Topic: Dancing With The Stars Season 8

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty Murray Injured During Dancing Rehearsal

Tough guy Ty Murray took a hit to the eye Wednesday but said it’s nothing he has hasn’t seen before.

As the seven remaining couples in this season of Dancing with the Stars practiced a group routine, Murray, 39, threw his partner Chelsie Hightower, 19, in the air, but her microphone pack fell off and struck Murray in the eye.

“It was bleeding for a little while,” Murray tells PEOPLE, “and is slightly back and blue but I kept ice on it. It’s not a big deal to me because in bull riding you see that from time to time, but I guess people aren’t used to seeing a little blood in the ballroom.”

Pro dancer Derek Hough says Murray shook it off, despite the bleeding. “He’s a cowboy, so he’s used to that kind of stuff,” Hough says. “You know Ty, he’s like, ‘It’s alright. No problem. Don’t worry about me.’”

For the last couple of weeks, Murray has struggled to please the judges with his jive and paso doble. But compared to where he started, Murray has come a long way since he botched the cha-cha-cha in his opening performance.

Murray, who is a seven-time rodeo champ, says his secret weapon is that he knows how to compete. “I like the challenge of it,” he says. “The challenge of the show is fun and it’s interesting as a competitor. It’s 10,000 times harder that you could ever imagine.”

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/04/16/ty-murray-injured-during-dancing-rehearsal/

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog post:

‘My eye is doing pretty good’



So far the waltz seems to be going really good.

Every week each team on the show has to film what you call your "wides" and that's where your producer who films you in practice every day shoots your routine from one end of the studio and then he goes to the opposite end and shoots the whole routine from there.

So you run through it twice and he shoots it from both ends and the reason you do this is so the director can look at everybody's "wides" and begin putting a game plan together for how they're going to film the dance.

We generally haven't gotten our "wides" done until Friday and, in some cases, we haven't gotten to it until Saturday. We were able to do that today so that tells me that it is coming together pretty fast compared to some of the other routines.

We are getting to the point that a lot of things that are in the waltz are things I learned before; like the frame, the shaping, the pivots and few other things so it's not as time consuming.

Now it's about making sure we get it to where it starts feeling natural to me so I can do less thinking and just go with the music. And not have any questions about, "Hey, where am I at?"

Today we were able to run the routine several times with music and that's way ahead of the game. Like I said, most of the time we're not getting that done until Friday night or even Saturday. Now mind you, tomorrow we'll start working on technique.

But, I think, what helps me is to have the routine down pretty good in my head before I start working on the technique because it's hard to work on both at the same time. It's hard to think about your technique while you're trying to remember the routine.

If I'm able to get the footwork down of where we're going and how we're going there and at what tempo then, I think, it becomes easier later on to polish up the technique.

They can be really critical and what I mean is you can remember the whole routine, rise and fall at the right part, but if you take one wrong heel lead and they'll point it out by saying, "You weren't supposed to take a heel lead."

There are times you take a heel lead and times you don't so you have to be real clear on when and where.

We also filmed my long interview today, which is something we do every week, and that's where they pull out all the comments you see in the pre-taped packages right before Chelsie and I dance. It's an hour-long interview and they ask you a million questions about what's going on.

Speaking of which, my eye is doing pretty good.

I think some of the press wanted to make a big deal out of it, but it's not that big of a deal. It turned slightly black-and-blue, but it's not real bad. The cut's already scabbed over and on its way healing. Everything is fine with that and, I think, hopefully by Monday it should pretty much be back to normal.

But I feel like we're ahead of the game on this one. I'm just trying to stay focused in and put in the work every day. Our scores have been going back down the wrong way so we need to get 'em up!

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/4/17/My-eye-is-doing-pretty-good#more

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty on Chelsea Lately

credit to DWTSSeason8

[RealityFreakWill]

someone found this on melissa's facebook...


Melissa behind Rascal Flatts and Randy Jackson

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing's Tony Dovolani Keeps Tabs on Fam Via Video

Although he's making a strong bid for the mirror-ball trophy with his season-eight partner Melissa Rycroft, veteran Dancing with the Stars pro Tony Dovolani says the prize he's most focused on is his family.

"I find myself crying at a commercial if it's got kids in it," says Dovolani, whose wife Lina, daughter Luana, 3, and newborn twins Adrian and Ariana, live in Connecticut while he films DWTS in California. "I'll watch a movie that has to do with children and I find myself tearing up. I'm a family guy and every season I've had my whole family out here and this is the first time where the entire season I don't have my family out here."

With children too young to travel often, Dovolani's wife Lina keeps Tony up-to-date on the twins by sending him videos so he can watch them grow. "She's my hero," he gushes to PEOPLE.

Like Mother, Like Daughter
As for the twins, they are now 7 months old, a whopping 28 inches in length, and they sleep through the night for "12 to 13 hours" as they also develop personalities of their own, Dovolani says.

"My boy, we keep calling him a boxer because he's got these big hands and he just makes fists," Dovolani says. "He's very active. The girl takes completely after Lina, the way she looks and the attitude she has."

Dovolani says Lina and Luana do try to visit every three weeks "so I can get that loneliness out of my system." During those visits, Luana will tell her dad how she's helping Mom take care of the babies while he's dancing. "She does not have ounce of jealousy in her [about the twins]," he adds.

Luana "is very attentive, especially when they cry or need something," Dovolani says. "She handles things as if she's the mom. When they notice her, they smile right away. It's amazing to see at such a young age that they are developing the brother-sister thing. She is a little helper to Lina, too. She brings her the diapers, the wet-naps, when she needs them. When you see a three-and-a-half-year-old doing things like that, then we adults, we have no excuse whatsoever."

Although he readily helps out as much as he can while he is at home, Dovolani refers to an old adage to describe his family. "You know they say behind every great man there is a greater woman?" he asks. "In my case that is completely true, because my wife makes me who I am today. The way she handles the home front, that's the only way I can be out here to do what I do. If I didn't have her I don't know that I could have done what I've done so far."

Lina, Tony & Luana


Adrian & Ariana


http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20273101,00.html

[RealityFreakWill]

click on link to view video

New Video: Ty Murray Opens Up about Eye Injury

"Dancing with the Stars" contestant Ty Murray is talking to ET about his eye injury.

Watch as Ty and partner Chelsie Hightower talk about the incident that caused blood to drip down Ty's face! Also, the pair counts down all the injuries they've suffered in the competition, and Ty answers the question -- what's more dangerous, dancing or the rodeo?

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/04/72910/index.html

[RealityFreakWill]

The Truth About Regis & Lil' Kim

On Live With Regis & Kelly, co-host Regis Philbin makes no secret of his crush on rapper and Dancing With the Stars contestant Lil’ Kim. And according to his on-screen partner-in-crime Kelly Ripa, Regis' heart truly does beat faster whenever he thinks of the petite 34-year-old.

“If anybody can get Regis to do the samba or the pasa doble, it is Lil’ Kim,” Kelly told OK! when we caught up with her at the Electrolux launch of Kelly Green washers. “He is really in love with her. He’s been in love with her since before Dancing With The Stars. He’s predicted that she’s going to go all the way. He really loves her.”

And in the issue of OK! that's on newsstands everywhere now, Lil’ Kim reveals to OK! that she has a surprise planned for the 77-year-old chatterbox! What could it be?
 
“I can’t imagine what it is. Maybe she got a tattoo of his name?" Kelly guessed. "Oh my gosh, that would be incredible. I’m hoping that’s what it is, but I have no idea.”

More importantly, what would make Regis happy?

“What would make him really happy is if she came on our show and maybe if she dedicated a song to him,” Kelly said. “Maybe if she incorporated his named into a song? Or maybe if she tattooed his face somewhere on her person.”

In fact, Kelly tells OK! she might even commerorate Regis and Kim's lovefest with a new tattoo of her own!  “Maybe something that says Lil’ Kim loves Regis,” she laughs.

http://www.okmagazine.com/news/view/13490

[RealityFreakWill]

ABC Television Network
PRESS RELEASE - PRESS RELEASE - ENTERTAINMENT -
ON TUESDAY'S DANCING RESULTS SHOW ON ABC (4/21)

SEVENTH COUPLE ELIMINATED ON
"DANCING WITH THE STARS THE RESULTS SHOW,"
TUESDAY, APRIL 21 ON ABC

Grammy® Nominated Natasha Bedingfield Performs

Irish Ensemble Celtic Woman Performs

Dance Company Burn the Floor Performs an Original Number

Professional Dancer Competition Begins

"Episode 807A" - After tallying the judges' and viewers' votes, the seventh couple to be eliminated from the competition is revealed on "Dancing with the Stars the Results Show," TUESDAY, APRIL 21 (9:00-10:02 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Natasha Bedingfield will perform her current hit single, "Soulmate," off her sophomore album "Pocketful of Sunshine," released by Epic Records in early 2008. Joining her on the dance floor are professional dancers Dmitry Chaplin and Lacey Schwimmer. The Grammy®-nominated singer/songwriter has had an incredible four Top-10 singles since the release of her debut album, "Unwritten," and has sold over 10 million singles and albums worldwide.

International musical ensemble Celtic Woman will perform the favorite, "You Raise Me Up," alongside a six-person choir and three-time World Cabaret Champion professional dancers Eric Luna and Georgia Ambarian. Celtic Woman features the wonderful voices of Chlo‘ Agnew, Lynn Hilary, Lisa Kelly, Alex Sharpe and the energetic musical inventiveness of Celtic violinist Mairead Nesbitt. With their heavenly renditions of Irish standards, classical favorites and contemporary hits, Celtic Woman has captivated millions worldwide. They have inspired audiences of all ages with their TV specials, popular concert tours and their latest album, "The Greatest Journey." Celtic Woman's brand-new "Isle of Hope" tour features a blend of fan favorites and enchanting original music from composer David Downes.

The cast of international dance sensation Burn the Floor will perform an original number by world champion Ballroom dancer and Burn the Floor creator and choreographer Jason Gilkison. Burn the Floor has thrilled audiences in more than 30 countries worldwide, taking audiences on a toe-tapping journey through the passion and history of Ballroom dance. They are currently performing at San Francisco's Post St. Theatre and will close on April 26, 2009.

"Dancing with the Stars" announces the first professional dancer competition where one lucky dancer, determined by viewers' votes, will become a part of Season Nine's cast. Six professional dancers, three men and three women, will compete live in a weekly dance competition for a guaranteed spot as a professional dancer to be paired with a celebrity on next season's "Dancing with the Stars." This week the six professionals will be paired into three couples and compete in the first round with their chosen style of dance, either Latin or Ballroom. One couple (two professional dancers) will be eliminated based on viewer votes.

By evening's end one couple will be eliminated. Who among the following seven teams will leave the ballroom floor?

Shawn Johnson (Olympic gymnastics medalist) and partner Mark Ballas
Lil' Kim (Grammy Award winning rapper) and partner, reigning champion Derek Hough
Gilles Marini (model and actor) and partner Cheryl Burke
Ty Murray ("King of Cowboys") and partner, newcomer Chelsie Hightower
Melissa Rycroft (from "The Bachelor") and partner Tony Dovolani
Lawrence Taylor (National Football League Hall of Famer, a.k.a. "LT") and partner Edyta Sliwinska
Chuck Wicks (country music star) and partner Julianne Hough

http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=041709_01

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘It feels like we’re getting a little army together’



First, I really want to thank everyone who has been following my blog and posting comments here and reposting my blog on other sites. I did notice the increase in comments the other day, so I wanted to make sure to let you know I appreciate all your effort in helping get Chelsie and I this far.

It feels like we're getting a little army together.

Chelsie and I had another good day at practice and we worked on technique for quite awhile. In fact, we actually ran our routine with the music and, more importantly, with some pretty decent technique – for me.

At the end of the day Chelsie and I worked on our part of the group dance. She was just going over my parts of it with me and then tomorrow, I think, we're going to rehearse with the whole group.

In any case, I think, the waltz is coming along pretty good for us and I would say that I feel more comfortable with this one than I have with any of them so far.

Now it's just a matter of making it all go right on Monday when we have to do it live on national TV, but if practice is any indication everything is going good and we're ahead of schedule.

Again, I really appreciate all the support.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/4/17/It-feels-like-were-getting-a-little-army-together

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog:

‘I like the waltz’



Hello army. Chelsie and I had another good day. We got to rehearse on the CBS stage this morning and then we went to a movie premiere for a new Walt Disney film called "Earth."

It was kind of a spinoff from that TV series called "Planet Earth" and there was amazing wildlife footage, oceans, mountains and Antarctica. So that was kind of fun and a nice, relaxing break from practice.

When the movie was over we went back to our regular practice studio and worked for several more hours. It's coming along pretty good.

I like the waltz.

It feels like the way a man and a woman should dance. I wouldn't say it's any easier than any of the other dances. It's just different and I haven't found an easy one yet. They're all pretty tough for different reasons and I know I said that before, but they really are.

After the fast dances you would think, "Wow. It'll be easy to have a slow one." But it's not. It's just as hard.

I do feel like we had a good start on this week's routine and we'll be ready to go.

I thought we were going to practice the group dance today, but I was wrong. We're going to practice that routine for quite a while tomorrow.

So we'll work on both dances and we'll spend most of the day at the CBS studio doing camera blocking. That's always my favorite time to practice because it feels like the show and that's how I like to practice it anyway.

And tomorrow night I'll be talking with the guys about "Dancing with the Stars" live on Versus during the telecast from The NILE Invitational.

Chelsie and I are going to try and knock it out of the park Monday night. We need to. With our scores sliding backwards we need to get our scores back up there so we can help out our army of voters.

As always, I appreciate everyone continuing to lend their support.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/4/18/I-like-the-waltz#more

[RealityFreakWill]

On lunch break from group practice

Melissa, Gilles, Tony, Cheryl, Chuck & Julianne

[RealityFreakWill]

Attending the premiere of "Earth"

Ty & Chelsie


Tony


Carrie Ann

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog post:

‘Keep on marching’



I've been cracking up reading all the replies to my blogs and obviously the army is in full force.

We had a long day, but it was a fun day. We were at the CBS Studio the whole time. First, Chelsie and I practiced our routine with the camera blocking and we ran through it three really good times.

It's amazing because I rode bulls and bucking horses my whole life and it never made me nervous. Even doing the camera blocking my heart gets to beating so hard that it's hard for me to stay steady, but all three times we ran through the routine it went well.

I think the waltz is going to be a good one for us.

The reason we had to be at the studio for so long is because we were also rehearsing the camera blocking for our first group dance this week.

I guess they call it a '60s mod dance and, yes, it's going to be funny. We were cracking up so hard while rehearsing so I think it'll make for good viewing.

We also had to be there longer than normal because this week we are designing the wardrobes so I had to take care of that and then we had our fittings for the costumes we'll wear during the group dance.

We're feeling good about the waltz and I really appreciate all the comments and support. That's all I have for today soldiers so, I guess, we'll keep on marching.

Well, you guys can keep marching. The judges already got on me about that so I better make sure I glide.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/4/19/Keep-on-marching#more

[tory]

I LOVE NATASA BETINGFEILD!!!!! 
ty will for the up date and allso the pic's they r great!!!

[RealityFreakWill]

click on link below to view video

'Dancing' Partners Cheryl & Gilles Prepare for Ellen Degeneres

ET was with "Dancing with the Stars" standouts Cheryl Burke and Gilles Marini as they prepared for an appearance on "Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

Cheryl explains that she and Gilles had to rush over to "Ellen" straight from dancing practice, so she just grabbed some possible outfits and didn't decide which one to wear until right before showtime.

For his part, Gilles appeared relaxed for the show, on which the couple showcased their samba skills for Ellen.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/04/72972/index.html

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing Scores & Results

TEAM                   DANCE               CARRIE ANN  LEN  BRUNO  TOTAL

Melissa/Tony     Argentine Tango              10        9        10      29

Lawrence/Edyta      Waltz                        7         7         7      21       

Lil' Kim/Derek           Rumba                      9         8         9      26

Chuck/Julianne        Samba                      9         9         9      27

Ty/Chelsie              Waltz                       8         8         8      24

Shawn/Mark          Cha Cha                     9         9        10      28

Gilles/Cheryl        Viennese Waltz              9         9         9       27                                 

[RealityFreakWill]

Ty's blog post:

‘We just tried to have fun with it’



We had a pretty good night. The last couple of weeks we were getting a little dry in the compliment department from the judges, so it was nice to turn things around a little bit and get some positive feedback.

We even got decent scores – all three judges each gave us an eight – and our total of 24 was only one point lower than our highest score so far. Chelsie and I were really happy about that.

This whole week we tried not to think about all the technical stuff, but it just gets so hard because you get to a point where you're thinking about so many things. This week we got our main bases covered and then we just tried to have fun with it instead of knit-picking every little detail.

That approach seemed to work a little bit better for us.

Next week, if we make it, Chelsie and I will have the salsa. I know everybody's worried about me with the Latin dances, but don't give up. We may prove them wrong.

We'll put in the work and, again, try not to get so technical where I just get so bogged down because that's when I become real mechanical.

In any case, I can't wait to watch the replay and see how funny the group dance looked.

It was hilarious when we all got to practice that together. I laughed through the whole thing, so it'll be interesting to see it. I know they have so many cameras and so many angles they shot the routine from that it'll be funny to see what it looked like on television.

I was wondering if any of the soldiers picked up on the salute that I gave tonight. That was my way of throwing a shout out to the army and let you all know I really appreciate the support.

I'll talk you guys tomorrow and, in the meantime, we'll see how the results show goes. Again, I appreciate everything you're doing soldiers.

http://www.pbrnow.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/4/21/We-just-tried-to-have-fun-with-it#more

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing with the Stars Episode Recap: Monday, April 20, 2009

Week 7 of Dancing with the Stars brings us unlearned numbers and a groovy 1960s group dance. Who made a comeback and who finally had a breakthrough? Find out below.

We're over the hump, y'all! I don't know about you, but I'm relieved. It's down to the wire now. This week, we have unlearned dances, and because we need to pad time to fill up 90 minutes, we also have a group dance. I actually like the group dance (though I've only seen two: Season 4's group swing and Season 5's group rock 'n' roll, in which Marie Osmond ran around searching for Jonathan Roberts like the lost little girl she is), so I am looking forward to this 1960s number. But who cares about dance when we know it's all about the clothes... which the celebrities designed this week. And uh, no, LT was not kidding when he said he wanted to cover up Edyta. She looks like a Siberian ice queen with that faux fur.

Melissa Rycroft & Tony Dovolani: Argentine Tango
Melissa needs to be a maneater, but doesn't know how to. What does Tony do? Take her to Wisteria Lane, naturally! Synergy! Too bad Edie's dead. They meet up with Teri Hatcher... whom Melissa calls a really great actress. No comment. Costume-wise, Melissa clearly concentrated more on herself than she did on Tony. What's with the red line on the stockings? Is that where we're supposed to peel? It looks like one of those perforated lines on packaged gum. Anyway, this song is giving me a sonic headache, but it doesn't seem to be affecting them. Melissa's legs look awesome, red line and all, with its sharp and acute lines. I don't really feel the maneater-ness, just like how I didn't feel any chemistry in their rumba last week. It's a good performance, but not a great one. Len loves the lifts, but saw a blunder. Bruno calls it the revenge of the maneater. Carrie Ann calls it by far the best Argentine tango she's ever seen. Uh, what?!? Do the names Gilles and Cheryl mean anything to you? How soon we forget.
Score: 29

Lawrence Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska: Waltz
LT's not all doom-and-gloom anymore, but he still ain't no dancing machine. He's got the waltz and needs to "get his smooth on." And that he does. I guess Warren did dislodge something from his you-know-what last week. He's graceful and is exuding an ocean of calm with this waltz. Can it be? LT has finally, finally let his inhibitions go? Looks like it. Even Steve-O and the Woz are impressed (Steve-O outed Woz's weekly visits). Unfortunately, LT stumbles in the middle and Edyta's dress gets caught over her face. See, guys. This is why she wears nothing — clothes can be dangerous! Speaking of the dress, it is gorgeous. LT has a new career if he ever gets sick of golf. Bruno says he got the romance right, but calls him out on his fall. Carrie Ann loves his easiness on the floor and is majorly jealous of the dress. Len lists, like, 11 things wrong with the dance, but still loves it. Backstage, Sam wants to know how his performance last week "eltered" his attitude.
Score: 21

Lil Kim & Derek Hough: Rumba
Kim's aiming for the perfect 30. That may be a problem because she associates the rumba with "ay caramba." Derek needs to tone down the sexiness for Len and come up with the perfect choreography. He's such a great fake crier! The dance looks nice, but it doesn't feel like a rumba to me. This looks too sweet, even sweeter than Shawn's. Go figure. The moves also look strained and rather awkward at times. Kim still brings it with the leg extensions, but where's the heat? The sensuality? I guess in Chuck and Julianne's room. Carrie Ann finds it too understated and underwhelming. Len doesn't want them to try to please him, but still adores it. Bruno misses the roach, I mean, raunch, in Lil Kim because then it's like a margarita without tequila. I need a drink too. Sigh.
Score: 26

Chuck Wicks & Julianne Hough: Samba
Chuck knows at this point it's all about the fans since his scores aren't reflecting the generous comments he's getting, so he goes schmoozing in Alabama. It's a Dancing swing state, I guess. There's too much red going on here. Chuck, trying to look like a red-hot tamale doesn't mean you are one. Wearing The Hef's silk PJs don't help either. And the dance?  It's actually not bad, if you try to get the image of him grabbing Julianne's boobs at the beginning out of your head (or maybe you shouldn't). Chuck's hips are a helluva lot looser and he's way more in sync with Jules than he's ever been before. However, the samba itself does seem a beat slower. Don't cheat, man. Len likes it a lot and thinks it's his best dance to date. Bruno thinks he wants it so badly. And how badly do you want it, Bruno? Carrie Ann can't sit down. Sam loves "Schtuck."
Score:27

Ty Murray & Chelsie Hightower: Waltz
Ty's excited for a ballroom dance because he gets to hold on again and he kicks ass at that. But he can't get romantic with Chelsie, so Jewel comes in to tell some romantic stories, like how Ty randomly picked and gave her wildflowers. Swoon! Ty dedicates the dance to his wife — and what a good one it is. Ty's back, guys! He is the perfect gentleman for the ballroom. He's got the wonderful holds, the straight posture, the light steps and the completely winsome personality. Think back to last week and how brutal that jive was. And now look at this affectionate waltz. Night vs. day. He just needs to stay away from Latin, that's all. Bruno thinks this a bigger comeback than Mickey Rourke's. The cowboy trumps The Wrestler! Ty stares blankly. You know the only Mickey he knows is the mouse... and Rooney, only because he was there a few weeks ago. Carrie Ann loves the posture and is glad her dancer's back. Len says it has more rises and falls than a bride's nightie.
Score: 24

Shawn Johnson & Mark Ballas: Cha-cha
Shawn spent the past week picking up awards and has missed rehearsal for the group dance. She and Mark have to practice at night, with Mark's scruff, and she's not picking up steps as quickly as she used to. You could never tell with this. Shawn's cha-cha isn't as flashy as past ones (aka the approximately 14 cha-chas I've seen in my life), but it's fun and lively — a playful romp, if you will. Her lines are, of course, neat and tidy. Mark's Jacko costume, by the way, is the best example of proper use of a Bedazzler. Carrie Ann thinks she came alive! She has been for 17 years. Len thinks she mixed rhythm and sharpness perfectly. Bruno confuses Shawn with the devil. (It's a good thing.)
Score: 28

Gilles Marini & Cheryl Burke: Viennese Waltz
No more frenetic dances for Gilles. He's got to get calm for this, so he does some synchronized swimming in someone's backyard. And a cannonball. Gilles looks like he just took an Ambien and is not into this at all. Don't turn it completely off, man! The dance is exquisite and definitely quiet. Gilles' technique is still there, but I think it's missing some oomph, kind of like Lil Kim's. Or maybe I'm just too used to his frenzied numbers. Or maybe he's still trying to cope with Steve-O's absence. Len loves the romance and rotation. Bruno thinks he's watching Gigi. Carrie Ann says he's the most graceful dancer she's seen, but wants him to watch his posture.
Score: 27

It's time for the group rehearsal footage — sans Shawn, but plus a cardboard cutout Shawn! Even better! Choreographer Christian Perry's turned back time to the '60s, and Ty went with him... all the way to Woodstock. Groovy, indeed. Did anyone mistake him for Ozzy Osbourne at first? C'mon, raise your hand. LT can't get into the clown move and wants Steve-O's number. For the first time, the celebs are going to get some solo time in the spotlight without the pros. Each pair must also come up with their own '60s moves. What's next? Choreograph the routine yourself next season? Ty and Chelsie play to their, or more like his, strengths to create "the groove rider." Think about it.

We have to fade to black and white for this number at first. Because just dressing in black and white is not enough — especially not for wigged-out Chuck. As Bruno says, "First it starts out with a wig, next is a frock." Heh. And I, too, have the urge to watch Scooby Doo now, Tom. This is kind of boring. Ty's a bit slow and there are way too many swimming moves. I'm having visions of That Thing You Do!. They also need to stop with the flipping the girl and having her hold onto the guy's legs move. (Yes, that is the best I can describe it.) Overall, it's silly, frilly and jolly, which is what the '60s were, right? Part of them, at least. I only have two other group dances to which I can measure this one, and I'll place this second, behind the aforementioned swing and about 43 pegs ahead of the Osmond-ized rock 'n' roll.

What did you think? Was Melissa the best of the night? Did Chuck deserve a trio of 9s? Does LT have a future in fashion design? Is Ty back in the game? Did you groove to the group dance? Who's getting the boot Tuesday?

http://www.tvguide.com/Episode-Recaps/dancing-stars/Dancing-Stars-Episode-1005223.aspx

[RealityFreakWill]

Dancing Recap: Chuck Surprises with His Samba

Monday’s Dancing was a night of firsts. Shawn earned a 10, Melissa tangoed her way to the top (and didn’t have to share the leader’s spot), Edyta’s wardrobe covered her from the neck down and Chuck finally got his coveted 9 – from all three judges.

Melissa Rycroft started the show and immediately set the bar with a sharp Argentine tango that showed off intricate footwork and coordination. “Your legs were like magic tools in the hands of a master!” Bruno Tonioli exclaimed, adding that she captured the passion of the dance. The highest props came from Carrie Ann Inaba – her sharp eyes never let a flawed lift go unnoticed – who hailed the Bachelor star and partner Tony Dovolani as the “king and queen of legal lifts!”

He avoided looking clumsy and heavy, as partner Edyta Sliwinska dreaded, but Lawrence Taylor still had a “not terrible but…not brilliant” dance, according to Tonioli. Len Goodman thought otherwise, telling the football champ he “captured the grace of the dance” that had elegance. His only concern? Edyta’s unusually conservative gown (designed by Taylor himself) that had too much flowing fabric it got caught in her face. Now we know why Edyta sticks to bikinis and legwarmers.

Lil’ Kim got the crowd on its feet for the second week in a row and pleased one judge – but disappointed two others. The rapper toned down her moves this week in romantic rumba that Inaba said was too safe. “You need to bring your best game forward…I want to see you just let it rip on the dancefloor.” A smiling Goodman looked satisfied with the PG-rated routine but agreed with his fellow judges that she should do what she does best. Because, as described by Tonioli, “taking the raunch out of Lil’ Kim is like having a margarita without tequila!”

He didn’t reach the top of the leader’s board but the night still belonged to a red-hot Chuck Wicks. The country singer, once slammed for letting partner Julianne Hough do all the work, appeared confident in his high-energy samba that was “by far your best dance to date,” according to Goodman. “You were working that butt and those hips like I’ve never seen before!” exclaimed Tonioli. Inaba didn’t say a word. She jumped from her seat, raised both hands in the air, did a celebratory dance and gave Wicks a high-five and a kiss.

Call him the comeback kid: Ty Murray came back from last week’s bottom two with an elegant waltz that put him back in the game. “You were just such a beautiful frame for your partner to dance with,” said Inaba. The rodeo champ got a “well done” from Goodman, who said the dance had “good holds, had more rises and falls than a bride’s nightie.”

Despite her hectic traveling schedule last week, Shawn Johnson managed to pull off a nearly flawless cha cha cha. “That’s the way to go my darling,” Tonioli told her. “It was like watching a young Debbie Reynolds or Mitzi Gaynor.” Inaba “loved” the dance and said she “came alive” again this week. After receiving her first 10 of the season, the ecstatic gymnast hugged partner Mark Ballas and said getting that score felt “amazing.”

Once again looking like a pro, Gilles Marini got back on track with an elegant Viennese waltz that Goodman raved had “romance [and] lovely rotation.” The head judge advised the SATC actor to work on his footwork and Inaba told him to keep in mind his posture but she still said he’s “the most graceful male dancer I’ve seen.” The chemistry was there, too. “So glamorous you too,” Tonioli said. “You still managed to put some sex into it. You couldn’t help yourselves!”

The night ended on a high – and somewhat comedic note – with the dancers performing the season’s first group dance, a 60s-inspired routine. The ladies donned wigs (as did Chuck!), knee-high boots and mod dresses for a fun performance that didn’t get scores from the judges. While Tonioli thought it the boys produced a “performance of sublime silliness,” Inaba said their partners brought their A-game. “I thought the girls nailed it!” --Eunice Oh

Here’s how the remaining seven contestants stacked up after Monday’s dance:
Melissa & Tony: 29 out of 30 for their Argentine tango
Lawrence & Edyta: 21 out of 30 for their waltz
Lil’ Kim & Derek: 26 out of 30 for their rumba
Chuck & Julianne: 27 out 30 for their tango
Ty & Chelsie: 24 out of 30 for their waltz
Shawn & Mark: 28 out of 30 for their cha cha cha
Gilles & Cheryl: 27 out of 30 for their Viennese waltz

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/04/21/dancing-recap-chuck-surprises-with-his-samba/

[RealityFreakWill]

click on link below to view video

'Dancing' Stars Let Loose & Have Fun

The contestants had an opportunity to let loose and have a little fun during their 60's themed group dance on Monday's "Dancing with the Stars," and ET was backstage after the show to find out what it felt like to dance a number without being judged.

"The group dance is not really about technique," Derek Hough tells ET. "It's really about having fun."

"I had a great time," Derek's partner 'Lil Kim says. "My favorite time of the whole dance was watching the boys. They are hilarious."

Watch the video to find out how the other couples felt about letting loose on the dance floor and Melissa Rycroft gives us an update on her "Dancing" injury.

http://www.etonline.com/news/2009/04/73017/index.html

[RealityFreakWill]

'Dancing With the Stars' recap: Control Group

First, DANCMSTRs, a confession. As ridiculous and right-up-my-alley as week 7's group dance finale was, my absolute favorite part of last night's performance show was actually the incredibly lame teaser for it that popped up right after Lawrence and Edyta's waltz. The low-rent, pastel-hued graphics that just said ''Group Dance'' and ''60's Tribute'' had me convulsing in giggles. I don't know what's wrong with me. (Well, I kind of do: I'm way too easily amused and that's why I recap Dancing With the Stars.) I just couldn't get enough of the over-the-top cheesy composite shots of the stars and then the pros. I'm a moron and thought ''Oh, how clever, they used a still image of Shawn because the Brady Bunch logo doesn't move on the screen. Neither does Alice, I guess, for the split second she's in that middle square.'' Not one of my finest trains of thought. You can just go ahead and consider this entire intro a parallel to that awful teaser. Minus the laughter!

Anyway, the '60s tribute triumphed over last season's painful group hip-hop, except in one glaring way: The backdrop for this season's rehearsal was not emblazoned by an enormous ''GROUP DANCE'' logo like it was last fall. To be honest, I barely knew what was going on. Hey, man, that's the '60s for ya! I'm not sure who earned more pot brownie points during this segment: Mark for propping up a cardboard cutout of the Traveling Shawn so ''she'' could learn the steps, Ty for donning hippie garb so that everyone surely assumed he was some drifter who'd wandered in to sell them some kind bud, or Chuck, who bravely wore a floppy yellow Derek wig for the performance itself, prompting Bruno to warn him: ''It starts with a wig and ends up with a frock. Be careful.'' Oh, he will. Aside from some prepared sequences, the dance itself was basically an unregulated free-for-all, pretty much your basic Macy's Stars of Dance B.S. but with about 20 million percent more human interest because we actually knew the dear fools involved. I loved the black-and-white opening shots, Shawn and Lil' Kim's headband material (please send me some), and most of all Chuck's coy, one-finger-on-the-lips lingering shot when it was all over. (Everyone was in the same pose, but the camera guy intentionally zoomed-in on his. You know it.) My friend Kristian (not Perry) sent me a lovely text during the liiiiiiiiiiive! show: ''You must be crapping in your pants over this group dance.'' Something like that. Instead of getting into it, let's run down how the remaining seven couples ranked in week 7...

Melissa Rycroft and Tony: 29 out of possible 30 Carrie Ann called their routine the best Argentine tango of the season, even though week 4 saw a perfect-30 tango from Gilles and another flick-tastic one from Lil' Kim. My eyes were focused on Melissa's lower half the entire time, so the combination of her legs, Tony's choreography, and that perfect song (''Mi Confesion'' by Gotan Project, which I also loved for Chelsie and Mark's Argentine tango on SYTYCD) really made me dig Melissa's dance. It also helped that her black-and-red-sequined dress, cinched at the hip with a kicky red rosette, is exactly what I'd want to wear to the DWTS Through The Ages cocktail party that exists only in my dreams. (You're all invited!) Lots of drawn-out lifts in Tony's choreo this week, but I thought they fit perfectly with Melissa's abilities and especially with the music. I'm not sure how much impact the Desperate Housewives set visit from friendly tour guide Teri Hatcher brought out Melissa's ''maneater'' vibe, but it did make me very excited for some potential DWTS/DH crossover action. Melissa can guest-star as Gaby's alcoholic half-sister who refuses to wear anything but sparkly ballroomwear while pouting around the house reminiscing about her ''glory year,'' and Tony can pop up as something random — new mailman, perhaps, or door-to-door life coach. Whoa, is that Maks as Wisteria Lane's new chimney sweep? Weird!

Shawn Johnson and Mark: 28/30 Shawn was easily my favorite star this week. It's no surprise that an Olympic gymnast could pull off Mark's cha cha cha choreography despite having to spend much of the week picking up prestigious awards in multiple states. What's so endearing about Shawn is that she's truly shoving at what she previously assumed were her ''limits'' in terms of performance and personality, and it's totally working for her. In last week's rumba and this week's cha cha, she just looked so cool and confident, slightly sassy without overdoing it in any way. In fact, I don't think she's capable of ''overdoing'' anything and I love her for that. ''Pretty Young Thing'' was a brilliant song choice, I thought, and one that Mark probably chose earlier in the season...maybe at the same time he started practicing his Michael Jackson moves and hand-sewing his sparkly Jacko socks. Were they white fabric? Were they sequined? Only those with HD screens and/or barely adequate vision know for sure. Aside from the blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment at the beginning at which Mark cheekily faux-slapped Shawn's ass, the pair's side-by-side steps were the best parts of the dance, and Shawn really worked out that hip action — some of the best amateur H.A. we've seen this season. Way to go, fringe!

Gilles Marini and Cheryl: 27/30 First of all, does anyone else get super distracted whenever Cheryl wears such blatant hair extensions? We know you have short hair, lady! Gilles seemed a bit too powerful and paso-esque in his Viennese waltz, which might have been due to a song almost as overly loud and fast-paced as last week's. Once I replayed the dance on mute, Gilles looked much more graceful, but I definitely see what Cheryl was complaining about during rehearsal — his arms might be ''still too Latin'' and he might have approached the softer dance too aggressively. Those are nit-picks, though, because talent-wise, Gilles consistently deserves to be at or near the top. I emitted a tiny Carrie Ann-ish squeak after Bruno compared Gilles to French actor Louis Jourdan in Gigi — Gilles was so thrilled I had to rewind a few times to relive his jaunty little hand clap of recognition. This was almost as cute as when Gilles casually strolled out in that awesome red one-piece and swim cap, claiming nonchalantly that he thought he'd wear ''a bathing suit from the Viennese waltz era.'' Oh, writers. You slay me. I'd like to find one person who wasn't examining the contours of Mr. Naked Guy's now-famous package as he stood by the pool. I don't know what exactly I'd do with this person. Probably place him or her poolside as Gilles executed another sloppy cannonball, because his or her pants would be on fire.

Chuck Wicks and Julianne: 27/30 It seems a bit preposterous that Chuck received the same score as the much more talented Gilles this week, but I'm fine with it, because the judges influence has been sort of nil all season and because this was the first week I really got a kick out of Chuck. Everything about his performance quality was different this week, starting with those crazy-hypnotic red swirls across the entire floor at the beginning of their samba. (Happy 4/20, Annie!) Everything about the dance, and Chuck, seemed livelier and more harmonious than usual — he finally embraced the extra cheese, the sequins, the magenta-tinted silk pajamas that slightly clashed with Julianne's red fringed leotard, etc. and just went for it. What a relief, seriously! It's like he flipped a switch and decided to just let loose. Before, I remember Chuck ''going for it'' with either a forced facial expression or a forced movement but never both simultaneously; this time, everything just flowed together. Maybe that ''switch'' occurred right as Chuck erringly (or not?) grabbed Julianne's boobs to support her in a half-dip at the beginning of the dance. Annnnnd...you're on! Go! Bruno would like you to work that butt!

Lil' Kim and Derek: 26/30 Looks like Derek played things too safe with his obsessed-over rumba choreography, which is a shame because of the three women left, Kim could have done the most sensual bedroom dance by far. Derek wanted to please DANCMSTR, who ended up giving them the same score as last week and this confusing critique: ''I love [raunchiness]; I just don't mark it very high.'' Bruno claimed that Lil' Kim without the raunch was ''like a margarita without the tequila,'' at which point Lil' Kim let out one of her trademarked Lil' Kim Seal Wails and all became right in the world. Seriously, I need to just capture the audio from a variation of her shrieks of delight and play them for people when they come by to ''break news'' to me in the office. (Not real news...more like ''Yo, promotional cupcakes from The Cougar in the half-kitchen.'' My kind of news.) Lil' Kim and Derek's facial tendencies stuck with me the most from their rumba. Derek wouldn't stop mouthing the words to Robin Thicke's ''Lost Without You,'' most notably during an extreme close-up for the line, ''I'm sexy, baby,'' and Kim's mouth was sort of hanging open for most of the dance. She's running out of licks. Someone change the battery!

Ty Murray and Chelsie: 24/30 Back in his comfort zone with a dance based upon Ty's favorite ballroom principle of ''holding on,'' Cowboy Chong was able to make ''a bigger comeback than Mickey Rourke,'' according to Bruno. Suddenly, DANCMSTR swooped in out of nowhere to metaphorically whomp Bruno on the head with a simile! Ty's waltz had ''more rise and fall than a bride's nightie,'' said the head judge, as we viewers sat there, a little perplexed that maybe Bruno's flowering imagery, as ludicrous and seemingly scripted as it always is, might have the edge over Len's. (I can't believe I just typed out L-e-n. Never again. Hold me.) Anyway, Ty's waltz was solid once I was able to recover from that crazy camera swirl and a fixation on what the hell was going on with Chelsie's floral-patterned pink gown. Ty's super-relaxed grin (with teeth!) at the end of the routine, as Chelsie held him from behind, reminded me of Shawn's new comfort level on the show. It's hard to tell because he's otherwise so understated, but I believe Ty is still very much enjoying this.

Lawrence Taylor and Edyta: 21/30 Lawrence is definitely more vocal than Ty when he isn't enjoying something (namely: everything), but I have nothing but love for him this week. Why's that? You know why. Come on, I'm so shallow, it could only be one thing. That's correct. THE COSTUMES. We didn't hear much from the other couples about how the stars designed the outfits for their pros, but L.T.'s Fancy Chaperone on the Polar Express design for Edyta had to be highlighted on-air for obvious reasons. Once he flung her solar system coat to the side during their waltz, Edyta's gorgeous long blue-gradient gown ultimately got caught over her head, prompting Tom to later crack, ''We've only been putting Edyta in these costumes, prior to tonight, for her own safety!'' Ha, ha. But back to Lawrence. Everyone was so busy rehashing old jokes about Edyta that no one bothered to laud L.T. for his ABSOLUTELY SPIFFY and hopefully very much self-designed suit. Those crazy patterned lapels! The indigo tie! The turquoise pocket square! Awww. Okay, I know I'm making a big deal about this, but that's only because nobody really went into detail about any of the costumes last night. I thought it'd be a bigger deal. LT's waltz exhibited a little more freedom in his movement than usual, so Edyta's wishful thinking in using Journey's ''Open Arms'' must have worked. Still, he's probably going home tonight. FORE!

http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20273848,00.html

[RealityFreakWill]

Monday’s Dancing: What You Didn’t See

The Big Cover-Up:  To freshen things up, the celebrity contestants got to design their partners’ outfits this week. As a result, in a DWTS first, fans barely got a glimpse of Edyta Sliwinska. And that’s just what her partner Lawrence Taylor set out to do. “I told Randall [Christensen, Dancing’s costumer extraordinaire] we need something flowing and longer. I thought the coat was a nice change. You know, she always seems to be spared of clothes,” Taylor joked to PEOPLE.

Despite some wardrobe malfunctions — the fabric wrapped around Sliwinska at one point during their waltz, leaving her barely able to see — Taylor is proud of what he accomplished. “That’s the most clothes she’s worn in all the eight seasons together,” Taylor said, laughing. Cheryl Burke wore a similarly conservative, yet dance appropriate gown, much to her partner Gilles Marini’s chagrin. “I had a lot of input,” Marini insisted, while Burke rolled her eyes. “He didn’t design anything,” she said. “He wanted to put a little strap here and here and I thought, Hey, maybe we should put the straps ON my shoulders.”

As for Julianne Hough’s red fringe samba outfit, her partner/boyfriend Chuck Wicks admitted to PEOPLE: “The truth is — and I’m okay admitting this — before I went in and designed the costume, I said, ‘Honey, what do you want to wear?’ I tell you, it will get you places. It will get you nines” — referencing the high score he and Julianne received for their saucy samba. “Seriously, I’m not a designer,” Wicks confessed. “She did it. I want to keep some of my talents private. I don’t want people think, Wow, is there anything Chuck can’t do? I don’t want to be THAT guy.”


Back in the Saddle: Ty Murray joined partner Chelsie Hightower for a waltz that knocked the judges’ socks off. What’s more, Murray felt confident. “For the first time after we danced I didn’t go, ‘Dang, I forgot to do this, dang I forgot that,’’ said Murray. “I felt like we pretty much did what we were supposed to do.” Murray’s wife, singer Jewel, found her hubby’s waltz and ’60s number worthy of documenting. She whipped out her digital camera during the show and snapped away. “Isn’t that illegal?” Murray asked. On a serious note, the cowboy-turned-dancer couldn’t be more grateful to his beloved. “I just appreciate how supportive she’s been. She had a concert in Florida last night. She got about three hours’ sleep and flew all day to get here,” he said. “It means a lot to Chelsie and me.”

Injury Update: Ty Murray wasn’t the only one nursing an injury this week. Both Melissa Rycroft and Cheryl Burke suffered through discomfort the past several days. “I had food poisoning a couple days ago, and then with rehearsing the lift for the Argentine tango over and over, I think I bruised my ribs,” Rycroft explained, while pressing an ice pack to the left side of her rib cage. “We’re going to give it a few days and if it’s not gone, then we go the doctor and get it checked out.” Burke, meanwhile, was slowed down by a recurring cyst located near her tailbone. “It keeps coming back every season and I think it’s stress-related. It got so big last week that I couldn’t sit comfortably or walk comfortably,” Burke says. “So this whole week it really got big and it was very uncomfortable. Finally it’s going down, but I couldn’t really dance. I had to teach Gilles by himself. He did very well.”

Dance-A-Go-Go: Fans at Monday’s show did a double take when Chuck Wicks and Derek Hough took to the stage before the big show-ending ’60s-themed group number. Getting into that decade’s frame of mind, Wicks donned a shaggy blond wig that made him look a lot like…Derek, girlfriend Julianne’s brother. Funky wigs aside, all of the dancers — pro and celebrity — had a great time going back in time. “The outfit is sooooo cute. I would wear it out,” Lil’ Kim exclaimed. The mini dresses, knee-length vinyl boots and the girls’ hairdos? “Bring this look back for the girls because it is hot!” Derek Hough added.

Twice as Tough: In keeping with the spirit of the ’60s, rehearsals for the groovy group boogie “was a lot of laughs,” Murray said. “We were goofing off and having fun, and Lawrence Taylor wasn’t having any part of it, and I thought that was funny. He does that every week: he says, ‘No, no,’ and then he brings it every week.” Taylor shook his head and said, “Fun is not even relevant. I was really against the group number because I have enough trouble learning my own dance. But actually, after rehearsal yesterday and today, I actually learned every step and it was nice.”

http://tvwatch.people.com/2009/04/21/mondays-dancing-what-you-didnt-see-23/

[RealityFreakWill]

Melissa Rycroft: Teri Hatcher Taught Me How to Be a "Man Eater"

Melissa Rycroft tells Usmagazine.com her trip to Wisteria Lane "was unbelievable" on Monday's Dancing With the Stars.

Judge Bruno Tonioli told the 26-year-old Rycroft -- who was famously dumped by Jason Mesnick on the shocking Bachelor finale -- that he wanted her to learn how to be more of a "man eater" on the dance floor.

So, her partner Tony Dovolani figured, there is no better place to learn that than the set of Desperate Housewives, where they got tips from Teri Hatcher, who plays the man magnet Susan.

"We were both like kids in a candy store!" Dovolani told Us of their on-set visit. "We were so excited!"

Added Rycroft, "I didn't want to get overly excited, but it was so cool!"

Dovolani told Us, "I have to take my hat off for Teri Hatcher - she really did help [Rycroft] get into the character. She's a class act."

Rycroft is still reeling: "Who gets advice from Teri Hatcher? I hope it worked, and I hope we made her proud!"

They must have: Their Argentine Tango took the night's highest score - a near perfect 29 out of 30.

"I was happy," Rycroft told Us. "It was one of those routines where, in dress rehearsal, we were stepping all over each other. But when we got out here, we had that way of not paying attention to anything else and just doing it, and it became just us out there."

http://www.usmagazine.com/news/melissa-rycroft-teri-hatcher-taught-me-how-to-be-a-man-eater-2009214

[razor18]

not here buddy!

[RealityFreakWill]

I have lots of stuff to post but will do them tomorrow but I'll post this one now... the team assignments have been determined and it will be scored in additional to their individual performance...

TEAM TANGO:

Gilles/Cheryl
Lil' Kim/Derek
Ty/Chelsie

TEAM MAMBO:

Melissa/Tony
Shawn/Mark
Chuck/Julianne

As far as what dances the individual teams will be doing, those confirmed so far are...

Melissa/Tony.....Jive

Gilles/Cheryl......Lindy Hop

Ty/Chelsie........Salsa