Browsing Tag

#artemchigstev

VIP Experience Blog

DWTS VIP A Night to Remember Winter Tour 18-19

DWTS VIP A Night to Remember Winter Tour 17-18

#dwtstour

#dwtsvip

#dwtstour

I’ve had the pleasure of being a VIP for the last seven Dancing with the Stars tours. From the first tour I participated in the VIP to this year’s tour I must say: It’s like night and day!  They have improved them tremendously! So let’s talk about the details of the VIP!

#dwtstour

Pre-Show: For my 1st show in Columbia I did the2nd Row VIP Pkg we received the email 5 days ahead of the show.  We had to arrive between 4:00-5:00 but,remember that varies by city so check your itinerary.  Once we signed in I got my ticket, but, therest of the VIP items were not ready for us so they said they would be mailingthem to us.  VIP Host this tour isAmanda.

Entering VIP & the good stuff!:   As soon as we signed in we were directed downstairs to the party room. We waited until around 5:30 for the Pro’s to come in.  The party room was pretty much the same as last tour with tables, a bar for drinks, a green screen/photo option.  We didn’t have our laynards yet so they gave us wristbands with a group # on them and they lined us up in groups of 10.  Britt & Bandon came in to mingle, talk & do selfie’s.  Artem, Bobby, Emma & Sasha were in the photo.  I still felt like it was fast like last year and truly wish they would slow it down a bit like in the early years. 

I will be doing my tracker like in past years!  Here is the link. 

http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-tour-2018-19-a-night-to-remember-vip-photo-tracker/
#dwtstour

The VIP Nation staff is also very kind, nobody is yelling at you it’s a pleasant experience.  You do have to leave your purse, bags and anything else on you at the table and you cannot ask for autographs etc. at the cast photo portion.   This year too it was two professional photos taken by VIP Nation host, no selfie options in the main photo.  You could however do selfies with the dancers in the Meet & Mingle.  After the photos were done and the dancers all left to get ready for the show you could go to the merchandise stand and do some crowd free shopping which was also nice.

#dwtstour

Please note on the pics:  the itinerary says up within to 2 weeks which drives all of the fans crazy BUT so far this host is great and she had them up the same night which is really great!

#dwtstour

What to wear:  Be comfortable & wear what you want.  You will see everyone from dressed down to wearing beautiful dresses and everything in between. 

#dwtstour

Show time!  I will be doing another blog on the show itself after my next one.  I will say it’s really a great show.  No crowd interaction #’s which is disappointing. It seemed to me the dances were shorter but, we had a lot more of them which I loved!  More to come in a few weeks.  I want to see the show again and see how it differs with Milo at my next show and then will blog on the show itself.

#dwtstour

Suggestions for Tour Management:  This is something I have been thinking about.  For the Maks & Val Tour and the Derek & Julianne tours there was another top level tier package when you got pictures in the VIP and then got extra time with them backstage.  I know the VIP photos are with “select”dancers (3 Pro’s and the Celeb guest star) at each city but, many fans have voiced their disappointment when their “favorite” isn’t in their photo since it’s a random rotation.  I have heard many voice their displeasure at paying several hundred dollars but not getting a pic with their favorite.  What if you added another ticket tier or made it with the front row packages that you get your pic with the rest of the VIP’s and then you are either taken down just before the show or just after and get a photo with the full tour cast?  If you sold a very limited # of them it wouldn’t take that much extra time.  That way those that truly want to meet them all would have the chance and it would then add another tier package for you.   I know I would sign up for that for sure!

#dwtstour

If possible rotate the Pro’s if you are doing two shows in one city.  Some of us like to go to both shows and it would be great to get pics with two sets of dancers since you are paying VIP at both.

#dwtstour

Bravo & Thank you:  VIP Nation you always put together fantastic unique experiences and it doesn’t go unnoticed! Thank you so much to the tour staff:  Mandy Moore& Ashley Edens-Shaffer, Directors and our dance captains:  I think every fan should be sure they have a ticket for! The creative genius is obvious at every moment in the show. The vision and layout for this tour is truly worth 10 Stars!  The crew and all the other behind the scenes individuals also deserve a shout out! The Dancers (Val, Gleb, Artem, Witney, Sasha, Emma, Jenna, Hayley, Alan,Britt and Brandon all truly leave it on the floor each night.  It’s emotional, it’s passionate, it’s raw, it’s FUN, it’s full of energy and I am so excited I will get to see this tour multiple times and have a new take away each night!

#dwtstour

If you don’t have a ticket…Buy one today and if you are able to do VIP it’s worth the investment for this experience they have many different levels and price points too!  Here’s the link for tickets/VIP package! http://dwtstour.com/

#dwtstour

Want to see more photos?  For many more pictures from the tour, past tours please follow me on Instagram,Twitter & Facebook @lightscmemories!  If you have any questions that I can help with please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Where do I love to shop for fun outfits for VIP pics!

Fun concert wear!

Bebe:  http://www.bebe.com/

Nordstrom:  http://shop.nordstrom.com/

White House Black Market:  https://www.whitehouseblackmarket.com/store/

Coach:  http://www.coach.com/shop/women-wristlets

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather

Entertainment Blog

Dancing with the Stars Season 25 Disney Week!

Dancing with the Stars Season 25 Disney Week!

#dwts

#dwts25

It’s DISNEY week!!!  Loved the opening # it was so cute!

 

Victoria Arlen & Val Chmerkovskiy

#teamViVa

Jazz-“Steamboat Willie” from “Steamboat Willie”

Victoria’s personality totally matches Disney!  First of all how cute were their costumes.  I love seeing Val during week’s like this!  I thought the dance was so creative and fun.  Victoria is making big strides in all she is able to do on the show.  The performance in my opinion was light, fun, flawless and just the perfect way to kick off Disney Week!

 

Vanessa Lachey & Maks Chmerkovskiy

#teamBabiesandBallroom

Waltz-“Un Jour Mon Price Viendra” from “Snow White”

Their package was too funny.   I thought their dance was full of elegance and grace tonight.  Vanessa is a stunning dancer and continues to grow each week.  It was beautifully choreographed by Maks.   It was truly beautiful tonight and they should be proud of their performance.

 

Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas

#teamStark

Foxtrot-“When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio”

I thought they had a beautiful Foxtrot!  Loved Mickey playing the piano!  Nice touch!  There was a lot of great content in the in the dance and it was beautifully performed.   I wasn’t surprised at all that Len loved it.

 

Nick Lachey & Peta Murgatroyd

#teamMomandPops

Quickstep-“The Bare Necessities” from “The Jungle Book”

Their package was absolutely precious and hilarious.  I really loved their dance tonight.  I really have not understood why Nick’s scores have been what they are this season.  I think he is exactly what this show should be about, learning how to dance, growing week after week.  He and Peta have always had a fun partnership and I really thought they absolutely nailed it tonight.  What a great job!  I thought it was a lot of fun and you could tell they were having a great time!  Again he was underscored by Carrie Ann and Bruno.  I just don’t get it night after night he’s underscored.

 

Drew Scott & Emma Slater

#teamHotProperty

Viennese Waltz-“Rainbow Connection” from “The Muppet Movie”

Drew is another one that has made great strides this season.  He is so much more in control and graceful.  I really enjoyed their dance, he’s become a true leading man.  It was light, creative and beautifully fit the theme.  That was really very good!  Great job!

 

Sasha Pieterse & Gleb Savchenko

#teamAteam

Rumba-“Kiss the Girl” from “The Little Mermaid”

I am loving these packages this week.  That is an amazing weight loss Sasha, you go girl!  I really enjoyed their dance.  It was fun, in character, had a lot of great Rumba content and was as sexy as you can be on Disney night.   Gleb did a beautiful job of creating the dance.  They are a great partnership and it’s obvious how much they truly are friends.  I thought they deserved higher scores again this week.

 

Terrell Owens & Cheryl Burke

#teamGetchaPopcorn

Quickstep-“I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from “The Lion King”

Their dance was fun, creative and executed well.  They really incorporated the troupe and fellow dancers.   Terrell is growing each week.  Their scores to me were over-scored.

 

Frankie Muniz & Witney Carson

#teamFranneypack

Argentine Tango-“Angelica” from “Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides”

I think Frankie pulled off sexy really well.  I thought their dance had intensity, and lot of fun content and I really loved it!  Witney did another great job in putting together a wonderful performance.  Frankie is really continues to be one to watch! They totally deserved the 2 10’s that was great!

 

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold

#teamFishUponAStar

Foxtrot-“You’re Welcome” from “Moana”

Another fantastic and flawless performance by Jordan and Lindsay.  It was a lot of fun to watch and Lindsay is truly doing a phenomenal job creating these masterpiece dances this season.  Jordan is a natural and his personality just shines in his dances.

 

Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev

#teamSmackDown

Jazz-“Remember Me” from Disney-Pixar’s upcoming movie “Coco”

Their package had me laughing too.  Artem really did a fabulous job of putting together this performance.  It was light, fun, hit all the cultural marks and it was filled with a ton of fun high energy.  I loved every moment of their dance!  Bravo!!!  Finally good scores for this team!  Very well deserved!

Fourth to go home this season:   Gleb & Sasha

This is another ridiculous bottom 2 this season. What is going on seriously!  As a viewer since Season 1 this is the most messed up and wrong elimination order I have ever seen on the show.  I really just don’t get it.

As I expected this season is packed with talent and great personalities.  Voting will be even more important than usual to keep your favorites coming back week after week!

The tour dates and cast was announced!!!  Excited for a good long tour this winter!!!  For more info and more VIP & regular tickets go to:  http://dwtstour.com/

For pictures from the tour this summer please visit my social media pages @lightscmemories!

 

 

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather

Entertainment Blog

Dancing with the Stars S25 Most Memorable Year!

Dancing with the Stars Season 25 Most Memorable Year!

#dwts

#dwts25

This is hands down my favorite week each season…Most Memorable Year.  The emotion behind the meaningful dances is just beauty in motion.  I cannot get enough!

Frankie Muniz & Witney Carson

#teamFranneypack

Quickstep

I absolutely loved what Frankie said in this package although it’s sad the reason why.  He has had many injuries and has suffered many TIA’s which are mini strokes and his memory has been affected over the years from all of it.  The TIA’s are absolutely not minor things.  My Dad had one several years ago and it was a really scary week not knowing if he would regain full function.  Being so young and dealing with them must be scary.   It’s a beautiful way to live being in the present.  I really adore Frankie and in so many ways he is one of my favorite reasons to watch this show.  He has a love for the dance.  I really liked their performance.  I thought it was solid, it was fun, beautiful and had a lot fun content included.

 

Terrell Owens & Cheryl Burke

#teamGetchaPopcorn

Viennese Waltz

Terrell’s year was the year his Grandmother passed.  She was a huge part of his life stepping in as a main care giver in many ways in his life.  She was such a key part of his life and his inspiration.  He credits her for being the man that he is today.  Their dance was beautiful and I think one of the best they have done to date.  His height in this dance really was an asset because it allowed him to display beautiful lines.  It was really, really beautiful and the emotion was raw.

 

Nikki Bella & Artem Chigvintsev

#teamSmackDown

Contemporary

Nikki’s year was the year she made a comeback to the ring.  She got an MRI and found out her neck was about to break in half.  She is one heck of a fighter and I agree with her sister’s reference that she is fearless.  She’s fierce in every way.  Artem has such an amazing talent to choreograph dances but, he truly excels at contemporary and pulling the emotion out of his partner.  Tonight it was a masterpiece performance.   Their dance was absolutely stunning in every word.  It was beautiful, artsy, powerful and a beautiful display of her story, her strength and I loved it!

 

Nick Lachey & Peta Murgatroyd

#teamMomandPops

Contemporary

Nick’s most memorable year was the year he married Vanessa.  Such a beautiful love story, he has his family he always dreamed of.  Peta did an absolutely stunning job at putting together this dance tonight.  It truly allowed Nick to dance with his heart and it was evident in every single movement.  It was a beautiful masterpiece tonight and it was absolutely breathtaking.  I love watching dances where you can not only see the beauty but, feel the raw emotion and you absolutely could feel it tonight.   Len and Bruno’s scores were just wrong in my opinion.  They are consistently underscored this season in my opinion.

 

Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas

#teamStark

Viennese Waltz

Lindsey’s most memorable year was when her Dad got cancer and lost his life.  He seemed like he was such a light and fun character.  I loved what she said that instead of being angry at what she was losing she was grateful for what she had.   Their dance was light and beautiful and full of emotion.  There was so much creativity, imagination and heart in the performance.  Their scores were puzzling to me though, if another couple was lacking content of the dance they would not have been scored that high.

 

Derek Fisher & Sharna Burgess

#teamHoopsandHeels

Jazz

Derek’s dance was for his daughter who had a rare eye cancer.  They decided to try to save her eye through a new procedure.  He walked away from his contract because he had to be there for his daughter.  The surgery worked and really changed Derek.   Their dance was really light, bright and fun and a sweet way to celebrate that’s daughter’s surgery worked and she is thriving in life.  It had a lot of great energy and the moment after with his daughter was just so sweet.  I really liked it and it allowed you to see into Derek’s personality and see how much he loves his daughter.

 

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold

#teamFishUponAStar

Contemporary

Jordan’s most memorable year was the year he was officially adopted by his grandparents.  It was such a beautiful story of love and listening to them describe it was just a great example of unconditional love.   I absolutely loved their performance.  It was just masterfully designed by Lindsay and beautifully portrayed by Jordan.  Oh my gosh that ending with his parents was just pure emotion in every meaning of the word.  The dance really was perfection and really defined why I love this week on the show.  Every movement had pure heart behind it.   They got the first 10’s of the season from Carrie Ann & Bruno!

 

Sasha Pieterse & Gleb Savchenko

#teamAteam

Foxtrot

Sasha’s year was the final year of Pretty Little Liars, struggling with her health but she also was able to discover love and getting engaged.  What a beautiful love story they have.  I love the story of one door closing and another one opening.  So often in life many will stare at the closed chapter/door but, it’s ok to turn your head to see what the new chapter will bring.  I really just adore Sasha, she’s just real and I think she is inspiring far more women than she may realize being on the show.  Their performance was so light, fun and a beautiful way to tell her story.  They really have developed a great friendship too which is so fun to watch.  It was filled with content, great happy energy and they should be very proud of this performance!

 

Vanessa Lachey & Maks Chmerkovskiy

#teamBabiesandBallroom

Rumba

Vanessa’s year was the story of the recent birth of her son.   I never knew Vanessa’s story that her mom left when she was young.  She and Nick really have a similar background which really shows why they both value family as much as they do.  With her last pregnancy she was on bedrest and went into Labor very early.   Thankfully their baby was able to survive and made their family complete.  Vanessa really is extremely graceful and you could feel the emotion in every movement of their dance tonight.  Their dance was really exquisitely performed and seeing the emotion on both she and Nick’s face was just heartbreaking.  It was filled with content

 

Drew Scott & Emma Slater

#teamHotProperty

Jive

Drew’s year was the year that changed his life and he went all in to chase his dreams of being an actor.  His spirit was broken because he wasn’t making it as an actor.  I loved his story on when he realized maybe I can combine my dreams of real estate and acting and that’s how Property Brothers was created.  That’s such a key to life rather than give up you figure it out and find a way to make it work! Drew has improved so much and I wondered how the Jive would look with his height and I thought he did fantastic.  What a fun moment to have Jonathan comes out and join them!   Now that is a trio dance!  So awesome!  I really loved their performance tonight.

 

Victoria Arlen & Val Chmerkovskiy

#teamViVa

Foxtrot

It still amazes me every week to know what Victoria has gone through and to see all she has done since.  It’s nothing short of a miracle but, what I love about her even more is her spirit.  She never allowed it to break her and her positivity just exudes every week.  I cannot imagine how hard for her parents this was as well to watch all that Victoria has gone through.  I love what she said at the end too that she doesn’t like to sit now that she can stand.    I really loved their Foxtrot.  Val was able to create a dance that just perfectly displayed her triumph and all she accomplished.  It’s just simply incredible!  Their dance was just stunning in every moment, every step was just perfection in motion.  Watching Victoria should make everyone believe you can achieve anything in life.

Third to go home this season:   Sharna & Derek Fisher

I seriously do not get it this season.  The last 2 eliminations were just flat out wrong in my humble opinion.  I am blown away yet again absolutely wrong bottom 2 again.  Plus the scoring this season has had me really scratching my head.  Some are consistently being over scored and others consistently underscored even with great performances and/improvement.   As a viewer I am having a real issue with that this season.

As I expected this season is packed with talent and great personalities.  Voting will be even more important than usual to keep your favorites coming back week after week!

The tour dates and cast was announced!!!  Excited for a good long tour this winter!!!  For more info and more VIP & regular tickets go to:  http://dwtstour.com/

For pictures from the tour this summer please visit my social media pages @lightscmemories!

 

 

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather

Entertainment Blog

Dancing with the Stars Season 25 Premiere!

Dancing with the Stars Season 25 Premiere!

#dwts

#dwts25

I could not be more excited for this season!  It’s a really great cast and I think it’s going to be a competitive season!  Crazy it’s up to 25 seasons.  I have watched since Season 1 and seen the changes over the years and this one should be special!

What an opening night!  That was absolutely amazing!  Bravo Mandy Moore!

We will miss Julianne as a judge this season but, nice to see Len, Bruno and Carrie Ann back.  I have to say in a way I am glad the judges are scoring a bit low tonight.  This gives all the partnerships room to grow and improve.

 

Terrell Owens & Cheryl Burke

#teamGetchaPopcorn

Cha Cha

Wow I didn’t realize this was Cheryl’s 20th season!  I thought they were good, the height difference made it a bit interesting to watch and Terrell seemed maybe a bit nervous but it is the opening night.  It was fun and energetic.  I think with his personality and Cheryl’s coaching you will see him improve and loosen up as the season goes on.

 

 

 

Debbie Gibson & Alan Bersten

#teamSonBerst

Foxtrot

I am so excited for Alan to finally be a Pro!  I think Debbie was the perfect person to match him with this season!  I grew up listening to Debbie’s music and she has a fun personality!  On a personal note I can understand part of Debbie’s struggle with Lyme disease.  I went for an annual skin check and they found the bull’s eye on my arm it was in a spot I could see and for 3 months they loaded me up with antibiotics but, the symptoms you go through are absolutely awful and really you can’t understand until you have gone through it.  They performed a beautiful Foxtrot!  It was light, beautiful, and elegant and I really think this will be a partnership to watch this season.

 

Sasha Pieterse & Gleb Savchenko

#teamAteam

Cha Cha

I think this will also be a fun partnership.  They seemed to have already formed a nice friendship.  I thought they did well for the first week.  Cha Cha is not an easy first dance to learn and I thought they did good.  I thought it was fun, and it showed off Sasha’s fun, fierce and fabulous personality.  I think you will see this partnership continue to improve and grow as the weeks go on.

 

 

Drew Scott & Emma Slater

#teamHotProperty

Foxtrot

You could not find a better match in personalities than these two!  No pressure Drew, Emma won last season but, I think he is totally up for the challenge!  Drew definitely came out full of energy and he is so animated which is fun to watch.  It was fun, light and very energetic!  I think first night energy might have got the best of him just a bit but, I think they will do good this season and continue to improve.  BTW I loved Emma’s dress!

 

Barbara Corcoran & Keo Motsepe  #teamSharkeo

Salsa

Keo and Barbara are just too funny together.  This combo is going to be fun!  Barbara definitely had the basic technique/steps of the Salsa down.  It was a ton of fun to watch, they have a lot of fun energy and I think she exceeded expectations tonight.

 

 

Jordan Fisher & Lindsay Arnold

#teamFishUponAStar

Tango

Lindsay definitely has a partner she could go all the way to the end with this season!  That was a killer first week performance and they should be excited with that performance.  Lindsay is so creative and I think this will be another team to watch this season!  They should be thrilled with their performance tonight!

 

 

 

Nick Lachey & Peta Murgatroyd

#teamMomandPops

Cha Cha

I really like Nick and Peta partnered up.  I thought they were really good tonight.  They absolutely have potential to go far in this competition.  Nick definitely has some moves!  He is right 98 degrees wasn’t known for their dancing but, he was really good tonight.   A lot of fun energy, hip action and good technique for the first week.  Peta is such a good teacher and I think couple that was his determination and they will go far!

 

 

Vanessa Lachey & Maks Chmerkovskiy

#teamBabiesandBallroom

Cha Cha

Maks and Vanessa will be a great match up personality wise.   Vanessa was really good.  She absolutely learned the technique of the dance and they are going to be a great partnership.  They brought the sizzle, the energy, fun and I was impressed!  I liked to hear what Maks said too about working hard.  Maks is another fabulous teacher and working hard will take you far!

 

Frankie Muniz & Witney Carson

#teamFranneypack

Foxtrot

First up can we talk about Witney’s dress, gorgeous!   They are such a cute partnership.  I thought they did really good.  Frankie was light on his feet, they seem to be perfectly matched for each other and they should be very proud of their performance tonight.  It was beautiful and endearing.  I love it when you can feel the emotion in the dance.

 

 

 

Nikki Bella & Artem Chiigvintsev

#teamSmackDown

Tango

First of all I love how excited Artem is this season!  This is such a great match up!  They were crazy good tonight!  Nikki is very powerful and a strong presence!  Nikki does what I do when I dance too it’s hard to look up when you are learning.  Artem is such a great teacher too so I think they will do great this season!  Artem might need some massages this season with all the body slamming.

 

Derek Fisher & Sharna Burgess

#teamHoopsandHeels

Salsa

Derek Fisher has the moves!  I think he and Sharna will be fantastic this season!  Their dance was fun, filled with good content and they absolutely made a huge impression tonight.   He has a real presence on the dance floor and I think as he continues to learn from Sharna they will be a team to watch.

 

 

 

Victoria Arlen & Val Chmerkovskiy

#teamViVa

Cha Cha

Victoria’s story is nothing short of amazing and inspirational.  I am so happy she is matched with Val.   She has an amazing spirit that just shines right through.    They blew the roof off the studio tonight!  Victoria should be so proud of herself that was amazing!  Crazy high energy, great technique and her personality literally just lit up the room.  Bravo!

 

 

Lindsey Stirling & Mark Ballas

#teamStark

Cha Cha

I thought Lindsey was good and with two very creative personalities I am sure they will be bringing us some great performances.  I am a little unclear if Lindsey has dance experience or not so someone please correct me on that.  I know she was in a video with Derek Hough in the past.  They absolutely had a great performance tonight.

As I expected this season is packed with talent and great personalities.  Voting will be even more important than usual to keep your favorites coming back week after week!

For pictures from the tour this summer please visit my social media pages @lightscmemories!

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather