March 8th, 2010 by soullldiva

Very cute and very fun. Thanks John for the clip!!

March 8th, 2010 by soullldiva

I read a couple of reviews of the Oscars performance last night, and I don’t agree with all of them. There are a bit of naysayers about the hosting, the dancing, the choice to honor John Hughes (as opposed to other Honorary awards recipients), having “NPH” sing for the opening, etc. etc.

I thought it was a good show. For gawd’s sake, people, it’s nearly four hours of awards and presentations! How is Mr. Adam Shankman (director of the Oscars show) going to please everybody, all the time? He’s not, so there.

I thought two hosts, especially such as Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin was a super idea. Hey guys, I loved Chris Rock even more and I’m sure they paid Shankman NOT to hire him again. His first choice was actually Sacha Baron Cohen–a revelation even beyond Chris Rock. But they pulled back on the idea, thinking that it would just be too much for most of the people in the room (much less the rest of the US, who are quite more conservative than us here in Hollywood) to handle. Darn.

But Steve and Alec did a great job. Steve’s quip about both himself and “Gabby” Sidibe’s first starring movie roles were as a “poor black child” made me roll. Too young to know what he’s talking about? Check out Steve Martin in The Jerk,it’s a comedy classic. This was still when Steve was a “wild and crazy guy.”

Now, I do get the protests about honoring John Hughes instead of one or more of the Honorary Awards recipients (lovely Lauren Bacall, bigger than life Roger Corman and outstanding cinematographer Gordon Willis). But, as a child of the 80’s, it was really great to look back at all his films and really know that he knew who I was as a teenager. He knew and was able to display it, with charm, humor, grace and humility, for those of us suffering from teenage-itis to share. He was a great filmmaker and I’m so sad that he had to depart too soon.

And then there’s Adam’s choice to have the John M. Chu’s Legion of Extraordinary Dancers perform to each of the movie score nominees. Popping and locking to the theme from a war movie??–was the protest I heard.

Look. I get it that it was a bit different than your usual fare. But doncha get it? Music–any and all music–inspires movement. And that can be any movement of any kind. So yes, music from a movie about the war in the middle east can inspire LXD to move. And that they did amazingly well. And actually, the piece to “The Hurt Locker” score was my favorite of all of them (and the stunts done for the “Avatar” score were crazy good). Face it, naysayers. Popping, locking, b-boying, breakdancing, hip-hop, krumping, freestyle. It’s all here to stay and they are ALL legitimate art forms.

Yea for Dance! And Yea for a great Oscars night!

March 5th, 2010 by soullldiva

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

March 2nd, 2010 by soullldiva

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!!!

March 1st, 2010 by soullldiva

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)