Dancing with the Stars---FINALE ((spoilers))

[Larinda McRaven]

Previous Dancing With the Stars Discussions
Preshow and Week 1 Discussion (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9152)
Week 1 Poll (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9845)
Week 2 Discussion (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9909)
Week 2 Poll (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9927)
Week 3 (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=10023)
Week 4 (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=10123)
Week 5 (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=10219)
Finale (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=10312)

Soundtrack (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9893t=10122)
Judges & Contestants (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9928)
In the News (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=10054)
Music (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=10036)
Sold Out (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9883)
Free Tickets (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=9233)


Here goes our last show...

[Katarzyna]

Did John and Charlotta REALLY improve the quickstep? His shoulders were so high up... It's nice, but I don't think it improved much since the last time they danced it.. I really liked it the first time though...

[Larinda McRaven]

Very nice, John looks good. His head angle is a bit kooky though still.

[Larinda McRaven]

Thats the thing... I don't think he is any better, he was always nice to watch. But I don't think it got any better.

[Katarzyna]

Thats the thing... I don't think he is any better, he was always nice to watch. But I don't think it got any better.

Same thoughts here...

[Larinda McRaven]

:shock: Ummm, underwear?

[Vince A]

Damn, it's only a little after 6 PM here . . . I can't wait three more hours for the show to start . . . so keep the "blow-by-blow" coming.

C'mon Kelly . . .

[Katarzyna]

Some nice things in the samba... I just wonder why she looks so weak sometimes... Like she's about to fall... But there are definitely some nice moments...

[Larinda McRaven]

Well, I do think Kelly has improved soooo much since the beginning, but she still looks unnatural.

Yes she looks unstable when she leaves from his hands to her own feet, like she never really finds her feet and balance before he lets go, then she has to struggle abit to find her footing.

[Katarzyna]

Well, I do think Kelley has improved soooo much since the beginning, but she still looks unnatural.
"Unnatural" is a good way to put it...

[peachexploration]

:shock: Ummm, underwear?

:lol: :lol: New kind of trunk. :lol: :lol:

[Larinda McRaven]

It seems like everyone was angeling for a gimmick, Kelly and Alec in the pool... John and Charlotte with Patrick Swayze... last week with Joey going home for the BBQ...

[Katarzyna]

Kelly and Alec looked very happy in the pool... :wink:

[Larinda McRaven]

not sure what say after Johns freestyle...

[peachexploration]

Good save on that lift. John almost lost her. Whew!

[Katarzyna]

I love John and Charlotta's freestyle dance... It was great... so much fun :)

John is a really good show man !!!

[Larinda McRaven]

It was cute I guess but not my cup of tea. Good for him though.

[Vince A]

:shock: Ummm, underwear?
Now I gotta stay up and watch it . . . :roll:

[Larinda McRaven]

Kelly and Alex were rehearsing lifts... and her little skirt flies upside sown revealing stripped little hot-pants. It was just a bit funny to see. Not sure where your mind is though Vince :wink:

[peachexploration]

I really hope John and Charlotta win. :D

[Larinda McRaven]

Woah... well she gave it 100% a hundred times over!!! Some of it was a bit scary, I would never try some of it with heels...

[Vince A]

Kelly and Alex were rehearsing lifts... and her little skirt flies upside sown revealing stripped little hot-pants. It was just a bit funny to see. Not sure where your mind is though Vince :wink:
Well . . . you're the one who started steering it . . . :twisted:

[Katarzyna]

Kelly and Alec danced the freestyle dance so much like they danced all the other latin dances. It was pretty good overall, but she was still a bit unnatural.. Probably a bit better than the other dances she did...

It was a quick, exciting latin medly...

[Larinda McRaven]

So it all comes down to the judges score for her freestyle.

If John wins the freestyle he wins the comp because he won the quickstep re-dance.
If Kelly wins the freestyles, she wins the comp because she won last weeks audience votes.

[Larinda McRaven]

So far I have seen two local dance studio commericals tonight...

[Katarzyna]

For Kelly to win the freestyle, she needs to get at least one 10... We'll see...

[Larinda McRaven]

ALL 10s......
Well I guess she is the champion!

[Vince A]

So, we'll know who "wins" tonight, or do we have to wait another week???

[Katarzyna]

Wow she got 30 :shock: :shock: :shock:

Shocked...

I guess she won the whole competition... wow..

I don't think it was a 30 point performance... :evil:

[Brush Tap]

Three 10's???? Have the judges lost all their sense!??

[Katarzyna]

Three 10's???? Have the judges lost all their sense!??

Maybe they wanted her to win... :?

[LXC]

10???? Even though I knew Kelly's gonna win because she's the underdog, but 3 full marks for that routine? So many missed connections and Kelly pretty much fell at the end. More than once she had to look to Alec to continue the choreography...... I guess the hot pants really helped. :evil:

[Larinda McRaven]

Her talk with the host is the very reason that she should be the champion, the gracious attitude and determination is GREAT for the audience watch and learn about competitions.

I have really learned to like her over the past few weeks.

[peachexploration]

10???? Even though I knew Kelly's gonna win because she's the underdog, but 3 full marks for that routine? So many missed connections and Kelly pretty much fell at the end. More than once she had to look to Alec to continue the choreography...... Yeah, I agree. Not a good performance. *shrug*

[Larinda McRaven]

if you put your heart and soul into it you can make anything happen.

[Katarzyna]

10???? Even though I knew Kelly's gonna win because she's the underdog, but 3 full marks for that routine? So many missed connections and Kelly pretty much fell at the end. More than once she had to look to Alec to continue the choreography...... I guess the hot pants really helped. :evil:
A bit upsetting...

I guess judges had to make sure she will win.... And there was no other choice than to give her all 10s

[Katarzyna]

I liked the bit of rumba with Luis... Nice.. Too bad they got eliminated the 1st round...

[Larinda McRaven]

yeah, Trista was not a bad dancer... and should not have been the first to go.

[Katarzyna]

Oh well, she wasn't too popular... and neither was Luis...

[Ashley]

I missed almost all of the finale! :cry: Anyone know if/when it will be replayed?

[Larinda McRaven]

Three 10's???? Have the judges lost all their sense!??

Maybe they wanted her to win... :?

Well I guess they had to let one of them each win a dance tonight to keep up the suspense. If John won both dances tonight then there is no need for the build-up to the end of the show. Not sure 30 is accurate though. But at least they both won a dance and comes down to the audience... which we all assume Kelly wins because of her TV family support. But I am guessing the judges had to give it to her.

(whoah I just re-read that and it sounds like a bunch of rambeling babble.)

[Kitty]

well, I guess we know who won. I only got to see the last Kelly's competition dance (my brother wasn't letting me turn on ABC as he was watching something else). I liked it. But I'm sure Charlotte and John were great too...

why is everyone so sure Kelly gets the audience vote?

[Katarzyna]

Kelly and Alec just won....

Good for them...

[Katarzyna]

But I am guessing the judges had to give it to her.


I think they had to give it to her ... I feel bad for John and Charlotta..

[Larinda McRaven]

She's going to Disneyland... she is too cute!
And John is a gracious competitor.

[Larinda McRaven]

Wow, that was fun. Thanks everyone for chatting!

[Kitty]

Alec is hot

[Katarzyna]

It is such a pleasure watching the show with Larinda and Everyone :D

[Stiletto One]

Pure. Awesome.

And they need to hurry up and get a song list out; there was some good stuff tonight.

[Katarzyna]

Alec is hot
He's not bad... :)

[Vince A]

Thanks from me too . . . even though the show doesn't start for two hours, but now I can get 5 hours of guitar practice in . . .

[DanceMentor]

I just finished watching. I thought surely John and Charlotta were going to win due to audience popularity, but I was wrong. I felt Kelly and Alec danced the best, and deserved to win, but I didn't think they could get enough audience votes. I guess they did.

I think John and Charlotta got excellent recognition throughout, despite their loss.

[sara1011]

Three 10's???? Have the judges lost all their sense!??

Well, it certainly does seem that the three of them combined have one collective sense because Kelly did not give a 30-point performance. Tom Bergeron said it -- "America loves a comeback story." That's what it was, in my opinion. In my mind, Kelly's week-to-week scoring was more about, "Well, she's not as horrible as she was during week one...She's not as bad as she was week two...okay, week three is better..." and so on and so forth.

[Big10]

The judges' numbers were a bit generous all around. I don't think Kelly deserved three 10s for her freestyle -- but I dont think John deserved three 9s either, for his.

However, I think the result was right. Kelly was better than John in the freestyle by a margin larger than John's superiority in the opening dance.

By the way, those clips during the show were a great reminder of how truly amazing Kelly's improvement has been from the first show. :shock: Congratulations to her on winning!

[GalacticDancer44M]

Wow! Semi- shocked with the results, but I missed the first half hour including John's dancing. (Forgot about the show and was wrenching on my old race car). Kelly sure did pull out all the stops, but there were a number of miscues. Still a great job and the show was a blast. Great to hear all your comments too. I have to believe there'll be another Dancing With The Stars. I vote to see Larinda in the next series! :D

[Vince A]

Wow! Semi- shocked with the results, but I missed the first half hour including John's dancing. (Forgot about the show and was wrenching on my old race car). Kelly sure did pull out all the stops, but there were a number of miscues. Still a great job and the show was a blast. Great to hear all your comments too. I have to believe there'll be another Dancing With The Stars. I vote to see Larinda in the next series! :D
Here, here, I'll second that motion!

[Kitty]

does anyone think this is also a Latin vs Standard thing? People like both but just get more excited and amazed by latin. I knew I knew I knew whoever would be better (more exciting) in the latin dances would win.

[Kitty]

Do they accept audience votes?
I think Larinda would be great for the show!

[Katarzyna]

does anyone think this is also a Latin vs Standard thing? People like both but just get more excited and amazed by latin. I knew I knew I knew whoever would be better (more exciting) in the latin dances would win.
Perhaps... I love Charlotta so I was definitely cheering for her no matter who she competed against... Hot exciting latin is always more popular with the audience...

[Kitty]

does anyone think this is also a Latin vs Standard thing? People like both but just get more excited and amazed by latin. I knew I knew I knew whoever would be better (more exciting) in the latin dances would win.
Perhaps... I love Charlotta so I was definitely cheering for her no matter who she competed against... Hot exciting latin is always more popular with the audience...

I didn't know Charlotte but next time she is in town, I'll book tons of lessons.

[Katarzyna]

I didn't know Charlotte but next time she is in town, I'll book tons of lessons.
She's a great teacher!

[Kitty]

I didn't know Charlotte but next time she is in town, I'll book tons of lessons.
She's a great teacher!

I saw that! On TV!

[Kitty]

have the people on the other coast seen the tonight show yet?

[ChaChaLicious]

i must say... i had my doubts about kelly, but whoa... the finale was amazing. i think her samba was still pretty sloppy, however she totally won me over with the freestyle dance. amazing. john looked so much more professional in the quickstep.. it blew me away... his posture improved a whole lot, his steps got neater, and his essence on the floor was just amazing!!!!! :P his freestyle show, i think was also great. honestly, after a performance like that from both couples, i wouldnt have been able to pick a winner. they both did so wonderfully! i also think alec is an amazing dancer. i have to read up on him. i'm sure if i google him, ill find something interesting. he is such a good dancer and he is really really good looking! Whoa! Tonights show, was by far the best!!!!

[jjohnjjr]

In total, this was the best show. John and Kelly each pulled out all the stops and put on great performances.

I still favor John and Charlotte, so I was disappointed that they did not win the show. John continued to show the poise and fun of a dancer. And their freestyle routine was fun and entertaining... pointing out John's problems with his hips.

My biggest shock is the 3 10s given for Kelly's freestyle. I was on the phone with my Mom at the time (thanks Mom :? ) so I didn't watch it intently. But it took several competitions in the BBC version until any of the judges awarded a 10 for the first time, and tonight we got three of them. Perfection? Nah.

John

[DanceMentor]

Does anyone know what the plans are for another season?
I really want to know this. Please PM me if you know the answer.

[tacad]

:shock: Ummm, underwear?
So I'm reading this as the show is playing on the west coast. It must be time for Kelly. :lol:

[tacad]

:shock: Ummm, underwear?

:lol: :lol: New kind of trunk. :lol: :lol:
Now that's a gimmick.

[Larinda McRaven]

Do they accept audience votes?
I think Larinda would be great for the show!

you guys are silly :tongue:

[DanceMentor]

Larinda's avatar is actually a picture from Season 2. 8) :lol:
They are still deciding on which star to team her up with...who do you think it should be?

[tacad]

not sure what say after Johns freestyle...
His quickstep rocked. He didn't look so great on the freestyle. The judges obviously disagreed.

[tacad]

I loved Kelly's freestyle. Great stuff. Great style! It looked better than her samba. Her samba this week seemed to have less energy than last week. But it returned in her freestyle. Go Kelly! :banana:

[africana]

WOW :D great end!!
I loved Kelly's smiling! so infectious, makes her more beautiful than I thought she was

- as far the "she doesn't deserve a 30" comments, I say "maybe not" but the judges simply wanted to differentiate btwn her performance and John's
- which by the way looked good, but not as tantalizing or exciting to a lay non-ballroom audience as Kelly's routines did (both the samba and the freestyle). Personally I can't tell what all the fuss is about - one is more entertaining to "normal people" ;) than the other, and one is probably more solid in technique than the other. It probably takes a lot of ballroom knowledge and experience to appreciate all the visuals. I didn't much like the looking back and forth (contrachecks?) and board-straight posing that I saw in standard (?) routines. Not as much fun...plus not really dancing for the music ( a la Trista's final dance)
- by the way most of Kelly's freestyle choreo had moves and tricks also used in salsa (another reason why it seemed fresher to me)

[africana]

glad i saw this last one, but overall I wasn't all that glued to the show, and don't understand some of the fuss (disparaging comments mostly), but mostly because I don't dance ballroom

but...kelly and Alec do look cosy...now I'd like to know about that :P

[tacad]

:banana: :banana: :banana: Yay, Kelly! Kelly wins!

As great as John looked in the quickstep (and he did look great) Kelly looked better in freestyle. She had the attitude. She had the solidity, mostly. She had the energy. As far as three 10's, well it is television after all.

I'm still confused on the apparent antipathy toward Kelly. She simply is not that bad. Even technically. Yeah, she wiggles around a lot, but that's not all she does. And it's ok that she does. She looked a bit unstable, sure, especially on her samba tonight. I thought John looked unstable in his freestyle. Maybe it's not antipathy, but it sure is something.

Anyway, it was fun discussing this. Until season two with Larinda! :banana:

[bjp22tango]

I had voted for John & Charlotte but I'm actually glad Kelly and Alec won, they had the most energy over all, and Kelly's freestyle was a "take no prisoners effort". Good for her!

It was fun to see the other competitors redo their favorite dances also. If Trista hadn't been voted off the second week I think she could have given some nice performances, IF she could have gotten over the "your not my husband, I can't dance this close" issue. Joey's Cha Cha was much more relaxed and grounded. He really looked like he was having a good time. Evanders Jive and Rachel's Tango didn't show much difference but they probably hadn't practiced much since being eliminated.

Now we have to wait until next year!

[Laura]

All I can say is

"Ehh."

[SDsalsaguy]

Joey's Cha Cha was much more relaxed and grounded. He really looked like he was having a good time.
At least one of the judges was of the same mind. Buno motioned Ashley over just after that segment went to commercial and told her that if Joey had been dancing like that he would have made it into the final.

[tacad]

All I can say is

"Ehh."
:lol: :notworth: :wink:

[pygmalion]

All I can say is

"Ehh."

Ditto! I'm glad the show seems to have been such a popular success. But, for me, eh about sums it up. :?

[Purr]

All I can say is

"Ehh."

Ditto! I'm glad the show seems to have been such a popular success. But, for me, eh about sums it up. :?

Yep. What a disappointment. That little chit won. :?

[Purr]

Wow she got 30 :shock: :shock: :shock:

Shocked...

I guess she won the whole competition... wow..

I don't think it was a 30 point performance... :evil:

Neither did I. I think the judges had no choice but to give her those marks, so she would win. It makes a much better story.

[Joe]

I didn't know Charlotte but next time she is in town, I'll book tons of lessons.
She's a great teacher!

I saw that! On TV!
Do you believe everything you see on TV? Do you believe everything you read on the Internet? :P

(j/k, I know she's a great teacher. ;) )

[Joe]

All I can say is

"Ehh."
QFT.

[flyingwolf]

I had voted for John & Charlotte but I'm actually glad Kelly and Alec won, they had the most energy over all, and Kelly's freestyle was a "take no prisoners effort". Good for her!

It was fun to see the other competitors redo their favorite dances also. If Trista hadn't been voted off the second week I think she could have given some nice performances, IF she could have gotten over the "your not my husband, I can't dance this close" issue. Joey's Cha Cha was much more relaxed and grounded. He really looked like he was having a good time. Evanders Jive and Rachel's Tango didn't show much difference but they probably hadn't practiced much since being eliminated.

Now we have to wait until next year!

Am I and the people I watched with the only ones that saw Kelly fell on her knee and forgot her step twice yet still got a perfect 30? Or the version on the west coast had been edited????

[Angelo]

Wow she got 30 :shock: :shock: :shock:

Shocked...

I guess she won the whole competition... wow..

I don't think it was a 30 point performance... :evil:

Neither did I. I think the judges had no choice but to give her those marks, so she would win. It makes a much better story.


They also had to give her such a high score because she and Alec had a better "freestyle" performance than John and Charlotte (which was still decent but they had awful music) but they had already scored John and Charlotte so high

[cl5814]

Larinda's avatar is actually a picture from Season 2. 8) :lol:
They are still deciding on which star to team her up with...who do you think it should be?

Just had this thought, what about Regis Philburn ?

[Swingolder]

Larinda's avatar is actually a picture from Season 2. 8) :lol:
They are still deciding on which star to team her up with...who do you think it should be?

Just had this thought, what about Regis Philburn ?

I would hope it would at least be someone I would recognize. I didn't know any of these stars (except I had heard of Holyfield).
But I did get to like most of them. I really enjoyed watching the practice sessions.

[Egoist]

Am I and the people I watched with the only ones that saw Kelly fell on her knee and forgot her step twice yet still got a perfect 30? Or the version on the west coast had been edited????

I don't think Kelly's 10s were intended to award perfection but rather to show an improvement over John. The miscues you mention, however, are enough for me to award Kelly a score no better than John's.

I thought Alec was overshadowing Kelly in both of their performances. They did not look like a partnership. Charlotte, on the other hand, was not "carrying" John; they did look like a partnership.

I'm dissapointed at the results.

[flyingwolf]

Am I and the people I watched with the only ones that saw Kelly fell on her knee and forgot her step twice yet still got a perfect 30? Or the version on the west coast had been edited????

I don't think Kelly's 10s were intended to award perfection but rather to show an improvement over John. The miscues you mention, however, are enough for me to award Kelly a score no better than John's.

I thought Alec was overshadowing Kelly in both of their performances. They did not look like a partnership. Charlotte, on the other hand, was not "carrying" John; they did look like a partnership.

I'm dissapointed at the results.

I think all the people who watched the show like watching a real competition felt the same way

[flyingwolf]

Am I and the people I watched with the only ones that saw Kelly fell on her knee and forgot her step twice yet still got a perfect 30? Or the version on the west coast had been edited????

I don't think Kelly's 10s were intended to award perfection but rather to show an improvement over John. The miscues you mention, however, are enough for me to award Kelly a score no better than John's.

I thought Alec was overshadowing Kelly in both of their performances. They did not look like a partnership. Charlotte, on the other hand, was not "carrying" John; they did look like a partnership.

I'm dissapointed at the results.

Speaking of awarding improvement, did Kelly really improve THAT much? Her samba looked pretty much the same except this time the strap didn't break. And why there is nothing to award John for being the oldest yet had to go up against those who are probably 20 years younger than him?

[mamboqueen]

ick! It seems totally scripted.....

Oh, and I'm with Kitty -- Alec is HOT! Those arms....

I read in the paper yesterday that Fox is coming up with a similar show, but with ice skating! That should be interesting!

[Katarzyna]

I heard that the show is scripted... but don't want to believe it...

[Angelo]

And why there is nothing to award John for being the oldest yet had to go up against those who are probably 20 years younger than him?

And what would you award him with? He held his own and almost won the whole thing. I would certainly give him a Mr. Congeniality award but giving him special consideration because of his age is a slippery slope and I think would only diminish his achievments on the show.

[flyingwolf]

And why there is nothing to award John for being the oldest yet had to go up against those who are probably 20 years younger than him?

And what would you award him with? He held his own and almost won the whole thing. I would certainly give him a Mr. Congeniality award but giving him special consideration because of his age is a slippery slope and I think would only diminish his achievments on the show.

Then why would you award Kelly for the over-rated improvement?

[contracheck]

ick! It seems totally scripted.....

Oh, and I'm with Kitty -- Alec is HOT! Those arms....

If Alec's arms drive you crazy how about Hollyfield's arms?

[mamboqueen]

They look like they'd kill me!

[Angelo]

And why there is nothing to award John for being the oldest yet had to go up against those who are probably 20 years younger than him?

And what would you award him with? He held his own and almost won the whole thing. I would certainly give him a Mr. Congeniality award but giving him special consideration because of his age is a slippery slope and I think would only diminish his achievments on the show.

Then why would you award Kelly for the over-rated improvement?

I wouldn't. I would award her for the results that came from her improvement if they brought her to the level she needed to to win, which they did in my opinion.

[Katarzyna]

ick! It seems totally scripted.....

Oh, and I'm with Kitty -- Alec is HOT! Those arms....

If Alec's arms drive you crazy how about Hollyfield's arms?

Man shouln't be THAT strong.. Tough to handle..

[new-ish]

I think we established from the beginning that the networks were only looking to entertain us and instead of people eating worms or belting out bad renditions of Ricky Martin songs, they gave us ballroom dancing with six very credible pros.

The ballroom community had to endure the not unpleasant sight of the pretty boy and girl coming from behind to "win."

In exchange they got the #1 rated show, a number of morning show appearances and alot of positive press about ballroom dancing. My local paper, The San Jose Mercury News had a full page shot of a couple dancing, and a long article which talked about how cool ballroom dancing is.

In our wildest dreams, we could not have done much better.

[Shannon]

All I can say is

"Ehh."

My sentiments too. I was disappointed in the results but expected Kelly to win. I can't say that I was really impressed with John's freestyle, it just wasn't my type of thing. Kelly seemed to forget her steps a lot of the time which would lead me to have given them about the same scores on the freestyle.

I think Kelly was blessed with a partner that could put her into a lot of lifts without a problem. There is no way John could really compete with that and I think the routines reflect that. I mean, you can't teach a guy to do balanced lifts like that in a week and Kelly and Alec ended with to amazing lifts. If John could have done some of those with Charlotta then they may have scored higher.

At least I get my Wednesday nights back.

[Ithink]

I was happy with the results. I would have been almost as happy to see John win as I was to see Kelly win. But I think she deserved to win for showing improvement, determination and a great attitude. That's what people like to see and that's what they rewarded.

As for yesterday's dancing, I agree with some of the comments. John's freestyle was definitely not my cup of tea - I, like Larinda had no idea what to think... It was a little weird but still fun because John knows how to please an audience. I think Kelly's perfect score was simply a reflection that the judges liked her freestyle dance much better (not 1 point better but 3 points better) than John's. Her dance combined different elements of various latin dances as well as some crowd pleasing acrobatics. She truly gave it 100% 100 times over and I think the judges rewarded her hutspah. Yes, there were missed connections and forgotten choreography but I saw the same things in John's performance which was not nearly as gutsy. Besides, people who say this is not how competitions are judged, are you serious? We just had a whole discussion in another thread about someone winning the World Mambo title (or was it Open Rhythm?) at a recent comp when most of the educated ballroom audience didn't think they were giving their all and just coasting through the comp...? Pro dancers miss connections all the time, or go through the motions instead of dancing and giving their all, and win anyway because of their reputation... Is that why is it so unbelievable to some of you experienced dancers when judges actually reward hard work and a dancer going all out in her performance? Kelly definitely didn't win on her reputation, just her amazing drive and ability to overcome some big obstacles. I think the win went to a very deserving competitor. And calling her names (what the heck is a "chit" anyway?!) doesn't take away from her achievement!

GO Kelly!

[Vince A]

*$^#@"& crybabies . . .

[Purr]

Hey Ithink,

I didn't call Kelly a name by calling her a "chit". Check your Webster's dictionary. "Chit" refers to "a pert young woman".

Thanks a lot for jumping to conclusions.

[Ithink]

I looked up "chit" and it also means a "child". I don't think calling Kelly a little child is particularly flattering but that's just me...

Anyways, your tone first and foremost told me that you were not trying to be flattering to her. If I am wrong, I appologize but something tells me I am not...

[flyingwolf]

This show just made me want to watch the UK series again, where people were judged by how great they dance... the winner of the UK series was also a soap star, who seemed 5-10 years older than kelly, but she was sooooo good... maybe I just had a too high expection for Kelly because of her...

[flyingwolf]

I looked up "chit" and it also means a "child". I don't think calling Kelly a little child is particularly flattering but that's just me...

Anyways, your tone first and foremost told me that you were not trying to be flattering to her. If I am wrong, I appologize but something tells me I am not...
why do people need to be flattering to her? :? :?

[Porfirio Landeros]

I think John/Charlotte blew it a little bit with their "freestyle." If they had kept it more ballroom and just threw in a few lifts, it would have been better.

Kelly's freestyle had the right direction, but for some reason nobody seemed to notice how she was literally stopping to catch up and copy Alec.

In the end, I think John really came out knowing how to dance ballroom - he was actually leading, and even better, getting into the character of each dance.

Kelly, on the other hand, always appeared tossed around and trying to keep up.

I am also very suspicious about the judges marks the last show, since it made for more drama to give the underdog 10's and let it appear that the audience decided.

If the award were most improved, it would be Kelly, but if the award were for becoming the best ballroom dancer in this crash-course series, it should have been John. I thought the competition was for the latter :?

[redhead]

Kelly and Alec looked very happy in the pool... :wink:
and edyta didn't look very happy :roll:

[Katarzyna]

My boss just came over and commented on the show. He doesn't dance at all, but he still thought Kelly's dancing was really messy... I guess it's not only us dancers that are critical...

[redhead]

Larinda's avatar is actually a picture from Season 2. 8) :lol:
They are still deciding on which star to team her up with...who do you think it should be?

Just had this thought, what about Regis Philburn ?
Conan O'Brian?

[Katarzyna]

Kelly and Alec looked very happy in the pool... :wink:
and edyta didn't look very happy :roll:

Jealousy... :?:

Poor Edyta, she had a tought guy to work with !!! :)

[Ithink]

I don't mind if you criticize her dancing ability but being flattering to her as a person...? Oh I don't know, because it's rude not to be? There is no need to be condescending to a reality show participant especially one who has embraced so wholeheartedly a hobby we all supposedly share. Unless, she threatens you in some way and you feel like putting her down makes you feel better? Which, I really cannot imagine petite, tiny Kelly threatening someone....

[Katarzyna]

Just had this thought, what about Regis Philburn ?
Regis would be great :) :lol:

[flyingwolf]

My boss just came over and commented on the show. He doesn't dance at all, but he still thought Kelly's dancing was really messy... I guess it's not only us dancers that are critical...
No way! Kelly improved so much and her freestyle was so much more challenging and she totally deserved to win...

just a summary of replies you will get some some people... :lol:

[alemana]

NYTIMES, July 7, 2005 (AP)


An online community of ballroom dancers came to blows this morning over disagreements on the outcome of the first-ever American ballroom reality series, "Dancing with the Stars."

Tempers have been spiraling since the show debuted over two months ago, but the selection of a physically fit but talentless soap opera actress' exposed abdominal area as the winner in the elimination-style contest was the last straw for the overwrought online fans.

In a series of explosive incidents, the normally docile group of hobbyist dancers began namecalling and accusing one another of namecalling. The situation worsened as the cultural and linguistic differences in the international community flared and posters misread one another's comments or made unfortunate conjectures on the meaning of unknown words.

A spokesperson for Dance Forums said, "We regret that these incidents have occurred today. We pride ourselves on the welcome and friendly atmosphere in our virtual community. When I myself woke to find a package of dog poo on my doorstep, wrapped in a red ribbon bearing the DANCING WITH THE STARS logo and a photo of Kelly Monaco with a red slash through her face, I knew we had reached the nadir of this disagreement.

She continued, "The banding together of community members into violent tribal groups in support either John or Kelly in the final round was unprecedented. We alerted ABC last night that we had uncovered secret plans for looting and Molotov cocktails deep in the bowels of Dance Forum's private messaging system, and the authorities responded in time to prevent any serious casualties."

The most violent of the groups took a cat hostage in Newport, Rhode Island and claimed it would not release the animal until forum member Larinda McRaven was tapped to participate in the next season of the popular reality show, which was rated number 1 among summer replacement programs.

Authories in Newport are monitoring the situation. We will have more news as it becomes available.


##

[Katarzyna]

My boss just came over and commented on the show. He doesn't dance at all, but he still thought Kelly's dancing was really messy... I guess it's not only us dancers that are critical...
No way! Kelly improved so much and her freestyle was so much more challenging and she totally deserved to win...

just a summary of replies you will get some some people... :lol:

I was actually surprised to hear HIS comment.. I expected everyone to be excited about a hot latin medly, skimpy clothes, attractive girls...

[flyingwolf]

I don't mind if you criticize her dancing ability but being flattering to her as a person...? Oh I don't know, because it's rude not to be? There is no need to be condescending to a reality show participant especially one who has embraced so wholeheartedly a hobby we all supposedly share. Unless, she threatens you in some way and you feel like putting her down makes you feel better? Which, I really cannot imagine petite, tiny Kelly threatening someone....

maybe you haven't realized there are some attitude between 'falttering' and 'rude'? How about I just don't care for her? I don't hate her and I don't like her.....if I am not falttering to her I must be rude to her? I know who you are now... good morning Mr. President!

[Katarzyna]

NYTIMES, July 7, 2005 (AP)....

##

What is this????

[redhead]

Alemana OMG I fell of the chair laughing

[Vince A]

Alemana OMG I fell of the chair laughing
Ditto, Ditto, Ditto . . . .

[Ithink]

That was funny, alemana. Thank you for bringing humor into what has been a humorless discussion so far:)

[Vince A]

That was funny, alemana. Thank you for bringing humor into what has been a humorless discussion so far:)
Yes thanks . . .

Humorless discussion . . . "Amen."

Never saw so many crybabies and sore losers. Not one of us who liked Kelly has said, "I told you she'd win," but yet they (the crybabies and sore losers) can't acknowledge their wrong choice. They berate someone who did something that no person on this site has done. They vilify Kelly's accomplishments . . . all of the "stars" looked like rookies . . all of them had missed hands, bad footworks, were dropped . . . yet only a handful of DF'ers will accept that she won - without saying something bad about her.

Sounds like jealousy to me!!!

I won't respond in this thread again, nor will I even open it up to read what the crybabies and sore losers the nasty "come backs" to what I just wrote.

I only wish I could accomplish any new dance as well as she (or any of the stars) did in six weeks . . .

[Medira]

NYTIMES, July 7, 2005 (AP)

##
:lol: :lol: :lol:

*cracks up* Hehehe, that's great!



I was very disappointed to see the results of the show. I was really pulling for John and Charlotte. However...

John's quickstep looked cleaner than the first time around (I still had the first performance of it on tape, so I got to double check and make sure :P) and I'm glad to see that he didn't end up dropping Charlotte during their freestyle lift. It was close, and I found myself holding my breath when I saw his hand slip, but she recovered pretty nicely.

Kelly's samba wasn't nearly as energetic as her initial performance, so I found it disappointing, even though it was cleaner and free of wardrobe mishaps. I thought her freestyle routine was a disaster though. It seemed like she had completely forgotten the choreography in the middle section where she and Alec were side by side and the ending was a definite oops. I wouldn't be surprised if she had some major bruises on her knees this morning. She had defintiely improved a lot though and was really looking like she was having fun. I was glad to see it. :)

As far as the others go, I thought Trista was actually moving a lot better during her little blurb and I was SO impressed with Joey's improvement in the chacha. Evander looked like he was closer to completing moves in his jive, though he was still quite heavy and I thought that Rachel was a carbon copy of her last tango. It was good to see them all perform once more though.

I'm glad that the show got the response and ratings that it did. It was also neat to see it on TV again. I think it's been a good overall experience.

[flyingwolf]

That was funny, alemana. Thank you for bringing humor into what has been a humorless discussion so far:)
Yes thanks . . .

Humorless discussion . . . "Amen."

Never saw so many crybabies and sore losers. Not one of us who liked Kelly has said, "I told you she'd win," but yet they (the crybabies and sore losers) can't acknowledge their wrong choice. They berate someone who did something that no person on this site has done. They vilify Kelly's accomplishments . . . all of the "stars" looked like rookies . . all of them had missed hands, bad footworks, were dropped . . . yet only a handful of DF'ers will accept that she won - without saying something bad about her.

Sounds like jealousy to me!!!

I won't respond in this thread again, nor will I even open it up to read what the crybabies and sore losers the nasty "come backs" to what I just wrote.

I only wish I could accomplish any new dance as well as she (or any of the stars) did in six weeks . . .

This is so funny....
I have no idea where the 'crybaby'' sore loser' came from... Kelly won, not you, John lost, not anyone here who believed he should have been the winner

[Purr]

I looked up "chit" and it also means a "child". I don't think calling Kelly a little child is particularly flattering but that's just me...

Anyways, your tone first and foremost told me that you were not trying to be flattering to her. If I am wrong, I appologize but something tells me I am not...

It's the secondary defination I was referring to. I'd say calling Kelly a "pert young woman" sums her up. If vernacular is a problem, I'll post in words fewer than one syllable.

Kelly may be all right as a person, or as an actress (I don't watch soap operas). But this was a dance competition, and I didn't particulary care for her dancing last night. Her samba was ok; however, I liked the first one better. Her freestyle was all over the place.

[Laura]

Am I and the people I watched with the only ones that saw Kelly fell on her knee and forgot her step twice yet still got a perfect 30?

I saw her falling all over the place, as usual, because her routines are too complex for her current level of balance and leg/foot usage.

I'll add

"Feh"

to my previous

"Ehh."

[LXC]

alemana, thank you for the much needed humor on this dreadful work day.

[Purr]

The most violent of the groups took a cat hostage in Newport, Rhode Island and claimed it would not release the animal until forum member Larinda McRaven was tapped to participate in the next season of the popular reality show, which was rated number 1 among summer replacement programs.

Authories in Newport are monitoring the situation. We will have more news as it becomes available.



Here's the cat.

http://pages.prodigy.net/purr1/_uimages/BadPurr.jpg

[tacad]

Her freestyle rocked, John's was clumsy. Yeah, she stumbled at the end. He stumbled the entire time. I thought he might have been drunk during his freestyle. You guys didn't really think his freestyle was good, did you?
He certainly did not deserve the nines. But once you give him 9's for that dubious dance you have to give Kelly 10's for her superior freestyle. If Kelly didn't deserve the 10's, he certainly did not deserve the 9's.

[Laura]

I agree there was definite "point inflation" last night, especially on the freestyle dances.

[redhead]

I only wish I could accomplish any new dance as well as she (or any of the stars) did in six weeks . . .
Ahm, to be exact - didn't they practice for five weeks before the first show?

[Purr]

NYTIMES, July 7, 2005 (AP)


An online community of ballroom dancers came to blows this morning over disagreements on the outcome of the first-ever American ballroom reality series, "Dancing with the Stars."

Tempers have been spiraling since the show debuted over two months ago, but the selection of a physically fit but talentless soap opera actress' exposed abdominal area as the winner in the elimination-style contest was the last straw for the overwrought online fans.

In a series of explosive incidents, the normally docile group of hobbyist dancers began namecalling and accusing one another of namecalling. The situation worsened as the cultural and linguistic differences in the international community flared and posters misread one another's comments or made unfortunate conjectures on the meaning of unknown words.

A spokesperson for Dance Forums said, "We regret that these incidents have occurred today. We pride ourselves on the welcome and friendly atmosphere in our virtual community. When I myself woke to find a package of dog poo on my doorstep, wrapped in a red ribbon bearing the DANCING WITH THE STARS logo and a photo of Kelly Monaco with a red slash through her face, I knew we had reached the nadir of this disagreement.

She continued, "The banding together of community members into violent tribal groups in support either John or Kelly in the final round was unprecedented. We alerted ABC last night that we had uncovered secret plans for looting and Molotov cocktails deep in the bowels of Dance Forum's private messaging system, and the authorities responded in time to prevent any serious casualties."

The most violent of the groups took a cat hostage in Newport, Rhode Island and claimed it would not release the animal until forum member Larinda McRaven was tapped to participate in the next season of the popular reality show, which was rated number 1 among summer replacement programs.

Authories in Newport are monitoring the situation. We will have more news as it becomes available.


##

Is there any update yet? :D

[tacad]

If the award were most improved, it would be Kelly, but if the award were for becoming the best ballroom dancer in this crash-course series, it should have been John. I thought the competition was for the latter :?
Better than Joey? I still think Joey was best.

[tacad]

Alemana OMG I fell of the chair laughing
Ditto, Ditto, Ditto . . . .
Ditto!

[SDsalsaguy]

By the way, I don't really care what you think.

Wow, thanks. Now I definitely know you are rude!

Good for you.
This is to both of you... enough. Use PMs if you want to spat.

[Porfirio Landeros]

Better than Joey? I still think Joey was best.Joey did a great job. I thought that Ashley did the best she could with the Big Spender song... doing standard to that song would have looked lame. The jazzy routine really suited the music. Also, I thought Joey proved himself in the Eye of the Tiger Paso Doble, but over all, I still gave John O'Hurley my votes when it came to ballroom dance principles - lead/follow, posture, balance, etc. Joey, except in Paso, seemed to have a pretty serious posture problem, but he really did get into the music/rhythms ever since their swing number.

[Ithink]

As for Joey, I really thought he was great. His rhythm was always the best of anyone. And it was awesome to see him do that cha cha so much better, with much better posture than he did at first. I really think that he has great talent and if given slightly more time, would have been the best of the bunch in terms of pure dancing.

[Lightspan]

I agree, I was astounded by how much his posture had improved since that very first cha cha... and since there was nothing riding on the dance this time, he looked laid back and like he was having a blast... which made it look so much better!

[SDsalsaguy]

I agree, I was astounded by how much his posture had improved since that very first cha cha... and since there was nothing riding on the dance this time, he looked laid back and like he was having a blast... which made it look so much better!
Sure... but wouldn't it have been even better if Joey & Ashley had done some American style foxtrot as their favorite dance? :wink:

[chachachacat]

So, SDS, tell us what it was like being there at the taping, please!

[mamboqueen]

Do it amongst yourself, please.

[SDsalsaguy]

:roll: :roll: :roll:

[cornutt]

Never saw so many crybabies and sore losers. Not one of us who liked Kelly has said, "I told you she'd win," but yet they (the crybabies and sore losers) can't acknowledge their wrong choice.



Hey, I was pulling for John all the way. But everyone knew the rules going in. Unless proven otherwise, I accept that Kelly won, fair and square.

Now, I did catch the look on John's face when they announced Kelly as the winner. The guy's a competitor. He wanted to win, and he was disappointed that he didn't. But he was gracious about it. A lot of us here are competitive types. We competed vicariously, and we wanted our favorites to win, and we were disappointed when they didn't. Nothing wrong with that; it's what it means to be a fan. We can be disappointed if we want to. But let's do like John did and be gracious about it.


I only wish I could accomplish any new dance as well as she (or any of the stars) did in six weeks . . .

We're just jealous because we don't have six weeks to take off and do nothing but dance... :wink:

[smoozer]

The show was great. The stars did a marvolous job. The Pro's were great. The sportsmanship displayed at the end was my favorite part.

Alemana you slay me...that was so funny.

[SDsalsaguy]

We're just jealous because we don't have six weeks to take off and do nothing but dance... :wink:
Neither did she! Remember they showed her and Alec squeezing in 5 a.m. practices the other week because of her TV taping schedule!

[BrookeErin]

Thank you, Alemana (and SDSalsaguy)!

and I'm too afraid to say anything else...

[Laura]

Okay, I'll admit it: I'm just jealous because stompy ooompah loompah Kelly could walk in and after 11 weeks or so walk out with a huge trophy and the adulation of millions. I was identifying with John because he was older and didn't have a great body. I just hate it when I see proof that the thin and pretty people rule the world. I wanted to see technique and class triumph over looks and pizzaz, but it didn't, and now I'm going to go to the studio feeling like a dancing walrus. Yes, this is all very irrational but at least I'm being honest about it.

[alemana]

you're welcome brook. and laura, hear you.

[Big10]

Okay, I'll admit it: I'm just jealous because stompy ooompah loompah Kelly could walk in and after 11 weeks or so walk out with a huge trophy and the adulation of millions. I was identifying with John because he was older and didn't have a great body. I just hate it when I see proof that the thin and pretty people rule the world. I wanted to see technique and class triumph over looks and pizzaz, but it didn't, and now I'm going to go to the studio feeling like a dancing walrus. Yes, this is all very irrational but at least I'm being honest about it.
I don't think you are being "irrational." You related to John in some ways, just like other people related to Kelly. I would not have been upset if John won, but I was very pleased to see Kelly do so well (even if you don't think so) in the finale.

I will add, though, that John & Charlotte weren't exactly an ugly couple on stage. I also don't think that Kelly got her trophy based mostly on being "thin and pretty." (Personally, I thought that Ashly, Charlotte, Edyta, and Rachel had more attractive faces than Kelly.) Kelly truly was the "underdog" for this series, given how poorly she started, and she did put in a LOT of hard work in order to become a more-than-competent amateur dancer by the last couple of weeks. Keep in mind that she got excellent marks from the judges in the last few rounds, not just a bunch of soap-opera fans in the television audience.

[Lightspan]

I agree, I was astounded by how much his posture had improved since that very first cha cha... and since there was nothing riding on the dance this time, he looked laid back and like he was having a blast... which made it look so much better!
Sure... but wouldn't it have been even better if Joey & Ashley had done some American style foxtrot as their favorite dance? :wink:

...It would have almost been as funny as it was that Trista had to do the rumba again as her "favorite dance" after the big fuss she made over it the first time!! :lol: :lol:

[pygmalion]

I hadn't noticed the irony. But hey! You're right. Somehow, the word favorite has taken on a new meaning ... :lol: :lol:

[Pathological Dancer]

Kelly won because of the degree of difficulty of her freestyle. Even if she made a few mistakes the degree of difficulty was enough to overtake John. The scores only added drama especially the perfect 10's but all it means is that Kelly did a little bit better than John for the above reason. Three 1's and three 2's doesn't sound exciting for television.

[Laura]

Kelly truly was the "underdog" for this series, given how poorly she started, and she did put in a LOT of hard work in order to become a more-than-competent amateur dancer by the last couple of weeks.

See, that's the thing...I don't think she went from starting poorly to "more-than-competent." She did improve a lot, I certainly saw it and don't dispute it. I'm happy for her for it. But I wouldn't say she's achieved "more-than-competent" yet. I think Joey or John deserve that kind of designation more. The range of improvement just looked "better" on Kelly because she had to come so far to get anywhere at all. But so what, really, you don't get extra brownie points for sucking and getting better. If you did, I'd be a freakin' champion by now. Bah. Humbug.

[mamboqueen]

As always, I'm with you...

[pygmalion]

I deleted my way-long post, because it sounded too bitter. But I'm with you too, Laura. She sucked but eventually got better. Hallelujah. Where I come from, that gets you a C, not an A. :? :lol:

[Laura]

The key to the whole thing, of course, is realizing that this was a fluffy cheeze fest that had little to do with actual dancesport. I know that intellectually, but I can't let go of the dancesport mindset where the best dancers are supposed to win. Of course, as we all know, even that doesn't happen all the time due to politics and what-have-you. Arrrgh, I got too wrapped up in this show!!!

[Rugby]

Yeah, maybe the only reality in this show is the influence of politics at competitions.

[Rugby]

I was at one comp where before we even got out onto the floor I was pretty much told that 3 of the judges would hold us back from winning because they did not want us to beat their students. That must be how John and Charlotte felt. Makes you wonder whats more important, quality of dance or money. Guess we all know that answer.

[pygmalion]

Yeah, maybe the only reality in this show is the influence of politics at competitions.

Yeah. :(

[Joe]

I think the judges rewarded her hutspah
That's a lot of chutzpah...

I saw her falling all over the place, as usual, because her routines are too complex for her current level of balance and leg/foot usage.

I'll add

"Feh"

to my previous

"Ehh."
I'll see your "Feh" and raise you one "Bah!" ;)

[pygmalion]

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[leftfeetnyc]

Am I the only one who has more of an issue with the ugly ugly discoball looking trophy?

'Cause it's really ugly.

[Chris Stratton]

The key to the whole thing, of course, is realizing that this was a fluffy cheeze fest that had little to do with actual dancesport. I know that intellectually, but I can't let go of the dancesport mindset where the best dancers are supposed to win. Of course, as we all know, even that doesn't happen all the time due to politics and what-have-you. Arrrgh, I got too wrapped up in this show!!!

It is worth considering to what degree our usual events really differ from the TV show, other than in being what we are used to.

In both cases, doing something you can be proud of and having that recognized in general may be a little better than worrying about who takes the first place.

[TemptressToo]

Am I the only one who has more of an issue with the ugly ugly discoball looking trophy?

'Cause it's really ugly.

Ugly and cheesy...looked like a 12-year-old made it. But hey...I thought everything was really cheesy (minus some of the actual good routines).

[Laura]

Am I the only one who has more of an issue with the ugly ugly discoball looking trophy?

And cheap-looking too, like someone in the production department went to JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts and glued it together! Of course, I've never seen a good dancesport tropy in person. They're all usually cheezy plastic dancers on top of a plastic base, covered with something shiny to look like metal. I don't even save my trophies because of it. When I used to show horses ages and ages ago we'd get really nice trophies, like a small sterling silver bowl or pewter plate. And if they didn't have a nice trophy, then they'd give ribbons rather than going the cheapy plastic horse on a plastic base kind of route. OH well. I just recycle my trophies -- my ballroom club collects old tropies and then we put new plates or stickers on them and give them out to the little kids.

[randomMysh]

The only thing I liked about this show was John and Charlotte's dancing. Everything else made me laugh or wince, including the finale. *shrug* That's me.

[DrDoug]

I don't even save my trophies because of it.

Me either. I still have two "thanks-for-spending-so-much-money" top student trophies from my bronze pro/am days, but otherwise I'm completely atrophied.

[mamboqueen]

I'm completely atrophied

Good one!

[BrookeErin]

last night someone told me that she came out again (it's been a long while) because of DWTS....

[tacad]

Am I the only one who has more of an issue with the ugly ugly discoball looking trophy?

And cheap-looking too, like someone in the production department went to JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts and glued it together! Of course, I've never seen a good dancesport tropy in person. They're all usually cheezy plastic dancers on top of a plastic base, covered with something shiny to look like metal. I don't even save my trophies because of it. When I used to show horses ages and ages ago we'd get really nice trophies, like a small sterling silver bowl or pewter plate. And if they didn't have a nice trophy, then they'd give ribbons rather than going the cheapy plastic horse on a plastic base kind of route. OH well. I just recycle my trophies -- my ballroom club collects old tropies and then we put new plates or stickers on them and give them out to the little kids.
It was hilarious that the camera focused in on it for a good long while. As in "Ooh, aah!"

[SDsalsaguy]

I don't even save my trophies because of it.

Me either. I still have two "thanks-for-spending-so-much-money" top student trophies from my bronze pro/am days, but otherwise I'm completely atrophied.
Welcome to the DF DrDoug (a fun forum, in case it needs saying, that will *never* give you a cheap plastic trophy!)! :D

[cornutt]

We're just jealous because we don't have six weeks to take off and do nothing but dance... :wink:
Neither did she! Remember they showed her and Alec squeezing in 5 a.m. practices the other week because of her TV taping schedule!

Point taken. Cranking out five hours of TV a week, year in and year out, is very demanding on everyone involved.

[chachachacat]

I don't even save my trophies because of it.

Me either. I still have two "thanks-for-spending-so-much-money" top student trophies from my bronze pro/am days, but otherwise I'm completely atrophied.
:lol: :lol:
Welcome, DrDoug! Funny!

[pygmalion]

Welcome, DrDoug. :D And yeah, very appropriate name for those trophies. :lol:

[Larinda McRaven]

is anyone else awed by the fact that DWTS is still getting so much press time. it sees that everytime i turn around it is still in the news, print or tv. i think this is faulous, although unexpected.

[Laura]

I'm completely amazed.

However, I'm also a little weirded out by it...I read a bunch of discussion boards and some of them are getting quite nasty. It's actually been a relief to come to Dance Forums and not see people posting crazily about it.

[SDsalsaguy]

:lol:

[Chris Stratton]

Actually I think it's quite logical that a dance discussion board would not get too worked up about DWTS. In terms of the "stars" we're pretty much talking about beginners. Generally the only time moderately experienced dancers get really passionate about beginner competition is when it's our friends, teammates, or students out there. But with DWTS we don't really have much invested in any of the newbies. The pros might be more interesting to discuss, but they were such a differening cross section of the dance profession that there's little to really compare - after the first few cuts, it got to the point where none of them really had any competition close enough to their own area of specialty for comparisons to go much beyond "so and so really shouldn't be teaching the ______"

It got dancing on TV. It got some of you lunchroom positions as experts in the topic of the week. But as a dance competition it was hardly worth getting emotional about.

[discovery]

I think we established from the beginning that the networks were only looking to entertain us and instead of people eating worms or belting out bad renditions of Ricky Martin songs, they gave us ballroom dancing with six very credible pros.

The ballroom community had to endure the not unpleasant sight of the pretty boy and girl coming from behind to "win."

In exchange they got the #1 rated show, a number of morning show appearances and alot of positive press about ballroom dancing.
...
In our wildest dreams, we could not have done much better.

amen.

[pygmalion]

Yup. Well said. 8) :D

[Angelo]

Actually I think it's quite logical that a dance discussion board would not get too worked up about DWTS.

Anyone who thinks that this discussion board did not get too worked up about that show is in denial. Otherwise, alemana probably wouldn't have been inspired to post the following on July 7.

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2005 3:09 pm Post subject:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NYTIMES, July 7, 2005 (AP)


An online community of ballroom dancers came to blows this morning over disagreements on the outcome of the first-ever American ballroom reality series, "Dancing with the Stars."

Tempers have been spiraling since the show debuted over two months ago, but the selection of a physically fit but talentless soap opera actress' exposed abdominal area as the winner in the elimination-style contest was the last straw for the overwrought online fans.

In a series of explosive incidents, the normally docile group of hobbyist dancers began namecalling and accusing one another of namecalling. The situation worsened as the cultural and linguistic differences in the international community flared and posters misread one another's comments or made unfortunate conjectures on the meaning of unknown words.

A spokesperson for Dance Forums said, "We regret that these incidents have occurred today. We pride ourselves on the welcome and friendly atmosphere in our virtual community. When I myself woke to find a package of dog poo on my doorstep, wrapped in a red ribbon bearing the DANCING WITH THE STARS logo and a photo of Kelly Monaco with a red slash through her face, I knew we had reached the nadir of this disagreement.

She continued, "The banding together of community members into violent tribal groups in support either John or Kelly in the final round was unprecedented. We alerted ABC last night that we had uncovered secret plans for looting and Molotov cocktails deep in the bowels of Dance Forum's private messaging system, and the authorities responded in time to prevent any serious casualties."

The most violent of the groups took a cat hostage in Newport, Rhode Island and claimed it would not release the animal until forum member Larinda McRaven was tapped to participate in the next season of the popular reality show, which was rated number 1 among summer replacement programs.

Authories in Newport are monitoring the situation. We will have more news as it becomes available.


##

[mamboqueen]

I think relative to what went on on other websites, this was less heated.

But reading that article a second time still made me laugh. I told Alemana she needs to submit her resume and writing sample to Dance Beat!

[Angelo]

I think relative to what went on on other websites, this was less heated.

But reading that article a second time still made me laugh. I told Alemana she needs to submit her resume and writing sample to Dance Beat!


You can always find a worse example if you look hard enough. Just because there was a more heated discussion somewhere else doesn't mean it didn't get hot over here.

[Laura]

Yeah, but we aren't still going ON AND ON AND ON about it nearly two weeks later. Or at least we weren't until now :) televisionwithoutpity.com , for instance, is getting a little scary....

[Porfirio Landeros]

I didn't go back and read this whole thread, but just in case nobody posted the link, Designs to Shine has put up a photo gallery of some of the costumes they provided for the show here:

http://www.designstoshine.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=DWTS

I'm still bummed John O'Hurley didn't win :(

http://www.designstoshine.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/Backstage-%20John%20samba.jpg

[alemana]

my favorite costume (and i'm a LATIN type dancer!) was Ashley's red and white 'foxtrot' gown. i love the graphic effect of the red on white... gorgeous and unique.

[mamboqueen]

You know, I don't know if it's as a result of this show, or if I just never noticed it before, but this commercial keeps airing with John Hurley pushing Progressive Insurance. There are some days when I'm watching the news and it's on 4 times in one hour.

[dancergal]

Same here, I see a lot of commericals with Rachel Hunter pushing some wireless phone several times while watching one program on TV.

[pygmalion]

Endorsements are the name of the game. Good for them. 8)

And I'm still disappointed at the result, myself. Oh well. There's always next season. 8)

[ratherbdancing]

The commercials with John aired a long time before the show started, but the ones with Rachel are new. Both of them are airing a TON though.

I was also VERY VERY upset with the result of the show. I think it is interesting that Kelly started off with the lowest scores, actually a little harsh, then in the end was the "underdog" who came out and won with all 10s. Not to mention she is an abc actress.....just my opinion

[Joe]

Same here, I see a lot of commericals with Rachel Hunter pushing some wireless phone several times while watching one program on TV.
Gotta strike while the iron is hot.

[pygmalion]

There's a lot of money to be made in ballroom, right at the moment, because of this show, IMHO. And it's not just for the pros and celebs directly involved either. Striking while the iron is hot is a good idea, all around. 8)

[Purr]

The controversy lives on, but at least not here, thankfully. I was recently glancing through Star magazine, a tabloid, and there was an article implying that the outcome of Dancing With The Stars was rigged. When I was at United Dairy Farmer over the weekend, I noticed that the Globe, another tabloid, had on its cover a headline implying the outcome of Dancing With The Stars was rigged. I didn't look at the magazine, because I just wasn't interested enough.

Dancing With The Stars is a reality tv show, although it was about ballroom dancing, which, obviously, people on this board are very interested and passionate about. At this point, whether or not the outcome was rigged is unimportant. If it was, there's nothing that can be done about it. If it wasn't, there's still nothing that can be done about it. The worst thing that happened was a some people were disappointed with the outcome, and became vocal about it. The best thing that happened was there was a lot of interest in the show, which will hopefully translate into more people actually making it onto the dance floor.

I also noticed an article in the paper over the weekend saying Dancing With The Stars will definately be back next season.

[pygmalion]

The controversy lives on, but at least not here, thankfully. I was recently glancing through Star magazine, a tabloid, and there was an article implying that the outcome of Dancing With The Stars was rigged. When I was at United Dairy Farmer over the weekend, I noticed that the Globe, another tabloid, had on its cover a headline implying the outcome of Dancing With The Stars was rigged.

I also noticed an article in the paper over the weekend saying Dancing With The Stars will definately be back next season.

So it's just as you said, Purr. The important stuff has been covered, and the show will be back. 8) :)

[and123]

did a quick search here and didn't see this mentioned before, but Kelly's infamous "wardrobe malfunction" costume was listed on eBay. Starting bid $6000. Oddly enough, no takers....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4748252626&category=18841&ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1

Melissa

[SDsalsaguy]

:shock: :shock: :shock:

[tacad]

Does it come stuffed? :D

[SDsalsaguy]

:doh:

[Stiletto One]

:doh:Agreed.

[Joe]

I also noticed an article in the paper over the weekend saying Dancing With The Stars will definately be back next season.
I'm assuming that's next summer season...

[Purr]

I also noticed an article in the paper over the weekend saying Dancing With The Stars will definately be back next season.
I'm assuming that's next summer season...

I think the article gave a possible March start date. But I'm not for sure about that.

[pygmalion]

That would make sense. Then it would wind up right at the beginning of May sweeps. 8)

[SDsalsaguy]

Many short "season" shows (think America's Next Top Model) run several "seasons" within a year. I'm guessing that ABC will want to do something along these lines to capitalize on public interest.

[Purr]

I checked the article I read online, which said the most likely time for the show to return would be March. If the show started earlier, like in January, it would have to go up against NBC's coverage of the Olympics.

[alemana]

i'm really interested to see which pros they pick.

on the other hand, the pros got SO little microphone-time, it was almost like they weren't there. i wish they'd showcase them more.

[Angelo]

i'm really interested to see which pros they pick.

on the other hand, the pros got SO little microphone-time, it was almost like they weren't there. i wish they'd showcase them more.

Why would they need any other pros? After all they have a "Living Legend", the "Grace Kelly" of the Ballroom Dance World, the "best Ballroom Dancer in the World" and the best-looking man on the floor whenever he gets onto it. Why would they need anyone else? Sounds like the Super-Friends of Ballroom dancing to me.

[Laura]

It was my understanding that the cast the pros based on how they'd relate to the stars. So, assuming they pick different stars, it stands to reason that they'd pick different pros. I hope they do have different ones, just to see something different.

[Purr]

and the best-looking man on the floor whenever he gets onto it.

Who are you talking about? Alec? :?

[Angelo]

and the best-looking man on the floor whenever he gets onto it.

Who are you talking about? Alec? :?

Isn't that what he said about himself in episode 1 ?

[Neil]

and the best-looking man on the floor whenever he gets onto it.

Who are you talking about? Alec? :?

By the way, I haven't read the whole thread but does anybody here remember Alec Lazo? He was a US Rising Star Latin Champion and an American Style 9-dance champion and lives here in South Florida. I ran into his ex-wife Denise Lazo last week Salsa dancing and she said Lazo and Mazo were both competing at the same time and people used to mix them up all the time. I had actually never heard of Mazo before this show.



It was my understanding that the cast the pros based on how they'd relate to the stars. So, assuming they pick different stars, it stands to reason that they'd pick different pros. I hope they do have different ones, just to see something different.

I hope they keep Louie VanAmstel. He was the biggest celebrity after Evander Holyfield as far as I'm concerned. ;) He got booted way too soon for my taste.

[kwa445]

i'm really interested to see which pros they pick.

on the other hand, the pros got SO little microphone-time, it was almost like they weren't there. i wish they'd showcase them more.

My mom was talking to Kim Delgrosso, Ashly's mom, and she said that Ashly had just signed a 5 year contract with abc. I think we're going to be seeing more of her. I also wanted to hear more of the professionals talking about how the routines went rather than the celebrities.

[alemana]

i'm sure the first criteria for selection is photogeniety.

[DancingMommy]

and the best-looking man on the floor whenever he gets onto it.

Who are you talking about? Alec? :?

By the way, I haven't read the whole thread but does anybody here remember Alec Lazo? He was a US Rising Star Latin Champion and an American Style 9-dance champion and lives here in South Florida. I ran into his ex-wife Denise Lazo last week Salsa dancing and she said Lazo and Mazo were both competing at the same time and people used to mix them up all the time. I had actually never heard of Mazo before this show.

It was my understanding that the cast the pros based on how they'd relate to the stars. So, assuming they pick different stars, it stands to reason that they'd pick different pros. I hope they do have different ones, just to see something different.

I hope they keep Louie VanAmstel. He was the biggest celebrity after Evander Holyfield as far as I'm concerned. ;) He got booted way too soon for my taste.

I had Mazo confused with Lazo as well. They look strikingly similar, lol. And I too hope that Louis Van Amstel sticks around for the next few seasons. I just hope he can contain his unbridled self-confidence. ;)

[discovery]

I hope they keep Louis VanAmstel. He was the biggest celebrity after Evander Holyfield as far as I'm concerned. ;) He got booted way too soon for my taste.

Ditto. Although in general I'd like to see new pros.

[SDsalsaguy]

i'm really interested to see which pros they pick.

on the other hand, the pros got SO little microphone-time, it was almost like they weren't there. i wish they'd showcase them more.

My mom was talking to Kim Delgrosso, Ashly's mom, and she said that Ashly had just signed a 5 year contract with abc. I think we're going to be seeing more of her. I also wanted to hear more of the professionals talking about how the routines went rather than the celebrities.
This is almost correct. All of the Pros we saw, plus Anna (Jonathan's wife/partner and the one shown doing demos with Louis) signed contracts that gave ABC options on five seasons (note, this could be over five years but could also be over fewer). From a marketing standpoint this is a much better model than switching pros and "stars" each season.

[alemana]

it's my impression that networks use contracts to shore up stars/shows/concepts *in case* they want to use them - not as a guarantee that they *will* use them. but that said, i would also like it if some of the pros returned - it might mean that the pro's (hi)stories would feature more prominently on the show.

[Neil]

I had Mazo confused with Lazo as well. They look strikingly similar...

Strikingly similar???!! You must live in some kind of an Aryan enclave so all dark skinned guys look alike to you. Or, maybe you had only seen Lazo one time in passing many years ago. Other than their color, I don't see anything at all in common in their faces. My first reaction when Mazo appeared on the screen was, "Hey! That's an imposter!"

[SDsalsaguy]

it's my impression that networks use contracts to shore up stars/shows/concepts *in case* they want to use them - not as a guarantee that they *will* use them.
Exactly alemana, which is one of the reasons I was clarifying that the contracts gave ABC options on five seasons with the original set of pros (including Anna who was also originally signed to the show).

[alemana]

whoa there, Neil.

[deewoman]

My mom was talking to Kim Delgrosso, Ashly's mom, and she said that Ashly had just signed a 5 year contract with abc. I think we're going to be seeing more of her. I also wanted to hear more of the professionals talking about how the routines went rather than the celebrities.


My husband was very excited to hear this. (He thought Ashly was very pretty.) Though I can't get my hubby interested in dancing, he would stop and watch DWTS if she was dancing. He's really hoping for "Dancing Naked with the Stars". I don't think that's family tv, though!

[alemana]

i think you have to be invited to the supershag afterparty to get an eyeful of "dancing naked with the stars."

[SDsalsaguy]

:doh:

[pygmalion]

i think you have to be invited to the supershag afterparty to get an eyeful of "dancing naked with the stars."

Uhh... Dancing naked with the stars? Do we really have to go there? :roll: :lol:

(Dancing naked is okay by me, mind, you. But I prefer the privacy of my own home for such shenanigans. :wink: :lol: )

[Neil]

whoa there, Neil.

I only thought Mazo was an imposter for a second, until I double checked his name on the screen. I didn't really think he was an imposter.

[Laura]

I had Mazo confused with Lazo as well. They look strikingly similar, lol.

I guess if you put enough Pro-Tan on Mazo he could look like Lazo. I believe Mazo is from Belarus, which is hardly a hotbed of dark & mysterious Cuban-looking cuties.

And for those who have never heard of Mazo, he was a multi-time US Amateur Latin finalist before he & Edyta turned Pro.

[discovery]

As for switching the pros in subsequent seasons, does anyone know what they did in the UK version? It seems reasonable that they might do the same thing here.

[DancingMommy]

I had Mazo confused with Lazo as well. They look strikingly similar...

Strikingly similar???!! You must live in some kind of an Aryan enclave so all dark skinned guys look alike to you. Or, maybe you had only seen Lazo one time in passing many years ago. Other than their color, I don't see anything at all in common in their faces. My first reaction when Mazo appeared on the screen was, "Hey! That's an imposter!"

Well pardonez moi. Actually, I hadn't seen Alec Lazo in years (and I'm notoriously bad about misidentifying people if you ask my family) and *to me* they look very similar. And no, it isn't all dark skinned guys who look alike. It's mostly white people who look alike to me. :p

[robin]

As for switching the pros in subsequent seasons, does anyone know what they did in the UK version? It seems reasonable that they might do the same thing here.

They kept some (5 out of the original 8) and had several new ones (a total of 10 couples in the 2nd series).

At a guess, it was a question of who was available...

[new-ish]

I personally think there are a lot more important things in the world, but I just saw this on Yahoo:

ABC, Actress Answer to 'Dancing' Outcome
Wednesday July 27 7:24 AM ET


Kelly Monaco knows there are television viewers who aren't happy she won ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" competition, but she isn't going to let it bother her.

"I do not hold anything personally. I'm not going to go home and cry because someone did not like my dancing," the actress from ABC's "General Hospital" said Tuesday of a viewer backlash.

"I felt from the beginning this is fun for me. ... If you don't like it, you don't like it. I wouldn't be sitting here if the whole world hated what I did," she told the Television Critics Association.

Monaco and the producers of the ABC series were peppered with questions, with some reporters saying they received complaints from viewers who were confused by the voting process that relied on both the audience and judges.

Questions also were raised about possible network favoritism for Monaco. The runner-up was John O'Hurley, who played catalogue king J. Peterman on NBC's "Seinfeld."

Judge Len Goodman said the results weren't influenced by the network.

"I never knew she was on ABC," he said of Monaco.

Asked about reports that O'Hurley was upset he didn't win, supervising producer Izzie Pick said only that the actor was "obviously disappointed." Pick noted how much time and effort O'Hurley and others put into training and competing.

Monaco received support from judge Carrie Ann Inaba, who said she scored the actress' final dance a "10" because "she did a great performance, she showed us what she had."

O'Hurley, on the other hand, played it safe with his routine, Inaba said.

The celebrity contest has found overwhelming success in the United Kingdom, where it originated, as well as in other countries including Australia, Poland and Denmark, said Paul Telegdy, a BBC executive.

"It's a fun, satisfying show that hasn't got a nasty bone in its body," he said. "We're really enjoying the controversy but it baffles us."

The program proved to be an American hit as well, ranking as the most popular summer series since the first "Survivor" on CBS in 2000, according to Nielsen Media Research.

It will be returning at midseason and changes are under consideration, said Pick, who was vague on details.

Earlier Tuesday at the critics' meeting, ABC Entertainment President Stephen McPherson was grilled about Monaco's victory and viewer perceptions of possible ABC influence.

"Do I understand it? I guess I understand that people are going to have strong preferences. I love that people are so wrapped up in the show," he said.

He suggested the possibility of a "dance-off" between Monaco and O'Hurley. When a reporter asked Monaco about it later, she replied: "Bring it on. You want a dance-off, come on up here. I'll give you a dance-off."

[alemana]

oh god, just what i need to see. spare me!

[tacad]

:lol:

[pygmalion]

He suggested the possibility of a "dance-off" between Monaco and O'Hurley. When a reporter asked Monaco about it later, she replied: "Bring it on. You want a dance-off, come on up here. I'll give you a dance-off."

:headwall:


All the moreso, because I'd probably watch! :oops: :lol:

[chandra]

How about just show us John and Kelly dancing together, socially (like lead follow, not routine) Id like to see that! 8)

[pygmalion]

My guess? He'd lead fairly well, considering his level. She'd follow badly, but have a wardrobe malfunction and gain the popular vote. :twisted: :lol: :lol:

[Laura]

Oh god no, please, no dance-off.

[tacad]

ROTFLMAO!

[esa negrita...]

I have an opportunity to take Salsa lessons with Alec Lazo. Has anyone studied under him before?