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

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!

Alright. Everyone remembers the Ok Go video for “Here We Go Again”, right? Dancing on treadmills, all one shot, cheap silver backdrop, pure genius?

Well, they’ve taken it TEN steps further in their new video for “This Too Shall Pass”. Thanks to Dancing Branflakes‘ latest post, otherwise I might have missed it!

This video doesn’t have dancing, but it does have movement. And LOTS of it. It’s a riff (a big riff) on setting up dominoes to fall. On crack. Good crack I mean. Not that I mean crack’s good and all…

Let’s just enjoy:

I adore that they even refer to their treadmill video (and then take a sledgehammer to it). I’m not sure how many cuts are in the film, but I think only one or two–which is completely amazing. This is choreography with objects instead of people. My favorite moment is the rainbow colored flags. What is yours? There’s almost too much to choose from.

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

“To dance, put your hand on your heart and listen to the sound of your soul.”    Eugene Louis “Luigi” Facciuto

Luigi Facciuto is a true father of modern Jazz dance (he is even sometimes referred to as “father jazz”). He was a very accomplished dancer when he moved to Los Angeles in the 1950’s to further his career. Instead, he became paralyzed after a serious car accident. He recovered enough to begin working at the dance bar again, but when he would leave the bar and attempt to dance out on the floor, his injuries did not enable him to have the same balance and coordination that he had before the accident.

But that did not stop him. He did so well at the bar, he thought “well, I’ll just take the bar out on to the floor with me!” And he created the very first formal Jazz technique. It’s a technique that I’ve been schooled in for the past 10 years, and if you’ve ever heard a teacher tell you to “push down to go up,” then you’ve used the Luigi technique. So, when you go up on your toes (or releve), you don’t just use your calf muscles to pop up. You “pull up” from the top of your head and “push down” within the space around you. This is the biggest part of the Luigi technique, the opposition. You “pull away left to go right” and so on. It’s an excellent technique and really allows for breath and reach in dance steps.

I love the quote from him above. He overcame the very worst kind of obstacles for a dancer and artist, and he certainly knows the sound of his soul. Because it is the soul of a dancer. Thanks for the technique Luigi. And the love of dance.

You can learn more about Luigi here.

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!!!

In the midst of all the (kinda sorta) ridiculously grueling pomp and circumstance that was the season finale of ABC’s The Bachelor “On the Wings of Love” (gag), my homey Mr. Tom Bergeron bounced on to give the official announcements. And as it turns out, a few of my rumors were actually correct–wow!

Tom teased us several times with hints such as “the original moonwalker,” “the ultimate Baywatch babe” and “a name changing wide receiver.” The teasing was just too much for me after having to sit through the gawd awful sobfest in Saint Lucia (really sorry for the snarkiness, Bachelor fans). Ugggh! I’ve waited for too long.

OMG FINALLY Tom comes on with…Melissa Rycroft! Does that mean that she’s the new co-host? Oh, more Bachelor to watch…

Whew, Jake just let go the girl who I think is cuter. They both look tortured. Who would want to put themselves through this??

Now Finally Tom and Melissa come back on to make the official announcements. But what is this, they’re only announcing 10? Who is the 11th?

The Official Cast:

Pamela Anderson: For sure she’s going to be fun. And fun to watch bounce!

Chad Ochocinco: There had been rumors about Chad going around for some time, apparently. No cast of DWTS is complete without an NFL football player!

Aiden Turner: I used to be a big soap fan, but couldn’t handle trying to catch up with it after I joined the 9-5 workforce. Aiden is a cutie-pie from All My Children (ABC soap, hello!). Let’s see if he’s got lead feet or wings. Oh, and he’s a Brit, so love the accent.

Erin Andrews: ESPN sportscaster who I’m not familiar with. It seems she’s popular with sports fans “for her beauty” (according to Wikipedia).

Shannon Doherty: 90210’s Brenda comes to DWTS! Hopefully not the ‘tude, though. We’ll see…

Buzz Aldrin: This one was hard to believe, but turned out true. Is he as light on his feet on earth as he was on the moon? Ok, bad pun. Hopefully no stress fractures for him.

Niecy Nash: Ok, I’m gonna love this one. I adore Niecy on her Clean House show, and I know she’s done some outrageous stuff on Reno 911. We’re in for a treat.

Nicole Schertzinger: Here’s ringer #1 for this year. Lead singer of Pussycat Dolls who can ALL dance. But can she Foxtrot and Mambo?

Evan Lysaceck: And here’s ringer #2 for the season. Hello, remember Kristi Yamaguchi? Still loved her, who cares that it came easier to her? But Evan is male, and the game is just a little different for male star dancers. Very interested to see how he does.

Kate Gosselin: Not. A. Star. All I have to say.

And of course, there was ONE more surprise announcement: Mr. Bachelor himself, Jake Pavelka!!  He’s sure cute and he can fly airplaines!  Let’s hope he can dance a little. Put those muscles to use, kid.

Oh, so sad to see no Jonathan Frakes. I was really looking forward to seeing Number One do a little Cha Cha Cha. Sigh.

Tomorrow morning, bright and early on Good Morning America they will be announcing who the stars’ pro dancing partners will be.  I’ll have my laptop out and ready with the insight and wit! Come back tomorrow morning and we’ll have it!

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)

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)

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?