S20: Speculation & Confirmed Info!

[LadyMustang65]

Seriously, what do we have to do to get Derek to stick to his word and finally take a season off!  Just go away already.  It's beyond ridiculous that he's going to try to juggle his New York show with the Los Angeles show.  Just stick to the Rockettes, Derek, and leave the rest of us alone.  I don't hate Derek, although I am tired of him.  But I really felt like his choreography the last couple of seasons  hasn't been that great.  I know he had to work around Amy, but a lot of what he did with Bethany either wasn't that good or it felt like a rehash of something he'd done before.  I really wish he would stick to his word to take a season off.  Do something different. Recharge your batteries.  And give us a break.  We could have had Tristan back.  Or Louis.  Or Dmitry.  Or Henry or Sasha could have had another chance at being a pro.  Anyone (almost) would have been better than another "I'm not going to be on . . . oh, wait. . . yes, I am after all" season of Derek.  And I feel really bad for Mark.  I wasn't crazy about Sadie being on last season.   I have zero desire to watch a 14-year-old dance.  Just none. 

 

Once we get past Derek and child actor (and bringing back Allison instead of someone who can really teach ballroom dancing like Anna or Lacy or Chelsea), the rest of the cast looks interesting, and I'm looking forward to the season. 

[galax-arena]

Again, you worry too much about Derek's influence.

Nobody here is ~worried. 

 

Now that I don't even watch the show regularly anymore - hard to do when you give up your TV; I'll get my fix from youtube clips - it's hard to be anything but amused by TPTB's transparency in treating Derek like the Golden Boy. 

 

someone who can really teach ballroom dancing like Anna or Lacy or Chelsea

I guess Anna's too busy being a mother. Hmph. Come back, Anna! Where are her priorities?? 

Edited February 24, 2015 by galax-arena

[Bronzedog]

Being born to a movie star makes you a star? Rumor Willis may be related to stars but she is no star or much of anything but a rich kid.

[dizzyizzy01]

Nobody here is ~worried. 

 

Now that I don't even watch the show regularly anymore - hard to do when you give up your TV; I'll get my fix from youtube clips - it's hard to be anything but amused by TPTB's transparency in treating Derek like the Golden Boy. 

People are certainly freaking out though.  The fact is, it's a television show and they want/need ratings.  Derek's more recognizable than more than half these stars. It's no surprise producers will try to do what the can to get him on there.

 

And I really don't think he gets "favorable" treatment.  They're just designing the show to get what they think will get the most eyeballs.  Derek's honestly just better at playing the game.  Derek knows what works and what doesn't.  I certainly do not think Bethany would have made it as far with any other pro.  

Edited February 24, 2015 by dizzyizzy01

[ginger90]

Being born to a movie star makes you a star? Rumor Willis may be related to stars but she is no star or much of anything but a rich kid.

Rumer has actually been in a number of movies and television series. She also goes by Willa Glen.

[cooksdelight]

Robert Herjavec, the only reason I'll be tuning in to this show. He's my favorite Shark and he's a heckuva nice guy as well.

[designing1]

 

Robert Herjavec, the only reason I'll be tuning in to this show. He's my favorite Shark and he's a heckuva nice guy as well.

 

I agree, except I'll be checking out his dances on YouTube. I'd rather not subject myself to the entire show.

[Turkish]

I agree, except I'll be checking out his dances on YouTube. I'd rather not subject myself to the entire show.

Oh, I always just watch the dances on YT. I'm not sitting through 2 hours of this shit every week. I don't have the patience. 

[Serendi]

Probably belongs in Grassy Knoll, but I was mulling over stuff, and it occurred to me:

 

They REALLY want Derek back.

 

Allison Holker first showed up on DWTS some seasons back doing a Derek Special type dance, so he obviously likes her work.

 

Derek's cousin is picked, and is dancing with Allison, who based on last season would NOT have been expected to be back.

 

Is there a connection? Not a clue. But I did wonder...

[truthaboutluv]

Being born to a movie star makes you a star? Rumor Willis may be related to stars but she is no star or much of anything but a rich kid.

 

It's noted already but Rumer has been acting for awhile and has a number of credits to her name. Famous parents or not, frankly she's more of star to me than Sadie last season, whose claim to fame is a reality show based on her family which really requires no talent other than having cameras following them around. 

 

As for Nastia and her abilities, I'm almost positive I remember hearing about her taking ballet for years, while she was competing in the Olympics. So if true, at the least I imagine that means she has great posture, grace and that will be coupled with her athleticism. I can't see her being as hapless as Aly was. 

[quinn]

Seriously, what do we have to do to get Derek to stick to his word and finally take a season off!  Just go away already.  It's beyond ridiculous that he's going to try to juggle his New York show with the Los Angeles show.  Just stick to the Rockettes, Derek, and leave the rest of us alone.

TPTB should probably stop waving all that pesky money and perks in front of him.

[CED9]

I saw Noah on Ellen a couple months ago. Awesome guy with a lot to offer. Sharna is my personal favorite pro wise, and I like the vote of confidence TPTB have seemingly given her by pairing them.

As for the rest, Patti LaBelle is cool, but pairing her with Artem is strange. Maybe it's because sticking to traditional is a strength of his.

I missed last season's cast reveal, so early on I seriously thought Betsey Johnson WAS Suzanne Somers, so I feel like this just may blend in with that for me.

Redfoo is fun, and it's nice to see Emma with someone who can move. Though, that teaser pic with her laying with a motorcycle helmet on her now makes no sense to me.

Don't really have an opinion about anyone else yet.

[kitcloudkicker]

Rumer is also in with Janel's theater crew, so she's got some stage style singing and dancing under her belt. I know there's a little bit of "My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with the girl who saw that Janel unfollowed Val on Instagram (I hear it's pretty serious)" drama going on with Janel/Val, but I don't think that's the worst partnership for him. Even if there is weirdness there I'm sure they all can be professional, and I could see Rumer fitting in with Val's style. (Or potentially butting heads, but that's the fun, right?)  

[McManda]

What a letdown of celebs. Goes with their underwhelming pros, I guess.

Has Bachelor Chris been officially announced? I didn't see the GMA segment and the official announcement doesn't have him and just that Whitney is a pro (where everyone else has "pro - partnered with -").

Robert is my favorite. I love him! He's such a great sport, I think he'll be a lot of fun and could go far, especially if he's got any sort of talent.

Nastia Luken, really? If 16 year old Shawn Johnson can win, Nastia's a lock. And with Derek? Just call the season now. Really? I can only hope that the entire viewing population revolts and forgets to vote. Or that the judges hold them to a literal pro standard.

Also, casting a 14 year old? So is she exempt from all the Latin dances? That's a disaster waiting to happen, especially with "creative" Mark and especially after Sadie.

Wasn't Len not coming back?

[tearbender]

In 2008 Nastia/Derek would have actually been a pairing I could have been behind. Nice and blonde, and poor Derek wouldn't have had to deal with any "horrific, demented lines" with graceful Nastia.

 

If Nastia was paired with anyone but Derek, I wouldn't necessarily predict her as a shoo-in for the finals or even the semis. She keeps it under lock in front of the cameras but I've been hearing less than flattering things about Nastia's attitude for years. I see her having the charm of Joanna Krupa and even better flexibility than Kellie Pickler. Aly for all her lack of grace and rhythm at least threw herself into every routine with gusto. I can imagine Nastia being much more tentative at first.  I don't see her doing well with the Latin dances, just based on tragic footage of Nastia rehearsing for one of those gymnastic tours, but a celebrity doesn't need charisma or to be the best dancer when she's got Derek. American Cornfed Sweetheart Shawn Johnson she is not. Speaking of Shawn, it would be kind of hilarious to see her face if (when) Nastia wins with Derek when she couldn't.

 

It would have been neat to have Nastia paired with Val so they could be lovely and fierce and Russian together. I don't think he's had an athlete yet, but Rumer Willis intrigues me.

 

When I read 14 year old and "Willow" I had a brief moment of panic that Willow Smith was on and paired with Mark, and it would have been the most glorious, over the top trainwreck the show has ever orchestrated. Ah, well. Maybe next season, though I don't think even Mark deserves a Scientologist.

[Serendi]

About Len being back - my understanding is that he always intended to be back for this season. The problem arises in the fall, when Dancing With the Stars and Strictly Come Dancing are both running, and Len and Bruno have to fly back and forth for ten weeks. Len's (quite understandably) tired of it. I'm pretty sure I heard they're in talks about him being here in the spring even after this season. 

[Barbara Manatee]

I'm really interested to see Sharna's approach to Noah's missing limbs. She isn't into props and she can't carry him around, and since he doesn't seem to use a prosthetic arm they can't even fake the holds. He's strong though, she's clever, and they're both super determined, so they could be surprisingly good.

 

It will also be fun watching the judges' gears spin as they try to decide how to critique him.

[galax-arena]

It will also be fun watching the judges' gears spin as they try to decide how to critique him.

Carrie Ann will shed tears and cry about how inspirational he is. 

[CED9]

I'm really interested to see Sharna's approach to Noah's missing limbs. She isn't into props and she can't carry him around, and since he doesn't seem to use a prosthetic arm they can't even fake the holds. He's strong though, she's clever, and they're both super determined, so they could be surprisingly good.

It will also be fun watching the judges' gears spin as they try to decide how to critique him.

I was thinking maybe they could just turn everything around, but that would probably unnecessarily complicate things more.

Maybe he will use a prosthetic arm even though he doesn't seem to right now.

I'm more interested in his leg, actually. Balance and transition from prosthetic to real could be a challenge. Though, I think it would be easier for a guy than a girl in terms of ballroom. I would worry if he had another partner, but Sharna's never been one to cop out and dance around her partner. I give him (and everyone for that matter) props for even attempting this.

Carrie Ann will shed tears and cry about how inspirational he is.

Or she'll just get distracted in general by him being a good looking guy.

Edited February 24, 2015 by CED9

[Rrrhumba]

Nastia's gym is one of the few that still has a ballet teacher. For reference, both Shawn and Aly's "dance" in their gymnastics days was choreographed by their coaches and not a specialist instructor. Nastia's last gymnastics routines were choreographed by Travis Wall... Tbh, I can't see her having natural Latin rhythm but she's light and lithe so Derek will be able to manipulate her body into some interesting shapes and hide any shortcomings that way. It's also been rumored that she's competitive to the point of being cut-throat and an attention seeker to boot. She and Derek should get along well.

Mark seems to have fallen into the Tristan trap of doing so well with a certain kind of partner that tptb will now only pair him with them. For Tristan it was "here's someone even older and/or more infirm!" For Mark "she's even younger and/or more Christian!" At least Emma has managed to break the cycle although Redfoo might be a challenge in a different way...

[Packerbrewerbadger]

Okay, I got slightly nauseous when I heard Derek was back and partnered with an Olympic gymnastic medalist. ( can already see the rule bending ........ ) Missing Cheryl already !

Edited February 24, 2015 by Packerbrewerbadger

[galax-arena]

For Mark "she's even younger and/or more Christian!"

If this trajectory holds, by season 30 Mark will be paired with one of the kids from Toddlers & Tiaras.

[limecoke]

Excuse me???  What???  Derek is coming back?  Seriously?  Oh, I get it.  Show: "Hey Derek, you're the star of the show so we'll give you umpty zillion dollars and Nastia Lukin as your partner."  Derek: "Done."  Feh.

 

Even with Derek gone I wasn't planning on watching this season but they sucked me back in with Noah Galloway and Nastia Lukin.  Even though her father was part of the hated Soviet gymnastics team back in the day, I always admired him as a gymnast.  I'm sure with the influence of her father and mother, dance is very much part of Lukin's training.  Latin notwithstanding, I think Nastia will do well and with Golden Boy as her partner, it's hers to loses.  As for Noah, I'm glad he got Sharna as a partner because she will teach him to dance, not just pose artfully while she dances around him.  

 

Tristan, I still miss you, you gorgeous hunk of a lad.  (I'm beginning to think that Derek might have been part of Tristan being banished. Getting a bit too popular was our Tristan.)

Edited February 24, 2015 by limecoke

[dustoffmom]

.I'm sorry, but where is Karina?  I knew Cheryl was leaving, it was announced, but where is Witney also?  And yet, good heavens, we have Derek and Mark back.  >snark<  I thought we were finally rid of one of them!  

[kitcloudkicker]

I'm not off the bat that worried about Willow - yes she's very young, and yes Mark does seem to be getting typecast, but unless she's very conservative like Sadie/Candace and I don't know about it, there's no reason why the latin dances have to be that weird. There's a video floating around of (troupe member) Brittany Cherry and Derek dancing a rhumba when she was 15 and he would have been...25/26? And it doesn't feel uncomfortable. If she's open and Mark is good about handling it - which he's shown he can be, could be fine. I mean, he probably started working with Witney when she was that age, right? I don't know anything about her outside her Hunger Games role though. 

 

I knew Cheryl was leaving, it was announced, but where is Witney also?

 

 

Witney's partner wasn't "officially" announced, but she's with the current Bachelor. Tom was very unsubtle about that, for some roses (I mean reason!) 

[howmanywords]

Mark seems to have fallen into the Tristan trap of doing so well with a certain kind of partner that tptb will now only pair him with them. For Tristan it was "here's someone even older and/or more infirm!" For Mark "she's even younger and/or more Christian!" At least Emma has managed to break the cycle although Redfoo might be a challenge in a different way...

I agree that they keep giving Mark a certain type, but last season he got 2nd place and the season before he got 3rd (hell even Bristol who was despised he got to 3rd with) so maybe they feel its actually working? Tristan was doing worse and worse every time he got that "type" they kept pushing on him.

 

Serious question over here, am I the only one that isnt convinced Derek has this in the bag? So many factors play into how things shake every week on this show and rigners dont always win.  Whenever Derek is paired with anyone its always the same story..last year many thought he had it in the bag because he was given someone with this huge rabid fanbase and that huge rabid fanbase only got them 4th place. Not to mention I think hes out of his mind with this schedule he plans on juggling and I'm not convinced he wont show some fatigue.

[Lisa4106]

Right now I think the highlight of the season for me might be the fact that "another board" had the entire cast AND Derek's return leaked to them yesterday and they deleted all if it because they thought the poster was arrogant, took over their board and wouldn't reveal his source.

As for the pairings, I've come to the conclusion unless someone is A-list, 90% of the population won't have a clue who someone is. There are just too many entertainment choices out there anymore for very many celebrities to be commonly known. I'm willing to give them all a chance to impress me, but I will admit the combination of stars I don't know and a lot of pros I'm not very familiar with makes me less interested in the season. I think the long-term returning pros provided something I'm missing now.

As for Derek, I really like him but I think he's been a lot less creative the last couple of seasons. I think he needed to recharge; not wear himself out even more doing two things at once.

[designing1]

 

If this trajectory holds, by season 30 Mark will be paired with one of the kids from Toddlers & Tiaras.

 

Maybe next season he'll get the little girl who plays Lily on Modern Family.

 

[Deleted a bunch of stuff here because I misinterpreted the original poster's meaning.]

 

 

Right now I think the highlight of the season for me might be the fact that "another board" had the entire cast AND Derek's return leaked to them yesterday and they deleted all if it because they thought the poster was arrogant, took over their board and wouldn't reveal his source.

 

They think everyone is arrogant. They need a mirror.

Edited February 24, 2015 by designing1

[kayma]

I just watched the GMA announcement and none of the pros looked happy when they cut back after the Derek/Nastia announcement, Mark especially. They're usually so good about knowing when to smile. I was surprised at all the faces.

I thought the cast was really great - even starting ground for everyone and no one standing out with a big ability or fan base advantage. And, then they announced Derek and Nastia. I'm actually thrilled Nastia's on, but she definitely sticks out in this cast. I wish they saved her for another season.

[dustoffmom]

I don't blame them Kayma...I made a disgusted face myself at that 'surprise' announcement.  I am so over both Derek and Mark.  Just one season I would like an even playing field to see what they could do.

[Bronzedog]

They need to change the name of this show to "Dancing"

[Shugardrawers]

Anyone know where I can find mini bios on the cast?  I have never even heard of some of these so called stars.  Just a line or two like:  Jane Smith: Olympic gold medal winner in basketweaving sort of bio?

[Morrigan]

I'm so glad Roseanne's not on because I'd feel compelled to watch (which would mean watching Derek.) Whew. My Mondays are free. Who even has a chance against Nastia? Maybe one of the younger guys? Hell, Len could dance with her and beat all the female competition.

 

"They need to change the name of this show to "Dancing"

 

I think they need to change the name to "Derek"

Edited February 24, 2015 by Morrigan

[janerazor]

As for Derek, I really like him but I think he's been a lot less creative the last couple of seasons. I think he needed to recharge; not wear himself out even more doing two things at once.

 

The reason I'm annoyed that Derek is back is that, creative choreography or not, after watching Derek's choreography season after season, it becomes pretty clear that he is excellent at making his partners look like better dancers than they are. But as a fan of DWTS, I've seen his "trick" enough to see through it. Whenever he and his partner dance, I find myself looking for the ways he does this visual trick, and it's just not fun anymore. His partners never seem to grow during the season; he just gets better and better at hiding their shortcomings. 

So I'm looking forward to Michael Sams, Redfoo, and (oddly enough) that young actress, only because I think those dancers won't be engaging in any silly showmances. Gah, I hate showmances!

[RemoteControlFreak]

Anyone know where I can find mini bios on the cast?  I have never even heard of some of these so called stars.  Just a line or two like:  Jane Smith: Olympic gold medal winner in basketweaving sort of bio?

Right here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_with_the_Stars_(U.S._season_20)

[Mittengirl]

Wasn't Redfoo a guest judge last season, or am I thinking of some other music person with a strange name?

[Medicine Crow]

I can hardly wait to see how Suzane Somers' magic elixir, shots & other crap she pumps into her body works for her.  Just sayin'.

[vavera4ka]

As for Nastia and her abilities, I'm almost positive I remember hearing about her taking ballet for years, while she was competing in the Olympics. So if true, at the least I imagine that means she has great posture, grace and that will be coupled with her athleticism. I can't see her being as hapless as Aly was. 

Oh she for sure has. First of all her dad is a former gymnast, Soviet gymnast. Ballet was and still is huge part of Russian gymnastics.

Secondly, just look back at her routines: the girls is crazy talented but NOBODY gets lines like that without proper work by the bar. Her floor and lots of her beam routines actually looked like ballet.

 

I was so excited to hear she would be joining, I wanted her to be on this show forever, but then i hear she is partnered with Derek.... ugh... not sure if i will be ale to wholeheartedly get behind him, even though I adore her. 

[howmanywords]

I just watched the GMA announcement and none of the pros looked happy when they cut back after the Derek/Nastia announcement, Mark especially. They're usually so good about knowing when to smile. I was surprised at all the faces.

I saw on Extra tonight Tom Bergeron being interviewed and he said none of the pros knew in advance about Derek returning, that they found out when everyone at home found out so that may have been the reason for them not being able to hide any annoyance, they had to deal with the initial shock of it all too.

 

The ABC site is going to be streaming the rehearsals. The little I caught of Emma and Redfoo before looked promising and not a shock but she looked pretty excited to actually be working with someone who has some natural dance ability.

http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/all-access

Edited February 25, 2015 by howmanywords

[radishcake]

Right here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_with_the_Stars_(U.S._season_20)

I actually went through and put mini bios in all the contestant threads.

[truthaboutluv]

The little I caught of Emma and Redfoo before looked promising and not a shock but she looked pretty excited to actually be working with someone who has some natural dance ability.

 

 

Early prediction - I think Redfoo might be the Tommy Chong of this season, a total surprise. I think he is more than capable, after all he's young, fit and judging by some of his LMFAO performances, clearly has some moves. If he can just tone down the personality, take the show and Emma seriously and be open to learning, I think he could do really well. 

 

Wasn't Redfoo a guest judge last season, or am I thinking of some other music person with a strange name?

 

 

Yeah he was, during Season 18, for the Party Anthem week. Tom mentioned it when they were introducing him. 

 

I saw on Extra tonight Tom Bergeron being interviewed and he said none of the pros knew in advance about Derek returning, that they found out when everyone at home found out

 

 

Gee...because that's not going to cause any tension at all. 

[BW Manilowe]

Being born to a movie star makes you a star? Rumor Willis may be related to stars but she is no star or much of anything but a rich kid.

She actually has a recurring role on Hawaii Five-0, & has had it for at least 2 seasons now. She plays Sabrina, a bank teller who's the girlfriend of Max Bergman, the Medical Examiner character on the show.

By the way, her first name ends in ER, not OR. As I remember, she was named for a famous author.

[galax-arena]

I know Suzanne Somers is known for Three's Company, but I was a 90s child and watched TGIF religiously, so I was all about Step by Step. Wouldn't mind a reunion with Patrick Duffy.

I saw on Extra tonight Tom Bergeron being interviewed and he said none of the pros knew in advance about Derek returning, that they found out when everyone at home found out so that may have been the reason for them not being able to hide any annoyance, they had to deal with the initial shock of it all too.

Oh man, this is hilarious. It's like ABC has given up any pretense that the show isn't all about Derek. I wonder how many of the other pros were quietly optimistic about their chances, only to have this happen -

 

Robin Roberts: And finally, Derek Hough with Nastia Liukin!
Other DWTS pros: ....Fuck.

 

From a studio standpoint, I get it. Derek gets people talking, whether you love him or hate him. A controversial, talked-about pro is preferable to TPTB to a less "offensive" pro that inspires less discussion in general. (Sorry, Dmitry.) But you still suck, Derek.

[RomanKat]

I agree that they keep giving Mark a certain type, but last season he got 2nd place and the season before he got 3rd (hell even Bristol who was despised he got to 3rd with) so maybe they feel its actually working? Tristan was doing worse and worse every time he got that "type" they kept pushing on him.

 

While I get that "perception is reality", it doesn't quite seem fair to count either Dorothy Hamill's injury withdrawal or Valerie Harper's chemo brain against Tristan.  And Pamela Anderson wasn't really "his type", was she?

Edited February 25, 2015 by RomanKat

[Buggin]

Wow, that actually really sucks that the other pros didn't know about Derek, either. I don't know how Rumer will be as a dancer but Val was probably glad not to have Derek in his path to the mirrorball this season...and now he has Derek with the contestant who is probably this season's ringer. "Fuck!" indeed, haha

[lonestar]

Are they really going to put bloated, sweaty Chris Soules on this show?  Pitiful!

[chocolatine]

How many times now has Derek lied about taking a season off? I actually believed him this time and allowed myself to look forward to a season without a golden child pro.

 

I already hate the Riker dude because of his hair. If he gets preferential treatment because of the Hough connection I'll throw a wine bottle at the TV. 

 

One thing I am happy about is there seems to be little potential for showmances with this cast. Well, maybe Keo with the Carl's Jr girl, but if she's like any other model that's been on the show she won't last long. I'm also glad Emma got upgraded partner-wise.

[janerazor]

I know Suzanne Somers is known for Three's Company, but I was a 90s child and watched TGIF religiously, so I was all about Step by Step. Wouldn't mind a reunion with Patrick Duffy

 

Don't forget Suzanne Somers was also in She's the Sheriff! And she made a mint hawking the Thigh Master.

[howmanywords]

Early prediction - I think Redfoo might be the Tommy Chong of this season, a total surprise. I think he is more than capable, after all he's young, fit and judging by some of his LMFAO performances, clearly has some moves. If he can just tone down the personality, take the show and Emma seriously and be open to learning, I think he could do really well. 

 

I'm getting that feeling too.  The rehearsal footage REALLY surprised me and he indeed does looks like he plans on taking the whole thing very seriously. And I just learned tonight that his grandfather is Berry Gordy. Thats pretty interesting.

 

Are they really going to put bloated, sweaty Chris Soules on this show?  Pitiful!

And for poor Witney to get him after coming off a win with the awesome Alfonso no less..talk about a massive downgrade.

[Victura]

I know Suzanne Somers is known for Three's Company, but I was a 90s child and watched TGIF religiously, so I was all about Step by Step. Wouldn't mind a reunion with Patrick Duffy.

I think this is a very real possibility. I read an interview with him relatively recently where he said he still keeps in touch with Suzanne, Christine Lakin, and Staci Keanan from the show. She might be 68 years old, but I believe she's had some singing and dance training in the past - would be interesting to see if it has stayed with her.

 

I always loved Nastia's gymnastics (much more aesthetically pleasing to this balletomane's eyes than the powerhouse Shawn/Aly types), but I have also heard rumors of her cutthroat-ness (as opposed to Shawn's sweetness). Then again, she's older now so she may have mellowed since and DWTS is not high-level gymnastics, but I am curious as to how her personality will translate in the packages. Given her Russian background, I think pairing her with Val or someone Eastern European would've been much more interesting than Derek.

 

I feel like Mark is being punished for doing well with a certain kind of celebrity, just as Tony and Tristan are/were. Fourteen is young for this show, but a lot of competitive ballroom dancers compete at very young ages, so it should be fine.

 

Re: Allison being back. Perhaps they paired her up with Riker because he has some ballroom dance experience.

 

After reading the bios of everyone, I don't see anyone striking me as being very obviously bad. There is some amount of fitness level or musical background with pretty much all of them. Even the older contestants (Patti and Suzanne) seem like they would at least have some musicality and natural movement ability. Patti LaBelle would probably be similar to Gladys Knight.

Edited February 25, 2015 by Victura