And The Mirrorball Goes To...

With the most votes cast in the show's history and the first contestant to score a perfect 90 from judges, Kristi Yamaguchi became the first woman Tuesday to win "Dancing with the Stars" since the show's debut season.

NFL star Jason Taylor, who scored his first perfect 30 Tuesday night, came in second. And Cristian De La Fuente, the soap star whose scores rose after he injured his arm, was third.

The mirror ball trophy wasn't exactly an Olympic gold medal, which Yamaguchi won in 1992 in women's singles skating, but she called the win a "dream experience." The 36-year-old said winning was the "icing on the cake" of learning a new skill.

Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas, who turns 22 Saturday and is marking his second season as a professional dancer on the show, were called the most consistent competitors in the show's history. The pair failed to be top scorers at the judges table only twice in the 10 week season.

Keep Reading...

Will DWTS' Crown A Woman Tonight?

Last night, Kristi, Cristián, and Jason (literally) kicked things off with a group cha-cha, an excellent new development that I hope will be repeated in future seasons with different dances. I loved that each couple had to cha-cha to the same music, and that for the final segment, when Jason, Kristi, and Cristián performed the same steps side by side, no one was trying to jut out in front of the others. That sequence (at first I typed ''sequins''!) put it all in perspective: Jason was a bit slow, Kristi appeared to be on a smaller geographic scale than everyone else on the floor (I forget that she's that tiny), and Cristián moved with pronounced rhythm and an expression as eager as DANCMSTR's when contemplating the prospect of lounging at South Beach in a thong with Jason. Despite the (fake) rivalry among the finalists, they obviously really get along — otherwise, Yama-hoochie might've ended up on the floor with a ruptured everything after the Jason-Cristián figure-skating lift at the very end of the dance.

Keep Reading...

Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas Freestyle Dance

Dancing With The Stars Week 9 Results

Since the bottom two couples weren't revealed last week, it was difficult to predict who would make it to the final round. I never would have imagined that Mario and Shannon would be absent from the final four. Nevertheless, it was time to send one last couple home.

We had to wait until the last minutes of the results show learn the celebrities' fates, but we had plenty of entertainment to hold us over. The Junior Champions finalists took over the dance floor, and Omarion performed in a high-energy tribute to the Thriller album.

Keep Reading

Dancing With The Stars: The Final Four

Monday night, "Dancing with the Stars" launched its semi-final night of competition with some strict rules: No lifts were allowed and the dancers chose their dances randomly, by drawing them out of a giant disco ball. The dances were dances that they had done before, but with new music and new choreography -- so there was a lot of work involved.

"We are expecting you to up your game," declared head judge LEN GOODMAN. "Good dancing is not enough. Tonight, we want to see great dancing."

JASON TAYLOR and EDYTA SLIWINSKA were up first with the foxtrot. Len praised the performance, saying, "I have got to say this to you, you are one of the Dolphins and, like a dolphin glides through the sea, that is how you glided around this ballroom. I loved every part of it. The whole thing was great."

Keep Reading

Dancing With The Stars Week 7 Results

Shannon Elizabeth won't have to shed any more tears over "Dancing With the Stars."

The 34-year-old actress, who cried at the judges' harsh remarks last week, was eliminated Tuesday from the ABC dance-off.

"The show has been amazing. I've learned a lot," she said as her professional partner, Derek Hough, stood by her side. "I've made a friend for life, and hopefully a bunch of friends for life, and I'll be here to support everyone as much as I can."

Hough said he "couldn't have asked for more" from a partner.

"She really is a big dork," he said, "but I love that."

Keep Reading

Dancing With The Stars: Week 7

The guys and gals on Dancing With The Stars really had their work cut out for them this week. Each couple had not one, but two, dances to learn this week: a ballroom dance and a Latin dance. With only three weeks left before the mirror ball trophy is awarded, the pressure of perfection is intense.

Marissa & Tony kicked the show off with en pointe tango that was very classy and cute. It was easily their best dance of the season and the judges thought so as well. They received triple nines for their dramatic tango. Their Latin dance was a rumba and I found it to be very boring. Tony's '70s outfit and the music they danced to didn't help matters either. The judges thought it was a beautiful sweet dance though Len did tell her there was not enough hip action and told them their routine was a bit too careful. They only received a 25 on their rumba bringing their total score of the night to a 52 out of 60.

Cristian & Cheryl's dance for the ballroom round was a Viennese waltz. Dancing to "I'll Make Love To You", I thought their routine was very nice and I loved Cheryl's drop at the end. Bruno told them the dance was a pleasure to watch but Len and Carrie Ann found it lacking. They received a 25 for their Viennese Waltz. Their next dance was a samba and it began really well. However, halfway through Cristian grabbed his left forearm and began rubbing it while she kept on dancing. It only got worse from there. He tried to continue dancing but then missed her grab and then missed her hold at the end causing both of them to fall on the floor. When Tom asked him what was wrong, Cristian told him he believed he pulled a muscle in his arm. He looked to be in a lot of pain and Tom cut to commercial. After a long commercial break, Cristian was in front of the judges with an ice pack on his arm next to Cheryl. The judges thought he was brave for trying to continue on but had to score them based on what they saw. They received triple sevens and wound up with a 46 out of 60 on the night. Cristian then went to the hospital where we later learned from Tom he had a severe muscle cramp. Whew! So, hopefully Cristian will be back next week.

Keep Reading

Dancing With The Stars- Latin Night Is Here!

Latin night rolled onto the stage this week leaving couples no choice but to pull out all the stops.

Karina Smirnoff and Mario were up first.



They visited earlier in the week with Stevie Wonder for a bit of inspiration and it seemed to pay off. The Samba itself wasn't the most spectacular thing on the planet but it was very classic and it pulled a string of 9's.

Pricilla Presley and Louis Van Amstel followed with a slow-slow-draggy Rhumba. She seemed to overthink every step and it really affected the mood of the dance. The 7 from each judge may have been a bit of a gift.

Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovoloni seem to actually be building a bit more momentum each week. Dark horse in the competition?



I'm not sure that I'd go that far but I will say that their Samba was the best thing they've done to date. Marissa was just fun to watch because she embraced the Samba and held nothing back. They attacked it and were rewarded with a series of 8's.

Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke get hotter every time they perform. Great lines, great chemistry.



The Rhumba that they did amounted to a good performance but somehow I thought something was missing. I expected it to be hotter. The judges seemed to agree because the scores were a mix of 8's and a 7.

This is the first week where being hearing impaired really wrecked havoc with Marlee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez's performance. Their Samba was a real mess. She stumbled a few times and the timing was off more than it was on, likely because Marlee couldn't hear the beats and rhythm. On a good note, she kept going and proved that if she was actually "on" the music they'd have done really well. Two 7's and an 8 was what they ended up with.

Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas followed that mess with an absolutely amazing Rhumba.



She is definetly not the same woman that skated for eons. Kristi is stepping outside of her normal performer comfort zone and the end result is pretty amazing. This week she just let go and fell completely into the dance. It worked and the payoff was two 10's and a 9.

As much as I've liked Shannon Elizabeth and Derek Hough I wasn't thrilled with their performance this week. I think I couldn't quite get past her Peggy Bundy resemblence and the dance itself just didn't quite capture me. Two 8's and a 7 left them on pretty good footing with the judges though.

Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska closed the show with a Rhumba that proves that huge men can indeed be smooth and light on their feet.



They had great lines, the hip action was good and the chemistry was on. 9's across the board for these two.

Who will go home this week? My money is on either Pricilla or Marlee.

Alvin Ailey on Dancing With The Stars

Dancing With The Stars Derek Hough Injured, Status Unclear

Dancing with the Stars professional Derek Hough survived elimination with celebrity partner Shannon Elizabeth on Tuesday, however his status for the remainder of the competition is apparently questionable due to an injury he suffered prior to last night's live sixth-season results show broadcast.

The 22-year-old professional -- who is participating in his second Dancing with the Stars' installment -- injured his neck while rehearsing a group number yesterday afternoon, OK! Weekly reported.

"He hurt his neck in rehearsals for the Kyle Minogue number and went to the hospital," Elizabeth told OK!. "He popped something. He has to be on painkillers. They say he's going to be okay but it's going to take some time to heal.

Keep Reading...

Kristi Yamaguchi & Mark Ballas' Top Tango

Dancing With The Stars- Week 3 results

Tonight’s Dancing with the Stars may not have been fooling when they sent Steve “The Gutte” Guttenberg packing, but they did pull a fast one on viewers. Did they fool you?

As part of the results show hijinx, Dancing ran an April Fool’s segment highlighting the “stress-relieving activities” that the celebrity dancers supposedly like to enjoy on their down-time.

During this taped segment, Jason Taylor claimed to be an ardent ship-in-a-bottle builder. “It can be a little tricky at times, but when you finish one there’s a real sense of accomplishment,” he said. Marlee Matlin professed to work as a volunteer police officer for the narcotics squad. Shannon Elizabeth claimed to be the president of the MacGyver fan club. Kristi Yamaguchi supposedly competes not only on the ice, but in hot dog eating contests. “So far I’ve won the regional and sectional hot dog eating contests – now I’m preparing for the nationals,” she boasted. Priscilla Presley upheld that she works for a psychic hotline. For Marissa Jaret Winokur, apparently, life’s all about surfing. “For me, catching that big wave is what life is all about,” she said. Steve Guttenberg declared his hobby to be freestyle rapping, with a “street name” of The Guttemeister General. Cristian de la Fuente, the big softie, claimed to be totally devoted to his beloved pet otter.

Keep Reading...

Dancing With The Stars Pro Baby News

Tony Dovolani and his Dancing with the Stars sixth-season celebrity partner Marissa Jaret Winokur apparently have something in common.

Dovolani and his wife Lina are expecting twins, the 34-year-old Dancing with the Stars professional told People in a Tuesday report. The news comes less than two weeks after Winokur revealed she's expecting her first child via a surrogate.

"Everything is great [with Lina's pregnancy]," Dovolani told People.
Dovolani isn't a stranger to parenting, as he and Lina already have 2-year-old daughter Luana.

"Kids are a blessing and give your life purpose," he told People.

Keep Reading...

Dancing With The Stars- Week 3

Despite the departure of PENN JILLETTE and MONICA SELES last week, host TOM BERGERON never announced which of the other "Dancing with the Stars" couples had been low scorers and who might be in jeopardy. So the nervous energy was high when the competitors took to the ballroom floor for Monday night's competition, dancing either the jive or the tango, and the battle for the disco-ball trophy is on!

Getting the joint jumping with the jive were MARLEE MATLIN and FABIAN SANCHEZ. Head judge LEN GOODMAN praised, "You never cease to amaze me. The jive is a difficult dance. To dance it without hearing, I think [you] did a great job." BRUNO TONIOLI agreed, saying, "You are an incredible performer. You connect with the audience. You lost the timing a few times, but a good job." CARRIE ANN INABA stated, "You have good chemistry. What I noticed this time is your hands. Watch your hands. They are a little pancake-y." The couple scored 21 out of 30 points.

STEVE GUTTENBERG and ANNA TREBUNSKAYA, who had been sick with a virus all week, took to the floor to tango. For Carrie Ann, it was their best dance so far: "You were completely determined. It was sharp and snappy, but it could use more dynamics," she opined. Len felt, "You captured the flavor of the dance. A much improved performance." Bruno cryptically commented, "Manly and madly did the trick for you." Steve and Anna were awarded 21 points.

Next to jive were CRISTIAN DE LA FUENTE and two-time "DWTS" champ CHERYL BURKE. Bruno exclaimed, "Are you on rocket fuel tonight? You are definitely having a good time. That is what this show is all about. Deliver you did. Your best yet." Len agreed it was their best dance so far, and Carrie Ann commented, "I really think you have a great shot at this. You improve every week by miles -- but watch your arm." Cristian and Cheryl earned 25 out of 30 points.

Keep Reading...

Shimmy Exclusive Interview

Mark Ballas



Shimmy: How is it working with Kristi Yamaguchi on the
new season of Dancing With The Stars?

Mark Ballas: It is so much fun, Kristi is a pleasure to teach and
work with. She is so determined and focused and I
couldn't ask for more than that.

Shimmy: In skating she is known as a "technician", every step is as perfect as possible. How is she doing on the floor?

Mark Ballas: She is working extremely hard, but enjoying every step
of the way, and I'm really proud of her.

Shimmy: What is the best thing about your partnership
with her?



Mark Ballas: We get along really well, and we have such a great
time in our training sessions, we have similar personalities and the same work ethic.

Shimmy: What inspires you?

Mark Ballas: My family, the support they've given me continuously
pushes me to achieve my dreams.

Shimmy: Who are some of your favorite dancers, teachers &
choreographers?

Mark Ballas: I've trained with so many, but i would have to say the
two teachers I've always looked up to the most are my parents Corky and Shirley Ballas

Shimmy: What dance do you enjoy most of all?

Mark Ballas: I love the jive and the Foxtrot.

Shimmy: Do you have any other projects in the works?



Mark Ballas: I play Lead Guitar and Sing Lead Vocal along side
Derek Hough in my Rock/Blues band called Almost Amy. We are getting ready to start recording our debut
album soon.

Shimmy: Tell me something about yourself that would surprise me.

Mark Ballas: I think people would be surprised to know that I get
shy to dance in clubs.

Shimmy: If you could trade places with anyone (not a
dancer) for one day who would it be and why?


Mark Ballas: John Mayer because his music is so inspiring to me

Shimmy: 3 things you cannot live without?

Mark Ballas: Acoustic Guitar, I pod, Oreo Cookies and milk.

Shimmy: If I borrowed your ipod for an hour what would I
hear?

Mark Ballas: Anything and everything, even though I play in a
Blues/Rock/Pop band I have a wide selection of music that I enjoy, so I'm
sure you'd find something you like.
John Mayer
Michael Jackson
Prince
Three Days Grace
Eva Cassidy
Buddy Holly
Marvin Gaye

Shimmy: What is the best advice that you could give to
young dancers?

Mark Ballas: Master your craft, never hold back, never back down.
Love your gift and cherish every minute

Shimmy: What would you like to tell your fans?

Mark Ballas: I love you guys more than ever. You're the best.
and I couldn't do what I do with out you.



Photos: Mark Ballas Official Myspace

Shimmy Video Pick

2 Stars Are finished Dancing

There’s something about “The Gutte” that everyone loves. The other dancers have been known to chant “Gutte…Gutte…Gutte…” backstage as the actor comes and goes. Samantha asks around and it seems The Gutte is apparently a regular ray of sunshine. “He loves life,” Jason says. Mario adds that he hopes to see The Gutte make it to the finals (now that’s some sportsmanship right there!).

But while Steve & Anna are safe, someone is not. And that someone is Penn, who, along with partner Kim, is out. Penn stages a protest, saying, “We are not giving up!…There’s no way my dance career ends now!”

“He’s just been so much fun,” Kim says about her partner.

Keep Reading...

Dancing With The Stars: Week 2

It’s the first chance for all 12 contestants to dance together tonight, on Mambo and Quickstep Night!

First up are Steve & Ann, dancing the mambo. During rehearsal, Anna, who worries that she’s too hard on Steve, brings in her mother — Irina Trebunskaya — for help. Steve works up “a little bit of rhythm and a little bit of love,” calling it a “Macho Mambo Combo.” But the judges aren’t feeling the love. Len compares Steve’s dancing to his own cooking skills (can you say “spotted dick” on TV?!), and says Steve’s dance “just didn’t really work.” Bruno complains that Steve put all of his energy into facial expressions and forgot his body. Carrie Ann says, “It wasn’t your best, but you guys look cute.” They score a 16, bringing their overall score to a 34 out of 60.

Next up are Cristian & Cheryl, dancing a quickstep. In rehearsal, Cheryl brings in a military uniform to help Cristian concentrate on posture. Carrie Ann calls Cristian “a whole new person.” Len says the dance “had a little bit of wildness about it.” Bruno says he liked the gangster persona and calls the performance “good.” Cristian & Cheryl score a 20, giving them a combined score of 41 out of 60.

Next to take the stage is Monica, with her partner, Jonathan. The couple is planning to dance a mambo, and Monica worries about her lack of ability to put on a sexy facial expression. Monica has to travel to Japan for a prior engagement, and drags Jonathan along with her, so they can practice long into the night. Bruno criticizes that Monica “didn’t connect with the music.” Len says, “You tried your hardest but there are so many technical problems at the moment.” Carrie Ann, Monica’s sole trumpeter, says, “You came out and you attacked it!” Monica & Jonathan score a 15, bringing their total to 30 out of 60.

Keep Reading...

Dancing With The Stars- The Women

You choose which awe-inspiring line to sum up the women's fairly solid week 1 performances on tonight's Dancing With the Stars. In the immortal teleprompted words of Samantha Harris, ''It's ladies' night and the feeling's right!'' Ugh. In the single word that Priscilla Presley mouthed during the group pan for the second night running, ''Woo.'' Eh. I'm going with ''Woo.'' It says everything and yet nothing at all. Let's make it our new DWTS mantra. Note: ''Woo'' is best imagined if Priscilla is wearing Sabrina Bryan's hideous purple paso doble frock, as she was in Tuesday night's intro package. (Really? Out of all the costumes? That one?)

Tuesday night offered us some hints of potential season 6 male-female doppelgängers. There are the front-runners with lots of choreographic experience (Kristi Yamaguchi and Mario). The ones who still can't believe they're on their all-time favorite show! (Marissa Jaret Winokur and the Gute). The ones who didn't live up to expectations but are pretty and show promise (Shannon and Cristián). Nobody wants a complete sentence comparing Adam Carolla to Monica Seles, so enough of that nonsense, and let's get to the ladies…

Keep Reading...

Dancing With The Stars Recap

For the Dancing with the Stars 6 premiere, the professional dancers opened the show with a group dance. After introducing all the dance couples for the season, host Tom Bergeron revealed that the six male celebrities and their professional dance partners would be performing tonight.

Penn Jillette & Kym Johnson danced the Cha-Cha-Cha. Len Goodman said, “I thought you captured the flavor of the Cha-Cha-Cha.” Bruno Tonioli said, “It was like watching a trailer for Shrek goes Cha-Cha-Cha.” Carrie Ann Inaba said, “Penn, I think that you’ve got great energy.” Penn & Kym received a score of 16 out of 30 points.

Jason Taylor & Edyta Sliwinska danced the Fox Trot. Len Goodman said, “You’ve got great posture, you moved across the floor well, you’re elegant, now you’ve just got to try to act the dance a little bit.” Carrie Ann Inaba said, “You’re really coordinated. You’re very fluid when you dance.” Bruno Tonioli said, “You’ve got to be the most graceful tackler I’ve ever seen.” Jason & Edyta received a score of 22 out of 30 points.

Cristian de la Fuente & Cheryl Burke danced the Cha-Cha-Cha. Carrie Ann Inaba said, “You’re well-suited to the Cha-Cha.” Bruno Tonioli said, “She banged. You have to bang as hard as she does.” Len Goodman said, “That was a dance of two halves, Cristian. From your hips down was fine, it’s all up here, your arms and your posture, work on it for next week.” Cristian & Cheryl received a score of 21 out of 30 points.

Adam Carolla & Julianne Hough danced the Fox Trot. Bruno Tonioli said, “Adam, if the Fox Trot was an actor, imagine George Clooney, suave, sophisticated, elegant. What you did was Will Ferrell with a bit of John Cleese thrown into it.” Len Goodman said, “Julianne, you’ve got your work cut out this season.” Carrie Ann Inaba said, “Keep working.” Adam & Julianne received a score of 15 out of 30 points.

Keep Reading...

Ballroom Skater

Kristi Yamaguchi already owns an Olympic gold medal. Now she has her sights set on a big, gaudy disco-ball trophy.


Q One would think a figure skater, who performs to music and has worked with choreography, would have a leg up on some of the competition. Do you agree?


A Oh, no, this is a whole different world! In skating, it's all about gliding across a smooth sheet of ice. You sort of flow through the music and only highlight the big crescendos. In dancing, you have to concentrate on the position of your legs and feet on every beat and every count of the music. It's definitely not easy for me.

Q What have your workouts been like so far?


A The first week we started off at two hours a day, but after that we kicked it up to four to six hours a day. My hips have been killing me! I never used to understand it when older people complained about their achy hips. Now I do.

Q All skaters are used to taking falls on the ice. Have you had any scary mishaps on the dance floor yet?


A I've had a couple of tumbles, sure. And you know that's exactly what they'll show on TV to 20 million viewers. They have the cameras there all the time. It's very intimidating.

Q They also tend to show the squabbles between the celebrity and the pro. How have you and Mark been getting along?


A Mark laughs more than he yells. He's an amazing teacher, and he's very patient with me. He's really good about saying things over and over. It's a great deal of work, but he's making it fun.

Keep Reading...

Penn Jillette Talks Dancing Odds

Penn Jillette goes into the new season of "Dancing With the Stars" next week already a winner -- or loser, depending on how you look at it. "When they started to bring up the idea of my doing the show last year, I realized I was much too heavy, so I actually lost 47 pounds before I started working with Kym," he says, speaking of his professional dance partner, Kym Johnson. "Then I lost three more since we've been working together."
Penn Jillette Ready for "Dancing With the Stars": Talks Odds (ABC)

How did he lose the weight? "Oh, crazy fad diet stuff -- exercising and taking in less calories," he deadpans. "I run eight miles a day on a treadmill." Even so, admits the 53-year-old, 6-foot, 6-inch illusionist/ comedian/ actor/ provocateur, "I'm still the tallest and oldest on the show. At least I'm not 70 pounds heavier than any other contestant. Now I'm probably 30 pounds heavier. I was told by the producers that it is a total disadvantage, but Kym is doing everything she can to spin it to our advantage."

Keep Reading...