Ok, this is a true testament to the fact that I have been completely OUT of it with all our travel, the wedding and moving into our new house. I didn’t realize that Mary Murphy and her famous Hot Tamale Train have been quietly absent from the judging panel this season on So You Think You Can Dance. Even more amazing that I don’t miss her that much.

It is unfortunate that the show loses it’s only ballroom expert judge (and of course we just lost the last ballroom contestant last week). Since they are having ballroom consistently on the show, they really should have a ballroom expert on the panel. Now it has been said by producer Nigel Lithgoe that Mary will possibly be returning sporadically as a guest judge and a guest choreographer. I’d actually like to see her choreography.

But what is possibly even worse than losing the ballroom judge is the fact that Miss Mia Michaels, who I was so gleeful at returning to the American SYTYCD after “retiring” last season, is actually the permanent replacement for Mary on the judging panel. Not only does this mean that we gain a super critical judge on the panel (and don’t get me wrong, I love Mia, she’s just a tough judge), we will NOT be getting any Mia Michaels choreography on the show. Buh-mer. Big.

This is yet another change on the show that I am a little disillusioned with. In contrast, I am liking the “all-stars” bit with dancers returning (although we have yet to see Russell Ferguson who we were promised), and they have also toned down the horrid gigantamous stage a bit by not projecting anything on the back screen, but just keeping colored lights back there. But this is one change that does NOT make me happy.

And ya’ll want to keep the Dancemomma happy, don’t ya? FOX? Hello? Anyone?

I’m still not certain how the new format for season 7 of So You Think You Can Dance is going to sit with me. All I know is, I had a frickin’ BLAST watching the introduction show, where all the dancers are showcased with their respective “all-stars”. No pressure this time around, no cutting this week, it’s all fun and hard work and lots of sparkling. The only thing I will say about cutting 20 down to 11 is that 9 new dancers lost out on the chance to be on the show. But we won’t get less dancing, so I guess I am satisfied.

The show stared off with a gigantic, explosive bang with a Wade (thank you gawd) Robson dance: Teaparty and Croquet anyone? Only Wade can turn something stuffy into a hawt, cutting edge dance. On grass. To “Fame” by David Bowie. I watched it three times in a row. Love. It. Let’s treat ourselves again, shall we?

This is most likely the last chance that we will get to see the Top 11 dance without (or nearly) a care with phone numbers or judges’ thoughts. And a dancer who dances with the knowledge that nothing negative will be said about their performance on prime-time TV is something special to see, ya’ll. Free expression and excitement on a level that is causing me to salivate in my Venti Iced Green Tea with 1PCL.

Let’s get going. First up is Lauren and Kent, dancing a Travis Wall number with all-stars Mark and Kathryn. How do you even describe this? The costumes are complicated and rock with parasols and cravats–and don’t upstage the dancers. Fierceness and grandness with fire in their eyes. Travis tells us it’s set in the 20′s in Paris and about the dark and twisted souls who come out at night, celebrating the fall of an empire. Totally got it. And Mr. Wall is now my favorite new choreographer for this season. I have my stand-bys with Wade and Mia, but am looking forward to much more Travis.

Alexie (finally made it!!) and Melinda are up next doing a Tyce DiOrio jazz number with all-stars Allison and Lauren. Ooo, and it’s a Sweet Charity number. A little predictable for four girls (or West Side Story), but he girls are pure pleasure to watch, and the song is so character driven how could they not get that much into it? The only thing I miss is the live singing (but that would be a different show). LOVE the dresses. The red one shouldered one on Allison is my favorite. Love that Cat wants to come up and pose with them on the stage. And even though I thought there would be no negative notes, Nigel felt the need for the critique for Melinda, shame.

Jose, the lone B-Boy in the top 11 is next doing a TappyTabs number with Comfort, Twitch and Dominic. What a crew. I love the beginning, bedcuase it’s Jose vs. the three all-stars, like they want him out, and it also makes it easy for him to dance solo. Sweet booty shake by Comfort! And OH what a move putting the feet inside the hoodie and doing a backwards somersault to reveal his shirt–he’s part of the group, ya’ll. Very cool, high, energy, great  stunts. Fresh NappyTabs, baby.

Did I just hear the words Jason Gilkison? Oh yes, I did, and it’s coming up for all-stars Pasha and Anya and newbie ballroom hottie Cristina. Two girls, one guy and a big competition. Amazing lift and flip of Anya over Pasha’s shoulder. Jason does it again with an incredibly hot ballroom number that breaks the mold. I’m getting chills. You get that they BOTH really want the guy and are fighting for him. Loved that they stretched out the ending and the girls led him on then pushed him to the floor. Go girls. (and another critique again, Nigel? Ugh.)

Celebrated returnees Alex and Billy are next dancing a Mia Michaels piece with Ade (love him). Mia gets to talk about the piece beforehand, and speaks about time and the journey of life for a man, from childhood to the infirm age. Billy is the boy, Alex is the man and Ade is the elder. Beautiful lines, amazing extension and a huge amount of emotion laced right in. “This Bitter Earth” plays and these three men dance their lives out on stage, this is a truly gorgeous piece and not overdone in any way, IMO. Storytelling at it’s best. Thanks, Mia.

Adechike, Ashley and Robert are the last three doing a Sonya Tayeh number with all-stars Neil and Courtney. The costumes leave a bit to be desired, but I love the combination of a little hip hop and classic jazz moves. Sony a knows how to do that best. Just plain fun. And I love Sonya because she loves dancers and loves making them give all they have.

Next week the competition stars for REAL. I hope my nails can grow a little more!  I’ll be there watching.

Didja love it, didja hate it? The stage is still the infernal new stage, but no video projections. What do you think? Let me know!

Supposedly ABC picked the wrong Olympic figure skater for Dancing With the Stars. I was cruising the interwebs and found a fun article about the top 10 athletes who should be on DWTS. I didn’t know probably half of them, but the video they put up for sixth-place Olympic figure skater Johnny Weir was completely amazing. I mean, so much so, I’m looking at it and wondering why Johnny didn’t simply become a dancer. He would have been a fantastic one.

I guess you can’t do triple toe loops and double axels on a dance floor (but you sure can do other things). Maybe it’s just the costumes he gets to wear…

Watch this video of Johnny skating to Lady GaGa’s “Poker Face” at a skating benefit last year. You’ll see what I mean.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen a figure skater shake his hips so much or so well, and that includes former Mirror Ball winner Apolo Anton! Let’s hope that Evan Lysacek has as much potential. It will make for a fantastic season 10 of Dancing With the Stars!

You can read the Top 10 Athletes article here if you’re curious.

Now that the cast is announced, pairs set and rehearsals are underway, we have our first pictures–not only of rehearsals but official pair photos as well. Here’s just a few of them. Enjoy!

Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough rehearse for DWTS

Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower rehearse for DWTS

Evan Lysacek and pro partner Anna Trebunskaya

Niecy Nash and pro partner Louis Van Amstel

Pamela Anderson and her pro partner Damian Whitewood

Photos Rick Rowell/ABC and ABC Television

This morning the Stars’ professional dancing partners were revealed on Good Morning America. After having to sit through The Bachelor last night, this was a little more bearable, although I just don’t watch morning TV anymore (usually in the gym trying to get my pre-pregnancy body back *oof*).

This is going to be an exciting season, and I am completely enthusiastic about this cast and the matchups!!

Buzz Aldrin and Ashly Costa: I am such a latecomer on the DWTS train that I have never seen Ashly (formerly DelGrosso) dance. She hasn’t appeared since season 3, got married and had 2 kids. Good for her! It’s interesting they pair Buzz with someone so young, it’s possible their body profiles fit together well. Good luck to Buzz!

Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya: Yea for Anna! With Evan on her arm this season, she could have staying power, maybe untilthe finals–we’ll see (and enjoy every minute of it). Fun facts about Anna, she won her first dance competition at  the age of seven, and fellow DWTS pro Jonathan Roberts is her hubby (but then you di-hards know that;o).

Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower: This I think is a solid match for the SYTYCD alum. I saw Jake spin his TV bride Vienna around during his interview on GMA, so he definitely doesn’t have two left feet. Plus they just both seem to be such nice people.

Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke: Two-time Mirrorball winner Cheryl gets paired with a football player again. Could this be a combination for another win? I don’t know Chad at all, so who knows!

Pamela Anderson and Damian Whitewood: Damian is a newcomer to DWTS, straight from the Burn the Floor stage. I highly approve. But he’s been with the show since 2000, and I’m in favor of the change, he is super cute and has many dancing titles from around the world.

Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough: There was speculation that Derek would not return this season, but not only has he returned, but he got one of the ringers this year. He did such a good job with Joanna Krupa last season, so these two should be a powerhouse this season. I’m pretty sure that Nicole will be able to pick ballroom up easily.

Edyta Sliwinska and Aiden Turner: I am really throwing my pom poms up in the air for Edyta this season. She’s my favorite dancer and such a sweetie pie. I am crossing my fingers that Aiden can move that body. So not only would they be the best darn looking couple this season, hopefully they can go all the way to the finals.

Niecy Nash and Louis Van Amstel: I think Louis is officially my favorite male pro on the show. What a job he did with Kelly Osbourne last season, and what a heart in him. This is an interesting couple and I like Niecy, too. Hopefully they can work it!

Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy: The ESPN gal gets the official bad boy of the dance floor (“If you want to look at my chest, go ahead.”). Will sparks fly? Will tears fall? Will good dancing ensue? Tune in March 22nd.

Shannen Doherty and Mark Ballas: Two-time champion Mark gets paired up with a famous bad attitude. Mark is tough but nice, what will happen? Can she actually dance? Things that make you go hmmmmmmm…….

Kate Gosselin and Tony Dovolani: Oh, Tony draws the Kate card. As my mother would say, “oi”. I watched the two of them interviewed on Good Morning America, and what a bad interview she is. As exciting as watching a 2×4 on the screen. Tony, on the other hand, carried the interview easily. Kate does not know how to dance, and Tony said she also had not bad habits to overcome, so it was an advantage for him. Tony can be a tough teacher, crack that whip on her, Tony!

WOW! Whew. There is some negative grumblings going on on the interwebs about this season and “jumping the shark” and whatnot. I say just forget about it. It’s about dancing and that’s all it’s ever been about (that and oh, the cross-promotions, oh yeah). All I care about is watching some people get good at dancing.

March 22nd, here we come!!!

Hey all! I’m hopping a plane back home to Los Angeles from my parents home in Kansas. Had a wonderful two weeks with the family and now I’m ready to get back to WORK!

And that starts TONIGHT! On the season finale of The Bachelor on ABC, Tom Bergeron (and apparently Melissa Rycroft, new co-host??) will be announcing the stars that will be on season 10 of Dancing With the Stars. I will be watching every moment and blogging as they announce them (I don’t know if they’ll do it all at once or piecemeal, we’ll see).

So if you don’t want to watch The Bachelor, I’m here for ya, babies.

Tune in to Soullldiva later tonight! ;o)

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?

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!

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!!

Have you seen her?  I mean…puh-leeze!!

First of all, she’s HALF of what she used to be (as we used to say, she’s lost a whole Backstreet Boy). Her eyes just jump out of her face. I always thought her face was sweet looking, and she’s always going to have that wide jaw (inherited from her mom), but the whole package just makes for a really interesting, cute girl. I don’t even mind the tattoos. It’s gives an edge to her very young look.

Love the dress, too, darling.

BUT–

OMG and I mean it. Not tacky, though. I think this look is hawt.

Great work, Kelly, on DWTS AND on the body. Looks like you worked hard and you deserve it!