calipiano81

My only issue with this approach is that I equate it to a black dress. Most people appreciate a good black dress...it's flattering, practical, refined, and suitable for pretty much any occasion. Any design cuts or accessories will look good with it. When in doubt, you can't go wrong with a black dress. However, I personally love colors, patterns, and interesting combinations in my wardrobe. I like clothes that show off a person's personality and uniqueness. Sometimes there are mismatches, but sometimes, when all the right elements come together, you get an outfit that is stunning, makes you stand out and grabs everyone's attention. That's the difference between Derek and Mark for me.

Derek, on his own, was possibly the most demographically appealing of the pros. As a result, he ended up getting paired with a lot of demographically appealing celeb partners. (These days, Lindsay seems to have taken over this role.) I don't know why it took me so long to figure out Derek's DWTS strategy when I must admit it is actually quite simple and logical...if it doesn't make the celeb look good, throw it out. So while the other pros spend (and sometimes waste) a lot of time teaching and training their celebs to perform certain techniques correctly, Derek will just incorporate into the choreography what his partner is naturally or capable of doing well right off the bat.

Lindsey was the one who brought up his only winning twice, not Mark. And frankly, the length of time since Mark's last win has been longer than any of the current pros (minus Cheryl) have been on the show. His FANS have been clamoring for him to get a 3rd win and have been frustrated with his runner-up finishes, so I couldn't blame him for feeling the same (ditto for Cheryl). But I have never heard him complain about only winning twice.

I objectively recognize Derek's talents and his status as the biggest star amongst the pros to come out of DWTS, but I couldn't really enjoy him fully when he and Mark were on the show together. Mark was always viewed as somehow inferior to Derek or as a consolation prize for Derek's fans, when actually the two of them have quite different styles and strengths.

I miss Mark too, but seeing this makes me happy. I've been a Mark fan since his very first season on the show. Stayed up all night voting for his win with Shawn, exhaustingly defended him through the Mark-hate years in the fandom, but eventually made it to the other end of the tunnel to see many more people now valuing and respecting what he brought to the show. My favorite things about Mark are his musicality (I think all the pros have good musicality, but I always felt Mark's was particularly clever and creative), his versatility, and his full commitment to whatever he was performing.

There are so many factors that go into a DWTS win and many of them are outside the pros' control. IMO, there wasn't really anything Sharna could have done differently in any of her seasons to create a different outcome.

I just sent you a private message about an alternative way to watch DWTS at it's usual time.

I think the format you are looking for is actually to have the bottom 2 couples (based on the combined total of scores and votes) dance off and have the JUDGES decide who will stay. This gives the better dancer of the two the highest chance of staying. So You Think You Can Dance over the years has used this format for the most part (judges picking who stays among the bottom 2 or 3 vote-getters). In fact, DWTS even did it for a few weeks during Season 9 and I thought they should have kept it.

I didn't get to post last week, so here are my general impressions of the show so far... The not-so-great: -It seems like many of you are surprised by how much you are enjoying the show. However, I actually think I am having the opposite reaction. I was very excited beforehand by the concept of a junior DWTS show and was highly looking forward to the series. After these first two episodes though, while I still will watch, I am not quite as enthused as I originally was and am even a little annoyed by some things. -For some reason, I was thinking that kids are like sponges and would pick up things faster and better. Also, that they have less inhibitions than adults, thereby resulting in much better overall dancing and performing than on regular DWTS. I forgot to take into account the awkwardness and lack of body control many kids in that 9-14 age bracket can have, as well as personality challenges, and being easily distracted. -Lack of proper content seems to be an even more rampant issue here than on the regular show because the kid pros are all cross-trained. I disagree that the judges should not address lack of content in their comments. The kids are learning about dance, and it should be brought to their attention when they are not doing the assigned dance correctly. It also lets them know why they might be getting a lower score (although, unfortunately, none of the judges are actually scoring lower even if they mention the lack of content). The kid celeb, kid pro, and mentor are a team, just like the partnerships on the regular show. On a more positive note: -I think Ariana/Artyon and Sky/JT are the two best couples. They are absolutely adorable and Brandon and Alan are doing great jobs giving them good content and teaching them proper technique. -JT and Jake! I thought they were great on SYTYCD Next Gen and it's nice to see how they've grown. JT's ballroom was quite so-so on SYTYCD, but he must have taken classes because he's much improved here. -Jordan and Frankie are doing great jobs as hosts. But it helps that they aren't required to engage in the kind of filler and nonsense that Erin gets roped into by the voice in her ear. -Mandy Moore is the best judge of the three. Val is articulate enough but he needs to be more specific and more technical.

I think the biggest obstacle for Milo to possibly win is his lack of pre-existing fanbase. I think he has gained a lot of fans and is one of the most talked-about contestants this season, but will it be enough to overcome Demarcus' huge football (particularly Dallas Cowboys) fanbase, Evanna's Potterheads, or Juan Pablo's Fuller House fans?

Brought over from the episode thread: I think "bias" is the more applicable word to use in terms of the voters' response to black female contestants. I think "racist" and "sexist" are too extreme, which is why there are so many posts trying to deny that race and gender play a role. As humans, all of us (whether we are white, black, brown, yellow, red) have biases, whether we are conscious of them are not. One prominent bias is that we relate to people who we share things in common with or fit into our world. I don't think most people mean to hurt anyone else or make any kind of statement by it, it's just a natural thing most of us feel. When you have a TV show or movie come out that has an all-black cast or an all-Asian cast or an all-Latino cast, which demographic would you expect to predominantly watch each? The core demographic that is interested in ballroom dancing, and thereby DWTS, are white, middle-aged and older, conservative (southern and Midwest), women. Black male football players win this show because they play a sport that is HUGE with the demographic. However, it is logical that the type of contestant they are going to relate to the least is the young, black female like Tinashe who is a great dancer and lives/works in one of the major entertainment cities (e.g. Los Angeles or New York). Finally, in addition to the demographic issue, Pure pointed out that if only a small percentage of DWTS viewers vote, then more power is given to those whi actually do (we see this all the time in real-world elections). So it may not be that Bachelor Nation is so numerous, but it's that they are the most motivated to vote!

For those who haven't seen George P's tweet yet, the lineup for tonight (10/15) is: Juan Pablo, Tinashe, John, Evanna, Demarcus, Mary Lou, Milo, Joe, Alexis, Bobby

Have there been any young(er), beautiful black female contestants on DWTS who were naturally talented dancers BUT came in without any prior dance experience/performance background? Off the top of my head, the only one I can think of is Laila Ali from Season 4. Mel B, Brandy, Zendaya, Mya, Normani...I am wondering if they weren't "ringers" if their outcomes would have been different. I think female ringers in general have the hardest time on this show because the expectations are highest for that type of contestant (unless you are a sweetheart figure skater).

Dances and Songs for Week 4 trios: (as usual, copied from Pure) John & Emma – Argentine tango (song: “Torn ” by Nathan Lanier) Trio w/Joey Fatone 1-800-868-3407 DeMarcus & Lindsay – paso doble (song: “ Fire ” by Barns Courtney) Trio w/Rashad Jennings 1-800-868-3404 Alexis & Alan – tango (song: “Move Your Body ” by Sia) Trio w/Maddie Ziegler 1-800-868-3401 Joe & Jenna – salsa (song: “I’m Too Sexy ” by Right Said Fred) Trio w/Jordan Kimball 1-800-868-3406 Tinashe & Brandon – tango (song: “ Hit Me With Your Best Shot ” from Rock of Ages ) Trio w/Amy Purdy 1-800-868-3413 Milo & Witney – salsa (song: “Adrenalina ” by Wisin feat. Jennifer Lopez & Ricky Martin) Trio w/Riker Lynch 1-800-868-3410 Mary Lou & Sasha – Charleston (song: “V.E.S.P.A ” by Dimie Cat) Trio w/Nastia Liukin 1-800-868-3409 Juan Pablo & Cheryl – cha-cha (song: “ Wavey ” by CliQ feat. Alika) Trio w/Melissa Rycroft 1-800-868-3408 Evanna & Keo – salsa (song: “Black Magic ” by Little Mix) Trio w/Scarlett Byrne 1-800-868-3405 Bobby & Sharna – cha-cha (song: “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer) Trio w/Lindsay Sterling 1-800-868-3402

I think if someone makes it a point to say, "I don't connect with" a certain contestant, it does imply something negative. Or, it's meant to counter someone else's favorable opinion of said contestant. If a contestant makes no strong impression in any way, there is usually no motivation to say anything at all. I think we tend to be much more compelled to comment on our favorite(s) or those we actively dislike. With such contestants, I think it's more that they "stuck out" as opposed to us not having any connection with the rest of the cast. Yes, it's common sense that people will have different opinions and that dance is subjective, but it's then also natural for people of opposing opinions to then ask "Why?" and request an elaboration in order to understand. For some reason, some posters take offense to this. Why post on a discussion forum if we're not willing to, you know, discuss?

I think it is good to explain "not connecting" with a particular contestant, though. Because it's more than just being indifferent...when someone says "I don't connect," it's an active comment about a contestant that carries a negative connotation. And while one person doesn't connect with a contestant, there may be another person who does. This means that "connecting" actually reflects more on the viewer than the contestant. So when there are no reasons/examples given for "not connecting," the discussion sort of gets shut down and then there is the risk of assumptions and generalizations being made. ETA: Can you imagine if we all came on this forum to talk about the dances and we just said "good," "bad," "Ok" and went on our way?!!

Milo continues to be my favorite and I loved their jive again tonight. But his show placements have been puzzling and concerning to me. He seems to be getting a lot of buzz and everywhere I look online I see a lot of positive and very little negative things said about him. Even though he came into the season rather unknown, he's been the type of contestant that seems highly appealing to the show demographic and indeed, on Facebook, where the show demographic tends to gather, he has been getting quite a bit of likes and comments. But in four performance shows so far, he has gone second three times. Positions 2-4 are where the show tends to put the fodder contestants. Is he really not getting the votes I am imagining he would get? If he and Witney end up being an early elimination, that would be so disappointing to me, as they have been the ones who have most injected me with excitement for this season.

Dances and songs (copied from Pure) for Week 3, Most Memorable Year: John & Emma – Waltz (Song: “Smile” by Ray Chew Live) DeMarcus & Lindsay – Argentine Tango (Song: “Lux Aeterna ” by Clint Mansell & Kronos Quartet) Nancy & Val – Rumba (Song: “Love Someone” by Lukas Graham) Alexis & Alan – Contemporary (Song: “ How to Save a Life ” by Ray Chew Live) Joe & Jenna – Viennese Waltz (Song: “You are the Reason ” featuring a live performance by Calum Scott and Leona Lewis) Tinashe & Brandon – Rumba (Song: “2 On ” by Tinashe) Milo & Witney – Jive (Song: “Can You Do This ” by Aloe Blacc) Mary Lou & Sasha – Viennese Waltz (Song: “We are the Champions ” by Ray Chew Live) Juan Pablo & Cheryl – Samba (Song: “ Ni Tu Ni Yo ” by Jennifer Lopez featuring Gente de Zona) Evanna & Keo – Viennese Waltz (Song: “ Hedwig’s Theme ” by John Williams) Bobby & Sharna – Contemporary (Song: “A Million Dreams ” from “The Greatest Showman”)

In 27 seasons, I have only rooted for a handful of male celebs over the years. Mostly because many of them get praise and votes for doing half the quantity and quality of dancing as the talented female celebs. But these past two weeks, I've been LOVING Milo. He's been dancing his butt off and it's been so exciting for me to watch him and Witney. Even with the posture issue, I though their tango was really well done (and I liked the Celine Dion song) and their Charleston was my favorite dance from Monday night. Another couple I'm really rooting for are Alexis and Alan. I think she's a beautiful dancer, Alan's been challenging her, and the two of them are really sweet together. I liked both their dances this week, though I would have given the higher score to their salsa. Does Evanna remind anyone else of Nastia Liukin? I think Evanna's doing a great job as well and she probably overtakes Jodie Sweetin as Keo' best partner. Samba and jive are strong dances for Keo because I remember Jodie doing well with these dances too. Since I like watching good dancing I naturally also like Tinashe and Brandon. Demarcus and Juan Pablo are natural movers, but for me, their charisma is outweighing their dance skills right now, which, as I mentioned at the top of this post, doesn't make me inclined to root for them as much.

According to Pure's source, the double elim (2 couples go) will happen at the end of Tuesday night.

Since the couples have different Night 1 and Night 2 dance styles (unlike last week when they had to prepare the same style of dance for both nights), it would appear that all couples will be performing both nights. And since the live musical guests will be performing DURING couples' dances, it seems like the show should have enough time to fit 12 dances on both nights.

Week 2 Dances and Songs (copied from Pure) MONDAY NIGHT -- NEW YORK NIGHT : *Mary Lou & Sasha – waltz (song: “Natural Woman ” by Carole King, performed live by Sarah Bockel of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical ) *Milo & Witney – Charleston (song: “Livin’ in New York City” by Robin Thicke) *Evanna & Keo – samba (song: “ Can’t Touch It ” by Ricki-Lee ) *Danelle & Artem – cha-cha (song: “Welcome to New York ” by Taylor Swift) *Bobby & Sharna – foxtrot (song: “ Theme from New York, New York ” by Frank Sinatra) *Juan Pablo & Cheryl – quickstep (song: “ 42nd Street ” by Cherry Poppin’ Daddies) *Alexis & Alan – Argentine tango (song: “Swan Lake ” by Ray Chew Live) *John & Emma – Charleston (song: “ New York’s My Home ” by Sammy Davis Jr.) *Tinashe & Brandon – Argentine tango(song: “New Dorp. New York ” by SBTRKT feat. Ezra Koenig) *Nancy & Val – cha-cha (song: “Uptown Girl ” by Billy Joel) *Joe & Jenna – foxtrot (song: “New York State of Mind ” by Matt Beilis) *DeMarcus & Lindsay – foxtrot (song: “The Boy from New York City” by Manhattan Transfer) TUESDAY NIGHT -- LAS VEGAS NIGHT: *Alexis & Alan – salsa (song: “Booty” by Jennifer Lopez) *Bobby & Sharna – quickstep (song: “That Old Black Magic ” by Sammy Davis Jr.) *Danelle & Artem – quickstep (song: “Luck Be A Lady ” performed live by Donny Osmond) *DeMarcus & Lindsay – quickstep (song: “Ladies Man ” performed live by Boyz II Men) *Evanna & Keo – jive (song: “Heat Wave ” by Martha Reeves & the Vandellas) *Joe & Jenna – jazz (song: “The Gambler ” by Kenny Rogers) *John & Emma – jive (song: “King Creole ” by Elvis) *Juan Pablo & Cheryl – foxtrot (song: “Why Don’t You Do Right ” by Peggy Lee) *Mary Lou & Sasha – samba (song: “Copacabana ” by Barry Manilow) *Milo & Witney – tango (song: “ Ashes ” by Celine Dion) *Nancy & Val – paso doble (song: “ Storm from KA” by Cirque du Soleil) *Tinashe & Brandon – cha-cha (song: “Circus ” by Britney Spears

I am not specifically a Val or Jenna (or Hough) fan, but I am interested in watching DWTS Jrs because I appreciate genuinely talented kids. And I get particularly impressed watching them do ballroom because of the level of technical skill, musicality, and performance aspect involved, which as we see, even adults can have a hard time doing well. Also, your favorite adult pro ballroom dancers? Hard for them to exist without training and competing as kid dancers first.

You're talking about Paul Karmiryan. He was my favorite contestant on SYTYCD Season 10 and he made it to Top 6 (out of 20). He was also a winner of SYTYCD Armenia version. I love Paul and would love to see him as a DWTS pro (he might even bring back some of my obsession I used to have for the show, which I lost a lot of when Mark Ballas left). In the past, he has made appearances on DWTS as an unofficial member of the troupe (I think I remember him being in Noah/Sharna's jazz and Rumer/Val's jive). Unfortunately, I read somewhere that he supposedly fell out of favor with DWTS producers after some injury he had.

The level of dancing across the board last night was very satisfying to see. I thought even Joe showed he is capable; he just unfortunately made obvious mistakes. I was most surprised by....Milo! He had a fluidity that I wasn't expecting from a tall, lanky 17-year old male. I'll have to rewatch, but I thought his technique was better than Demarcus and he had more content than Juan Pablo. I only heard of two names on this cast (Mary Lou and Nancy), but the upside of having a lesser-known cast is that maybe it can actually be more about the dancing this season!