From abc.com:

"In addition, couples will once again take part in a team dance, group dance and face off as well as perform the Argentine Tango and East Coast Swing; a first in the series. And in an exciting new twist, the bottom two couples facing elimination will Dance Off to determine who is dismissed in the first weeks of competition."

Team Dance: stupid, more manipulation
Argentine Tango: could be fun, could be stupid
East Coast Swing: boring
Dance Off: Ugh, hate hate hate...slippery slope

Too Many Changes

They'll be pre-recording the Results Show next

I knew DWTS were going to change the format a little, but they have gone slightly too far.

I don't mind having the Argentine Tango and ECS, but the Group Dance is pointless.

Dance Off!
Dance Off!
Dance Off!
Dance Off!

Now thats out of my system , quite looking forward to the Argentine Tango...

In no way is the AT stupid

Very difficult and technical, it will soon sort out the men from the boys

I don't understand why DWTS are using a similar format to SCD... It's a disaster. :sleep:

I think the reason they are doing the dance-off is to create controversy which translates into higher ratings.

And also after last year with Cloris overstaying her welcome to see what happens then the judges have the final say will definitely be a shot in the arm for the show, disaster or not.

If you look at the BBC clips for the dance offs they always seem twice what the viewership of the original dance was.

I sense that that the judges are not serious on DWTS as they are on SCD so perhaps they are trying to go down that road this year.

Well, notice the COULD BE part. DWTS is not known for technique, really. I can see a lot of "entertaining" ATs. You know, roses in teeth, that kind of thing. You know it's almost a given.

And someone always overstays their welcome, it's the nature of the show. Like I said, the judges favorite wins out in the end...and usually it's the viewers' favorite, too.

The points system is different on DWTS, too, based on percentages rather than a straight ranking. The judges on DWTS already have a lot of power.

(sharp intake of breath......gasps in horror.........)...

.NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Sacrilege

I like all the changes, except the return of the team dance. I found it very contrived and rigged last time - and it was embarrassing the way they singled out and piled on the 60+ year old lady Susan Lucci who was compared to the pro girls in a Cha Cha. Well duh, of course she didn't measure up. The other team got a Paso Doble which is a lot easier to pull off as it's so theatrical rather than fitness orientated.

But I guess that doesn't mean anything - this season could be totally different. I do like the dance off! I wish they'd do it through the semi-final. And I'd like more group dancing on DwtS - Strictly has always had lots more while DwtS has only typically had one measly group dance, towards the end - well, just before they switch to two dances per week. They don't usually do any group dances at the beginning which I think Strictly always does - sometimes several. I figured it was because the celebs in the US tend to be spread out and do their first month's practice all over the country - while getting to London to practice isn't as big a deal.

I don't know what ECS is about but I love the AT. I'm sure it'll be butchered over here but maybe we'll at least get an occasional little kick between the legs - whatever that move is. I love the dance and think it suits the American show which is more spectacle oriented anyway.

I'm getting excited! I don't like Julianne dancing with her real life boyfriend though, but other than that, so far, so good!

I hope they fly Vincent & Flavia over to do the demonstration of the AT the week before the celebs have to do it. After all, they are the world champions!

That would be brilliant!

Depends when that week would be... they are a tad busy going into the spring and summer... (but if its the end of June then maybe its possible...)

It would be great for them though - more exposure...

If DWTS want them, I want Derek and Julianne!

You'd better not be thinking of a permanent swap there, poker face - V and f are my favourites

They can keep James and Ola instead

Not permanent!

SCD's idea is much better below!

Ha ha !!!!!!

Great idea, but maybe a bit unkind ......to DWTS??????

Can't believe I said that, you're a bad influence!

Keep, get rid off them...same thing

It's DWTS's problem then

I don't mind the introduction of the AT and can even put up with the dance off - but unless they are just for fun a team dance or a group dance are just rubbish if they are going to mark the couples.

Not likely to happen. Julianne is going on tour with country music legend George Strait in May as one or his only opening act. Derek is also trying to squeeze in some tour time with his & Mark's band The Ballas Hough Band (formerly known as Almost Amy).

We won't know definitely until Thursday but these are the new pros if the buzz is correct.

Cheryl gave an interview last week and said there would be two new pros, one male and one female but that is all she could say. Kinda like SCD bringing in Brian and Kristina. I see a similarity.

Male: Dmitry Chaplin. (Belinda Carlisle)

http://realitytv.about.com/od/soyout...ry-Chaplin.htm

Female: Chelsie Hightower. (David Alan Grier)

http://www.chelseahightower.org/About__Biography_.php

Oh well... I don't mind having Maksim and Karina!