Dancing With The Stars - Season 2

[DancingJools]

Let's suppose the show will have a second season. Which pros do you think will be invited?
I have a hunch they are avoiding the ones with obviously Russian names (and accents). They probably want to downplay anything that makes dancesport look too "foreign" (as in East European - I think Latino flavors might be OK). They probably also want people who have "sex appeal", and who live close to the West Coast, for logistical reasons. (Unless the pro is willing to give up so much of his/her time for the show.)

So here are some names on my list:
Larinda
Brian Jolly (I'm hoping he does Standard/Smooth)
Tony Dovolani
May-Ling Hutchins (she'll be better than Ashley Delgrosso, no question about it, though Ashley has that beautiful smile that makes up for a lot of so-so dancing)
Michael Wentink
Beata (I'm hoping these two can do Standard/Smooth, at least as well as Charlotte does Latin, which wasn't bad at all)
Paul Richardson
Shalene Archer (I've seen her do a darn good latin in pro-am events, and she has a fabulous body)
Bob Powers
Gherman Mustuc (and Yvette)
Eddie Stutts (and Victoria)

[Laura]

Alec Mazo mentioned in an interview that DwtS2 would be coming next January.

I have heard that Anya Trebunskaya, who was supposed to be in DwtS1, has already been promised a slot in DwtS2.

I'd like to see teachers who actually have some Pro/Am experience. Tony Dovolani would be great. So would David Weise (and he's compted in all four Pro styles). Donald Johnson would be cool -- I've seen him compete with Pro/Ams in all four styles.

As for the women...wow, there are so many wonderful choices. Seeing Larinda on TV would be fun -- and maybe she could do some Tae Kwan Do in some of those training scenes :)

Edyta was very popular with people on DwtS1, so perhaps your concern about "foreign" names isn't that much of a big deal after all. I read on one of the TV boards that people were voting for her just because they loved her abs. :)

[DancingJools]

ohhh yes, Donald Johnson. Now that would be great.
And if David Weise will bring Valentina with him, and she puts on one of those amazing costumes that show off her shape, I bet the show's ratings will jump up even more.

[DancePoet]

I'm sure they will do whatever possible for the ratings.

Imagine how much the advertising will cost for a slot ono Dw/tS2 this time. ;) :lol:

[DancingMommy]

They ought to try to get Eddie Ares.... If anyone has major pro/am exp. it'd be him....

[Laura]

There was an audition process for the pros, I know of a few who tried out who the producers liked but didn't cast because there just wasn't a good "match" with a celebrity. They were trying to put together couples who would produce some interesting drama and/or cuteness for the show. Maybe some of the others who didn't get in last time will get the "right" celebrity next time. Guess we'll just have to wait and see!

[DancingMommy]

They should televise the auditions, dude.... Just like AI does in the 2 weeks prior to the show opener.... Now that would be cool.....

[Sunshines Partner]

I would love to see a new set of experienced Judges. These Judges should be experienced in Ball competitions in North America and have a lot of personality. Some that come to mind are Gary and Diana McDonald, Pete Taylor, Jean Marc Genereux and Charlie Penatello.

[mamboqueen]

Jean Marc would be fantastic....although he could probably have a sitcom in his own right. He's such a funny guy.

[Sunshines Partner]

That’s the whole idea. All the Judges are very knowledgeable and the Guys are all very funny. This would play off of Diana’s very proper attitude.

[SDsalsaguy]

As far as I know the pros from season one actually signed contracts giving ABC options for five seasons so, resumabely, the same pros will be back next season (but also including Anna who was originally signed on for season one s well).

I'm not sure what the deal is on the judging front, but they could do better without a doubt...

[iluvballroom]

I dance at the studio that ashley delgrosso teaches at and she is signed on another contract for next year!
iluvballroom!

[love2swing]

I would love to see Larinda be on there! That would be so neat!

Also, I share the sentiments about getting new judges.

[pygmalion]

As far as I know the pros from season one actually signed contracts giving ABC options for five seasons so, presumabely, the same pros will be back next season (but also including Anna who was originally signed on for season one s well).


Oh. :? I was kinda looking forward to seeing them mix it up. It would be interesting to see how different pros handle the project. :?

[iluvballroom]

Hey don't you think that everyone should do more international dancing more than american style. I think they need to do more steps than turns and tricks!
iluvballroom!

[Chris Stratton]

Hey don't you think that everyone should do more international dancing more than american style. I think they need to do more steps than turns and tricks!
iluvballroom!

I agree to an extent... but some of that comes with the territory. If you watch even a top international standard couple do a show, they will have a fair amount of seperated work, turns and tricks... It's just the way it's done, with the possible exception of the foxtrot which is sometimes danced more with basic actions, if the couple has enough confidence in their elemental foxtrot to showcase it.

Because it tends to go with the territory, if a couple's closed work is really good, I don't mind a certain amount of "showy, crowd-pleasing steps" in a solo performance. Watching dancing is about learning to see through a lot of that anyway, but sometimes you want to watch for enjoyment rather than education, in which case you just imagine the camera soft focused and get swept up by the overall performance.

[iluvballroom]

That is very true but i beleive that they need to do more closed work. If you watch they don't do many steps because they are to busy showing off to the judges and i really don't call it ballroom dancing! I think they should be required to dance all but like 5 things not with the steps of the dance. They even didn't do very many steps in the Latin Dances! I think that the waltz that John did in the dance off was great and they diserved the perfect score i think that is how it should be danced! It can have so free style as i would call it but most based on the dance!
iluvballroom

[Laura]

While I agree there was an awful lot of tricks, it's still going to be more fun for people who don't know a lot about ballroom dancing to see American Style than pure International Style.

[Standard Dancer]

While I agree there was an awful lot of tricks, it's still going to be more fun for people who don't know a lot about ballroom dancing to see American Style than pure International Style.

agree ... DWTS was popular even with non-ballroom audiences and i think part of that is precisely because it wasn't so strictly international, so that non-dancers could "relate" (not sure if that's the right word to use) better and have something to judge that they could see more clearly than proper technique. i guess it's the price we pay to see more of ballroom in mainstream entertainment. they give a little and we give a little ...

[iluvballroom]

That is very True! But a little more international would be better!
iluvballroom!

[star_gazer]

The professional dancers for season2 have been listed at http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/bios/cast.html

[swan]

Interesting...Charlotte & Alec - neither are back for Season 2?

[dressgirl]

Leads to speculation about future dance-offs with the old champions.....

[star_gazer]

I am curious to see who Andrea will be dancing with.

[Alskling]

Interesting...Charlotte & Alec - neither are back for Season 2?

Don't know why Alec isn't coming back, but Charlotte was repeatedly asked to return, and decided against it.

[caityrosey]

Anyone know why they don't tend to use pros who are used to pro-am? (ie pros who are more used to dancing with more inexperienced people)

[Dancefever]

Anyone know why they don't tend to use pros who are used to pro-am? (ie pros who are more used to dancing with more inexperienced people)

I think many of the stars have considerable experience at this.

Many have been asked, but some cannot leave their business to do the show. I know a pro/am teacher that was asked but he would have to fly back and forth constantly or give up his regular students for a while. It is a major commitment to do the show but if you already live near the shooting location, it doesn't entail sacrificing your student body.

But I think if the show continues to get more popular, you just might see Eddie, Ben, Shalene, or who knows?

[alemana]

OMG OMG i looked at the list.

cheryl burke? love her. LOVE.

tony dovlani? WHY LORD? WHY? (that's a RHETORICAL question, so even if you think you are the Lord and therefore should respond, you needn't feel compelled.)

AIEEEEEEEE


ugh

[caityrosey]

OMG OMG i looked at the list.

cheryl burke? love her. LOVE.

tony dovlani? WHY LORD? WHY? (that's a RHETORICAL question, so even if you think you are the Lord and therefore should respond, you needn't feel compelled.)

AIEEEEEEEE


ugh

You ok now ? :p

[alemana]

i was actually running around sputtering for a few minutes. my officemate freaked out, though i was having a 'work issue.'

[Purr]

tony dovlani? WHY LORD? WHY? (that's a RHETORICAL question, so even if you think you are the Lord and therefore should respond, you needn't feel compelled.)

AIEEEEEEEE


ugh

Isn't he & his partner the U.S. pro rhythm champions? And doesn't he do pro/am also? I don't know that much about him, so I was wondering about the reaction.

[redhead]

oh great. Now that they make "skating with the stars" what's gonna become of DWTS.
ugh

[alemana]

huh?

[redhead]

oh yeah. Not sure which station will have it - I wasn't watching but the TV was on yesterday night - and I saw like a promo, with ppl in shiny dresses falling on their heads, and comments like "it ain't ballroom dancing"

[GJB]

OMG OMG i looked at the list.

cheryl burke? love her. LOVE.

tony dovlani? WHY LORD? WHY? (that's a RHETORICAL question, so even if you think you are the Lord and therefore should respond, you needn't feel compelled.)

AIEEEEEEEE


ugh

Tony is an experienced pro-am teacher. So, what's the concern?

[alemana]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[redhead]

c'mon, he is cute

[alemana]

also, people keep asking in roundabout ways about "the concern." it's obviously just a personal preference issue - whom i would rather watch on tv.

[caityrosey]

oh yeah. Not sure which station will have it - I wasn't watching but the TV was on yesterday night - and I saw like a promo, with ppl in shiny dresses falling on their heads, and comments like "it ain't ballroom dancing"

I guess they mean the ballroom dancing you see the crowd doing on Lawrence Welk

[SexyMan2Cha]

also, people keep asking in roundabout ways about "the concern." it's obviously just a personal preference issue - whom i would rather watch on tv.

lol, I don't know who Tony is but why don't you like him? Is he a strange freak a la Louis?

[alemana]

*shrug* not into his dancing. could think of a million more interesting people.

[alemana]

hey, i'm all about freaks. freaks are good.

[redhead]

I guess they mean the ballroom dancing you see the crowd doing on Lawrence Welk
but they had skates on. And the title was "skating with the stars"

[fenixx]

OMG OMG i looked at the list.

cheryl burke? love her. LOVE.

tony dovlani? WHY LORD? WHY? (that's a RHETORICAL question, so even if you think you are the Lord and therefore should respond, you needn't feel compelled.)

AIEEEEEEEE


ugh

I see you are not a big fan of Tony! There are a lot of people I would like to see/not see on this show. I am curious why you think Cheryl (a girl that has had no more than 2 students) would be good on the show?

[pygmalion]

hey, i'm all about freaks. freaks are good.

*giggle* Words to live by. :rolleyes: :lol:

[Laura]

I am curious why you think Cheryl (a girl that has had no more than 2 students) would be good on the show?

Well, judging from last time, experience teaching both styles of dance and/or adult beginners was not considered an important selection factor. And in the end the star with the Latin-specialist teacher whose main experience was teaching kids' group classes and coaching youth couples won. So, Cheryl having had only a few students seems to hardly matter in that context.

I'm sure the producers noticed Cheryl has a few things going for her:

* she's exotically pretty
* she is willing and able to live in LA during the taping (last time around, all the Pros had to transport and house themselves out of their own pockets...I assume it's the same way again this time)
* she has a different personality from Ashly, Andrea, and Edyta
* she's a wonderful dancer to watch, and the guys will be watching her with the same intensity that they watched Edyta the last time around -- a ratings plus!
* she's new-ish at the pro game, so she's willing to be flexible and accept the contract terms for the show (which are reportedly much more strict this time around than last time)

I've been watching her dance since she was a little girl, her mom & I even did Pro/Am with the same teacher for a number of years. This is a big thing for Cheryl, and I hope she enjoys it and gets something positive out of it!

[alemana]

yep, yep, yep, yep and yep.

thank you.

[kwa445]

I am curious to see who Andrea will be dancing with.
I heard it was some guy from ESPN...I'm excited to watch her dance, seeing as she's my coach.

[caityrosey]

oh yeah. Not sure which station will have it - I wasn't watching but the TV was on yesterday night - and I saw like a promo, with ppl in shiny dresses falling on their heads, and comments like "it ain't ballroom dancing"

My husband comments that they make it sound more dangerous---injuries and blood and such---Sort of reminds me of another thread that wondered what would happen if Ballroom became more like NASCAR

[fenixx]

I am not saying Cheryl will do poorly (I am pretty sure she is dancing with Drew Lachey and I think they will do well), I was just wondering why Alemana was against Tony Dovolani and not Cheryl?

[redhead]

My husband comments that they make it sound more dangerous---injuries and blood and such---Sort of reminds me of another thread that wondered what would happen if Ballroom became more like NASCAR
I bet that show will affect DWTS ratings, sadly...

[alemana]

nah, only if they ran head-to-head. the pie is big enough for a zillion zany reality competition shows. it's AMERICA for chrissakes.

[caityrosey]

nah, only if they ran head-to-head. the pie is big enough for a zillion zany reality competition shows. it's AMERICA for chrissakes.

That's true...if people can manage to stomach a 6th season of Fear Factor, they can find time for DWTS

[amdan]

Seems to me that if Charlotte did decide not to do a second season, the producers would have at least tried to replace her with somewhat the same style of dancer-personality.

Instead, the line up of ladies in this upcoming version is all geared toward getting the male audience watching and panting.

I'd have liked to have seen an elegant american style or international style lady in this mix.

Are things so different from the days when Fred and Ginger were so popular that today ballroom dancing is no longer associated with that style or personality?

[alemana]

Are things so different from the days when Fred and Ginger were so popular that today ballroom dancing is no longer associated with that style or personality?


Yep.

[Ithink]

Charlotte is one of a kind. Seriously, who would you have replaced her with on the US ballroom scene today? Maybe Connie Paley but I doubt she'd do it since she doesn't live in that area and probably couldn't make such a committment....

[amdan]

Charlotte is one of a kind. ..

I wouldn't say that Charlotte is one of a kind but rather that she is the quintessence of a certain kind of dancer that is still represented in ballroom dancing by other talented dancers, thank God.

Michelle Officer and Toni Redpath, for instance, are both hugely talented, graceful and attractive, and both are younger than Charlotte and only retired for a few years and have still been performing. The qualities that they displayed in their championship dancing over the years, which I enjoyed immensely, are going to be absent from this version of DWTS. I would have much rather seen at least one dancer from that mold on the next version than the current line-up.

Beyond the fact that there isn't a female dancer in the new DWTS lineup who is as talented or as strong a dancer in their speciality as Michelle and Toni were in their own, none of the current dancers portray that style that Charlotte represented in the last show and Michelle and Toni (and others of course) represent in their dancing.

[alemana]

does anyone know how the pros were chosen? was there an open audition process, or were people invited? who did the inviting?

[Porfirio Landeros]

The dancers that have accepted/declined offers to be on season 2 obviously have their reasons, and unless we talk to them, we can only speculate...

I don't really believe ANY of the dancers that accepted could be doing the show for the money... most could be making more as instructors or as other dance-related entrepreneurs (dressmakers, coaches, vendors, pro/am, etc.).

It's very likely that the ones that decided to be on the show are looking for fame, publicity, popularity, or have some other agenda besides the pay from the show. We know that some have been very interested in having their own broadway/stage/tv shows; some are without partners and this keeps them in the spotlight; some are recently retired and trying to promote their blossoming businesses; some are recently turned pro so this is a coming-out of sorts.

As a result, I don't think you'll find the some of the people you'd like to see on this show because they’re happy with their dance business the way it is, and they don't want to give up what they have just to be on a show that could possibly portray them in not-the-best of light (remember how the public thought Jonathan Roberts was an ego-maniac due to his first monologue - "I am the TOP American ballroom dancer"?). He's a nice guy, but they led with that drama to get people fired up.

Anyway, I'm still glad the program is back and am excited to see the dance teams perform, but we just have to remember that we're not the target audience and if we want to see the best dancing, we've got to keep going and supporting the "real" competitions.

[star_gazer]

I'd have liked to have seen an elegant american style or international style lady in this mix.
Although Andrea does all styles, she is a very strong standard dancer. The last year she danced at Blackpool (2004), she made 16th in Rising Star Amateur, beating all other US couples including Egor & Katya.

[amdan]

but we just have to remember that we're not the target audience and if we want to see the best dancing, we've got to keep going and supporting the "real" competitions.

Well it's really not a question of expecting the 'best dancing' on DWTW so much as wishing to see something more than what I would describe as jiggly young latin-oriented ladies who mainly seem to be chosen to titilate the potential male TV viewer.

[alemana]

when a competitive reality tv show aims for anything higher than the lowest common denominator, please call me on the clue phone right away. i want to see it.

[Another Elizabeth]

Well it's really not a question of expecting the 'best dancing' on DWTW so much as wishing to see something more than what I would describe as jiggly young latin-oriented ladies who mainly seem to be chosen to titilate the potential male TV viewer.
DWTW = Dancing With The ... ? (weasels? women? whippersnappers?)

[delamusica]

DWTW = Dancing With The ... ? (weasels? women? whippersnappers?)

Perhaps they should just go ahead and extend the name of the show . . .

DWTS(W) = Dancing with Titillating Skin-Baring Women. :)

That would get them a ratings boost, I'm sure.

[amdan]

when a competitive reality tv show aims for anything higher than the lowest common denominator, please call me on the clue phone right away. i want to see it.

Sorry, I lost my head.

[swan]

Although Andrea does all styles, she is a very strong standard dancer. The last year she danced at Blackpool (2004), she made 16th in Rising Star Amateur, beating all other US couples including Egor & Katya.

Andrea Hale is a beautiful dancer. She reminds me of Lyn Mariner. Strong lady dancer. Not a bad choice for DWTS 2.

There was no standard man in this mix though. Both Jon & Nick were American Smooth. Lots of Latin folks. Well, if that's what sells ;)

[Laura]

Jonathan and Nick are plenty good for teaching a couple month's worth of Standard and Latin to 100% complete beginners. It's not like we're asking these people to train a Championship-level dancesport athelete.

[Joe]

I don't think it's as important for the pro to be a top pro competitor in any discipline as it is to be a good pro/am coach in that discipline...

[chica latina]

I don't think it's as important for the pro to be a top pro competitor in any discipline as it is to be a good pro/am coach in that discipline...
What is the difference? How can a good pro not be a good pro/am dancer?

[skwiggy]

Being a top pro competitor doesn't always make someone the best teacher, for one. There also is skill in knowing how to present choreography and perform in a way that best showcases the abilities of an inexperienced partner. If a top pro has only coached advanced couples, he/she has less experience honing this skill. It doesn't mean that he/she won't be good at pro-am, only that he/she doesn't have the proven experience in that area that a seasoned pro-ammer does.

[fascination]

Being a top pro competitor doesn't always make someone the best teacher, for one. There also is skill in knowing how to present choreography and perform in a way that best showcases the abilities of an inexperienced partner. If a top pro has only coached advanced couples, he/she has less experience honing this skill. It doesn't mean that he/she won't be good at pro-am, only that he/she doesn't have the proven experience in that area that a seasoned pro-ammer does.precisely...I know a few who couldnt articulate how they got there to save their souls...being able to do something and being able to transfer that to someone else are two entirely different matters...being able to do both and have a good demeanor, there's your pro

[pygmalion]

being able to do something and being able to transfer that someone else are two entirely different matters...being able to do both and have a good demeanor, there's your pro

Amen. :cool:

[Laura]

We have stars!

Here they are:

Jerry Rice (football player)
Drew Lachey (singer)
George Hamilton (actor)
Tatum O'Neal (actress)
Kenny Mayne (ESPN reporter)
Stacy Kiebler (professional wrestler)
Lisa Rinna (acress -- "Veronica Mars")
Tia Carrere (actress -- "Wayne's World"/"True Lies")
Giselle Fernandez (newscaster)
Romeo (teen rapper)

[LXC]

I recognize quite a few names on the pro-list but NONE in celebrity list. Are these c or d list stars again, or am I just ignorant?

[Angelo]

We have stars!

Here they are:

Jerry Rice (football player)
Drew Lachey (singer)
George Hamilton (actor)
Tatum O'Neal (actress)
Kenny Mayne (ESPN reporter)
Stacy Kiebler (professional wrestler)
Lisa Rinna (acress -- "Veronica Mars")
Tia Carrere (actress -- "Wayne's World"/"True Lies")
Giselle Fernandez (newscaster)
Romeo (teen rapper)


As of now I am rooting for the pro wrestler. Maybe she'll give someone a clothesline as they turn the corner in Viennese Waltz

[Laura]

Jerry Rice is (was) one of the top American-style football players out there, and will most certainly be selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tatum O'Neal won an Academy Award for her role as a child in "Paper Moon," starring with her father, Ryan O'Neal.

George Hamilton's career was at its peak in the 80's, among other things he was on one of the huge nighttime soaps (but I can't recall which one).

Drew Lachey was in some boy band, to me he's more famous for being pop-tart-singer/actress Jessica Simpson's now-ex-brother-in-law.

Tia Carrere tangoed with Arnold Swartzenegger in "True Lies," and was the major object of Wayne & Garth's affection in "Wayne's World."

Lisa Rinna was on "Days of Our Lives" and also "Melose Place" for a while. Supposedly she is on "Veronica Mars" now, which is a very popular show on UPN, but I've never seen it so I don't know what her role is.

[pygmalion]

We have stars!

Here they are:

Jerry Rice (football player)
Drew Lachey (singer)
George Hamilton (actor)
Tatum O'Neal (actress)
Kenny Mayne (ESPN reporter)
Stacy Kiebler (professional wrestler)
Lisa Rinna (acress -- "Veronica Mars")
Tia Carrere (actress -- "Wayne's World"/"True Lies")
Giselle Fernandez (newscaster)
Romeo (teen rapper)



Romeo!?! You've gotta be kidding. The ultra-cool teen-idol rapper? :shock: I've gotta tell my nieces. :lol: This is gonna be hilarious.


http://www.ecrush.com/cfc/profiles/images/lil_romeo.jpg


I wonder what his Nickelodeon audience is going to think. Maybe his involvement will attract more pre-teens and teens (and African-Americans) to ballroom. That would be great. In the meantime, I'll be getting a good laugh out of the deal. :lol:

[alemana]

BINGO. a huge coup, in my opinion. and in the right direction, in more ways than one.

[Laura]

I wonder who they put Romeo with. So far I've heard that Jerry Rice is with Anya Trebunskaya, and Drew Lachey is with Cheryl Burke. So that means they put Romeo with either Ashly, Andrea, or Edyta. Interesting.

So, would you say that we've moved up from "D-list" celebrities this time, to "B" this time? Or at least "C"?

[pygmalion]

BINGO. a huge coup, in my opinion. and in the right direction, in more ways than one.



If you can get them to watch. And I for durn sure will be trying. :cool: :)

[fenixx]

I think Nick is dancing with Tatum O'Neal. Yes, Cheryl is dancing with Drew

[alemana]

i wonder if the taping started already, does anyone know? it must be at least midway through or more, right? i saw one of the pro's on the list here in new york recently and thought, hm, they must've been booted already.

[Porfirio Landeros]

i wonder if the taping started already, does anyone know? it must be at least midway through or more, right? i saw one of the pro's on the list here in new york recently and thought, hm, they must've been booted already.
If it's like 1st season, the show is LIVE. I was in the audience for the premier, and they broadcasted it live for the East Coast, and show the taped version for the Westies.

[fenixx]

Well, doesn't the show require the viewing audience to vote before people get booted? Well, the show starts in less than a month, so they are taping the beginning training.

[wyllo]

I believe the show is live with a tape delay for the West Coast. They are also adding a results show this year.

[pygmalion]

I wonder who they put Romeo with. So far I've heard that Jerry Rice is with Anya Trebunskaya, and Drew Lachey is with Cheryl Burke. So that means they put Romeo with either Ashly, Andrea, or Edyta. Interesting.

So, would you say that we've moved up from "D-list" celebrities this time, to "B" this time? Or at least "C"?

With the pre-teen crowd, Romeo's up there. B at least. That's for sure. Wow. This is good. :D

[alemana]

oh GREAT, good. thanks. carry on!

[Laura]

i wonder if the taping started already, does anyone know? it must be at least midway through or more, right? i saw one of the pro's on the list here in new york recently and thought, hm, they must've been booted already.

They are in the training period now. The first show is in January...so it will be mid-January before anyone is booted.

[gusmahler]

Jerry Rice is (was) one of the top American-style football players out there, and will most certainly be selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Rice is the greatest wide receiver in the history of the NFL. He retired this year during the preseason.

Stacy Keibler is a "WWE Diva". I.e., she wrestles occassionally but is usually used as a valet/manager. She has dance experience as a former Baltimore Ravens cheerleader and part of the Nitro Girls dance team. wwe.com/inside/news/stacydances

The site won't let me put a link in here, so I'll just cut and paste a list of the "stars" along with who they are partnered with (from USA Today):

Tia Carrere: The TV and movie star will be partnered with professional dancer Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Giselle Fernandez: The Emmy Award-winning journalist will dance with professional dancer Jonathan Roberts, returning from last season.
George Hamilton: The actor and bon vivant will be partnered with professional dancer Edyta Sliwinska, making her second appearance in the series.
Stacy Kiebler: The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) diva will dance with professional dancer Tony Dovolani.
Drew Lachey: The recording artist and former member of pop group 98 Degrees will work with professional dancer Cheryl Burke.
Kenny Mayne: The ESPN personality and former college quarterback will team with with professional dancer Andrea Hale.
Tatum O'Neal: The Oscar-winning actress with be be partnered with professional dancer Nick Kosovich.
Jerry Rice: The tree-time Super Bowl champ will be partnered with professional dancer Anna Trebunskaya.
Lisa Rinna: The actress, entrepreneur and host of SOAPnet's Soap Talk will be partnered with professional dancer Louis van Amstel, who returns to the series from last season.
Romeo: The teen rap star will be partnered with professional dancer Ashly Delgrosso, who also returns to the series from last season.

[Laura]

And here are the pairings:

Tia Carrere & Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Giselle Fernandez & Jonathan Roberts.
George Hamilton & Edyta Sliwinska.
Stacy Keibler & Tony Dovolani.
Drew Lachey & Cheryl Burke.
Kenny Mayne & Andrea Hale.
Tatum O'Neal & Nick Kosovich.
Jerry Rice & Anna Trebunskaya.
Lisa Rinna & Louis van Amstel.
Romeo & Ashly Delgrosso.

If the voting goes anything like last year, then my money is on Tia & Max. She's gorgeous, and has danced before. He's hot, so they're this year's "team suxy."

[musicchica86]

Romeo & Ashly Delgrosso.
:uplaugh: :uplaugh: :uplaugh: :uplaugh:

Just the fact that he's on this show at all makes me fall down laughing. But paired with Ashly is even better...oh lord I think I'm going to hurt myself......

[mamboqueen]

And here are the pairings:

He's hot, so they're this year's "team suxy."


LMAO! I agree, though...they'll probably be the best looking couple. Let's just hope there's no wardrobe malfunctions.


I didn't realize George Hamilton was still alive....figured he kind of shriveled up on a beach years ago. Although, his personality is a little like O'Hurleys....should be interesting.

[pygmalion]

:uplaugh:

Just the fact that he's on this show at all makes me fall down laughing. But paired with Ashly is even better...oh lord I think I'm going to hurt myself......

The kid's got a huge ego and an enormous desire to win. Not to mention rhythm out the patootie, based on my hearing of his rap recordings for the past decade or so. I wouldn't count him out just yet. Although I must say that I find the idea of his ballroom dancing pretty funny, myself. :lol:

[skwiggy]

Didn't he also dance in the movie "Honey"?

[Joe]

Let's just hope there's no wardrobe malfunctions.
Hey, don't speak for everyone! ;)

[pygmalion]

Didn't he also dance in the movie "Honey"?

I didn't see Honey, but yeah, his name is in the credits. I just know he's been in show business since he was a tiny tike -- since he was still called Lil Romeo. He was a little cutie-pie. I guess he's dropped the Lil -- trying to grow up his image a bit. :lol: Apparently, he's looking to diversify -- first his own sit-com on Nickelodeon; now this. Good for him. :)

[redhead]

As of now I am rooting for the pro wrestler. Maybe she'll give someone a clothesline as they turn the corner in Viennese Waltz
I'm voting for Romeo.
Though I can't think of anyone I know on this list

[pygmalion]

I'm voting for Romeo.
Though I can't think of anyone I know on this list


lol When I called my 14-year-old nephew and told him about this last night, guess what he said. "That's so wrong!" :lol: Kids! My nephew'll be watching, though. :cool:

[redhead]

no I'm serious, I think he'll do well because of his age (teens get it easier, in my experience) and rhythm. However, pairing up with Ashley is a disadvantage for him IMO

[skwiggy]

I didn't see Honey, but yeah, his name is in the credits. I just know he's been in show business since he was a tiny tike -- since he was still called Lil Romeo.

Ah, so that was him. He did some pretty impressive hip hop dancing in that movie. So he's got more than just natural rhythm working in his favor.

[pygmalion]

I think the hardest part for him may be dropping his "cool" facade or else channeling it so that it helps his ballroom, rather than detracting from it. :lol: I'm dying to see how does. :)

[skwiggy]

no I'm serious, I think he'll do well because of his age (teens get it easier, in my experience) and rhythm. However, pairing up with Ashley is a disadvantage for him IMO

Why would pairing up with Ashley be a disadvantage? In one of the interview clips last season they showed her teaching a group of kids at her home studio. So she must know how to deal with them.

[pygmalion]

This is no ordinary kid. He's an experienced performer and a professional. He's been around a long time. He's a star in his own right, with an entourage and the whole nine yards. It'll be interesting to see him deal with the need for some humility. At least he gets to lead. :lol:

[redhead]

Why would pairing up with Ashley be a disadvantage? In one of the interview clips last season they showed her teaching a group of kids at her home studio. So she must know how to deal with them.
(Just my opinion of course)
Because I think she'll be too easy on him when he's ready for more. I think different approach would work better for that kid, something along Eastern-European-dance-nazi teacher.
I'd love to see Louis van Amstel teach him tho of course they can't dance together.

[Angelo]

I'm voting for Romeo.
Though I can't think of anyone I know on this list


With the exception of Jerry Rice, I didn't know anyone on the list either. I just think that it would be funny to have a pro wrestler win a dance contest

[Ithink]

I'm thinking this Stacy Keibler girl will do really well. I've been reading about her a little online and apparently she's done ballet, jazz and tap since the age of 3. She was also a cheerleader and is athletic. Plus she's hot with 41" legs or something like that! And since Tony Dovolani is pretty involved in Pro/Am (saw him do pretty decent standard at OSB!!), I think they'll kick butt!

I'll be rooting for her since she's a native Maryland girl:)

[Angelo]

I'm thinking this Stacy Keibler girl will do really well. I've been reading about her a little online and apparently she's done ballet, jazz and tap since the age of 3. She was also a cheerleader and is athletic. Plus she's hot with 41" legs or something like that! And since Tony Dovolani is pretty involved in Pro/Am (saw him do pretty decent standard at OSB!!), I think they'll kick butt!

I'll be rooting for her since she's a native Maryland girl:)


She sounds even more suxy than Tia Carrere

[Purr]

Wasn't Robert Wagner mentioned as a possible celebrity? What happened to him? From looking at the list of celebrities, I guess we're getting George Hamilton instead. :(

[Ithink]

Wasn't Robert Wagner mentioned as a possible celebrity? What happened to him? From looking at the list of celebrities, I guess we're getting George Hamilton instead. :(

He's got the orange ballroom tan thing going for him - maybe that's why they picked him;)

[alemana]

HAH so true. he's pre-tanned and ready to rock!

[Laura]

Someone on Television WIthout Pity quipped that George & Edyta are tantastic. Hahahhaha!

[Medira]

Someone on Television WIthout Pity quipped that George & Edyta are tantastic. Hahahhaha!
*snickers* ...and so it begins. I can't wait!

[pygmalion]

Did anybody besides me check out the ABC website? The have posted an explanation of the various dances.


Pretty cool, IMO. Amidst all the shameless self-promotion, some actual information about dancing. Of course, the fast facts about cha-cha are wrong. One-two-cha cha cha. :headwall: But no matter.The information's still there. :lol:

I wonder what the long term impact of this show will be.

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/dances.html

[Medira]

I wonder how they're going to break the dances up from week to week this time, since they have 10 couples as opposed to the 6 from last season.

[pygmalion]

Let me go check ABC. I don't think they have the logistical info posted yet. They have the couples for season two listed and a photo gallery for season one. But I think that's it so far. :?

One dance per couple per week, with peripheral clips, sounds like it could fill the time slot. But then how could the show reach a reasonable conclusion in just six weeks? :? Or is the show going longer than six weeks this time around?

[pygmalion]

Oh good grief! ABC's selling ballroom instructional videos. :? How cheesy can they get?!?

[SDsalsaguy]

Oh good grief! ABC's selling ballroom instructional videos. :? :shock:

Which ones??? ...or dare I ask? :roll:

[alemana]

they're selling a buttload of ballroom stuff, actually.

[Medira]

Well, if they think it'll make them a couple of extra bucks, I guess... :roll:

[SDsalsaguy]

Well, if they think it'll make them a couple of extra bucks, I guess... :roll:
I'm betting they think (and I tend to agree) that it'll be more than a couple...

[pygmalion]

It's bad. No disrespect to the folks who made the videos in question. But come on! ABC selling $17.99 intro-to-ballroom tapes is kinda stomach-turning, IMO. :?

[Another Elizabeth]

Let me go check ABC. I don't think they have the logistical info posted yet. They have the couples for season two listed and a photo gallery for season one. But I think that's it so far.
They've got the format information (http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/show.html) up now. One dance per night for the first five shows, to whittle it from 10 couples down to five. In show six (five couples), one dance apiece plus a group Viennese. After that, two dances a night. Final show is the top three couples (this should fix the issue that the judges' votes don't count in the last show because of the tiebreaker rule). They won't have the votes-from-last-week plus judges-from-this-week that was so confusing - they're introducing a results show.

[pygmalion]

Ah. Cool. Thanks. :)

Sorry. I got distracted by the merchandise link. :oops: :lol:

[pygmalion]

They've got the format information (http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/show.html) up now. One dance per night for the first five shows, to whittle it from 10 couples down to five. In show six (five couples), one dance apiece plus a group Viennese. After that, two dances a night. Final show is the top three couples (this should fix the issue that the judges' votes don't count in the last show because of the tiebreaker rule). They won't have the votes-from-last-week plus judges-from-this-week that was so confusing - they're introducing a results show.

How many shows all together?

[Another Elizabeth]

How many shows all together?
Well, if they start with 10, kick off one a week, and have 3 in the last week, that would be 8 weeks, which sounds about right.

[pygmalion]

Cool. Thanks. :D

[Another Elizabeth]

So, how many errors can we find in the "description of the dances" page?

The previously noted one-two-cha-cha-cha.
They cannot spell chasse.
They cannot spell appel (They have it both as "apel" and "arpel")
"During the 1920s, many bands played the Quickstep too fast and some couples couldn't keep up. Over time, a faster version was born, absorbing extra elements of ragtime such as the Charleston. This led to the creation of what we today call the Quickstep." To the extent that this is true, shouldn't it say that bands played the foxtrot too fast?
"The samba has a distinctive climax, it ends with throwing of heads back and arms splayed out to side." :rolleyes:

[pygmalion]

:lol: At least they tried.

[alemana]

i already emailed them about several things.

[Katarzyna]

"The samba has a distinctive climax, it ends with throwing of heads back and arms splayed out to side." :rolleyes:hm.. That's an interesting one

[pygmalion]

I wonder who did the write-ups. :?

[alemana]

we should organize a campaign writing in and giving them all sorts of (additional) craptacular "facts" about ballroom and see if they post them as fact.

[Katarzyna]

I wonder who did the write-ups. :?probably some poor intern there that did a bit of internet research...

[pygmalion]

probably some poor intern there that did a bit of internet research...

:lol: And viewed some of those thirty-second video clips non-dancers seem to find so appealing.

[mamboqueen]

"The samba has a distinctive climax, it ends with throwing of heads back and arms splayed out to side."

Doesn't sound like any samba I've been taught!

[pygmalion]

"The samba has a distinctive climax, it ends with throwing of heads back and arms splayed out to side."

Doesn't sound like any samba I've been taught!

Hilarious, isn't it?

[Dancefever]

Whomever wrote it probably watched the first season. I seem to remember dramatic finishes with the head going back.

[pygmalion]

Perhaps they should've consisdered asking an actual dancer or dance instructor, rather than giving such descriptions? :lol: I have to admit, the write-ups are good for a laugh. But man! The show itself has some pretty knowledgable dancers and coaches, not? ABC probably could've pulled the write-ups from one of the coaches' own websites. *shakes head*

[Purr]

I just read over the dance descriptions on the website, and I agree that they are pretty sorry indeed. With all the pro talent, you would have thought the show could come up with something better.

[wyllo]

Teen rapper Romeo is out of the show due to a basketball injury. But don't worry, his dad Master P is going to fill his shoes. Here's a link to an adorable picture with Master P and Ashley DelGrosso

apnews . excite.com/image/20051215/PEOPLE_MASTER_P.sff_NYET125_20051215122321.html?da te=20051215&docid=D8EGQE8G0

I'm really disappointed that Romeo's out since he was the youngest participant. But, I am glad that there will be someone connected to the hip hop world taking his place.

Edit -- UPI reports Master P played professional basketball last year for the Sacramento Kings and has sold more than 75 million albums.

[pygmalion]

Master P? Ewww. :(

[Dancefever]

Tatum O'Neal, I know who she is but it just dawned on me how big she was. Oscar award winner, I think for Paper Moon. Didn't she star in that with her father Ryan.

She was also the ringer pitcher in the first Bad news bears.

Then she married John MCKenroe (sp?), in the 80's. So she is in her 40's now I suspect.

I will check the imdb website, I wonder if she has done anything since then.

[pygmalion]

Tatum O'Neal, I know who she is but it just dawned on me how big she was. Oscar award winner, I think for Paper Moon. Didn't she star in that with her father Ryan.

She was also the ringer pitcher in the first Bad news bears.

Then she married John MCKenroe (sp?), in the 80's. So she is in her 40's now I suspect.

I will check the imdb website, I wonder if she has done anything since then.

Yup. She was a household name, for a while there. :cool:

[gusmahler]

This actually doubles the number of professional wrestlers on the show. (Master P wrestled very briefly for WCW in 1999. I believe Stacy Keibler was still with WCW at the time. Apparently, he only appeared on two shows. I don't know if he actually wrestled or merely made appearances.)

[gusmahler]

Tatum O'Neal, I know who she is but it just dawned on me how big she was. Oscar award winner, I think for Paper Moon. Didn't she star in that with her father Ryan.

She was also the ringer pitcher in the first Bad news bears.

Then she married John MCKenroe (sp?), in the 80's. So she is in her 40's now I suspect.

I will check the imdb website, I wonder if she has done anything since then.

She's 43. She's done nothing of note (moviewise) since the early 80s.

[gusmahler]

Edit -- UPI reports Master P played professional basketball last year for the Sacramento Kings and has sold more than 75 million albums.
He only played summer league. He's simply not good enough to actually play in the NBA. (No surprise considering that he's ancient--38--by NBA standards).

[Laura]

UPI reports Master P played professional basketball last year for the Sacramento Kings and has sold more than 75 million albums.

Does anyone here besides me watch "Aqua Teen Hunger Force"? Does anyone here besides me who watches ATHF read "Master P" and think of Meatwad's favorite rapper, MC Pee Pants?

:-)

[Larinda McRaven]

Does anyone here besides me watch "Aqua Teen Hunger Force"? Does anyone here besides me who watches ATHF read "Master P" and think of Meatwad's favorite rapper, MC Pee Pants?

:-)

I Love ATHF and certainly know MC Pee Pants! Meatwad is so sweet.

[pygmalion]

I'm so unimpressed with Master P. I have visions of Holyfield bumbling in my head. Hope I'm wrong. :?

[Laura]

Meatwad is so sweet.

Yeah, but for some utterly bizzare reason I've got a thing for Frylock.

I always go for the alpha geek.

[pygmalion]

Does anyone here besides me watch "Aqua Teen Hunger Force"? Does anyone here besides me who watches ATHF read "Master P" and think of Meatwad's favorite rapper, MC Pee Pants?

:-)

I've only seen the DVDs in passing, when I was at Blockbuster. I never stay awake long enough for adult swim. :lol:

[cl5814]

They've got the format information (http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/show.html) up now. One dance per night for the first five shows, to whittle it from 10 couples down to five. In show six (five couples), one dance apiece plus a group Viennese. After that, two dances a night. Final show is the top three couples (this should fix the issue that the judges' votes don't count in the last show because of the tiebreaker rule). They won't have the votes-from-last-week plus judges-from-this-week that was so confusing - they're introducing a results show.

I believe this is the same format as was used for the BBC's "Strictly come dancing". Thanks to satellite TV we get to see SCD in South Africa.

[scullystwin42]

I Love ATHF and certainly know MC Pee Pants! Meatwad is so sweet.

second that. but Master P makes me think of Master Shake more. "I got jobs!"

[musicchica86]

I'm so unimpressed with Master P. I have visions of Holyfield bumbling in my head. Hope I'm wrong. :?
I think Holyfield might have more rhythm than Master P.:rolleyes:

[old dog]

I'm not hung up on PC-speech, but I am very surprised to see several suggestions in this thread that the DWTS participants who are of African-American heritage should be noted for their "natural rhythm." IMHO, this is an old racial stereotype that should have long ago been set aside along with many other sterotypes that are unsupported by fact.

[Laura]

old dog, the guys we are referring to are rappers, who -- if you've ever heard any rap -- sing/chant very rhythmically. So it's not that these guys are black, it's that they're rap artists, that makes us say they have natural rhythm. No matter what your skin color is, you can't rap if you don't have any rhythm or flow!!

[pygmalion]

No matter what your skin color is, you can't rap if you don't have any rhythm or flow!!


Agreed, Laura. I'm still sad about the exodus of Romeo. But yeah. The way he plays with rhythm and syncopation in his raps made me think he'd be very good at picking up any sort of dance. I've never seen him dance before, but heck. He'd have a big leg up over a lot of people I've seen, who spend their first year of dancing lessons learning to count. :lol:


Welcome, old dog. :D Welcome to the forums. And, btw, I completely agree with your statement about racial (and other) stereotypes. Gone are the days. :cool:

[Laura]

He'd have a big leg up over a lot of people I've seen, who spend their first year of dancing lessons learning to count. :lol:

Oh gosh, you are SO RIGHT on this. I once took a group class with a guy who had been dancing longer than me and had NO IDEA how to find the downbeat in a musical phrase. So he could count "one two three" for the waltz, but he'd sometimes start on two or three! It made me crazy!!!

[chandra]

Roflmao!

I was taking a hustle class once with someone who was counting outloud "and 1 2 3" and was dancing "1 and 2 3"

It was hilarious

[Dancefever]

old dog, the guys we are referring to are rappers, who -- if you've ever heard any rap -- sing/chant very rhythmically. So it's not that these guys are black, it's that they're rap artists, that makes us say they have natural rhythm. No matter what your skin color is, you can't rap if you don't have any rhythm or flow!!

Good save! It is even believable.

But without seeing any of them dance, isn't it normal to try to sum up generalized talants? If any of the stars were from Cuba, don't you think we would automatically assume they would do best in Rhythm dances?

I think culture and ethnic background may have a lot to do with how someone might do. Marshall Mathers is a very successful (white) rapper, but don't you wonder if he didn't grow up in Detroit but let's say a farm in Kansas, would he have had the influance from his surroundings to even attempt a career in Rap Music?

Having grown up in Detroit and went to public schools there myself and the best player on our basketball team was white, but he was also 6'10" and was a State qualifier in High Jump. How often I wonder if strangers ever walked up to him and asked him if he played basketball, was he ever offended? He just looked like he played basketball. But how offensive would it be if I walked up to every African-American (aren't they doing away with that term and going back to Black?) and asked if they played basketball?

Both are offensive because they disregard the person as a whole and judge based on appearance, but one issue is more sensitive due to history. Tall people were never enslaved because they were tall.

I think Old Dog has brought up a good point. If Laura did explain the generalization based on music background, shouldn't we be more clear of why we say it up front? Or should we stop being so sensitive to something that happened so long ago?

[Laura]

Good save! It is even believable.

But without seeing any of them dance, isn't it normal to try to sum up generalized talants? If any of the stars were from Cuba, don't you think we would automatically assume they would do best in Rhythm dances?

I think culture and ethnic background may have a lot to do with how someone might do. Marshall Mathers is a very successful (white) rapper, but don't you wonder if he didn't grow up in Detroit but let's say a farm in Kansas, would he have had the influance from his surroundings to even attempt a career in Rap Music?

Having grown up in Detroit and went to public schools there myself and the best player on our basketball team was white, but he was also 6'10" and was a State qualifier in High Jump. How often I wonder if strangers ever walked up to him and asked him if he played basketball, was he ever offended? He just looked like he played basketball. But how offensive would it be if I walked up to every African-American (aren't they doing away with that term and going back to Black?) and asked if they played basketball?

Both are offensive because they disregard the person as a whole and judge based on appearance, but one issue is more sensitive due to history. Tall people were never enslaved because they were tall.

I think Old Dog has brought up a good point. If Laura did explain the generalization based on music background, shouldn't we be more clear of why we say it up front? Or should we stop being so sensitive to something that happened so long ago?

I am not going to take any further part in this conversation because I object to having my words twisted and people trying to imply that I am racist. You know even less about me than any of us know about Master P and/or Romeo, so don't make assumptions about me either. If I were black, would you have even taken this conversational path with me? If you didn't see my picture in my avatar, would you have assumed I was white just because I ballroom dance?

By the way, people were guessing that Jerry Rice would do well because of his demonstrated past achievements as a football player, and no one jumped on those posters for being racist. So tell us, what's the big difference between wishing someone well based on their athletic skills or wishing someone well based on their musical skills?

[SDsalsaguy]

I have to say I agree with Laura on this one. I'd be the first person to raise a flag if I thought there were any racist overtones to the comments being made here, but this is nothing different than last year people speculating that Evander might be quick on his feet as a result of his boxing background... and which we all saw wasn't the case when it came to dancing and dance steps. And, if I recall correctly, we also made simmilar speculations about Trista as a result of her previous dance team involvements.

[Dancefever]

I am not going to take any further part in this conversation because I object to having my words twisted and people trying to imply that I am racist. You know even less about me than any of us know about Master P and/or Romeo, so don't make assumptions about me either. If I were black, would you have even taken this conversational path with me? If you didn't see my picture in my avatar, would you have assumed I was white just because I ballroom dance?

By the way, people were guessing that Jerry Rice would do well because of his demonstrated past achievements as a football player, and no one jumped on those posters for being racist. So tell us, what's the big difference between wishing someone well based on their athletic skills or wishing someone well based on their musical skills?

Sensitive subject isn't it?

Let me see, you take trips to China, you have dance both Pro/Am and am/am. You are married and are sensitive about your weight and you have a laptop to stay on top of all the boards you attend. You make beautiful dresses. I am pretty sure you are from California and are involved in the next Nationals. Everyone likes you on the dance boards, even me.

No, I don't think you are a racist, not any more than anyone else, I just think the tone was insensitive long before you tried to explain it.

[Larinda McRaven]

I think we all pretty much agree, there should be no racist discussions here, and there haven't been. The musicality/rhythm discussions were based on job characteristics (boxing and rapping)... nothing was said of skin color, and nothing will be.

I think we all were equally disappointed with Evanders performance, even when Edita took him into the ring to try to help him "feel" different foot rhythms. And I think we are all curious as to how much the next set of contestants will fare bringing with them talents that roll over from other areas in their lives and professions. Mostly what we learned last season was that even the "worst" dancer with no rhythm or talent can overcome great odds and persevere to be trained to dance in spite of all they have going against them.

[musicchica86]

this is nothing different than last year people speculating that Evander might be quick on his feet as a result of his boxing background...
I'll admit to not buying into that idea, even before seeing the show. My boyfriend's a football player--6'5", 250 lb tight end for a high-profile Division I university in the southeast. He was a wide receiver in high school, so obviously he had to be quick on his feet. But do I think he'd make a good dancer? Heck no! Quick on your feet doesn't necessarily equal the certain amount of grace you need to ballroom dance successfully. Evander was quick on his feet too (you have to be to duck those punches), but he wasn't graceful. I kind of guessed that would be the case going in, after knowing my boyfriend, who has a similar body type, so well for so long.

Which, of course, means that Jerry Rice could end up with the same fate as Evander...should make for some interesting outtakes!:uplaugh:

[pygmalion]

Which, of course, means that Jerry Rice could end up with the same fate as Evander...should make for some interesting outtakes!:uplaugh:

I'll be there with my bells on. :lol:

[BrookeErin]

I used to date a professional dancer who also played Big 10 football....

[standardgirl]

Just check out the website and all the pictures. I really like Stacy (the girl dancing with Tony). It seems like she has had a lot of experience in other forms of dancing.

[musicchica86]

I used to date a professional dancer who also played Big 10 football....
Well, there's both kinds. Some of them can do it, some of them can't. Evander and my bf are 2 that can't.:p Guess we'll see how Jerry Rice does.;)

[pygmalion]

I'm sure it'll be entertaining, either way. :cool: :)

[pygmalion]

I got a reminder email from ABC yesterday. This week! Thursday, right? :)

[Big10]

I am not going to take any further part in this conversation because I object to having my words twisted and people trying to imply that I am racist.
Just backtracking through this thread, I think that Old Dog's comments were not really directed at you Laura, but probably more at skwiggy's post mentioning "natural rhythm":

Ah, so that was him. He did some pretty impressive hip hop dancing in that movie. So he's got more than just natural rhythm working in his favor.
Taken literally, skwiggy's comment does seem to suggest that Romeo's "natural rhythm" would be in addition to his showbiz/music training, not just as a result of his showbiz/music training.

I'm not trying to stir the pot any more, but merely pointing out the language that might have gotten some people offended. Whether skwiggy would have made the same comment in a discussion about Drew Lachey (or Joey from last season), obviously I don't know. In general, though, this website/forum is much better than almost any one I've seen on the topic of racial issues.

[pygmalion]

Thanks for the valiant attempt at a save, Big10. You rock. Actually, I suspect it was my comments that first raised a flag with Old Dog. (I can't remember why I say that, since it's been a while since I read the original comments. :lol: )

I find that interesting, since I'm not only African-American, but I've also spent a dozen or so years studying and teaching ethnic diversity issues in corporate America and out. I chose not to make an issue, though, since Old Dog had no way of knowing who I am or who Laura is. He/she is new to DF and doesn't have the historical context that some of us do in which to understand people's comments. I've taken no offense at Laura's comments, just the same as I hope no one has taken offense at mine. It's just one of those things. If you know someone, you have a huge advantage at understanding their intended tone, IMO. If not, not.

That said, why not let sleeping dogs lie? (No pun intended. ) The new season of DWTS starts this week. So how about that? Let's talk. :)

[SDsalsaguy]

The new season of DWTS starts this week. So how about that? Let's talk. :)
Look for me on TV! I'm going to be in the studio audience with some friends! :banana:

[Larinda McRaven]

Yeah!!!!

[cornutt]

Who are the judges this year? (Apologies if this was already covered in the thread... there's a lot of it I skipped.)

[Another Elizabeth]

Who are the judges this year? (Apologies if this was already covered in the thread... there's a lot of it I skipped.)
Same judges again. I'm really curious how it's going to play the second time around.

[mamboqueen]

Okay...is there now a "John O'Hurley School of Eyebrow Raising"?

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/images/gallery/teams/gallery.html?photo=5

[mamboqueen]

And *meow* Lisa Rinna looks pretty hot. Good for her! Louis, on the other hand.....yeeeiiikess!

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/images/gallery/teams/gallery.html?photo=19

[caityrosey]

Okay...is there now a "John O'Hurley School of Eyebrow Raising"?

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/images/gallery/teams/gallery.html?photo=5

My hunch: photographer's doing

Wanna see REAL eyebrow raising--watch Camelot--the King Arthur character has eyebrows that practically make it to his hair line...small hijack

[caityrosey]

And *meow* Lisa Rinna looks pretty hot. Good for her! Louis, on the other hand.....yeeeiiikess!

http://abc.go.com/primetime/dancing/images/gallery/teams/gallery.html?photo=19

Soap stars are probably ideal for this kind of thing...they're already good looking and in shape mostly, and they have all learned to overact :)

[caityrosey]

Just aluding back to some of the discussion about natural rhythm on earlier pages...I dunno if I have ever assumed that someone has rhythm based on race, but sometimes you can tell that a particular person has it hardwired in their body--you can sometimes tell my the rhythm of their speech, body language, the way they hold themselves, they way they walk. A lot of entertainers have this I'm sure, especially if they grew up with it. Both Romeo and his dad are in the music business, so it is no wonder that their backgrounds lend their bodies a little natural rhythm.

[mamboqueen]

Soap stars are probably ideal for this kind of thing...they're already good looking and in shape mostly, and they have all learned to overact :)


then there's the "plastic sugery" factor!

[caityrosey]

then there's the "plastic sugery" factor!

True.

That reminds me, I have been seeing hip replacement commercials on tv recently--anyone know anyone who is a dancer who has had a hip replaced? I understand it can limit your movement.

[Indiana_Jay]

Look for me on TV! I'm going to be in the studio audience with some friends! :banana:

Will you be the one wearing a citrus rind on your head? If not, how will we know you?

[caityrosey]

Will you be the one wearing a citrus rind on your head? If not, how will we know you?

By his cute little whiskers I suppose :rolleyes:

[mamboqueen]

I think we need a "Dancing With the Stars" menu. We should all be "tailgating" while watching the show. Any ideas??

Hmmm... we could name one right after one of our very own; how about some Cha Cha Chili?? It could be mild or "Max" hot (woo hoo....I just crack myself up!).

And we could have some (Louis) Van Amstel Light beer to wash it down with (I'm on a roll...everyone just humor me...I'm giddy).

[alemana]

we should definitely have a "live" discussion during the show.

[mamboqueen]

I can talk and eat at the same time *LOL* Just gotta give the heads up to the west coasters so we don't ruin it for them. Hmmm... we need a little chat room function on this site....

[alemana]

we need a separate thread for each show. that way the west coasters dont' read the thread if they haven't seen the show yet. if we keep all discussion in one item, the potential for spoilage will be too high.

[alemana]

new yorkers - was there a place, maybe in koreatown, where folks were gathering to watch DWTS en masse? i will be in a class until 8 tomorrow and won't have time to get home - and would rather watch with other people anyway. does anyone know? chris?

[alemana]

never mind, found it:

Super 32 Cafe
34 W. 32nd St. (betw. 5th & 6th Aves., closer to 6th Ave)
212-736-0099

[Purr]

I checked my schedule, and I have a lesson tomorrow at 7:15 p.m. I wasn't thinking when I scheduled it last week. Assuming I leave the studio by 8:15 p.m., I won't get home until around 8:45 p.m. Darn it! I'll miss the first part of the show.

And no, I don't have a working VCR.

[alemana]

reschedule, doll!

[BrookeErin]

I'm in the same boat, Purr.... I must be at the studio to practice new choreography, probably 8-10. I can get my parents to record it, but I'll never see it....

[Purr]

I can't reschedule, and I really need to practice anyway. It's one of those times when nothing seems to be going right, and you just have to work through it.

But, someone from the studio volunteered to tape the show. :)

[Ithink]

So I saw a preview of DWTS on GMA this morning. From the rehearsal clips they showed (these looked to be final rehearsals on the set), I have to say Master P will be the first one voted out. He looked terrible! Most guys they showed (the ESPN guy, Drew Lachey, and George H.) looked pretty bad. The only one who looked pretty good already was Jerry Rice. His cha-cha actually looked like Cha Cha:)

But the women this season are where it's at. Stacey Kiebler looked VERY good doing waltz as did Tatum O'Neal with Nick Kosovich. Lisa Rinna looks like this season's Rachel Hunter - all leg extension and looks and nothing else. Giselle Fernandez seemed similarly inclined from what they showed. So, my money from this morning's clips is on the wrestler chick and Tony Dovolani.

[Purr]

So, my money from this morning's clips is on the wrestler chick and Tony Dovolani.

I agree. And so do Las Vegas odds-makers.

[alemana]

bleh.

[Ithink]

But like I said, with Nick Kosovich as her coach, Tatum O'Neal could give her a good run for her money:)

Either way, it promises to be a fun show and that's good for us!

[mamboqueen]

Well, at the very least....something on tv to look forward to :)

[Angelo]

So, my money from this morning's clips is on the wrestler chick and Tony Dovolani.


Ballroom Smackdown!

[Merrylegs]

I can't reschedule, and I really need to practice anyway. It's one of those times when nothing seems to be going right, and you just have to work through it.

But, someone from the studio volunteered to tape the show. :)

There is often a re-broadcast of this show, usually on a Sunday night. You can check your local line up for details.

[redhead]

I really wanted to see the kid dance and not his daddy... sniff...

[DWise1]

Haven't read through this thread yet. The show just came on.

I got this overwhelming urge to make George Hamilton my role model. But I'll have to skip the tan.

[alemana]

dwise, note that we have a separate special thread for the first show.