My gut feel of the cast is that it could be one of the more entertaining. It doesn't have the out-and-out name value of the Autumn cast, but the likes of Patti, Richard and Noah are pleasant surprises. It's been a while since we've had a model on the show, and I'm not sure how popular Charlotte will be.
What exactly is she famous for? She doesn't even have a wiki!
My gut feel of the cast is that it could be one of the more entertaining. It doesn't have the out-and-out name value of the Autumn cast, but the likes of Patti, Richard and Noah are pleasant surprises. It's been a while since we've had a model on the show, and I'm not sure how popular Charlotte will be.
What exactly is she famous for? She doesn't even have a wiki!
She has an IMdB. But most people know her for this.
The cast for Season 20 of 'Dancing With The Stars' includes:
Patti LaBelle, 70, The Godmother of Soul, legendary singer with titles including 'Lady Marmalade', 'Over the Rainbow' and 'If Only for One Night'.
Suzanne Somers, 68, a television icon from 90s favourite 'Step by Step' and New York Times best-selling author.
Robert Herjavec, 52, businessman, corporate mogul and 'Sharktank' panellist - an import of 'Dragons' Den'.
Redfoo, 39, Award-winning LMFAO DJ, singer and rapper with titles including 'Sorry for Party Rocking', 'New Thang' and 'Juicy Wiggle'.
Noah Galloway, 34, Operation Iraqi Freedom war veteran, motivational speaker and double amputee, who lost his left arm and leg during active service.
Chris Soules, 33, current 'The Bachelor' star, originally hailing from Iowa.
Rumer Willis, 26, film & television actress; 'The Escort', 'Hostage', 'Striptease' and the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
Michael Sam, 25, American football player, formerly of the St. Louis Rams, the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL.
Nastia Liukin, 25, Olympic artistic gymnast, who won gold medals at the 2008 Beijing games, now retired and studying sports management at NYU.
Riker Lynch, 23, R5 singer & actor, formerly acted in Glee and on the Disney Channel, he is the brother of Ross Lynch - another member of R5.
Charlotte McKinney, 21, an international model who began her career at 17, came to public prominence during the 2015 Superbowl, for her work in the infamous Carls, Jr. commercials.
Willow Shields, 14, currently portrays Primrose Everdeen in the box-office smash film series 'The Hunger Games', the youngest cast member ever, a huge signing from Hollywood.
What a cast we have here!
Miss Patti, Suzanne Somers, Willow Shields, Rumor Willis, an Olympic gold medallist - all great singings for the women.
Redfoo, Michael Sam, Riker Lynch, an Iraq war veteran / motivational speaker, and a widely popular Sharktank entrepreneur - all great signings for the men.
Disappointed with no Roseanne Barr or Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. - but they've still come up with an inspired cast overall.
Main news from this isn't Derek or a war veteran or a 14 year old superstar or whatever...
EMMA HAS A GOOD PARTNER!!! This is just the event of the century!
Not sure how I feel about Derek being back. I am a fan of his, but he didn't really produce many/any memorable choreography for Bethany like he had for Kellie/Amber/Amy, and with him having to split his time whilst doing his show, I don't think he'll be able to give his all to creating something wow-worthy for Nastia, gymnast or otherwise!
Main news from this isn't Derek or a war veteran or a 14 year old superstar or whatever...
EMMA HAS A GOOD PARTNER!!! This is just the event of the century!
Not sure how I feel about Derek being back. I am a fan of his, but he didn't really produce many/any memorable choreography for Bethany like he had for Kellie/Amber/Amy, and with him having to split his time whilst doing his show, I don't think he'll be able to give his all to creating something wow-worthy for Nastia, gymnast or otherwise!
Yes Damahepa, Emma has a fighting chance with Redfoo, about time too.:kitty::kitty::kitty::D
Think Derek is a draw for a certain section of the viewers, so an incentive to get him back again by TPTB. I think he has done some fantastic choreo for past shows, but last season, felt he was coasting, maybe because of his partner or just being overstretched with other projects. Hope he has enough time and energy for his partnership.
Yes Damahepa, Emma has a fighting chance with Redfoo, about time too.:kitty::kitty::kitty::D
Think Derek is a draw for a certain section of the viewers, so an incentive to get him back again by TPTB. I think he has done some fantastic choreo for past shows, but last season, felt he was coasting, maybe because of his partner or just being overstretched with other projects. Hope he has enough time and energy for his partnership.
Oh, no doubt he draws an audience, but really I'd have left him to do another Macy's Stars of Dance season, he could focus on his Broadway commitments, still be involved in season 20, not have to worry about training a partner etc etc, win win for everyone. Maybe because Nastia is an early favourite, she might not need the same attention Bethany and Amy did, but she still needs teaching technique etc regardless of ability!
Oh, no doubt he draws an audience, but really I'd have left him to do another Macy's Stars of Dance season, he could focus on his Broadway commitments, still be involved in season 20, not have to worry about training a partner etc etc, win win for everyone. Maybe because Nastia is an early favourite, she might not need the same attention Bethany and Amy did, but she still needs teaching technique etc regardless of ability!
I don't disagree, I think he is overreaching, hope Nastia doesn't get short changed. As I said, on another thread, without him this season, the dynamic might have opened up and given others different opportunites, but then his celeb, may have just requested him.
Also, for all of the "Derek is golden boy theorists, as good as his last 3 seasons have been, Amber, Amy and Bethany haven't been favourites on paper by any means. However, I know exactly why he has Nastia, and that's Meryl and Maks. Maks could have written the script for season 18 and it couldn't have fallen more in his favour, and after a little bit of a lull by his standards, this is Derek getting his hands on an Olympian and saying "Meryl and Maks highest scoring couple ever? Let's see about that..."*
*imagined conversation with the producers "two days previously"
Also, for all of the "Derek is golden boy theorists, as good as his last 3 seasons have been, Amber, Amy and Bethany haven't been favourites on paper by any means. However, I know exactly why he has Nastia, and that's Meryl and Maks. Maks could have written the script for season 18 and it couldn't have fallen more in his favour, and after a little bit of a lull by his standards, this is Derek getting his hands on an Olympian and saying "Meryl and Maks highest scoring couple ever? Let's see about that..."*
*imagined conversation with the producers "two days previously"
I see more differences than similarities. Meryl was a gold medalist in ice dancing, not gymnastics; Nastia has never had a dance lesson in her life. Meryl and Maks were both single and shippable; Derek has a girlfriend he took to one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world, the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur - in the $2,500/night Pacific Suite - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ejbv5_post-ranch-inn-big-sur_travel - and she recently flew to New York to join him for the NBA All-Star Game. Doing DWTS will enable him to see her every week.
And how many times has Derek said he's never been attracted to blondes, that he likes brunettes with slightly darker skin? I see zero chance of the kind of showmance that had legions of viewers, even the DWTS producers, enthralled with Maksyl.
Also, last but not least, Maks had never won an MBT and had admitted crying in the parking lot after he and Erin didn't win Season 10. I was among those who voted for Maks to win and would have voted for him regardless of who he was paired with. Derek's situation could not be more different, and he knows he may never win again. Even Derek told Maks he was hoping Maks would win.
I see more differences than similarities. Meryl was a gold medalist in ice dancing, not gymnastics; Nastia has never had a dance lesson in her life. Meryl and Maks were both single and shippable; Derek has a girlfriend he took to one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world, the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur - in the $2,500/night Pacific Suite - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ejbv5_post-ranch-inn-big-sur_travel - and she recently flew to New York to join him for the NBA All-Star Game. Doing DWTS will enable him to see her every week.
And how many times has Derek said he's never been attracted to blondes, that he likes brunettes with slightly darker skin? I see zero chance of the kind of showmance that had legions of viewers, even the DWTS producers, enthralled with Maksyl.
Also, last but not least, Maks had never won an MBT and had admitted crying in the parking lot after he and Erin didn't win Season 10. I was among those who voted for Maks to win and would have voted for him regardless of who he was paired with. Derek's situation could not be more different, and he knows he may never win again. Even Derek told Maks he was hoping Maks would win.
The majority of differences you mention are to do with the showmance... that's not what I was referring to, albeit it played a bit part of Meryl's victory.
Derek knows he might never win again. He's nearer the end of his time on DWTS than the start, and yes, he may well have been pleased Maks finally got a mirrorball. However, needless to say someone who's spent their entire life being a competitive dancer, you main rival on the show sitting pretty with the highest scores (albeit with the easiest victory the show has ever witnessed in terms of celeb's pre-series experience)? That must be something he has his eyes on rectifying before he finally settles back into a pure choreography or judging role. He's not had the dice in his favour since season 17- so I reckon this might be his final throw with everything he's got, especially on the anniversary year...
The majority of differences you mention are to do with the showmance... that's not what I was referring to, albeit it played a bit part of Meryl's victory.
Derek knows he might never win again. He's nearer the end of his time on DWTS than the start, and yes, he may well have been pleased Maks finally got a mirrorball. However, needless to say someone who's spent their entire life being a competitive dancer, you main rival on the show sitting pretty with the highest scores (albeit with the easiest victory the show has ever witnessed in terms of celeb's pre-series experience)? That must be something he has his eyes on rectifying before he finally settles back into a pure choreography or judging role. He's not had the dice in his favour since season 17- so I reckon this might be his final throw with everything he's got, especially on the anniversary year...
Final throw? Why would it be his final throw? He has said over and over again that he loves the show and will always want to be a part of it in some way. He's over winning. In fact, he said he realized it's NOT about winning, but about helping celebrities do things they never thought they could, and making memorable performances.
Doubt he's even aware of the point-average stats, or that he cares that much about judges' scores. And I doubt he would ever consider a judging role. He said he's not cut out for it, that he'd rather create.
He explained his focus in his last TV Guide blog for Season 18:
I had a gut feeling that Maks and Meryl were going to take it, and I said that to Amy, so we knew. Based on the packages and the tone and the way they put everything together, I had a feeling they were winning. I think everyone did. I’m so happy for them. It was well-deserved. Meryl is a beast and was so consistent all season long. I couldn’t be happier for Maks. I told Maks the night before, “I’m genuinely really happy for you and would love to see you win.” Obviously, I would be happy to see Amy win because of what she represents, but knowing Maks for such a long time and him having been part of the show for so long, truthfully, it was nice to see him experience the show it was meant to be experienced. All season, in a way, was about Maks’ journey, which was wonderful to watch. Being a friend of his and seeing that was great.
I really loved our freestyle. That was such a culmination of Amy’s story this season. When I heard the music we were going to use, it was perfect for what it stood for. It was, “I dare you to love / I dare you to cry / I dare you to run / I dare you to try / I dare you to fall / and lay on the ground / I dare you to feel / I dare you to be here now.”
That’s exactly what this entire season has been about for Amy and me: not being afraid and really going for it. I wanted that last note we hit to be positive and a challenge, and to dare people to try and see what happens. That’s what Amy’s been saying by what she’s been doing on the show. Everybody asks me, “Where do you get all your ideas?” It really comes from the music. Whatever pops into my head when I’m listening to something is how it starts. I just envisioned Amy spinning in the air, ascending and being transcendent of dance. I looked into the rope thing and I asked my friend, “Hey, is this possible?” He was like, “Yeah, it’ll take a couple weeks to teach her that.” And I was like, “Well, we have an hour.” And it’s all back muscles, which was what she was having problems with, so it was wild to see her up there. It was just incredible. And for her to let go and do it with one hand was awesome.
He said scores never cross his mind anymore:
I've said for a few seasons that the scores are not the end all be all. The scores never cross my mind anymore. You can't control them. It is what it is. It's always about the dance and how you feel about it. Amy was excited about the 40, of course. She was like, "Oh, my God! Oh, my God!" She did an amazing job. We did our thing right before we went out there. I thought the Dance Duel was fantastic as well. James did a great job partnering with Amy. I'm very proud of them.
It's crazy to think that the season is almost over. This week, I have the mindset of, "Let's approach this with Week 1 attitude and a Week 9 skill set." This is the time when everyone's feeling the pressure, like, "Oh, we can win. It's so close." You put all this pressure on yourself and you forget why the hell you're doing this in the first place. It's ultimately not about winning. I feel like people think I say that because I've won. But the truth is, part of the reason I started winning was because I stopped making that my motivation. I feel like I took that pressure off and it freed me up to just enjoy the process each season with my partner. I'm trying to do it. I'm not saying I'm perfect or it always works because I go through times where I put so much pressure on myself and I want to crawl in a ball and go, "I can't do this!" Especially right now with tour rehearsals and the Macy's dance this week, it can feel impossible. I'm not complaining — I'm a little overwhelmed, but I'm trying to keep cool and keep my head on. One of my favorite expressions is, "Keep your head when everybody else is losing theirs."
Hello all, I'm a huge Artem fan, although never really come on here for some reason! But I see the DWTS discussion is hot topic on here.
I'm still gutted he isn't on SCD any more and feel the show (and me especially) miss him!:(
I see he didn't get such a great partner again in DWTS, I can't see Patti doing much at all. It's a shame as Artem has so much to offer ones with natural aptitude.
Dancefan8001, are you sure Nastia has never had a dance lesson? I am a fan of gymnastics and she was so very artistic, also most gymnasts work in some dance training for the floor and work with choreography.
I have to admit to really looking forward to her and Derek as I do enjoy seeing what he gives to his partners too, I know the show is somewhat rigged towards him, but I do like some of his previous partnerships.
Hello all, I'm a huge Artem fan, although never really come on here for some reason! But I see the DWTS discussion is hot topic on here.
I'm still gutted he isn't on SCD any more and feel the show (and me especially) miss him!:(
I see he didn't get such a great partner again in DWTS, I can't see Patti doing much at all. It's a shame as Artem has so much to offer ones with natural aptitude.
Dancefan8001, are you sure Nastia has never had a dance lesson? I am a fan of gymnastics and she was so very artistic, also most gymnasts work in some dance training for the floor and work with choreography.
I have to admit to really looking forward to her and Derek as I do enjoy seeing what he gives to his partners too, I know the show is somewhat rigged towards him, but I do like some of his previous partnerships.
Sorry you have to be without Artem, but I'm happy he'll be on DWTS this season. I don't know how good a dancer Patti will be, but she's got a lot of energy and should have a sizable fan base. She's certainly one of the biggest names in the cast.
Nastia said on GMA that she never had a dance lesson. So unless she's lying, it doesn't look as though she ever did. Also checked her bio on Wikipedia and it looks like her parents didn't even want her to become a gymnast, because of the pressure they knew it involved. There is no mention of any dance training at all.
From USA Today:
She and Hough have only had one run-through, and Liukin said Hough had to repeatedly correct her body positioning.
“All the poses I did on beam, I did them with my hip out and now I have to do them with my hip in,” she said. “That’s muscle memory for me and I had no idea. He kept correcting me time after time. For 20 years of my life I did it one way and now I have to do it another way.”
Sorry you have to be without Artem, but I'm happy he'll be on DWTS this season. I don't know how good a dancer Patti will be, but she's got a lot of energy and should have a sizable fan base. She's certainly one of the biggest names in the cast.
Nastia said on GMA that she never had a dance lesson. So unless she's lying, it doesn't look as though she ever did. Also checked her bio on Wikipedia and it looks like her parents didn't even want her to become a gymnast, because of the pressure they knew it involved. There is no mention of any dance training at all.
From USA Today:
Haha, I was confused and thought this was the Artem thread for some reason!!! ^_^
Well I have followed gymnastics all my life and being a dancer myself we always had competitive gymnasts come to us to learn some dance to help with movement and especially the floor.
I think she may be bending the truth (not that it matters to me at all, I like contestants with some experience anyway!), but there's no doubt she would have done some dance and all good gymnasts work with choreographers for their floor routines, no matter what.
I know that her parents didn't want her to be a gymnast at first, however that changed when she had a natural aptitude for it, but that doesn't mean anything re dance training anyway.
Haha, I was confused and thought this was the Artem thread for some reason!!! ^_^
Well I have followed gymnastics all my life and being a dancer myself we always had competitive gymnasts come to us to learn some dance to help with movement and especially the floor.
I think she may be bending the truth (not that it matters to me at all, I like contestants with some experience anyway!), but there's no doubt she would have done some dance and all good gymnasts work with choreographers for their floor routines, no matter what.
I know that her parents didn't want her to be a gymnast at first, however that changed when she had a natural aptitude for it, but that doesn't mean anything re dance training anyway.
Hi Amelia.
Hope you come back to this thread now you found it! I fear Artem-watch may be a relatively short-lived vigil this season....
I guess 'taking a dance class' might not be exactly the same as 'having some ballet training' in Nastia's eyes ;-). I'm sure, as you say, that she has had dance and choreography within her gymnastics training, but it's impossible to know how extensive it was (and whether it was any different from Shawn Johnson's or Aly Raisman's, neither of whom struck me as 'extensively' dance trained). Perhaps it's deep within the Russian genes . Her team choreography and ballet coach might shed some light on it in this video, but I can't access it....
I always like to know what previous the celebs have - if only to see how far they progress - but as you say, it's not a problem if she has more ballet than some of the others. They all come with different stuff and it will be great to see some lovely lines from her and interesting to see if she can adapt to a different discipline.
While (loosely) on a Hough theme, I read that Ryker competed briefly in junior ballroom comps. Interested to see what he's retained and whether it gets a mention. Again, not a problem as it seems long ago and short lived, but it would be good if he talked about it, I think, or people will assume he was some kind of sub-Derek dance whizz.
Hey all, loved the cast reveal, should be a great series!!
Just wondering if anyone had any ideas on who they think the unannounced contestant is??
You mean Witney's partner? It seems likely to be Bachelor Chris Soules. He was widely rumoured and Tom made a heavy handed hint it was him. Not sure if there's a reason for not announcing him, or if it isn't actually final
You mean Witney's partner? It seems likely to be Bachelor Chris Soules. He was widely rumoured and Tom made a heavy handed hint it was him. Not sure if there's a reason for not announcing him, or if it isn't actually final
They did the exact same stunt in 2013 with that other Bachelor guy (I don't remember his name - I was all about Lisa Vanderpump that season)
Hate Derek Hough but since he selfishly included himself again to this series ( go away already have had enough of you!) why then the producers not given him someone like Patti la belle or anyone else for that matter, someone who definitely has no chance of winning, for a bloody change????>:(
While (loosely) on a Hough theme, I read that Ryker competed briefly in junior ballroom comps. Interested to see what he's retained and whether it gets a mention. Again, not a problem as it seems long ago and short lived, but it would be good if he talked about it, I think, or people will assume he was some kind of sub-Derek dance whizz.
Yes I saw Riker mentions dance in his cv, hopefully he can give Allison some pointers if they do any ballroom.:o:kitty::kitty: You do kind of assume they all come out of the womb, singing, dancing and acting.;-) Well not literally.
Willow should not be included for this season. Neither should any contestant under 18. It just comes across uncomfortable and they're doomed to lose. Just look at Zendaya.
Noah is not a good signing either. I don't agree with his participation on the show just like I was unwelcoming of Amy Purdy who ruined her season when she was on. However, she was with Derek so that explains the ridiculous overmarking she got.
Derek is just urgh!!! I reckon he realized he is nothing without DWTS and America does not care for him outside the show. So now he come back "of his own free will" lol, Don't think so. You came back for $$$$$ we all know it. Plus bragging rights for another trophy with a ringer.
Michael Sam <333 Other than that I will see for the night they all dance. BTW Robert need not bother turning up, he is first out. Urgh at just seeing the Bachelor star on this!!!
LOL not looking good. Like Len this might be my last season of DWTS.
Yes I saw Riker mentions dance in his cv, hopefully he can give Allison some pointers if they do any ballroom.:o:kitty::kitty: You do kind of assume they all come out of the womb, singing, dancing and acting.;-) Well not literally.
Well they've done an interview and Allison, says Riker, has done hip hop before, so she will utilise that, what a suprise. Thought BIB would give you a laugh, it may sound like I'm picking at her, Allison, is good in her genre, but felt she let her partner down last season, with her lack of ballroom grounding. Allison also said, Riker, hasn't partnered before, well going on last season, she didn't seem to find it easy to partner either, so hope they both get past that one.:kitty: It would seem they are continuing down the SYTYCD route rather than bringing back more ballroom dances to the show.
Comments
What exactly is she famous for? She doesn't even have a wiki!
She has an IMdB. But most people know her for this.
Here's her twitter: https://twitter.com/char_mck
Patti LaBelle, 70, The Godmother of Soul, legendary singer with titles including 'Lady Marmalade', 'Over the Rainbow' and 'If Only for One Night'.
Suzanne Somers, 68, a television icon from 90s favourite 'Step by Step' and New York Times best-selling author.
Robert Herjavec, 52, businessman, corporate mogul and 'Sharktank' panellist - an import of 'Dragons' Den'.
Redfoo, 39, Award-winning LMFAO DJ, singer and rapper with titles including 'Sorry for Party Rocking', 'New Thang' and 'Juicy Wiggle'.
Noah Galloway, 34, Operation Iraqi Freedom war veteran, motivational speaker and double amputee, who lost his left arm and leg during active service.
Chris Soules, 33, current 'The Bachelor' star, originally hailing from Iowa.
Rumer Willis, 26, film & television actress; 'The Escort', 'Hostage', 'Striptease' and the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore.
Michael Sam, 25, American football player, formerly of the St. Louis Rams, the first openly gay player drafted into the NFL.
Nastia Liukin, 25, Olympic artistic gymnast, who won gold medals at the 2008 Beijing games, now retired and studying sports management at NYU.
Riker Lynch, 23, R5 singer & actor, formerly acted in Glee and on the Disney Channel, he is the brother of Ross Lynch - another member of R5.
Charlotte McKinney, 21, an international model who began her career at 17, came to public prominence during the 2015 Superbowl, for her work in the infamous Carls, Jr. commercials.
Willow Shields, 14, currently portrays Primrose Everdeen in the box-office smash film series 'The Hunger Games', the youngest cast member ever, a huge signing from Hollywood.
What a cast we have here!
Miss Patti, Suzanne Somers, Willow Shields, Rumor Willis, an Olympic gold medallist - all great singings for the women.
Redfoo, Michael Sam, Riker Lynch, an Iraq war veteran / motivational speaker, and a widely popular Sharktank entrepreneur - all great signings for the men.
Disappointed with no Roseanne Barr or Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. - but they've still come up with an inspired cast overall.
EMMA HAS A GOOD PARTNER!!! This is just the event of the century!
Not sure how I feel about Derek being back. I am a fan of his, but he didn't really produce many/any memorable choreography for Bethany like he had for Kellie/Amber/Amy, and with him having to split his time whilst doing his show, I don't think he'll be able to give his all to creating something wow-worthy for Nastia, gymnast or otherwise!
Yes Damahepa, Emma has a fighting chance with Redfoo, about time too.:kitty::kitty::kitty::D
She looks quite happy anyway.
https://twitter.com/AHLive/status/570306613359349761/photo/1
https://twitter.com/EmmaSlaterDance/status/570265495363923969/photo/1
Think Derek is a draw for a certain section of the viewers, so an incentive to get him back again by TPTB. I think he has done some fantastic choreo for past shows, but last season, felt he was coasting, maybe because of his partner or just being overstretched with other projects. Hope he has enough time and energy for his partnership.
https://twitter.com/Tom_Bergeron/status/570266273398943744/photo/1
Oh, no doubt he draws an audience, but really I'd have left him to do another Macy's Stars of Dance season, he could focus on his Broadway commitments, still be involved in season 20, not have to worry about training a partner etc etc, win win for everyone. Maybe because Nastia is an early favourite, she might not need the same attention Bethany and Amy did, but she still needs teaching technique etc regardless of ability!
I don't disagree, I think he is overreaching, hope Nastia doesn't get short changed. As I said, on another thread, without him this season, the dynamic might have opened up and given others different opportunites, but then his celeb, may have just requested him.
*imagined conversation with the producers "two days previously"
I see more differences than similarities. Meryl was a gold medalist in ice dancing, not gymnastics; Nastia has never had a dance lesson in her life. Meryl and Maks were both single and shippable; Derek has a girlfriend he took to one of the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world, the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur - in the $2,500/night Pacific Suite - http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2ejbv5_post-ranch-inn-big-sur_travel - and she recently flew to New York to join him for the NBA All-Star Game. Doing DWTS will enable him to see her every week.
And how many times has Derek said he's never been attracted to blondes, that he likes brunettes with slightly darker skin? I see zero chance of the kind of showmance that had legions of viewers, even the DWTS producers, enthralled with Maksyl.
Also, last but not least, Maks had never won an MBT and had admitted crying in the parking lot after he and Erin didn't win Season 10. I was among those who voted for Maks to win and would have voted for him regardless of who he was paired with. Derek's situation could not be more different, and he knows he may never win again. Even Derek told Maks he was hoping Maks would win.
http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/all-access
The majority of differences you mention are to do with the showmance... that's not what I was referring to, albeit it played a bit part of Meryl's victory.
Derek knows he might never win again. He's nearer the end of his time on DWTS than the start, and yes, he may well have been pleased Maks finally got a mirrorball. However, needless to say someone who's spent their entire life being a competitive dancer, you main rival on the show sitting pretty with the highest scores (albeit with the easiest victory the show has ever witnessed in terms of celeb's pre-series experience)? That must be something he has his eyes on rectifying before he finally settles back into a pure choreography or judging role. He's not had the dice in his favour since season 17- so I reckon this might be his final throw with everything he's got, especially on the anniversary year...
Final throw? Why would it be his final throw? He has said over and over again that he loves the show and will always want to be a part of it in some way. He's over winning. In fact, he said he realized it's NOT about winning, but about helping celebrities do things they never thought they could, and making memorable performances.
Doubt he's even aware of the point-average stats, or that he cares that much about judges' scores. And I doubt he would ever consider a judging role. He said he's not cut out for it, that he'd rather create.
He explained his focus in his last TV Guide blog for Season 18:
He said scores never cross his mind anymore:
I'm still gutted he isn't on SCD any more and feel the show (and me especially) miss him!:(
I see he didn't get such a great partner again in DWTS, I can't see Patti doing much at all. It's a shame as Artem has so much to offer ones with natural aptitude.
Dancefan8001, are you sure Nastia has never had a dance lesson? I am a fan of gymnastics and she was so very artistic, also most gymnasts work in some dance training for the floor and work with choreography.
I have to admit to really looking forward to her and Derek as I do enjoy seeing what he gives to his partners too, I know the show is somewhat rigged towards him, but I do like some of his previous partnerships.
Sorry you have to be without Artem, but I'm happy he'll be on DWTS this season. I don't know how good a dancer Patti will be, but she's got a lot of energy and should have a sizable fan base. She's certainly one of the biggest names in the cast.
Nastia said on GMA that she never had a dance lesson. So unless she's lying, it doesn't look as though she ever did. Also checked her bio on Wikipedia and it looks like her parents didn't even want her to become a gymnast, because of the pressure they knew it involved. There is no mention of any dance training at all.
From USA Today:
Haha, I was confused and thought this was the Artem thread for some reason!!! ^_^
Well I have followed gymnastics all my life and being a dancer myself we always had competitive gymnasts come to us to learn some dance to help with movement and especially the floor.
I think she may be bending the truth (not that it matters to me at all, I like contestants with some experience anyway!), but there's no doubt she would have done some dance and all good gymnasts work with choreographers for their floor routines, no matter what.
I know that her parents didn't want her to be a gymnast at first, however that changed when she had a natural aptitude for it, but that doesn't mean anything re dance training anyway.
Hi Amelia.
Hope you come back to this thread now you found it! I fear Artem-watch may be a relatively short-lived vigil this season....
I guess 'taking a dance class' might not be exactly the same as 'having some ballet training' in Nastia's eyes ;-). I'm sure, as you say, that she has had dance and choreography within her gymnastics training, but it's impossible to know how extensive it was (and whether it was any different from Shawn Johnson's or Aly Raisman's, neither of whom struck me as 'extensively' dance trained). Perhaps it's deep within the Russian genes
http://www.gymnastike.org/coverage/234086-WOGA/video/72100-Nastia-Liukins-Ballet-Coach-Choreographer#.VO2hK4aQGrU
I always like to know what previous the celebs have - if only to see how far they progress - but as you say, it's not a problem if she has more ballet than some of the others. They all come with different stuff and it will be great to see some lovely lines from her and interesting to see if she can adapt to a different discipline.
While (loosely) on a Hough theme, I read that Ryker competed briefly in junior ballroom comps. Interested to see what he's retained and whether it gets a mention. Again, not a problem as it seems long ago and short lived, but it would be good if he talked about it, I think, or people will assume he was some kind of sub-Derek dance whizz.
Just wondering if anyone had any ideas on who they think the unannounced contestant is??
You mean Witney's partner? It seems likely to be Bachelor Chris Soules. He was widely rumoured and Tom made a heavy handed hint it was him. Not sure if there's a reason for not announcing him, or if it isn't actually final
They did the exact same stunt in 2013 with that other Bachelor guy (I don't remember his name - I was all about Lisa Vanderpump that season)
Yes I saw Riker mentions dance in his cv, hopefully he can give Allison some pointers if they do any ballroom.:o:kitty::kitty: You do kind of assume they all come out of the womb, singing, dancing and acting.;-) Well not literally.
Noah is not a good signing either. I don't agree with his participation on the show just like I was unwelcoming of Amy Purdy who ruined her season when she was on. However, she was with Derek so that explains the ridiculous overmarking she got.
Derek is just urgh!!! I reckon he realized he is nothing without DWTS and America does not care for him outside the show. So now he come back "of his own free will" lol, Don't think so. You came back for $$$$$ we all know it. Plus bragging rights for another trophy with a ringer.
Michael Sam <333 Other than that I will see for the night they all dance. BTW Robert need not bother turning up, he is first out. Urgh at just seeing the Bachelor star on this!!!
LOL not looking good. Like Len this might be my last season of DWTS.
BIB. Ha Ha!
Well they've done an interview and Allison, says Riker, has done hip hop before, so she will utilise that, what a suprise. Thought BIB would give you a laugh, it may sound like I'm picking at her, Allison, is good in her genre, but felt she let her partner down last season, with her lack of ballroom grounding. Allison also said, Riker, hasn't partnered before, well going on last season, she didn't seem to find it easy to partner either, so hope they both get past that one.:kitty: It would seem they are continuing down the SYTYCD route rather than bringing back more ballroom dances to the show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuCegwFm2ng