February 25th, 2010 by soullldiva

This dance doesn’t have any stars in it (well, so to speak). This is one of my all-time favorite dances on the show and it really illustrates what dance is all about for me: fun, joy, spirit of play, excitement, energy and enthusiasm. Back in season 7 DWTS did the first Macy’s “Design A Dance” contest, where the viewers chose the pros they wanted to see dance together and even designed the costumes they would wear (gosh, my memory faults on this, but I think they picked the song and dance style, too).

The viewers spoke: sister and brother Julianne and Derek Hough would perform a Jive together to “Great Balls of Fire”. Now, I thought in the beginning that it might feel odd to watch a brother and sister do a partner dance together. But in all probability, they have been dancing together since they were toddlers (what, 12 years ago??;o). Let me tell you there was absolutely NO oddness whatsoever. All you see is their huge love and admiration for each other, and that they really LOVE playing together. What’s even better is that Julianne can keep up step for step with Derek’s tendency to really ham and hog it up (don’t get me wrong, I adore it).

This Jive was amazingly hard and full of stunts and jumps. And it went on forever. Every second of it is good. Plus–Julianne’s outfit designed by viewer Kelly Keelie Maitin (sorry if I’ve spelled it wrong) was amazingly cute with that big red bow perched on her behind and little skirt with the piano keys. And I WANT a pair of those spectator T-straps!

They’re simply two really fine dancers and this dance is a joy to watch. Enjoy!

Oh, and countdown to Season 10 cast announcements: only FOUR days away! Can’t wait! ;o)

February 22nd, 2010 by soullldiva

Ugh. Now this one really bums me out, and it’s NOT a rumor. Lacey Schwimmer, who joined Dancing With the Stars back in 2008 will not be returning to the show this season (and who knows how long she’ll be out). According to US Magazine, Lacey confirmed this by tweeting on Friday night: “Hey twitterbugs! I will not be returning to DWTS this season. Be sure to tune in! <3″

First Julianne, now Lacey. Julianne was my favorite female dancer and Lacey was a close second. I love how she injected a little youth into the show with her style. Oh well. I have to pick my new fave now. Kym? Anna? Who will it be?? Who is YOUR favorite female pro on Dancing With the Stars?

February 20th, 2010 by soullldiva

Ok, now I’ve heard it ALL. According to Access Hollywood (a bastion on news accuracy), legendary astronauts Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong have been tapped to be on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars. They’re like 80! And while I’m a fan of theirs (of course the Earth orbits and Moon landings were “one giant leap for mankind”), it can’t make for super exciting TV now, can it?

I have to say that this season’s star cast rumors are exciting, cool and just…silly. It’s kinda a “things that make you go ‘hmmm’” area (does that reference age me?). But hey, it’s buzz and if it weren’t exciting, I would’t be BLOGGING about it now, would I? ;o)

Well, once again we will find out if this rumor is solid on March 1st during the finale of The Bachelor. I WILL be watching with bated breath!

February 19th, 2010 by soullldiva

Last week I posted that Nancy O’Dell was officially in the running to replace Dancing With the Stars co-host Samantha Harris. Well it looks like there are two other women up for the coveted position, and BOTH are DWTS alums!

Although she reportedly is taking the hosting job on the reality modeling show “She’s Got the Look”, model and TV host Brooke Burke is the first on the list. Since I’m certain they tape that show, she could probably host both at the same time.

Former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and scorned “Bachelor” would-be winner Melissa Rycroft is the second on the short list for the DWTS position.

My money is on Melissa here. While I like Brooke and Nancy both, I really think that Melissa is the most likeable of the three and I think she’d do a fab job! Let me know what you think!!

February 18th, 2010 by soullldiva

I apologize heartily for my absence, but I realized as I got to my lovely, little old 92-year old Grandmother’s house on Monday that I did NOT have internet connections! So, a tiny break for me ;p

I always like a little tongue-in-cheek with my dancing on occasion. And in season 8, Lil Kim and Derek Hough dished that up with their “Jailhouse Rock” Jive. If you’re not familiar with Lil Kim, the rap artist had been in prison in 2005 for perjury and conspiracy.

So, imagine how much I giggled when the roles were reversed and Kim was the prison matron and Derek the inmate!

How cool is it that they went to the Hot Rod show at Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake, CA (practically right around the corner from me)? Awesome.

I thought Lil Kim looked so cute in her outfit and she danced well. The jive is all about speed, kicks and flicks and she delivered. And the judges loved it with a 10-8-10.

Derek and Kim were very well matched, not only in stature, but with personality. Kim and Derek are both boisterous, dramatic and larger than life. I really didn’t think that Kim lasted as long as she should have. Here’s Kudos to her!!