DTWS: Elimination

Oh Dancing with the Stars. We're only on the second episode and you've already managed to tick me off. Not a good way to end your birthday.

Spoilers!

As the show goes on, they will be revealing who is safe to dance one at a time causing some of the contestants to be nervous to the point of probably passing out. They better call Toni Braxton's name early...but who knows since they're calling names "in no particular order."

1. Lance Bass & Lacey
Dance/Song: Quickstep/"Head on the Door" by The Cure
Lacey makes unique analogies as she teaches ("Gingerbread Cookie," "Power Arms," "Prairie Dogs," etc.), which Lance digs because she's treating him like a kindergartner. It started a little rough but ended strong. He needs to work on his feet, they were a little off at times but overall it was performed well. They have great chemistry which will help them stick around for the long haul.
Judges: Len, once again doesn't like it. Bruno enjoys the fresh take on the dance and Carrie Ann was very entertained but not exactly impressed.
Score: 21 (7-6-8)

2. Misty May-Traenor & Maks
Dance/Song: Mambo/"Black Mambo" by Angel & The Mambo Cats
Misty predictably had issues with the hip movements during rehearsal but it came together during the performance. She did some solo work and had good stage presence. Her legs are great and she's got the raw building blocks but she's really got to work on her arms and shoulders and a little on her flexibility.
Judges: Positive feedback from all the judges with Len complementing her ability to work the crowd and Bruno telling her to work on her upper body.
Score: 21 (all 7's)

3. Maurice Greene & Cheryl
Dance/Song: Mambo/"I Do the Jerk" by Bill Pickney
Maurice is taking to the Mambo in rehearsal a lot better than the Foxtrot. I really like his exuberance. Like Misty, he'll have to work on his arms and shoulders but he's got the shimmy down pat. He really looked like he was leading. Oh! And he just did The Caterpillar! Word. Really good job, I can't believe it's only the second show. And I love Cheryl's outfit.
Judges: Bruno liked that it looked like he was at a party, Carrie Ann complimented him on his transitions, and Len, naturally, did not like The Caterpillar (aka The Worm). He kills me sometimes.
Score: 21 (all 7's)

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DWTS Week 1

The time has finally come for Dancing with the Stars season 7 to begin! Settle into your armchairs with your phones at the ready. All 13 celebrities and their professional partners will be hitting the dance floor for the first time, and we'll get to vote for our favorites.

Which team will exceed our expectations? Which will disappoint us? Will we see a clear frontrunner as we did last season? Will this season be the best one ever?

Only time will tell, and you can be sure that I'll be faithfully recording everything as it happens right here in my live thoughts.

Live! From Hollywood! This is Dancing with the Stars!

The stars make their way down the stairs to the stage and two things are immediately noticeable: Jeff Ross has on a sparkly eye patch, and Cloris Leachman looks like she has trouble walking down the stairs - that can't be good.

First up, it's the youngest celeb and the youngest pro: Cody Linley and Julianne Hough. They have cha cha first. I love Julianne's hair and elbow-length gloves, and I'm also really impressed with Cody's skills. I guess my concerns about him not being able to get into the flirty, romantic character were for naught because he looks to be one slick dude in their first dance. Len warns them not to get too frenetically, and Bruno pipes in and says that Cody has to keep his footwork clean. Carrie Ann is freaked out that Julianne and Cody's combined age is still less than her own. Woah. And their scores: they get straight 6s for a score of 18 out of 30.

Rocco DiSpirito and Karina Smirnoff are next. Woah, in rehearsal this morning, Karina took a bad step and twisted her ankle. Looks really painful! Despite the injury, she will dance tonight. She's a trooper. They've got the foxtrot tonight. Karina is dancing perfectly - you can't tell that she twisted her ankle at all - but I'm not feeling Rocco. He does get better as the routine goes on, but it started out pretty rough. Bruno is not impressed, but Carrie Ann thinks it was "cute." Len thinks Rocco needs more finesse. Carrie Ann and Bruno give 5s and Len gives a 4, for a 14 out of 30.

Toni Braxton and Alec Mazo take the stage next. Toni explained to Alec about her heart condition at their first meeting. I really hope that she won't let her diagnosis hold her back. They dance the cha cha tonight, and I'm really impressed. Toni's turns are sharp and crisp, and her footwork is for the most part clean, and the two of them together are really sexy. Carrie Ann thought it was like a week 5 routine, it was so good. Len warns her about her leg position, and Bruno raves about her sexy slinkiness. They get 7s from Carrie Ann and Len, and an 8 from Bruno, for a 22 out of 30.

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Shimmy Exclusive- Catching Up With Lacey Schwimmer

The last installment of FOX's So You Think You Can Dance pulled in massive ratings, who wasn't watching? The top ten finalists'rode the wave and embarked on a massive tour across the U.S. (with a quick stop in Canada). Shimmy recently had the opportunity to catch up with Top Four Finalist Lacey Schwimmer.

Shimmy: What was one of your favorite behind the scenes moments from SYTYCD?

Lacey: From the tv show it would have to be before each show we taped...we would be warming up getting finishing touches on hair and makeup and hearing fans in the audience going crazy! The energy was through the roof!
On tour I would say the first time we stepped on stage from our lift...it was the most wild and scary thing I have experienced!

Shimmy: What dance done by another couple do you wish you'd have been able to do on the show?

Lacey: I honestly loved the Vagabond routine performed by Jesus and Sarah. But if I was able to do perform one it would have to be the West Coast Swing done by Pasha and Sarah....its was rad!

Shimmy: Was there anyone on the show that you would have like to have been paired with but weren't?

Lacey: Haha! Dominic. He and I are the biggest goofballs, it would have been interesting!

Shimmy: What was your favorite smaller city to visit on tour and why?

Lacey: I loved Atlantic city, SHOPPING! Toronto was amazing even tho we were there for only a few hours!

Shimmy: What rituals if any do you have before performing?

Lacey: The usual, stretching, singing to my ipod, goofing off, and doing bad dancing with Jaimie...you would have to see it!


Shimmy: Your fans absolutely love your style because it's unique so we'll ask for them, where do you buy your clothes?

Lacey: Thats cute! Well my style is unique and I find is always changing! For the most part vintage is my favorite, Planet Funk, Urban Outiftters, Diesel, Betsy Johnson, and TARGET SWEATS.

Shimmy: What ballroom dancers (aside from family) have inspired you most and why?

Lacey: Growing up my dad coached the 16 time World Champions Donny Burns and Gaynor Fairwether. Brilliant dancers, brilliant people.

Shimmy: How is your knee healing? Is this your first major dance-related injury?

Lacey: FIRST? Noway! I have torn and strained muscles all my life, part of a dancers world if you ask me! But this is the first time I have ever had surgery. My knee is healing well, I have 4 small scars, but since I've been pushing my knee to the max, I have tendonitis in the patella. (the cap) Painful ,but working through it.

Shimmy: Have you begun training again?

Lacey: I just started retraining my center of balance ,which has gotten the best of me. Its really frustrating to know that you cant do things the way you used to. Although, my therapist is saying i am already stronger than before my injury!

Shimmy: What do you intend to do once fully healed?

Lacey: I think my competing days are over... But im scheduled to teach all over the world, judge, make appearances, and perform. I also plan on getting into acting and choreography.

Shimmy: Who is your favorite choreographer and what draws you to their work?

Lacey: Mia (Michaels), was among my favorites to watch and work with. I think anyone would agree.


Shimmy: What's on your ipod?

Lacey: Haha! What isn't on my ipod? Im really into artists nobody has heard of, but you can't deny classics like the Spice Girls, Basement Jaxx, Daft Punk, Chris Garneau, Mirah, Ima Robot, Kanye West, Justin Nozuka, Mika, Young Love...you name it more than likely have it!

Shimmy: 3 things you cannot live without?

Lacey: -Black and White anything
-Tmobile Sidekick
-Fast food

Shimmy: Tell us something that about yourself that will surprise us.

Lacey: I hold annual scavenger hunts at WALMART. ( you have a list, have to get everything on that list, and for a bonus you have to find the biggest object to sneek into someones shopping cart, I once got a tire into someones cart!)

Shimmy: If in 15 years you're no longer dancing, what might you be doing instead?

Lacey: Owning my own Chick-Fil-A?? Haha, no. I would only hope I was happy, healthy, and working with something I love dearly.

Photos by Tania Gressell