family, I was like, why was Louis in that pix? Her husband is an actor, right? But I can't remember his name or the show he was on.

Jerry Rice did better than I thought he would. Drew was OK, I didn't think he was that impressive. But among the guys, he was the best. Kenny's legs seemed funny, perhaps X-shaped legs? Master P was unbearable to watch. Poor George Hamilton. Senior citizen is right. Not nearly as fluid or funny as John O'Hurly. But George is a good looking senior citizen :)

[Katarzyna]

godDAMN the forum was down for me for almost the whole show! and now nine minutes after the show is over, DF is back. UGH. i missed you all so much!It was worse for me, df died for coupel hours during the show... grrr

[Katarzyna]

what did people think of the costuming, versus last season? i felt sort of neutral about anya's dress, thought nik looked great (duh), liked lisa's dress (suited her), felt tia's stylists did the best they could, thought giselle looked great, and of COURSE cheryl is infallible.I think the costumes were better than last year. I actually liked a lot of the dresses. All the male and female pros were dressed really well too

[eyesofire49]

I think "P" should leave before Kenny, because "P" didn't even try on any level, other than stand out there. He didn't put on dance shoes, he wore a cap, he didn't act like he liked his partner, and he didn't pull anyone in... I know they can blame lack of time, but we've got to judge the performances as we saw them, and Kenny went all out, and gave us enough to judge. "P" didn't give enough to judge, so might as well give him a DQ.

Porfirio...

You're being kind on so many levels with your comments...;) However, both my parents were not so subtle. My Dad looked at me and said.."If you had EVER dis-respected the art and your teachers by giving a half assed effort and not giving a damn about what you were doing...you'd be in so much *insert choice profanity here* with me that you'd need a stepladder to see the bottom of the hole you just placed yourself in.." Mom: "Ashly was dancing both her HEART and her ASS off out there...It's just too bad her partner didn't even have the DECENCY or the respect for her to just TRY." It's too bad she'll have to suffer because of HIS poor attitude....

EyesOFire49

[mamboqueen]

I think "P" should leave before Kenny, because "P" didn't even try on any level, other than stand out there. He didn't put on dance shoes, he wore a cap, he didn't act like he liked his partner, and he didn't pull anyone in... I know they can blame lack of time, but we've got to judge the performances as we saw them, and Kenny went all out, and gave us enough to judge. "P" didn't give enough to judge, so might as well give him a DQ.


You know, he really came across like he didn't want to be there at all. For me, don't care for that attitude. you're there...make the best of it.

[mamboqueen]

I think the costumes were better than last year. I actually liked a lot of the dresses. All the male and female pros were dressed really well too


I agree. Is the same dressmaker providing them?

[mamboqueen]

One post commented on Tatum's acting.


Yeah..that was me. I actually should have said...I didn't mean so much while she was dancing, but when she was being scored and interviewed afterwards. She just seemed awkward. I just remembered thinking that I wouldn't have kept mentioning that I'm an oscar-winning actress because she just seemed "off". Can't really explain it.

[saludas]

You know, he really came across like he didn't want to be there at all. For me, don't care for that attitude. you're there...make the best of it.

That is SO typical of insincere hip hop - ism. The hip hop magazines are FILLED with overweight, badly dressed men scowling at the camera. Too bad this fellow couldn't have overcome the stereotypes that he rails against in his raps. The shoes were the final insult.

[saludas]

Yeah..that was me. I actually should have said...I didn't mean so much while she was dancing, but when she was being scored and interviewed afterwards. She just seemed awkward. I just remembered thinking that I wouldn't have kept mentioning that I'm an oscar-winning actress because she just seemed "off". Can't really explain it.

I dunno. She's really best known for her bouts with drugs and alcohol (her bestselling autobiography details this) and she looked and acted typical for a D list actress in a reality show. Remember, she's an actress by PROFESSION. I applaud her for being real in this situation; you actually saw the real Tatum - she wasn't reading lines or inhabiting a persona (except when she was dancing). Most actors show the same 'awkwardness' in person; they are humans like us all, except the only time people praise them is when they are someone else..... imagine how you'd feel and act....

[Purr]

You know, he really came across like he didn't want to be there at all. For me, don't care for that attitude. you're there...make the best of it.

I agree. He needs to be making an effort! Get real dance shoes. Lose the hat. Lose the attitude. Shut up and pay attention to what Ashley is saying. Get with the program.

There is no such thing as "ghetto cha cha".

[Purr]

I voted online this morning, for Drew and Cheryl. While Drew may or may not have been the best technician of the celebrity dancers, I thought together he and Cheryl made the best couple out there.

My other favorite couples were Max and Tia, and Nick and Tatum. I also thought Jerry and Anna had a lot of potential.

[mamboqueen]

That is SO typical of insincere hip hop - ism. The hip hop magazines are FILLED with overweight, badly dressed men scowling at the camera. Too bad this fellow couldn't have overcome the stereotypes that he rails against in his raps. The shoes were the final insult.


Well, the sad thing is, he kept mentioning how he wanted kids in the hood (his words, not mine) to know they can try and do something else. And then his "fine" example is that he doesn't try at all. He could've used the moment a little better if he was indeed trying to convey that message.

[mamboqueen]

I dunno. She's really best known for her bouts with drugs and alcohol (her bestselling autobiography details this) and she looked and acted typical for a D list actress in a reality show. Remember, she's an actress by PROFESSION. I applaud her for being real in this situation; you actually saw the real Tatum - she wasn't reading lines or inhabiting a persona (except when she was dancing). Most actors show the same 'awkwardness' in person; they are humans like us all, except the only time people praise them is when they are someone else..... imagine how you'd feel and act....


I guess I was just making a comparison with the other women (actresses) there who seemed like they were just comfortable with who they are. Perhaps Tatum is nervous and aware that most people remember her most recent travails rather than that oscar she won many moons ago. I do feel for her...I am sure it is hard to come back and face the public after what she has been through. Okay...I'll applaud.

[JupitersStorm]

All I heard "P" say was "I'm only doing this for the people in New Orleans." and "I'm only doing this for the people in the ghetto."

What about "I'm doing this because believe it or not, BALLROOM KICKS BUTT!"

He really made me mad because he didn't care, and he didn't want to be there. But i feel soo bad for his partner, because he literally stood there in one spot while she tried to get him to move.

Well i hope the people in the ghetto and New Orleans appreciate his act of selflessness......

[Dancefever]

I recently had my Smooth Waltz choreography revamped. When it was over I asked why he didn't put any closed position patterns in it. He said it was "Smooth" not "Standard". If the judges want to see closed work then they need to judge "Standard".

I liked Tony and Stacy's dance the best. Her arms and legs were extended and kept really good balance. Compared to the other women, she didn't seem to be holding back. I almost think the stage was too small for them, they really needed a full sized ballroom floor. I have seen Tony compete with his students in Smooth before, he knows what he is doing. But Len is a judge, he will have to put some closed frame patterns in the future if he wants the best for his student. Judges don't have to change their attitudes.

I like his comment about being the "Bad Boy" of Ballroom. Some of the things I heard, he really is.

[Katarzyna]

I agree. Is the same dressmaker providing them?the gowns look like they are mae by designs to shine ( same designer), but I don't know. Maybe the people had more choice in with what they can wear?

[Angelo]

Just to put in my two cents:

I enjoyed the performances by Giselle Fernandez and Jonathan Roberts and Stacey Keibler and Tony Dovolani the best. Prefacing Stacey's waltz with clips of her putting her foot on some other lady wrestler's throat while both were still standing up was one of the funniest things I've seen in a while

[wyllo]

I feel bad for P and wonder if his "not trying" is really a way of protecting himself from failure. Of all of them, he has probably had the least amount of experience in expressing emotions through his body and that's not easy to do -- let alone on a short time frame on live television. I wonder if he's given another week if he will take the opportunity to really put in the effort and shed some inhibitions.

I think Kenny Mayne's routine was too hard for him -- especially compared to some of the other guys who spent a lot of time standing around. He's funny, though, and should stick around because of his attitude. The women pros way over danced their guys. Lachey was by far the best guy.

For the women, I do think that the posing got in the way of dancing. Jonathan Roberts and Nick Kosovich did the best job I think in getting their partners to use technique and hopefully it will pay off. I wonder if good, solid technique can beat mile-high leg extensions?

Oh, and I'm pretty sure if Louis van Amstel and I ever met we would have good bondage too. :D (he's actually keeping a blog on the abc site and comes across as being very kind and humble -- very different then how he was portrayed last season)

[alemana]

oooo blogs. cheryl has one too. going now. they are linked in the main left-hand nav on the ABC minisite for the show.

[WRhythm]

I must admit, judging from his comments during season one I wasn't a huge fan of Louis...but I just thought it was too adorable last night when he said that he and Lisa clicked right away and that he knew "there would be big bondage" between them.

[Ithink]

My thoughts:

My favorite performances were by Stacey Kiebler (the only one of the women who was totally on balance the entire time) and Drew Lachey (how cute that Nick was there!).

I thought Cheryl did an awesome job with Drew. They were the most balanced couple of all and I agree with the judges that theirs was the best overall performance of the night in terms of her not overdancing him and trying to really follow what I am sure were not perfect leads of his. yes he looked a bit awkward but considering how much harder he has it as a guy over all the women, I think he did a phenomenal job. He is like this season's Joey except with better posture - musical and very talented.

Stacy Kiebler will win if Tony doesn't screw it up for her. First of all, how disrespectful can you be towards a judge - do you really think you're doing your student a favor by mouthing of the the one judge who actually knows something about ballroom? Second, I hate smooth dancing that doesn't even bother taking closed hold once during the routine - I hate it in competition and I hated it in Tony's routine. I think many people can stand and pose; fewer can take closed hold and actually move well in it. I think Tony did Stacy a big disservice by not choreographing a good American style routine as opposed to just a mediocre one. But in terms of dancing, I think Stacy was the best - expressive arms, great posture, balance and what an extension! Considering her ballet training, I was also surprised at how good and smooth her rise and fall was - usually ballet dancers have trouble with it at first.

Other good performances were Tatum O'Neal (who I swear was on something the entire night) and Giselle Fernandez. They did well only because of how awesome their male partners were - they gave them good routines and didn't let them do too much with their frames to screw things up. Incidentally, that's something Louis didn't do for Lisa - she's good but her frame was pretty awful, much like Rachel's was last season... But Rachel didn't have nearly as strong female competition last season as Lisa does. I think she'll go home sooner than the other women.

I was surprised at how good Max's smooth/standard was and I think he and Tia did a good job.

Kenny was HILARIOUS! His performance was demented but so entertaining! I loved his attitude and his humor. I think he'll be better at standard. I thought his posture was very good for a male beginner but he has to get control of those crazy legs and feet:) I'd love for him to stick around though - he was great comic relief!

Poor George - he ain't no John O'Hurley and Edyta ain't no Charlotte. He'll go soon...

Jerry Rice was a pleasant surprise - he has the work ethic to match Anna's tough love and I think he'll be the most improved of the guys by the time he exits.

Master P.: all I can say is poor, poor Ashley. It sucks who they stuck her with last minute:( He was awful - bad attitude, bad dancing, just BAD!

Overall, I think this show will be really fun to watch:) I'm excited!

[alemana]

hahah "big bondage"

i know some people who are going to have a field day with that remark!

[DancePoet]

I have a feeling this is going to hold true with most of the women. I just think the men are at such a disadvantage...having to lead these women who are dancing way beyond them. The men are almost accessory to their partners. The male pro's on the other hand, don't seem to be as severely over-dancing their partners. Just my opinion, tho.
I agree. If the pro over dances then the "star" looks bad. Of course this happens with Pro-Am anyway. ;)

[Phil Owl]

I only got to see the last hour, but for my money, the best were:

1) Drew and Cheryl (I did see the recap), quite nice I must say!

2) Jerry Rice and his partner (he could definitely get around the floor, Anna's "tough love" will actually work to his benefit, he really worked hard you could tell)

3) Giselle Fernandez and her partner were stellar!

Master P and Ashley, OMG!!!! :eek: Could two people be any more mismatched? I felt sorry for Ashley as it looked like she was doing ALL the work! Master P just has no concept of dancing in any form. Or as one judge hilariously and accurately put it, he moved like an Emporer Penguin (at which I quacked like good 'ol Burgess Meredith). Tatum O'Neil actually darn near had me yawning.

All told, this should be an interesting run!

[alemana]

nice post, Ithink.

[DancePoet]

This guy....P Miller...yikes...couldn't he have removed the hat? Poor Ashly...gets another clunky guy.
The guy obviously doesn't look the part. Oh well.

[DancePoet]

I saw SDSalsaguy sitting right behind Len Goodman... everytime.
How did SD manage to get a seat? :shock:

[DancePoet]

One other thing that I also noticed is that it seems like the better pro's are doing better with the stars. It was especially obvious when you look at Nick's frame. He gave his partner such a nice frame. It looks very stable and supportive. That helps out so much for the lady. There were several times when Tatum broke or just "move around" with her upper body, but Nick was so stable and kept his frame unmoved at all. The differences in the pro's will probably become another influential factor as to how well the couple does......
Interesting observation.

Oh yeah, I did NOT like the camara work at all......anyone else feels the same way?
I agree.

DF is crashing btw, I guess there are already too many of us here ;)
:lol:

[Purr]

Great post, Ithink!

[DancePoet]

I think the costumes were better than last year. I actually liked a lot of the dresses. All the male and female pros were dressed really well too
Ayuh.

[Swingolder]

Well, I just spent my first half hour of work reading all 11 pages of this post. It is so interesting to see what you all think. As a non-ballroom dancer, all I can say is that I enjoyed the show immensely and that is what they are after! I didn't vote, but I will continue to watch.

[DancePoet]

I agree. He needs to be making an effort! Get real dance shoes. Lose the hat. Lose the attitude. Shut up and pay attention to what Ashley is saying. Get with the program.

There is no such thing as "ghetto cha cha".
Ayuh.

[DancePoet]

Well, the sad thing is, he kept mentioning how he wanted kids in the hood (his words, not mine) to know they can try and do something else. And then his "fine" example is that he doesn't try at all. He could've used the moment a little better if he was indeed trying to convey that message.
Good point!

[DancePoet]

All I heard "P" say was "I'm only doing this for the people in New Orleans." and "I'm only doing this for the people in the ghetto."

What about "I'm doing this because believe it or not, BALLROOM KICKS BUTT!"

He really made me mad because he didn't care, and he didn't want to be there. But i feel soo bad for his partner, because he literally stood there in one spot while she tried to get him to move.

Well i hope the people in the ghetto and New Orleans appreciate his act of selflessness......
Sometimes just doing it isn't enough because then it looks like you really aren't doing it. ;)

[Larinda McRaven]

In small defense of P... There are actually students who freeze up and are so out of their element that they completely shut down. He maybe has the best intentions, wanting to "represent" and stand up for a few causes, but emotionally he just could not make the transistion to be a "dancer" or "actor". He just freezes. Many students walk into a studio with good intentions and then they are scared out of their life. They look around and can't believe there are other people in the room, suddenly lose control over their legs and their body and brain shut down. The lucky thing is that those people can just walk out of the studio and never look back. P could not. He had to follow through. And he did. As a teacher I have to applaud him for actually going through with it. Most students like him would NEVER agree to do a "showcase". And yet he did it. The pomp and circumstance is often just a cover-up for someones extreme fright.

[DancePoet]

My thoughts:

My favorite performances were by Stacey Kiebler (the only one of the women who was totally on balance the entire time) and Drew Lachey (how cute that Nick was there!).

I thought Cheryl did an awesome job with Drew. They were the most balanced couple of all and I agree with the judges that theirs was the best overall performance of the night in terms of her not overdancing him and trying to really follow what I am sure were not perfect leads of his. yes he looked a bit awkward but considering how much harder he has it as a guy over all the women, I think he did a phenomenal job. He is like this season's Joey except with better posture - musical and very talented.

Stacy Kiebler will win if Tony doesn't screw it up for her. First of all, how disrespectful can you be towards a judge - do you really think you're doing your student a favor by mouthing of the the one judge who actually knows something about ballroom? Second, I hate smooth dancing that doesn't even bother taking closed hold once during the routine - I hate it in competition and I hated it in Tony's routine. I think many people can stand and pose; fewer can take closed hold and actually move well in it. I think Tony did Stacy a big disservice by not choreographing a good American style routine as opposed to just a mediocre one. But in terms of dancing, I think Stacy was the best - expressive arms, great posture, balance and what an extension! Considering her ballet training, I was also surprised at how good and smooth her rise and fall was - usually ballet dancers have trouble with it at first.

Other good performances were Tatum O'Neal (who I swear was on something the entire night) and Giselle Fernandez. They did well only because of how awesome their male partners were - they gave them good routines and didn't let them do too much with their frames to screw things up. Incidentally, that's something Louis didn't do for Lisa - she's good but her frame was pretty awful, much like Rachel's was last season... But Rachel didn't have nearly as strong female competition last season as Lisa does. I think she'll go home sooner than the other women.

I was surprised at how good Max's smooth/standard was and I think he and Tia did a good job.

Kenny was HILARIOUS! His performance was demented but so entertaining! I loved his attitude and his humor. I think he'll be better at standard. I thought his posture was very good for a male beginner but he has to get control of those crazy legs and feet:) I'd love for him to stick around though - he was great comic relief!

Poor George - he ain't no John O'Hurley and Edyta ain't no Charlotte. He'll go soon...

Jerry Rice was a pleasant surprise - he has the work ethic to match Anna's tough love and I think he'll be the most improved of the guys by the time he exits.

Master P.: all I can say is poor, poor Ashley. It sucks who they stuck her with last minute:( He was awful - bad attitude, bad dancing, just BAD!

Overall, I think this show will be really fun to watch:) I'm excited!
Interesting commentary!

[DancePoet]

In small defense of P... There are actually students who freeze up and are so out of their element that they completely shut down. He maybe has the best intentions, wanting to "represent" and stand up for a few causes, but emotionally he just could not make the transistion to be a "dancer" or "actor". He just freezes. Many students walk into a studio with good intentions and then they are scared out of their life. They look around and can't believe there are other people in the room, suddenly lose control over their legs and their body and brain shut down. The lucky thing is that those people can just walk out of the studio and never look back. P could not. He had to follow through. And he did. As a teacher I have to applaud him for actually going through with it. Most students like him would NEVER agree to do a "showcase". And yet he did it. The pomp and circumstance is often just a cover-up for someones extreme fright.
Appreciate having this view point expressed. Gives me cause to consider his situation differently.

[twnkltoz]

Forgive me for not reading this whole thread, but I'm going to give my thoughts:

1. George: I voted for him because I didn't want him to go home the first week. Not great, but cute and great attitude. I thought the judges were a bit hard on him.

2. Lisa: Nice when she wasn't going anywhere...lines and poses were pretty decent and graceful. Couldn't travel worth a darn.

3. Kenny: horrible, horrible, horrible. I hope he goes home. Not only was he a bad dancer, but he made a joke of the whole thing...I felt sorry for Andrea. One thing to laugh at yourself (like George did...well, most of them did), but he made a mockery of it. I thought he was a total jerk. His scores should have been lower, especially in relation to George...far worse, yet scored only a point lower??!!

4. Stacy: wholly cow. My favorite of the night...graceful, decent footwork, good movement and positioning for someone so new to ballroom. Good showmanship. If she continues to improve, I think she'll win and should consider a career as a ballroom dancer. Len's comments WAY out of line...there was plenty of waltzy choreography, more than Lisa. Also, shouldn't hold the choreography against the student so much. His score of 6 was totally uncalled for...makes me wonder if he has something against the teacher.

5. Drew: pretty good, especially for where he's at and the fact that he's a man and has to learn more than the ladies. I wasn't as wowed as the judges, although I did agree with the things they said for the most part. Probably the best man. Cheryl was not very nice to him and I didn't like that...it's one thing to have "tough love," but I think she could have gone about it in a different way. That sometimes comes with age and experience.

6. Giselle: Pretty good. Fairly graceful. Much better than I thought she'd be given the intro.

7. P: well...ok. He probably could have made more effort. I've seen better things from students in one night of a group class than he did with a week of training. But, they didn't have a full routine to learn either. I thought some of the comments are a bit harsh considering he'd only had a week. I was prepared to hate him, but I thought he had a decent attitude, although I didn't get how this is for the Katrina victims but whatever. I want him to come back next week and try one more time...if he doesn't get a LOT better, then he should go. I just hated Kenny so much more.

8. Tia: very good considering where she's at and especially considering she had a baby two months ago. GREAT showmanship...such a pretty, sunny smile. Long way to go but there's definitely some potential there.

9. Jerry: he was fine. I wasn't overly impressed, but I thought he did fine. He was cute and had a good attitude. Anna was kind of mean to him, but not in the same way Cheryl was...she was somehow sweeter about it so it seemed ok.

10. Tatum: I wasn't as blown away as the judges, but I did think she did quite well. Fairly graceful, decent lines, good showmanship. Didn't like her as well as Stacy.

So, that's what I've got.

[caityrosey]

Oh, and I'm pretty sure if Louis van Amstel and I ever met we would have good bondage too. :D

* cough cough*

I feel bad for P and wonder if his "not trying" is really a way of protecting himself from failure. Of all of them, he has probably had the least amount of experience in expressing emotions through his body and that's not easy to do -- let alone on a short time frame on live television. I wonder if he's given another week if he will take the opportunity to really put in the effort and shed some inhibitions.

Yeah, I kind of thought that he seemed to dance with a feeling of futility---like he had just decided that he wasn't going to be able to dance with the amount of prep time he'd had and that, in the end, he really didn't care. He was at such a disadvantage with only a week to train, and I doubt that he had any strong desire to be there anyway--after all he was subbing in for the guy who had actually signed up to do it.

In the spirit of the competition I wish that he had refrained from implying in his interviews that he didn't care about the dancing, that he was only there to support his charity. It would be nice if the audience could at least entertain the notion, however tenuous, that he was actually there voluntarily and having fun. Oh well, just a bad situation I guess. Too bad his son could not have participated as planned...I was really curious to see how someone with a rap-music background could translate their skills with rhythm to the dance floor.

[cl5814]

Would someone be so kind to please post the points/results from each couple as they are announced by judges in the show or even after the show ? I think some of you are watching and posting on DF at the same time ...... that would make it more interesting for us that can't watch the show cause we are not in the USA.

[SexyMan2Cha]

I was going to vote for P because Ashley has a great smile, and I feel bad for her...

I really hated Kenny, I hope he'll be voted off first. His dancing (or the lack of) was nearly as bad as P's, but Kenny had the full 6 weeks (I think) of training nor did he have any physical handicaps, like being broken ribs, plus he looked to be in decent physical shape. His attitude sucked!

This season really shows the uphill battle female pros face in having to teach and dance with men. I thought Drew was great though.

Edyta is hot! Daaaang, I didn't notice that as much last season.

[caityrosey]

I was going to vote for P because Ashley has a great smile, and I feel bad for her...

I really hated Kenny, I hope he'll be voted off first. His dancing (or the lack of) was nearly as bad as P's, but Kenny had the full 6 weeks (I think) of training nor did he have any physical handicaps, like being broken ribs, plus he looked to be in decent physical shape. His attitude sucked!

This season really shows the uphill battle female pros face in having to teach and dance with men. I thought Drew was great though.

Edyta is hot! Daaaang, I didn't notice that as much last season.

Edyta is partners with one of the other pros on the show I think...cant remember which one. Both of them on the show must give them lots of things to talk about.

[Ithink]

She is Alec's partner who is not on this season's show but was there and won in the first season's show.

I disagree completely with people's negtive views of Kenny. The way he danced looked like he was trying really hard. It reminded me of some newcomer boys that I have seen at dance competitions who try really hard to dance how they've been taught and just cannot do it and then try to act like it's not really a big deal to them to do it well, when it is very evident that it is. It really looked to me like Kenny wanted to do well but when he was criticized by the judges tried to play it off by joking his way out of some pretty embarrassing comments. I liked Kenny and I hope he gets to do quickstep because I think he'll be better at it than cha-cha...

[Porfirio Landeros]

I really hated Kenny, I hope he'll be voted off first. His dancing (or the lack of) was nearly as bad as P's...The only reason there's more to be said about Kenny is that he actually danced, whereas P did not. For that reason, I think P should leave this week, and give Kenny prop's for his effort.

[caityrosey]

The only reason there's more to be said about Kenny is that he actually danced, whereas P did not. For that reason, I think P should leave this week, and give Kenny prop's for his effort.

I agree...between the two of them at least Kenny wants to be there so he should be given another chance to show what he can do and learn.

[gusmahler]

Would someone be so kind to please post the points/results from each couple as they are announced by judges in the show or even after the show ?

http://journals.rpungin.fotki.com/dance/entry/wttfkgqwtst/

[twnkltoz]

Were there ten couples last season? Seemed like there were more this time but I wasn't sure...

[wyllo]

Ratings information from Media Life Magazine:

"...NBC wasn’t the only one testing a successful new lineup last night. ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” demonstrated that there actually might be room for five successful networks on Thursday nights.

The two-hour season premiere of “Stars” averaged a 4.7 overnight rating among 18-49s from 8 to 10 p.m., as ABC finished second to CBS*in that time period. "Stars" averaged 17.3 million total viewers.
*
Not only does that bode well for ABC’s Thursday nights for the rest of the season, but also Fridays, where “Stars” results shows air beginning tonight."

[alemana]

interested to see what the friday show looks like. ... not that i'll be home, but curious to see if they can pull off two days in a row with solid ratings.

[Indiana_Jay]

I saw SDSalsaguy sitting right behind Len Goodman... everytime.

Darn! By the time I read this, I'd already deleted the program from our Tivo. Was SD wearing a citrus rind? :)

[Indiana_Jay]

As a beginner, I'm probably confused about international style vs. American style, but I see some irony in DWTS with regard to style.

The show positions itself as an international style competition, by programming quickstep and jive but not east coast swing, and by having an international style judge and an announcer who has a British accent. But all the choreography appears to be American style.

If it's an international style competition, why is there so much American style choreography? And if it's an American style competition, why do they dance the quickstep and jive?

-IJ

[alemana]

i think all that is lost on the non-dancing viewer, and rightfully so.

[rpungin]

Were there ten couples last season? Seemed like there were more this time but I wasn't sure...
There were only 6 couples last season.

[rpungin]

If it's an international style competition, why is there so much American style choreography? I think because American style is much more appealing to most viewers of the show because of all of the fancy open work.

And if it's an American style competition, why do they dance the quickstep and jive?
Quickstep and jive are as fun to wach as American Style waltz and Foxtrot.


In general I think that this competition can't be classified as American or International. Its an entertainment program on TV.

[caityrosey]

And these are all exhibition dances anyway, so there's no reason for them to stick to particular style--as rpungin says, they're dancing for the TV

[dancergal]

I couldn't wait to read everyone's comments on the show last night. I don't dance ballroom so I need to see what you all thought about the dancing. I wished I had taped the show so I can go back and look at things I've missed now that I've read all your comments.

Darn! I didn't know SDGuy was in the audience. I would have been looking for him. I missed the first dance with George Hamilton and just saw the quick recap, so I'm glad someone covered it here.

I don't have a favorite couple yet. I thought they all did pretty well for the first dance (with the exception of "P" of course).

I'll have to tape the results show since we will be out dancing tonight. :)

[LXC]

A 10-year old boy came to us while we were practicing in the gym and asked if we were competing on 'DWTS' ;) I said no but asked him if he liked the show. He said ' my grandma loves it' :)

[twnkltoz]

One thing I forgot to mention in my comments: The pro ladies were awesome about having showmanship and a smile on their faces even when their partners were horrible. However, they did way out dance them. Ashley should have just stuck to basics. Others too, but that one sticks out in my mind because of P.

Also, I think the music is better so far this year...I remember the music last year being stupid?

[rpungin]

One thing I forgot to mention in my comments: The pro ladies were awesome about having showmanship and a smile on their faces even when their partners were horrible. However, they did way out dance them. Ashley should have just stuck to basics. Others too, but that one sticks out in my mind because of P.
I disagree. If the celebrity partner sucks, I don't think a professional should down-grade their dancing. On the contrary, they should dance as best as they can for two reasons:

1. They are on national TV and dancing the basics with a bad partner will not make them look good.

2. A Bronze dance routine with P. Miller would be a bore to watch.

[twnkltoz]

I never said they should downgrade their dancing, only their choreography. Dancing is about making your partner look good, not about making yourself look good despite them. You don't go to a pro-am comp and see pros dancing like that with their bronze students. How would you feel if you were a beginner at a social dance and your partner danced like that? Outshone, most likely. I'd rather see a clean basic routine any day than the guy standing there while the lady is all over the place (or vice versa). Most non-dancers are impressed by even the most basic of dancing because they don't have much of a frame of reference.

[rpungin]

I never said they should downgrade their dancing, only their choreography. Dancing is about making your partner look good, not about making yourself look good despite them. You don't go to a pro-am comp and see pros dancing like that with their bronze students. How would you feel if you were a beginner at a social dance and your partner danced like that? Outshone, most likely. I'd rather see a clean basic routine any day than the guy standing there while the lady is all over the place (or vice versa). Most non-dancers are impressed by even the most basic of dancing because they don't have much of a frame of reference.
Well, if a guy actually dances bronze steps, I agree that the pro should stick to bronze steps as well. But if a guy is just "standing there", the pro better do something to spice up the show :) Again, this is not a standard dance competition we have here.

[rpungin]

A 10-year old boy came to us while we were practicing in the gym and asked if we were competing on 'DWTS' ;) I said no but asked him if he liked the show. He said ' my grandma loves it' :)
That explains why there are so many seniors at ballroom dance socials :)

[twnkltoz]

Maybe if she'd used simpler choreography, he would have been more likely to do it. It's hard for a beginner guy to think about what he's supposed to be doing and do it when his partner's all over the place. Heck, some guys take forever to learn a box with under arm turn in rumba because they freak out when their partner isn't matching them anymore. If she had done basics with him, then maybe thrown in a fancy dip and/or coninuous spin, he might have been able to pull it off. She could have backled him even. Instead he was totally lost.

[waltzgirl]

I felt sorry for Master P. I'm sure they had a dress rehearsal and he saw how far behind he was. He was dancing like he felt defeated from the beginning. I don't think he got the right teacher, given the short time and his total lack of experience. Ashley seems like a lovely girl and I like to watch her dancing, but it seems to me that she's not strong-willed enough to really teach her partners. Last season, from what I saw on the bits they showed, she let Joey dominate the lessons with the showmanship he wanted to emphasize and didn't teach him enough technique. He would probably have lasted longer if she had really cracked the whip about his posture. She needs to learn a little of Anna's "tough love." I can't imagine anyone Anna taught going out on the dance floor without dance shoes.

I remember one moment that really impressed me last season. After one of John O'Hurley's smooth dances, when he was asked to comment backstage while they were waiting for the scores, he said something like "I was just trying to keep my elbow up." That made it clear that Charlotte was really teaching him to dance. I think it actually helps beginners to have a few technical points to focus on, if for no other reason than it distracts you from being nervous! Feeling like you've learned something and have mastered, to any degree, a technical point gives you something to be confident about when you know you aren't a good dancer overall. Jerry Rice certainly got a lot of mileage out of learning a little hip action!

[Larinda McRaven]

Seems that tonight P is little less rebellious... hopefully not too little too late.

[Larinda McRaven]

Holy COW... P made it through!

[LXC]

Can't believe P is in :confused:

Am I too mean or do you feel that Nick and wife's dance was not all that impressive? Such a great chance to showcase our sport to the mass audience and I almost felt they blew it.

[twnkltoz]

P got the sympathy vote. It probably won't happen again.

[standardgirl]

I couldn't believe P is in, either. Hopefully he'll look better next week, but I really don't think quickstep will make it any easier for him ;)

[caityrosey]

Well, if a guy actually dances bronze steps, I agree that the pro should stick to bronze steps as well. But if a guy is just "standing there", the pro better do something to spice up the show :) Again, this is not a standard dance competition we have here.

I somewhat disagree...I agree that the pro should try to do everything they can to look good and make their partner look good, but if one partner is as stiff as a board and the other is all fluid and wiggly it just doesn't look right...not that fluid-and-wiggly is not dancing well, but as a partnership they're not working or dancing together.

[caityrosey]

I couldn't believe P is in, either. Hopefully he'll look better next week, but I really don't think quickstep will make it any easier for him ;)

That's true, I think that's what the boxer had difficulty with last year as well. It is a very athletic dance and it requires one to be nimble and light. We'll see

[Big10]

P got the sympathy vote.
I doubt it was sympathy for Master P. I may be the only poster in this thread who actually owns a Master P album, and I still agree with almost everything that has been said here about how awful he was on Thursday night. Yuck!!!

However, something that you guys hadn't mentioned was the popularity of his partner -- Ashly! She certainly developed a fan base of her own after being on for so many episodes last season. I definitely noticed a big round of cheers in the studio audience on Thursday night that seemed directed to her. So, she is now one of the pro's with as much celebrity value as many of the C-list amateurs.

[rpungin]

I somewhat disagree...I agree that the pro should try to do everything they can to look good and make their partner look good, but if one partner is as stiff as a board and the other is all fluid and wiggly it just doesn't look right...not that fluid-and-wiggly is not dancing well, but as a partnership they're not working or dancing together.
Caity, do you imagine youself dancing together with P?

[DancePoet]

http://journals.rpungin.fotki.com/dance/entry/wttfkgqwtst/
Thank you!

[DancePoet]

As a beginner, I'm probably confused about international style vs. American style, but I see some irony in DWTS with regard to style.

The show positions itself as an international style competition, by programming quickstep and jive but not east coast swing, and by having an international style judge and an announcer who has a British accent. But all the choreography appears to be American style.

If it's an international style competition, why is there so much American style choreography? And if it's an American style competition, why do they dance the quickstep and jive?

-IJ
I wonder how much the dancing community was consulted regarding this?

I suspect most of the folks who watch won't know the difference anyway.

[DancePoet]

One thing I forgot to mention in my comments: The pro ladies were awesome about having showmanship and a smile on their faces even when their partners were horrible. However, they did way out dance them. Ashley should have just stuck to basics. Others too, but that one sticks out in my mind because of P.
That's interesting ... I wonder how much better he would have looked if just basic patterns were combined into the routine and he was taught and drilled on basic technique if he would have looked better.

[waltzgirl]

OK, I'm on the West Coast and I can't wait. Who got kicked off?

[DancePoet]

I disagree. If the celebrity partner sucks, I don't think a professional should down-grade their dancing. On the contrary, they should dance as best as they can for two reasons:

1. They are on national TV and dancing the basics with a bad partner will not make them look good.

2. A Bronze dance routine with P. Miller would be a bore to watch.
Yet if being on national T.V. is important to make themselves look good, the real test of a pro is whether or not they make the am look good. ;)

A very strong bronze routine could be a used as a stepping stone for better things to come further down the line, too.

[DancePoet]

That explains why there are so many seniors at ballroom dance socials :)
I see far more folks who are not seniors at dance socials in my area. ;)

[WRhythm]

That's kind of a shame...I wasn't terribly impressed with Kenny Mayne; but he still wouldn't have been the first person that I sent off. I agree that P got the sympathy vote this week (heh, says the girl who voted for Evander after week 1 of last season!) However, sympathy would dwindle if there was a continued stark contrast between P's dancing and the dancing of the other celebrity participants.

[DancePoet]

Caity, do you imagine youself dancing together with P?
Maybe with some lessons in technique?

[DancePoet]

I'm surprised P made it! :shock:

[Katarzyna]

SOOO who got kicked off, I missed the results show?

[mamboqueen]

Kenny

[Katarzyna]

poor guy, he tried soo hard... a bit too hard...

[Katarzyna]

Raphael, will you include the results show on your website?

[standardgirl]

Kenny really shouldn't been kicked off......I really want to see him back again. It was so cute for his kid to draw that picture and overnighted to him. I am sure the kids are pretty sad right now.

[mamboqueen]

Kenny... I can't help but thinking "who killed Kenny?"

[Katarzyna]

Poor guy really wanted to do well :(

[standardgirl]

Kenny... I can't help but thinking "who killed Kenny?"

I guess, Ashly did unintentionally (I like Ashly a lot, and I am not trying to say anything bad about her). I think people really supported her by calling, and that's how Kenny lost in the audience vote ;) I still tend to believe that people called for her, instead of for P.

[DanceMentor]

I'm a little behind, but I just got done watching the 2 hour special from last night, and then tonight's results show.

I'm so happy for ballroom dancing. It is so wonderful to see it featured on national television. Dancing is such a wonderful thing, and its just great that more people are being exposed to it through this show, because now ballroom dancing will touch more lives in a positive way as a result.

[saludas]

I felt sorry for Master P. I'm sure they had a dress rehearsal and he saw how far behind he was. He was dancing like he felt defeated from the beginning. I don't think he got the right teacher, given the short time and his total lack of experience. Ashley seems like a lovely girl and I like to watch her dancing, but it seems to me that she's not strong-willed enough to really teach her partners. Last season, from what I saw on the bits they showed, she let Joey dominate the lessons with the showmanship he wanted to emphasize and didn't teach him enough technique. He would probably have lasted longer if she had really cracked the whip about his posture. She needs to learn a little of Anna's "tough love." I can't imagine anyone Anna taught going out on the dance floor without dance shoes.

I remember one moment that really impressed me last season. After one of John O'Hurley's smooth dances, when he was asked to comment backstage while they were waiting for the scores, he said something like "I was just trying to keep my elbow up." That made it clear that Charlotte was really teaching him to dance. I think it actually helps beginners to have a few technical points to focus on, if for no other reason than it distracts you from being nervous! Feeling like you've learned something and have mastered, to any degree, a technical point gives you something to be confident about when you know you aren't a good dancer overall. Jerry Rice certainly got a lot of mileage out of learning a little hip action!

I think you've been misled. This is TV - they 'story' is that teacher A is 'tough', teacher B is 'easy', etc. I'm sure that Ashley is a great teacher. I'm also sure that Master P is the fool that he appears to be - anyone in the music business has GOT to look at music videos, and in Hip Hop there is a LOT of dancing. He CHOSE to look that way, I believe, because he cannot visaulize himself as a dancer. He also fell for that hip hop 'angry bored' attitude that is such a cliche these days.

Ashley could have been screaming at him for the time he spent in the studio, but let's face it, wearing that lame hat and those clunky shoes was certainly not her idea - and now seeing that he is in for next week, the public has said they LIKE seeing him. Perhaps to see him 'suffer'; or perhaps the public is so clueless that they think he actually danced?

[swan]

Am I too mean or do you feel that Nick and wife's dance was not all that impressive? Such a great chance to showcase our sport to the mass audience and I almost felt they blew it.

When did they retire? Or when did they last compete? I'm with you. I was not impressed. Nik looked a lot better w/ Charlotte last time. I was expecting stellar performance, as he's dancing w/ his real partner tonight.

I suspect that Jon/Anya would have done a much better job showcasing that foxtrot...

Actually, they probably should have showcased a rumba (as the rhythm was rumba) instead w/ Louis & Edyta or Louis/Cheryl. Anya would have been great, but she's w/ Jon.

[deewoman]

I guess, Ashly did unintentionally (I like Ashly a lot, and I am not trying to say anything bad about her). I think people really supported her by calling, and that's how Kenny lost in the audience vote ;) I still tend to believe that people called for her, instead of for P.

Maybe you're right. My husband is delighted--he thinks Ashly is beautiful. Likewise, we couldn't believe Master P wasn't kicked off. Oh, well--it sure made for an interesting first two episodes!

[Larinda McRaven]

What is a real shame is that someone from ESPN got kicked off. That would have been a HUGE boom for us if he had stayed on. He would realize the difficulty, yet increasingly feel good about his performaces and his challenge. Now sadly I am afraid he will out of "saving face" just scoff at the whole thing... and we have sorely missed our chance to be taken seriously by the sports network.

Honestly NOBODY goes into a competiton without wanting to do well and deep down secretly wanting to win. So he, I am sure, is very disappointed in his result. His performace actually looked rather decent except for the nervous energy and poor footing. Even though his routine was harder than neccessary in a few spots. And I know For A Fact the studio here in CT where he had his lessons has a VERY SLOW FLOOR. When I used to work there Steve and I were a mess at competitions and EVERY floor felt like ice to us. So it is not surprising to me that he had several slips. And I would not fault him directly for that aspect of his performance.

[ACtenDance]

One thing I forgot to mention in my comments: The pro ladies were awesome about having showmanship and a smile on their faces even when their partners were horrible. However, they did way out dance them. Ashley should have just stuck to basics. Others too, but that one sticks out in my mind because of P.

Also, I think the music is better so far this year...I remember the music last year being stupid?

From what I remember, most of the routine was basics.

EDIT: went back to watch Ashley's routine. Syllabus latin dancers could watch it to see how to add some flair to their basic figures. I think that was probably my favorite routine... too bad P decided not to do it.

[mamboqueen]

What is a real shame is that someone from ESPN got kicked off. That would have been a HUGE boom for us if he had stayed on. He would realize the difficulty, yet increasingly feel good about his performaces and his challenge. Now sadly I am afraid he will out of "saving face" just scoff at the whole thing... and we have sorely missed our chance to be taken seriously by the sports network.

.


Good point...but there's still plenty of opportunity with Jerry Rice on the show. If ABC has any part in airing the NFL playoffs (starting this weekend), they would have him do some guest commentary on the games and work some snippets of the show in. It would really expose the show to a huge audience who might not otherwise be watching on Thursday nights. I'm just not sure off the top of my head what part ABC has in the playoffs.

[mamboqueen]

God...if they were really smart, they'd have some dancing during half time!! Woo hoo!

[Merrylegs]

Kenny... I can't help but thinking "who killed Kenny?"

Kenny killed Kenny. He was a smart ass and didn't take it seriously and he is responsible for his own demise. (Although if this were South Park, he'd be back next week)

I'll admit that while Master P didn't take it seriously for his one week involvement, Kenny had access to training the whole time and just thumbed his nose at it.

I agree with Larinda, it was a great opportunity to get the "jocks" who watch ESPN to pay attention to ballroom and now it's wasted.

[Merrylegs]

BTW, I missed the opening of the Friday night show but got to see most of Nick and Lena's performance, I thought it was really great. The floor seemed too small for them to dance to their fullest, however.

My (non-dancer) boyfriend said he wants to come back as Nick in another life (I'd be cool with that!) He loved the way Nick looked while he was dancing with Tatum, so did I! I also loved Nick's tux, it was beautiful with the tv lighting.

I'm totally psyched that so many of my favorite male dancers are on this show: Max, Nick, Tony, Louis and Jonathan. YAY! It's like the show hand-picked them for me.

I want to see Louis and Max dance Latin, can't wait!

[twnkltoz]

From what I remember, most of the routine was basics.

EDIT: went back to watch Ashley's routine. Syllabus latin dancers could watch it to see how to add some flair to their basic figures. I think that was probably my favorite routine... too bad P decided not to do it.

It did start out that way, and he was sort of keeping up, although very obviously not leading. Then there was a part in the middle that departed from basics and that's where he completely lost it (well, lost what little he had in the first place). I still say she needed to tone it down.

It's nice to know that the very first week you guys danced, you were able to learn a what, 2-minute routine? right off the bat and were able to perform it in front of a crowd with a partner who was dancing way over your head. All the beginners I've taught (and that's been many) could barely learn a few steps...and while most of the time they just take a lesson or two a week, I have had wedding couples who had to pack their 5-lesson package into one week. They did 5 steps, and were barely able to do that. It takes time and practice between lessons to be able to really learn the material. Many, many guys when they're first learning shut down and just stop dancing while their partner just goes along doing her own thing, trying to pull him along, because they can't process what she's doing, what he's supposed to be doing, and how to get his feet moving. To say he didn't even try is just heartless...I don't know, maybe he has piles and piles of talent but chose not to try because it's somehow cooler to look like that on national tv, but I doubt it.

Now don't get me wrong, I don't much give a crap about this guy, but I think he deserves a second chance given the great disadvantage he was at and the fact that Kenny was such a smartass about it. P's not doing it as a big joke, whether he actually wants to be there or not. I'm sure he'll be gone soon...if not next week, the one after.

I'm sorry Kenny didn't take it seriously enough to stick around, because Larinda's right, that would have been good publicity. BUT, it'll probably still get talked about as his buddies tease him about it, and Jerry's still there. I think it's not fair to base decisions on who will cause the most publicity.

[SDsalsaguy]

I haven’t seen how the show came across on TV (stupid VCR didn’t record), but based on my in studio impression I think that as much as Kenny’s attitude may have cost them their spot, so too did Andrea’s. Please realize that I’m not talking about either of them as people or even either of them as regards their attitude toward this show, only the attitudes that were portrayed by the show.

Just to share some in-studio observations…

The budget for lighting has gone up, as there were clearly more lights (and of different natures) all around the studio relative to last year’s season finale. There were also some under seat speakers this year to "suggest" applause and booing that we were instructed to follow along with, as well as general instructions about what scores from the judges should get what reactions (regardless of the dancing).

The warm-up/during-commercials guy is an @$$. I get that some minor humiliation may be the order of the day at a comedy club, but not for a studio audience. He’s also a racist, as demonstrated by: (1) his admonition not to clap along with the songs since “white people” would be off rhythm and mess up the dancers, and (2) his telling the one black guy in a mini dance-off that he’d expected more from him. The same guy kept on referring to Louis as Louis with an *s* and, after a minute, went, “hey, that’s the same guy as last year but without a pony tail!” Way to get with the program dude. :roll:

The band is utterly clueless about dance music!!! And I mean worse than you can tell on TV. In two of the breaks the during-commercials guy had a few people on the floor to dance, and asked them what type of music they needed. The first grouping (a gentleman and twin women) requested a WCS and got a 2step (and I don’t even mean NC2), and the “salsa” played for another couple later was not recognizable as such (at least not to me).

[mamboqueen]

Interesting commentary! Thanks for telling us what is going on behind the scenes.

I thought it was interesting (and I guess they *had* to do it) that they panned away from Nick and Lena so much during their dance and focused on the band. I didn't really need to see Burt Bacharach so much....I'd prefer to remember him by what I know he looked like 20-some-odd years ago!

[rpungin]

Raphael, will you include the results show on your website?
Yeah, the videos of the pros are there now.

[Katarzyna]

Yeah, the videos of the pros are there now.Thank you, you're the best... ALso wasn't impressed with Nick and LIna. he looked so much better with Charlotta.. But I guess she's in a different class..

[swan]

ALso wasn't impressed with Nick and LIna. he looked so much better with Charlotta.. But I guess she's in a different class..

But he WAS the Smooth Champ, right? I've seen some awesome Smooth performance from top Smooth Pro couples. Sorry I don't know much about the Smooth field, so I'm assuming Nik/Lena must have retired long time ago, so to explain the subpar performance.

[SDsalsaguy]

Sorry I don't know much about the Smooth field, so I'm assuming Nik/Lena must have retired long time ago, so to explain the subpar performance.
No, they just retired at Ohio this year. It was honestly one of the weaker performances I've seen from them, although I'm sure that the small floor -- especially with the addition of a grand piano on it! --had much to do with that as well.

[Big10]

I agree with Larinda, it was a great opportunity to get the "jocks" who watch ESPN to pay attention to ballroom and now it's wasted.
Based on that comment, I'm guessing you're not much of a football fan -- because I'm not sure it's possible to understate how much more significant Jerry Rice is, when compared to Kenny Mayne.

Almost every American man whom you might describe as a "jock" over the age of 21 knows who Jerry Rice is and what he did as a professional football player. I'm guessing a recognition factor for that group is perhaps 97-99% for Jerry Rice. Even "jocks" in other sports besides football would still watch football playoffs or the Super Bowl -- and Jerry Rice is truly legendary in that sport. Maybe 65% of that group of people would recognize Kenny Mayne's face as being someone "familiar" to them (because of ESPN), but only 15% (at best) could tell you his name, too. In other words, don't worry much about the "jock" crowd until Jerry Rice is gone.

Oh, and by the way, ABC owns ESPN, so it's doubtful that people on ESPN would badmouth the show just because of Kenny Mayne. They care much more about their own paychecks.;) (And it wouldn't surprise me to see a different ESPN anchor/reporter on DWTS in a future season.)

[mamboqueen]

Based on that comment, I'm guessing you're not much of a football fan -- because I'm not sure it's possible to understate how much more significant Jerry Rice is, when compared to Kenny Mayne.

Almost every American man whom you might describe as a "jock" over the age of 21 knows who Jerry Rice is and what he did as a professional football player. I'm guessing a recognition factor for that group is perhaps 97-99% for Jerry Rice. Even "jocks" in other sports besides football would still watch football playoffs or the Super Bowl -- and Jerry Rice is truly legendary in that sport. Maybe 65% of that group of people would recognize Kenny Mayne's face as being someone "familiar" to them (because of ESPN), but only 15% (at best) could tell you his name, too. In other words, don't worry much about the "jock" crowd until Jerry Rice is gone.

Oh, and by the way, ABC owns ESPN, so it's doubtful that people on ESPN would badmouth the show just because of Kenny Mayne. They care much more about their own paychecks.;) (And it wouldn't surprise me to see a different ESPN anchor/reporter on DWTS in a future season.)

Ack! I have to club you for that comment. I am the football fan in the house -- my husband wouldn't know Jerry Rice if he bumped into him on the sidewalk. Wouldn't know that he played for the 'niners, that their team colors are gold and red (cranberry) and that he wore #80 and that he played with one of the greatest Q'backs in the history of football....(although he might remember *him* from the shaving cream ads). Harumph!

[mamboqueen]

Thank you, you're the best... ALso wasn't impressed with Nick and LIna. he looked so much better with Charlotta.. But I guess she's in a different class..


I agree with you. I think part of it for me was the songs that were played. The Nick/Charlotte one was more seductive and sexy to me. The song they danced to on Thursday -- I have only heard as a rumba, so it seemed odd to me to hear it as a foxtrot.

[Big10]

Ack! I have to club you for that comment. I am the football fan in the house -- my husband wouldn't know Jerry Rice if he bumped into him on the sidewalk. Wouldn't know that he played for the 'niners, that their team colors are gold and red (cranberry) and that he wore #80 and that he played with one of the greatest Q'backs in the history of football....(although he might remember *him* from the shaving cream ads). Harumph!
Okay, I'll accept my clubbing....but how about light taps instead of a full swing?:(

Actually, I did think about that portion of my comment when I wrote it. Just based on my experience, it's more likely for male "jocks" to pay attention to sports other than their own, as opposed to female "jocks." For example, I know a few women who played basketball or volleyball for their schools, but they don't keep up much with football. However, almost all men who play team sports are likely to get together with other athletes to watch football at least occasionally. So, it seemed pretty safe to approximate "male jock" knowledge of Jerry Rice at close to 100% -- but I really wasn't sure what number to put on their female counterparts. Since I didn't know, I just left them out of my discussion.

I wasn't discounting the existence of female football fans (especially since I was at a female friend's house to watch the Rose Bowl this past week -- Go Texas!), but the previous comments from other posters seemed to be concerned about whether men would lose a lot of interest in the show because of Kenny Mayne. I was just trying to point out that most of those sports-oriented men would keep watching.

[Pam]

I thought it was a really good idea to have the pro's demo the next week's dances as part of the results show.

[mamboqueen]

It's okay...I just *had* to give you a brief flogging for making it seem like males were the only gender who would recognize football players. Jerry Rice is not only one of the best receivers ever, but a stand-up kinda guy....maybe people of both genders will appreciate him more after this show is over and done with.

[ChaChaMama]

Two thoughts:
1) When the dancers first came out, I remarked to ChaChaPapa: "Huh. I wonder why they are not wearing what they are going to dance in. Some of the celebrity women are wearing latin costumes too. I guess they just thought that was sexier for the intro." Then I realized those WERE smooth outfits! (Can we call them "gowns" if that little fabric is used? Discuss.)

Stacey's dress in particular looked like a latin outfit at first glance. Don't get me wrong, I liked it, but I can't personally imagine wearing that to waltz in. (Then again, maybe if my abs were as cut as hers are, I would reconsider!)

2) Maybe USA Dance should try to capitalize on DWTS by having an open routine category for beginners, with short solos. Or maybe not. (It would take forever to run, I realize.) But I'm sure that would appeal to some students in a way that closed syllabus routines do not.

On a somewhat related note, I actually have been surprised that the NDCA hasn't tried to capitalize on the series, as far as I can tell. I was at Ohio Star Ball Saturday night and saw both Jonathan Roberts and Anna Trebunskaya in the audience...and they were only one row ahead of me, and I had bought my ticket that day! I would have thought they would have been given star treatment in exchange for a little event-promotion.

:) ChaChaMama

[pygmalion]

2) Maybe USA Dance should try to capitalize on DWTS by having an open routine category for beginners, with short solos. Or maybe not. (It would take forever to run, I realize.) But I'm sure that would appeal to some students in a way that closed syllabus routines do not.

I have no intent to re-open the ongoing debate. But franchise studios offer their students glitz and glamour (aka spotlights and exhibitions) from day one, regardless of level. I suspect that's a part of the appeal, especially when you consider that the bulk of franchise students are adult learners. (Or at least that's how it appears to me. :cool: )

[new-ish]

I showed the clips from Raphael's site to my teacher since we are building a Cha-Cha showcase routine. We talked about how the professional women were basically dancing around their partners. She said that sometimes "you just have to do what you have to do." My reply was that I didn't have a problem with that as long as "we" look good.

[alemana]

could someone summarize what happens on the results show? i gather that results are presented and a pro show is given - that fills up how much time? 30 min?

[DrDoug]

could someone summarize what happens on the results show? i gather that results are presented and a pro show is given - that fills up how much time? 30 min?

I'm just guessing about the times, but it seemed to be:

Intro, hosts explain what's going to happen - 2 min

Recap of previous night's show with a few extra rehearsal
and interview clips - 2 min

Commercial - 3 min

Hosts repeat what's going to happen - 1 min

Pros demo dances for next week's show - 2 min

Commercial - 3 min

Hosts introduce Burt Bacharach - 1 min

Nick and Lena dance to "The Look of Love" - 2 min

Commercial - 3 min

Hosts repeat what's going to happen and announce five of
the nine couples that will return next week - 3 min

Commercial - 3 min

Hosts announce the rest of the results - 2 min

Hmm, I'm three minutes short. I must have forgotten a
commercial break.

[alemana]

oh! i didn't mean to ask for a minute-by-minute account! i was just saying, aside from the elements i knew were in there, what else happened? and how long was the show?

but thanks for your exhaustive answer!

[rpungin]

1) When the dancers first came out, I remarked to ChaChaPapa: "Huh. I wonder why they are not wearing what they are going to dance in. Some of the celebrity women are wearing latin costumes too. I guess they just thought that was sexier for the intro." Then I realized those WERE smooth outfits! (Can we call them "gowns" if that little fabric is used? Discuss.)

I now added links to the costumes of each couple to my DWTS2 page (http://journals.rpungin.fotki.com/dance/entry/wttfkgqwtst/). All of the costumes can be viewed here (http://rpungin.fotki.com/dance/dws2_costumes/). Each row of photos will be for each week of the series. Feel free to leave comments for each of the photos.

Cheers,

[GJB]

Is there a video clip anywhere on the net of Nick and Charlotte's dance from last season? I missed it.

[Larinda McRaven]

http://www.dance-forums.com/showpost.php?p=242028&postcount=184

[GJB]

Thanks, Larinda : )

[Larinda McRaven]

oopps... sorry I did not notice you asked for Nick and Charlotte.... My mind just assumed you wrote Nick and Elena. Perhaps Rahael would be so kind to put a clip of the N&C piece if he has it???

[rpungin]

oopps... sorry I did not notice you asked for Nick and Charlotte.... My mind just assumed you wrote Nick and Elena. Perhaps Rahael would be so kind to put a clip of the N&C piece if he has it???
It's on my First Season Page (http://journals.rpungin.fotki.com/dance/entry/wqbkwkdfksd/). Scroll down to Dance Off show.

[mamboqueen]

heavenly to watch again....that flying blonde hair remindse me of someone!

[swan]

heavenly to watch again....that flying blonde hair remindse me of someone!

Yes, nite/day difference between this heavenly performance & the performance we saw on Friday! As I said, Nik should still have looked much better w/ his own partner/wife, even though Charlotte was in a totally different league! Well, I think my standard bias is coming into play as well. Just rewatched both performances. More close hold & beautiful foxtrot gliding in the Charlotte/Nik's number than Elena/Nik (that one is really kind of a semi-rumba, arm waving number :))

[Bradamant]

Quick question: Does anyone know for sure -- did Anya change her name or are they just screwing it up at every turn? Thanks, the question has been bugging me.

[Laura]

I think maybe the TV producers thought that the "y" in the middle of her name is just too much for the audience to deal with, so they're calling her "Anna" rather than "Anya."

[rpungin]

I think maybe the TV producers thought that the "y" in the middle of her name is just too much for the audience to deal with, so they're calling her "Anna" rather than "Anya."
In Russian, Anya is a diminutive for Anna, so technically it's the same name.

[Bradamant]

In Russian, Anya is a diminutive for Anna, so technically it's the same name.

Well, yes and no. Like Seamus is James - but not. Or Edyta is Edith - but not.I admit I have a real thing about names. My own personal bugaboo as it were. I have a lot of friends who have had to sacrifice their given names, the ones they grew up hearing on their families' lips, for the sake of american comfort. I was just wondering if anyone who has contact with Anya knows if maybe it was her choice for the show and/or does she compete/perform/go about daily life as Anna now? I also see Anya as a "star" in her field, and couldn't imagine someone asking one of the TV stars to change his or her name (after they have already established the name) to be on a show like this. Just my own personal hang-up regarding given names.
:peace:

[rpungin]

Well, yes and no. Like Seamus is James - but not. Or Edyta is Edith - but not.
In your examples, the names are not the same. However Bill and William are the same names - Bill is diminutive of William. Same goes for Anya and Anna. In her passport you will see Anna, but her friends can call her Anya. Note that both Anya and Anna are Russian names, just like Bill and William are American.

[Laura]

Her staff page at the studio where she teaches has her as "Anna," as does her page with Jonathan Roberts at DanceSportInfo . net. So, I don't actually think it's a mistake or a change, unless she made the change herself.

[Bradamant]

All true. Thanks Raphael and Laura, for your responses. A quick online search revealed that even though the vast majority of hits (not related to DWTS) refer to her as Anya, there are a few notable exceptions including the Ohio comp a few years ago. So it looks like she herself is transitioning away from using Anya to Anna. Which is cool. As long as it is her own choice, my personal pet-peave is laid to rest nicely.

[rpungin]

So it looks like she herself is transitioning away from using Anya to Anna.In Russia, formally, Anya is used for a young girl and Anna for an adult, hence the transition. Casually Anya can still be used for an adult.

[Joe]

I caught a bit of the Dan Patrick show on ESPN Radio Friday afternoon, and they were clubbing Kenny a little bit about his DWTS appearance (he called in to the show, or they might have scheduled him to appear). This was before I'd had a chance to watch the show, unfortunately, so I probably didn't get most of their references. They played back the "demented" comment from Bruno, though. Kenny was just as much as smartass on ESPN Radio as he was on DWTS. Kept going on about being Randall Cunningham's backup or something.

Oh, and can I say: Anna is hawt! And Ashly is still adorable. ;) Edyta just doesn't do anything for me.

Too bad Baywatch got voted off. :(

[LXC]

Yes, nite/day difference between this heavenly performance & the performance we saw on Friday! As I said, Nik should still have looked much better w/ his own partner/wife, even though Charlotte was in a totally different league! Well, I think my standard bias is coming into play as well. Just rewatched both performances. More close hold & beautiful foxtrot gliding in the Charlotte/Nik's number than Elena/Nik (that one is really kind of a semi-rumba, arm waving number :))

I missed the N/C show piece for the first season; it's great to watch and yes quite a contrast. And I feel bad for C when they made a big deal about Nick's 'world' title and said nothing about her. I'm not belittling Nick's accomplishment here, but you know what I mean.

[redhead]

In Russia, formally, Anya is used for a young girl and Anna for an adult, hence the transition. Casually Anya can still be used for an adult.
I think quite a few dancers use their "young people" names. I doubt that Slavik K.'s given name is Slavik, for example.

[alemana]

it's more accurately described as a diminutive than a young person's name, in any case. adult men go as Slavik just like adult men go as Bobby.

[LXC]

There is a banner ad calling people to vote for Max and Tia on dancesportinfo!!! I didn't google the sponsor so I have no idea why it's there. Maybe because he's most well-known internationally?

Also, either Thursday or Friday when I was accessing abc.com, there was a pop up for AM franchise.

Lots of marketing around this show!

[cl5814]

I just watched the DWTS show on rpungin's website. Thanks, now i can relate to the comments on this site. Needless to say, i agree with comments.

[mamboqueen]

There is a banner ad calling people to vote for Max and Tia on dancesportinfo!!! I didn't google the sponsor so I have no idea why it's there. Maybe because he's most well-known internationally?

Also, either Thursday or Friday when I was accessing abc.com, there was a pop up for AM franchise.

Lots of marketing around this show!


Interesting. Well, I for one was quite shocked to see that Max and Tia came in second-to-last place for the dance they did. It was definitely BETTER than that. This is where the audience vote really comes into play....and personalities as well....people might find Ashly to be a nicer person and she might be getting votes at Max's expense because well, maybe he's not quite as well liked. I don't know...all I can say is that Max and Tia were FAR better than Ashly and P!

[cornutt]

Interesting. Well, I for one was quite shocked to see that Max and Tia came in second-to-last place for the dance they did.

Well, we all know that the audience voters do a fair amount of "gaming" with their votes, especially in the earlier rounds. Someone has two that they like, and one is scored well by the judges while another is scored low. They liked the first one better, but they figure that one will get enough votes to make to the next round anyway, so they vote for the other one. I see this happen on American Idol, and sometimes it results in very good singers getting voted off early because their fans outsmarted themselves. Moral: vote for who you like.

[Porfirio Landeros]

Moral: vote for who you like.I don't want to disenfranchise anyone either, but it's not like these voting systems are audited by any objective 3rd parties... pretty much, ABC can say whatever they want - they can make lines busy for people they don't want to stay on; they can lose votes; they can just not disclose anything and make up what happened. Still, vote for who you like, but realize that this is still entertainment and just for fun. The executives know that the more controversy the better, so I don't think they'll want everyone to be happy with the results so that the program continues to gain interest.

[mamboqueen]

I don't want to disenfranchise anyone either, but it's not like these voting systems are audited by any objective 3rd parties... pretty much, ABC can say whatever they want - they can make lines busy for people they don't want to stay on; they can lose votes; they can just not disclose anything and make up what happened. Still, vote for who you like, but realize that this is still entertainment and just for fun. The executives know that the more controversy the better, so I don't think they'll want everyone to be happy with the results so that the program continues to gain interest.


Wha? No Price/Waterhouse goons going to show up??

You're right...I just wish ABC knew what it did to all us ballroom lovers....

[waltzgirl]

They know they've got us ballroom lovers no matter what, so it's the non-ballroom folks they have to entice to watch the show!

[Katarzyna]

They know they've got us ballroom lovers no matter what, so it's the non-ballroom folks they have to entice to watch the show!very true!

[caityrosey]

What are they scheduled to dance this next episode?

[Katarzyna]

quickstep for the man, don't remember about women...

[Porfirio Landeros]

quickstep for the man, don't remember about women...Rumba, I believe... Lisa and Louis should look HOT.

[alemana]

depends on the amount of moves he gives her lips to do.

[mamboqueen]

Oooooh!!! You get the mean crown for the day! lmao!

[RhumbaWaltz]

it's more accurately described as a diminutive than a young person's name, in any case. adult men go as Slavik just like adult men go as Bobby.

Good point...and it works for women too. I have a "diminutive name" and I'm approaching a [gulp] milestone birthday...
RW

[Purr]

quickstep for the man, don't remember about women...

I don't envy the men having to dance quickstep. Last night's lesson was practicing the quickstep (and waltz) routine, and it's a difficult dance. It seemed to get better towards the end of the lesson, but I still missed a few steps. Practice, practice, practice.

[Purr]

depends on the amount of moves he gives her lips to do.

That's too funny!

[alemana]

leading lisa's lips will be louis' hair.

[mamboqueen]

Lisa, the latin, lippy lady, leading Louis' legs will look lovely, lifting the level of latin to loads of leaping levels.

(ugh)

[Purr]

leading lisa's lips will be louis' hair.

I thought Louis' locks were somewhat, ah, shorn this season.

[mamboqueen]

He looks like a completely different person...actually his new cut, to me, makes him look like he's about 18!

[Purr]

I didn't see him, or a few of the other early dancers, last week, because I got home too late from my lesson. I have to check when my lesson is this week, either 6:30 p.m. or 7:15 p.m.

[mamboqueen]

Do you get a discount for having your lesson on Thursday? G/f....gotta change the schedule!

[cornutt]

I thought Louis' locks were somewhat, ah, shorn this season.

The correct wording is: Louis' locks lost length. :p

[mamboqueen]

:p *laughing*

[SDsalsaguy]

*laughing*
You mean like this :lol: ?

:wink:

[Purr]

The correct wording is: Louis' locks lost length. :p

But an improvement, for sure!

[mamboqueen]

You mean like this :lol: ?

:wink:


I was impersonating Lisa Rinna's laugh. You know....lips that don't move?? *ouch - gets "mean crown" back).

[Purr]

Do you get a discount for having your lesson on Thursday? G/f....gotta change the schedule!

There's no discount, sadly. And I don't think the schedule will be changing anytime soon. Oh well, I've got to get those standard routines down or I'm toast. An argument could be made that I should be dancing instead of watching dancing.

[SDsalsaguy]

There's no discount, sadly. And I don't think the schedule will be changing anytime soon. Oh well, I've got to get those standard routines down or I'm toast. An argument could be made that I should be dancing instead of watching dancing. A better argument could be made that there should be time for both! :wink:

[Purr]

A better argument could be made that there should be time for both! :wink:

You haven't seen my standard routines! :(

[bjp22tango]

I don't have TV so a friend is taping the show for me.

I actually like it better because I can FF through all the inane emcee chatter and questionable judging comments. And since no one is commentating through the actual dancing I can just focus on what they are doing.

I actually hated Kennys Cha but wished he had a chance to improve at least one more week. I think he was compensating for being REALLY nervous by being a total jerk at the practices. Just like the comedian/painter on Ballroom Bootcamp who finally settled down and learned the routine, he looked like he was finally getting with the program.

I agree that Master P was kept on only because everyone likes Ashley. We'll see if that factors in this week, and whether he can get over his "stage fright" or "rap attitude" or whatever it is he has going on.

I liked Tatums Waltz but, like several of my friends, thought she looked uncomfortable when not dancing. She looked down when she was announced and entered the "stage". She looked much more like the amateur ladies on Ballroom Bootcamp than a "star".

Stacy did well, but I didn't like her costume choice. She had the body for it, but not the posture. Her stomach/ribcage kept sticking out strangely and the costume just emphasised it.

I have to go back and watch it again, but I did notice one of the ladies was using styling pioneered by Olga Foraponova. It is not my favorite style, but is very recognizable. To me it looks like Martha Graham modern dance angst introduced into ballroom.

Jerry Rice has the potential to improve the most of the men I think. George Hamiltons age and his rib problems are going to hold him back, though his attitude may carry him a ways.

I will have to rewatch the show and look for SD Salsa Guy. It is fun knowing someone on the show, even if only virtually.