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VIP Experience Blog

 

DWTS Tour VIP Blog 2023

First I want to say that VIP is MUCH better this year, back to what the fans want.

Fabulous Ray is the host again!

I received the email with the important info for my show on the 2nd.  Show was the 6th.  If you don’t have it within 48 hours of your show email:  vip@dwtstour.com

This next info may vary city to city but, it will give you a general idea.  Please read your email for your specific times etc.  These were the times for opening night.

Ck in:  4:45-5:15

Q&A:  5:30 (they answered about 10-12 questions)

Photo:  6:00

For the questions you could write them on an index card at check in and give them to the check in staff.  The pros were on the stage and we were in the 1st few rows of seats.

The photo was with the full cast and no awful awkward orange bench!  Again, this part could change if your city has a big COVID policy mandate change & also note that in the email.  Let’s hope we get through this tour with no mask/social distancing need.  I have a had a ton of questions on hugs etc.  I think again if that does or doesn’t happen is based city to city depending on health rules, mandates etc.  I also think if you are unsure ask.

After the photo you receive your swag bag.   They ask for front row VIP to go first for the photos because we have the signed poster so it’s easier for them.

We were able to scan out to eat if we wanted to between VIP and the show starting.

Photos were posted by the time we left the show.  Remember though that is good when they can do that, there are a lot of variables like Wi-Fi strength and access etc.  They will give you the SmugMug link in the email you get with the details.

I was really much happier this year with the entire VIP experience.

The show was amazing!  I will be going again in 2 weeks and will blog on the show after that.  Mandy Moore is absolutely amazing and well we all know the pros are as well!  I do have to correct one thing I said yesterday that was an error.  They do announce each pro but, its mid-show not at the end.  The ending to me just felt abrupt but, I am going to go back and find a video of it and see if it was just not what we all were used to etc.  I have always liked it when they do final bows at the end, that they wave and say goodbye to the audience when they are getting their standing ovation but, that’s personal preference.

Lots of questions on the buses etc.  Security was pretty much telling everyone that nobody is coming out etc. but, Emma, Alan, Alexis & Sasha did quickly.  No idea how it will be city to city so don’t want to give anyone false hope etc. on that.   If you want to guarantee to meet them your best way is to do one of the VIP pkgs that includes the photo.

VIP Experience Blog

DWTS Tour 2022 VIP Review

DWTS Tour 2022 VIP Experience Blog:

Crazy its been 2 years since the last time we saw the DWTS Pro’s!  I have missed live shows so much and have been able to see a few other entertainers over the last year.  Before I get into the VIP Experience I will be doing another blog on the show itself shortly and the show is AMAZING!

If you don’t have tickets its absolutely worth getting a ticket to the show.  I love the music, performances etc.  

You would be hard pressed to find someone that has been to more DWTS Tour VIP Experiences than me.  I have been doing them since their first tour, multiple shows.  I cannot tell you how excited I was when they announced this time we they would be back to doing the Q&A (they did that on the very 1st tour) and then a photo with the FULL cast!  That’s what I have been waiting for and so many others because the old system it was always luck of the draw if you would get to see your favorites or not.

I will get into my specific thoughts in a moment but, before I do so everyone understands I am very well aware we are in COVID times still.  I am personally immune compromised.  I am vaccinated & boosted.  Just want that clear so my comments are not taken out of context.    I want all of us to be safe & healthy including fans, pros, staff etc.

There is a huge difference in how each venue I am going to are handling COVID.

Richmond:  No PCR or Vac cards required at all.  NY show I am doing you can only attend IF you are vaccinated and NC it’s negative PCR or Vac card.

We had to arrive 3 hours & 45 minutes ahead of the show time for check in.  They checked us in and then lined us up to go into the theater for the Q&A.  Ray is the host.  He has been a host at another tour I have done but, its escaping me on which one and he was wonderful.  They take you into the theater by having those with front row vip go in first and sit in the front row, then everyone else sits in row 2 and behind.  They answered approximately 5-6 questions, you have to submit them ahead of time and then they chose the ones they want to answer.  It was fun, different and entertaining but, hard at times to hear because pros were wearing masks on the stage which very honestly was just odd because they were out dancing on that stage a few hours later maskless so I don’t totally understand the point of that.

After that you line back up starting with the front row and they took us down to another room for the photo.  I was so excited about this and then that excitement quickly faded.  I understood we as the fans had to be masked but it makes no sense to me how they are doing it.  You walk up and have to sit in front of the pros in a seat that is about 6-8 feet in front of the Pros, absolutely no interaction like you usually get with a DWTS VIP and then they were also masked in the photo.  I won’t use my photo for anything beyond this blog and I have the ones from other tours as treasured memories.  That photo is going to be a constant reminder how much COVID has ruined for 2 years.

What I don’t understand is if they want us as fans wearing it, fine, we are sitting more than the CDC recommended socially distanced space from the pros at least let them take off their masks for the photo so we can get a semi-decent photo memory & you can see their faces.  Personally, I wish they would let anyone that is vaccinated show their card and be allowed to pull the mask down quick just for the pic again saying this because you are already facing the opposite direction AND socially distanced. I asked the opinion of many with the VIP yesterday and that was the common feedback.  Its absolutely not worth the $ and if you haven’t bought one yet I would save it for a future tour.

I would rather have a giant piece of plexiglass between us and allow us all to be unmasked like Derek Hough just did for his tour during COVID.  I have done others in the last year during the Delta variant where you had to be vaccinated to do VIP and they let you pull the mask down for the pic and immediately pull it back up and then the artist(s) didn’t have them on.  As I stated above I understand the safety side of it BUT it just makes no sense.  If you are going to charge the same prices as in tours past you need to give a semi-similar experience and this wasn’t in the same ball park for $500 $600.

After the pic you had to leave the theater and go entertain yourself for 2 hours.  It was freezing cold but, thankfully a few fans I know and I went and grabbed dinner.

Verdict:  Save your $ unless changes are made and wait to do VIP at a future tour and hopefully they will offer this again when we get back to “normal”.  

Positives:

It was nice to have the Q&A just wish it could be a little longer.

Nice to get a photo with the FULL cast just wish it could be different.

Negatives:

Compared to past VIP on these tours this one was disappointing.  For years we have had a party, the meet and mingle and then the photo with 3 pros and the celeb where you could say hi, hug etc. Obviously I understand why we can’t hug etc.  I love the changes BUT not how they were implemented around COVID.  They are charging the same prices this tour for no where near that experience for the photo.  You can’t meet the celeb’s or pro’s beyond yelling hello and then you have this ackward looking photo as your memory.

I can only hope as the tour goes on maybe they will make some small changes to make it worth the cost. Again I absolutely want everyone to be safe, we are living in difficult times but, there also needs to be understanding that people are spending a lot of money for these packages and improvements could be made that have been proven effective by other tours.

Gifts:  A plastic bag (they did say its not up to their standards and we will be getting a new one mailed to us).  This was ironic because so much emphasis was made on the bag quality not being up to standards but, no understanding or emphasis on the experience itself which is dramatically less personal.  A coffee mug and a signed program for the pkg I had.  We were supposed to have crowd free merch shopping but, after the pics there wasn’t anyone there to make the purchases with.

Anyone that knows me knows I believe in positivity but, I will also keep it real.  The last two years have been hell for so many reasons.  My passion is attending live shows and I am thrilled they are back.

More to come on the show itself and to end on a positive note:  The show is AMAZING and worth the price of the ticket!

 

 

 

 

VIP Experience Blog

Dancing with the Stars Winter Tour 2020 VIP Experience Blog

Dancing with the Stars Winter Tour 2020

VIP Experience 

#dwtstourMy apologies on being absent from the blog for a while.  My sweet heart dog, my one in a million got cancer last year and we fought so hard but, she passed away the day before Thanksgiving.  I have been in such a sad place overall and been trying to pull myself out of it which hasn’t been easy.  Honestly, the first show I went to I wasn’t even excited to go but, only because I just was finding it a struggle to get excited about anything.  Once I got there for both shows I so appreciated that I could smile, enjoy the performances and forget my reality for a few hours.

I wanted to wait and go to at least 2 of my shows before writing this to see if some of the kinks got worked out.

#dwtstourPre-Show:

You receive your email a few days before telling you when to arrive, giving you the link and password for the photos, the waiver etc.  One thing that has been confusing to people this year is it says no personal cameras/phones allowed.  I think they need to be more specific and say no cameras/phones allowed in the photo area because several have thought it also meant in mingle.

Check-in:

Check in was so slow at the first event I went to at Mohegan.  Even after they started checking people in the line moved extremely slow.  They also had us in such a small room at Mohegan in my opinion too many people for such a small room.  The second show I went to in Durham was much faster, they had us in the usual area for VIP at DPAC which is always great!

#dwtstourVIP Swag:

I honestly didn’t keep any of mine, I gave it away at both cities.  It really seems like they continue to increase the prices and give fans less.  I always liked when they at least gave you a tote bag.

VIP Photo & Mingle:

I didn’t want to comment on this until after I saw if things were better at the 2nd show but, this VIP Host will not go down on my list of great ones.  At Mohegan she was not very polite, she would only post 1 of the 2 pics.  I let her know we have always received both and she sarcastically responded that she would only post 1 and she would decide which one to post.  I emailed VIP Nation after that show and was very pleased that they backed the fans up and are now posting both pictures.  The photo experience is way too fast, they are taking away the personal aspect of it that used to make this so great in the early tours.    I barely had time to say hi and hug the pros before the host was saying look here.  It’s disappointing because you spend $300-650 of your hard earned $ for a rushed experience.  I am not saying give each person 5 minutes but, at least let them say hello and if they have something quick to say allow that like you used to.  That almost always comes down to the host though because all the pros are awesome and engaging.  I miss the host Anthony Jones a lot, he was one of the best they have had, he got the job done but, truly understood the fan experience.  There was also another girl a few tours ago that was really good.   Both of them posted pics within 24 hours, were very friendly at all times, didn’t rush you in the photos, checked the photos before you walked away etc.

#dwtstourShe also doesn’t post the pictures very fast, I have seen it take almost a week for some cities.  My last show in Charlotte it took 6 days and then she only posted 1 of my pictures.  Pictures are not all being checked again.  That happened to me two years ago when both of my pictures had my eyes closed.  One girl shared with me that only 1 of her pics was posted on a recent show and it was blurry and when she emailed and asked about the 2nd pic which she did a special pose with her fav pro she was told it would be posted when the host had a chance and she still didn’t have it.  The hosts should understand that fans are super excited to see their pics and everyone understands you cannot always do it same day but, a week…

#dwtstourMingle:  This also seemed faster than usual.   At Mohegan the pros were mobbed so they tried to say wait and let them come to your table.  Durham it was better but, the only issue with wait until they come to your table is if your  photo group # is called when they are almost at your table and then you come out and missed them.

This is another fan’s experience this year that goes every year:

“They did it differently this year bc they have the pros come to your table for the mingle so no lines and stuff.  For Rochester it’s super small and there’s only a few tables and the vibes are really awkward and quiet. So my brother and I were in the booth in group 1 and by that point Daniella and Lindsay were gone and there were a lot of people who hadn’t met them so I asked the tour hostess if they can come back and a few minutes later Lindsay and Daniella came back and met the latecomers.  The VIP goes from 5;30-6:30 and they were in late and out early. It won’t be the same for Verona bc it’s bigger and better vibes so they’ll stay longer but like, people paid for the experience so give them what they asked for and don’t come out early.  And I just wanted a quick picture with Daniella and I don’t mean to be a bother I just wanted to say hi and stuff.”

#dwtstour

The Maks & Val Tour & Derek Hough tours are run much better and they truly give you a great fan experience and understand and appreciate that you are spending your hard earned $ to do these experiences.  In my opinion that comes from the top down.  Maks & Val especially have always genuinely cared about and been so proud of their tour and really listen to fan feedback and work hard at providing a fun, genuine VIP experience for those that come to their event & pay extra for VIP.

The show:  I will do another blog soon on the actual show.  It really was fantastic this year.  I liked the flow, I liked that the audience participation is back and the Pro’s just crush it every night.  More to come on that.

#dwtstourTour staff interaction/waiting by buses:

I was personally happy to see a different security guy in Durham than the guy that has done it for years that is absolutely is nasty to fans.  The guy in Durham was very nice & respectful yet got his point across when he needed to and I am hoping he is now the regular security.  The usual is always said to fans that wait at the buses that “we have a VIP M&G you can do if you want to meet them, we cannot guarantee who will come out etc”.  The one thing I want to say on this is fans wait by the buses for mostly 2 reasons:  1.  they might not be able to afford VIP and 2. They may be hoping for a chance to talk briefly to their favorite pros if they didn’t get the chance to in the VIP because its so rushed or maybe their favorite pros were not in the photo/mingle that day.  I think that is something everyone needs to understand better and maybe one day my suggestion below will be taken.  Nobody wants to wait outside on a winter tour and freeze waiting but it sure is appreciated when the Pros come out and do it for those reasons I just described.

Suggestions for tour management:

For several years I have been saying this but, it falls on deaf ears.  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 or do an add on pkg 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 & several other fans would sign up for that for sure!

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.  That used to be the way it was done but, the last year or two it’s the same Pro’s at both so it doesn’t make sense to pay for VIP for both and then the tour loses out when fans stop buying both.

Suggestion for VIP Nation:  I would love to see a fan experience survey come out after shows and then have you all take the feedback and connect with your host to help them improve experiences.  Make sure the hosts that you hire understand and appreciate the fan experience and make sure they are not only knowledgeable with a camera but, make sure they understand they must check the photos before the people walk away.

I have personally done so many VIP Experiences over the years and I can say I am being a lot more selective on what I am doing & spending $ on.  It really seems to be that the VIP #’s are down and I think it’s because of what I have outlined.  I am always happy to do a VIP, support a tour when you feel the lead(s) care, when you are getting a genuine, not rushed, quality interaction etc.  Steven Tyler is amazing at this, he has 100’s yet he starts early and gives every single person a special, genuine interaction.  Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban same thing.  I have to believe most of the Pro’s want to do that for the DWTS fans and I continue to hope we will see positive changes for future tours.

VIP Experiences should always strive to improve the experience especially when prices continue to rise.

For photos from this tour and others I attend follow me on Instagram:  @lightscmemories

VIP Experience Blog

#dwtstour #dwtsvip Photo & Mingle Tracker

 

2020 DWTS Live Tour VIP Photo & Mingle Tracker

1/9/20:  Photo:  Ally, Sasha, Emma & Alan    Mingle:  Lindsay & Brandon

1/10/20:  Atlantic City:  Photo:  Ally, Val, Jenna & Gleb  Mingle:  Daniella, Alan & Witney

1/11/20:  Mohegan Night 1:  Photo:  Ally, Alan, Sasha & Emma  Mingle:  Witney & Brandon

1/12/20:  Mohegan Night 2:  Photo:  Ally, Val, Jenna, Alan   Mingle:  Gleb & Daniella

1/14/20:  Rochester:  Photo:  Ally, Alan, Brandon & Witney   Mingle:  Lindsay & Daniella

1/15/20:  Albany:  Photo:  Ally, Alan, Linsday & Emma   Mingle:  Jenna & Val

1/16/20:  Boston:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Pasha & Daniella  Mingle:  Witney & Brandon

1/17/20:  Boston Night 2:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Jenna & Val  Mingle:  Lindsay & Gleb

1/18/20:  Bethlehem Matinee & Evening:  Kate, Pasha, Alan & Witney  Mingle:  Brandon & Daniella

1/19/20:  New Brunswick:  Photo:  Kate, Gleb, Lindsay & Alan  Mingle:  Emma & Sasha

1/21/20  Lancaster:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Brandon, Whitney    Mingle:  Val & Jenna

1/22/20:  Lancaster:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Pasha & Daniella   Mingle:  ?

1/23/20:  Lancaster:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Sasha & Emma     Mingle:  ??

1/24/20:  National Harbor:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Lindsay & Gleb   Mingle:  Jenna & Val

1/25/20:  Verona, NY:  Photo:  Witney, Brandon, Alan & Kate   Mingle:  Daniella & Pasha

1/26/20:  Philadelphia:  Photo:   Alan, Kate, Sasha & Emma    Mingle:  Gleb & Lindsay

1/28/20:  NYC  Photo:  Kate, Hannah, Alan, Val & Jenna  Mingle:  Brandon & Witney

1/29/20:  Pittsburgh:  Photo:  Alan, Kate Gleb & Lindsay  Mingle:  Emma & Sasha

1/30/20:  Niagara:  NO VIP

2/1:  Windsor:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Gleb & Lindsay  Mingle:  Pasha & Daniella

2/4:  Akron:  Photo:   Kate, Alan, Brandon & Witney  Mingle:  Jenna & Val

2/5:  Columbus:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Pasha, Daniella   Mingle:  Emma & Sasha

2/6:  Indianapolis:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Brandon & Gleb  Mingle:  Jenna & Val

2/7:  Cincinnati:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Emma & Sasha  Mingle:  Witney & Lindsay

2/8:  Rosemont:   Matinee:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Gleb & Brandon  Mingle:  Val & Jenna

2/8: Rosemont:  Evening: Photo:  Alan, Kate, Lindsay & Witney  Mingle:  Dani & Pasha

2/9:  Appleton:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Emma & Sasha   Mingle:  ?

2/11:  Prior Lake:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Val & Jenna  Mingle:  Brandon & Lindsay

2/12:  Iowa:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Witney & Gleb    Mingle:  Emma & Sasha

2/13:  Peoria:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Pasha & Daniella  Mingle:  ??

2/14:  St Louis:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Daniella, Pasha   Mingle:  Witney & Gleb

2/15:   Louisville:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Brandon, Lindsay  Mingle:  Emma & Sasha

2/16:  Nashville:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Emma & Sasha  Mingle:  Pasha & Daniella

2/18:  Greenville:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Gleb & Daniella  Mingle:  Lindsay & Brandon

2/19:  Raleigh Durham:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Val & Jenna  Mingle:  Pasha & Daniella

2/20:  N. Charleston:  Photo:  Alan, Kate, Gleb & Lindsay  Mingle: Witney & Brandon

2/21:  Clearwater Show 1:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Emma & Sasha Mingle:  Daniella & Pasha

2/22:  Clearwater Show 2:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Brandon & Lindsay  Mingle;  Val & Jenna

2/23:  Orlando:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Witney & Gleb  Mingle;  Emma & Sasha

2/25:  Hollywood, FL  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Jenna & Val  Mingle:  Daniella & Pasha

2/26:  Jacksonville FL;  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Witney & Gleb   Mingle;  ??

2/27:  Atlanta   Photo:  Alan, Kate, Pasha & Dani    Mingle:  Emma & Sasha

2/28:  Columbia:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Val & Jenna  Mingle:  Gleb

2/29:  Charlotte:  Photo:  Kate, Alan, Emma & Sasha  Mingle:  Brandon & Lindsay

3/1:  Knoxville:  Photo:  Kate, Brandon, Jenna & Val   Mingle:  Dani & Pasha

3/3:  Huntsville:  Photo:  Alan, Witney, Lauren & Gleb   Mingle:  Brandon & Lindsay

3/4:  Birmingham:  Photo: Alan, Lauren, Val & Jenna  Mingle;  Emma & Sasha

3/5:  New Orleans:  Photo:  Sailor, Gleb, Alan & Val  Mingle:  Lindsay & Brandon

3/6:  Shreveport:  Photo:  Alan, Sailor, Emma & Sasha   Mingle;  Whitney & Gleb

3/7:  Sugarland:  Photo:  Alan, Sailor, Val & Jenna   Mingle:   ??

3/8:  Grand Prairie:  Photo:  Alan, Sailor, Lindsay & Brandon  Mingle: Witney & Gleb

3/10:  Kansas City: Photo:  Alan, Sailor, Sasha & Daniella  Mingle: Val & Jenna

**** VIP Meet & Greet was cancelled for the rest of the tour due to the Coronavirus

***** DWTS Tour was postponed from 3/13 on due to the Coronavirus

 

 

 

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

VIP Experience Blog

VIP Photo List DWTS Light Up the Night Winter Tour

 

dwts tour#dwtsvip

I will update this nightly for the DWTS Light Up the Night Tour so you can get an idea WHO might be in the photo in your city!

#dwtstour

#lightupthenight

#dwtsvip

Charlotte, NC:  M&G-Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Keo & Emma  (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon)

Greenville, SC:  M&G-Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Sasha (Mingle:  Jenna & Alan)

Atlanta:  M&G: Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Artem (Mingle:  Brandon & Morgan)

Richmond:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Keo & Emma (Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

Philadelphia:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Jenna & Sasha (Mingle:  Alan & Morgan)

Kitchener, ON:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Artem (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon)

Rama: Evening Show M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Alan & Gleb (Mingle:  Hayley & Jenna)

Rama:  Matinee Show:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:   ??)

New Brunswick, NJ: M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Keo (Mingle:  Morgan & Jenna)

Washington, DC:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Alan (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon  )

Bethlehem, PA: 1st Show   M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  Jenna & Morgan)

Bethlehem, PA:  2nd Show:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Keo & Artem (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon)

Lancaster:  Combined Matinee & Evening:  M&G:  Sharna, Gleb, Frankie & Jordan (Mingle:  Alan & Morgan)

Pittsburgh:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  Morgan & Hayley)

New York City:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Gleb & Sharna (Mingle:  Alan & Brandon)

Verona:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Artem & Keo (Mingle:  Jenna & Hayley)

Windsor:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  Alan & Morgan)

Buffalo:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Alan &  Sharna (Mingle:  Keo & Brandon)

Bangor:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Keo & Gleb (Mingle:  Jenna & Hayley)

Portland:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Frankie, Sasha & Emma (Mingle:  Alan & Morgan)

Boston:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Keo & Artem (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon)

Mohegan Night 1:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Sharna (Mingle:  Alan & Morgan)

Mohegan Night 2:  M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Sasha & Emma (Mingle: Hayley & Brandon)

Baltimore:  M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Sharna (Mingle:  Alan & Jenna)

Cleveland:  M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Keo & Alan (Mingle:  Morgan & Brandon)

Columbus:  M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Artem & Gleb (Mingle:  Hayley & Jenna)

Cincinnati:  M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  Alan & Morgan)

Indianapolis:  M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Sharna & Keo (Mingle:  Alan & Jenna)

Rosemont:  M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Artem (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon)

Ames:  Cancelled due to bus accident

Rockford: M&G:  Frankie, Lindsay, Jordan, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  Alan & Keo)

Fort Wayne:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Sharna & Alan (Mingle:  Morgan & Jenna)

Knoxville:  M&G:  Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  ??)

Birmingham:  M&G:  Lindsay, Jordan, Keo & Artem (Mingle: Brandon & Morgan)

Huntsville:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Sharna & Alan (Mingle:  Jenna & Brandon)

Nashville:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Keo (Mingle:  Hayley & Morgan)

Sarasota:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  Jenna & Brandon)

Clearwater:  M&G:  Lindsay, Alan, Jordan & Gleb (Mingle:  ?)

Hollywood:  M&G:  Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Keo & Artem (Mingle:  Jenna & Hayley)

Naples:  M&G:  Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  ?)

Jacksonville:  M&G:  Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Gleb & Artem (Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

Orlando:  M&G:  Lindsay, Frankie, Jordan, Keo & Sharna (Mingle:  Brandon & Jenna)

Austin:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  Hayley & Morgan)

Wichita Falls:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Gleb & Artem (Mingle: Alan & Brandon)

Dallas:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Sharna & Keo (Mingle:  Alan & Morgan)

Sugar Land:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Emma, Sasha (Mingle:  Jenna & Hayley)

McAllen:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Alan (Mingle:  ?)

Midland:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Keo & Artem (Mingle;  Hayley & Jenna)

Amarillo:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Emma, Sasha (Mingle:  ?)

Albuquerque:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Sharna & Gleb (Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

El Paso:  M&G:  Jordan, Sasha, Artem & Alan (Mingle:  ?)

Phoenix:  M&G Jordan, Sasha & Emma (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon)

San  Diego:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie Sharna, Keo (Mingle:  ?)

Riverside Night 1:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Gleb & Keo (Mingle:  Brandon & Alan)

Riverside Night 2:  M&G  Jordan, Frankie, Sharna, Lindsay, Artem (Mingle:  Jenna & Morgan)

Stockton:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Emma & Sasha (Mingle:  ?)

San Jose:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Gleb & Keo (Mingle:  Morgan & Brandon)

Redding:  M&G:  Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie, Artem & Sharna (Mingle:  Jenna & Alan)

Eugene:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay & Emma (Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon)

Seattle:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Artem & Alan (Mingle:  Jenna & Morgan)

Spokane:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Gleb & Keo (Mingle:  ??)

Boise:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Emma & Sasha (Mingle?)

Reno:  M&G:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Sharna & Gleb (Mingle:  Brandon & Jenna)

Santa Barbara: Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Sharna & Alan (Mingle:  ??)

Los Angeles:  Jordan, Frankie, Lindsay, Artem & Keo (Mingle:  Jenna & Brandon)

 

 

 

 

XOXO

Heather

Entertainment Blog

DWTS Tour Questions with Emma Slater

1.  What is your favorite part of being on tour?  I love getting to connect more personally with the audience on tour. Getting to meet them and chat for a while is something that we can’t really do in LA where we film the TV show. Because of this, touring feels more real to me! It’s meeting the audience that are behind the camera and getting to know them. It’s definitely my favorite part of touring!  – Emma Slater
 
2.  What is your favorite # on the Hot Summer Night Tour to perform? Dancing the Viennese Waltz with my fiance Sasha is my favorite dance on the tour. It is dedicated to the moment we got engaged on Season 23 to a song we absolutely love, “Perfect” by  Ed Sheeran. – Emma Slater
VIP Experience Blog

DWTS Hot Summer Nights Tour VIP Photo List

#dwtstour

I will keep track again of who is in each cities VIP photo/mingle so if you attend a show and can send me the info I would appreciate it:)

Atlantic City Night 1:   Photo:  Sharna, Artem, Rashad, Emma & Keo   Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Atlantic City Night 2:  Photo: Gleb, Lindsay, Rashad & Emma  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Morristown Night 1:  Photo:  Lindsay, Sasha, Emma, Sharna & Rashad   Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Morristown Night 2:  Photo:  Rashad, Emma, Lindsay & Artem  Mingle:  Hayley & Keo

Erie:  Photo:  Photo:  Emma, Rashad, Sasha & Gleb   Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Rochester:  Photo:  Emma, Rashad, Sharna & Artem   Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Albany:  Photo:  Emma, Sasha, Lindsay & Gleb  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Hershey:  Photo:  Emma, Rashad, Sharna & Artem  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Lowell:  Photo:  Emma, Rashad, Gleb & Lindsay  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

White Plains:  Emma, Rashad, Sharna & Sasha  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Binghamton:  Emma, Rashad, Lindsay & Gleb  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Washington DC:  Emma, Rashad, Artem & Sharna  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Mohegan Sun Night 1:  Emma, Rashad, Lindsay & Sasha   Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Mohegan Sun Night 2:  Emma, Rashad, Sharna & Artem  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Raleigh NC Both Shows:  Emma, Rashad, Lindsay & Gleb  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Nashville:  Emma, Heather, Sasha & Artem  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Louisville:  Emma, Heather, Keo & Sharna  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Huntsville:  Emma, Heather, Artem & Alan  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Memphis:  Emma, Heather, Sasha & Gleb   Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Shreveport:  Emma, Heather, Artem & Sharna:  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

San Antonio:  Emma, Heather, Sasha & Gleb:  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Corpus Christi:  Emma, Heather, Sharna & Artem  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Little Rock:  Emma, Heather, Sasha & Lindsay  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Tulsa:  Emma, Heather, Sharna & Lindsay   Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Enid:  Emma, Heather, Gleb & Artem   Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Springlfield:  Emma, Heather, Sharna & Lindsay  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

St Louis:  Emma, Heather, Sasha & Artem  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Milwaukee:  Emma, Heather, Lindsay & Gleb  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Peoria:  Emma, Heather, Sharna & Sasha  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Akron:  Emma, Heather, Lindsay & Gleb  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Grand Rapids: Emma, Heather, Sharna & Artem  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Detroit:  Emma, Heather, Sasha & Lindsay  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Merrillville: Emma, Heather, Sharna & Gleb  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Minneapolis:  Emma, Heather, Artem & Lindsay Mingle:  Alan & Hayley

Omaha:  Emma, Rashad, Sasha & Keo  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Kansas City:  Emma, Rashad, Sharna & Lindsay  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Salina:  Emma, Rashad, Keo, Britt, Alan & Sasha Mingle:  Hayley?

Denver:  Artem, Lindsay, Emma & Rashad  Mingle:  Alan & Britt?

Salt Lake City:  Emma, Rashad, Keo & Sharna  Mingle: ? Hayley

Las Vegas:  Emma, Rashad, Sasha & Lindsay  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Tempe:  Emma, Rashad, Sasha & Keo  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

San Diego:  Emma, Rashad, Lindsay & Sharna Mingle:  Keo & Hayley

Long Beach:  Emma, Rashad, Sasha & Artem  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

Oakland:  Emma, Rashad, Lindsay & Keo  Mingle:  Alan & Britt?

Reno:  Emma, Rashad, Sasha & Sharna  Mingle:  Keo & Hayley?

Fresno:  Emma, Rashad, Artem & Keo Mingle:  Alan & Britt

 

Thank you for following again this tour!

 

 

Entertainment Blog

DWTS Season 24 Pre-Semi Finals Wrap Up

DWTS Pre-Semi Finals Wrap Up

#dwts

#dwts24

I figured I would do something different this week rather than the usual recap.  It’s crazy we are already heading into the Semi-Finals in Season 24!

First I would like to say that is was sad to see Nick/Peta, Nancy/Artem and Bonner/Sharna go home the last two weeks.  I really thought we would see Nancy/Artem in the Semi-Finals and I have to wonder if the packages had anything to do with it but, then again this season has been the one of surprise eliminations.  I had the pleasure of meeting all 3 of them when I went to the live show a few weeks ago and all of them were kind, had a lot of heart and really wanted to give it their all.  I felt the judges were far too harsh on Bonner last week and some statements just should not have been said.

As a fan of the show since Season 1 I really look forward to when I can attend a live show and see how the stars interact or don’t interact with the fans.  I think it can be very telling overall.

We are down to the final 4 teams:

 

David & Lindsay #teamLadyAndTheGramp:

I have gone back and forth on David all season.  I didn’t like the week where he seemed dismissive of Lindsay but I think he really came out with his best performance last week to Humble & Kind.  That dance allowed us to feel the emotion and truly did highlight the friendship that has developed.  Let’s face it this show is just as much about the relationship, the emotion and how a star/team makes you feel when you see them dance.   I think they stand a shot at making it to the final 3.

 

Simone Biles & Sasha Farber #teamGoldenGiggles

I know this might not be a popular opinion but, I think it might be time for Simone to go.  I think her attitude and comments back to the judges last week showed her age & maturity level.  Yes she is an amazing superstar Olympic athlete but, fame can be fleeting.  I agree 100% with what the judges keep saying as I have felt it all season.  In this competition it’s not enough to just come out and nail a performance you have to have fans invest in you & root for you.  The difference for me between she and Laurie last season is we all could feel the emotion from Laurie, we could relate to her.  Remember the dance after her Grandma passed away and the dance to Chicago?  She hadn’t had all the life experiences either but, she opened her heart and allowed the audience in.  Simone has the talent no question but, to win DWTS you need to have audience totally invested.

 

Normani Kordei & Val Chmerkovskiy:  #teamValMani

I think Normani has peaked at the exact right time this season.  She has opened up week after week & allowed us into her heart, her life experience and showed off another level of her amazing talent.  It’s been nice to watch the friendship/partnership develop between she and Val and I truly think she deserves to be in the finals.  The contemporary dance last week was one of the most raw, emotional and powerful displayed on the show.  The trio dance was a ton of fun.    I am excited to see what they bring this week.

 

Rashad Jennings & Emma Slater #teamShadSquad

Rashad has truly blown me away this season and he and Emma absolutely deserve to be in the finals.  I am not only really excited for Emma because she finally has an amazing partner that has allowed her to show off her fantastic skills but, mostly because this partnership is just perfection.  Rashad is just one of those truly genuine, kind and caring individuals that I am truly honored to have met.  He literally took time with everyone that wanted to speak to him, get a picture etc. and was incredibly down to earth and humble.  He has grown as a dancer from week 1, he has taped into the magic formula of getting into character, being truly raw & emotional when the dance calls for it and brings the passion and intensity when it’s needed.  I thought they were fantastic last week and the trio dance was excellent.

Final thoughts:

I think it should be Val and Normani & Emma & Rashad in the final 2.  I think both are absolutely tremendous, they both have the total package and I would be happy to see either team win.  I think Rashad might have a slight edge with viewers in that he came into the competition with no dance experience and developed and grew through the season but, I think Normani might have had the experience but, I think she showed growth in allowing people into her story.

Who’s excited for the DWTS Hot Summer Nights Tour?  Buy your tickets, you will not be disappointed!  They always have a great VIP experience too!

http://dwtstour.com/#tour

 

Until next time,

 

XOXO

Heather

 

Contests/Giveaways

DWTS VIP Tour Winner Review by _dwts.hough

Hi Y’all, it’s been a busy few months but, I am so looking forward to DWTS starting on Monday and kicking off the weekly blogs once again!

xoxo

Heather

The winner of the DWTS VIP Package _dwts.hough wrote about her experience and I wanted to share it with you…

By: _dwts.hough

Having VIP and meeting the professional dancers of DWTS was honestly a dream come true.  They were the nicest people and just amazing.  I met Val, Laurie and Artem in the meet and greet and I was just in shock.  I could not believe I was standing in front of them!  They gave the absolute best hugs I did not want to let them go!  Emma & Lindsay were mingling and honestly they were the sweetest!  They talked to me for so long and it was so nice of them!  Meeting them was such a dream come true…I cried so much!  Getting this chance I felt so blessed and I just could not thank Heather enough for the opportunity!  Doing this meet & greet I know for sure I will do it again on the next tour!  Thank you Heather for giving me the opportunity to meet my idols!

My favorite dance of the night was the contemporary to “Unsteady”.  the dance is such an inspiring dance I cried through the whole thing.  It really hit home with me for sure.  It is such an amazing piece It was a masterpiece!

My favorite part of my first VIP experience was for sure meeting the pros!  Especially Emma Slater and Val Chmerkovskiy!  They have been such role models in my life and to finally meet them was amazing!  They were two of the nicest people I have ever met!  I was very surprised as how nice and humble the pros are!  I knew they were nice but, honestly I did not think they would be the most amazing people!  I am so proud to call all of the pros my idols!

I’m so very blessed for this opportunity and thank Heather for making my dreams come true!

_dwts.hough