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Emma Slater

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.

January 7, 2023
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!

 

 

 

 

January 8, 2022
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

February 23, 2020
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

 

 

 

January 10, 2020
Entertainment Blog

DWTS Tour: 2018/19 A Night to Remember VIP Photo Tracker

12/15:  Columbia SC:   Photo:  Bobby, Artem, Emma & Sasha, Mingle:  Britt & Brandon

12/16:  Augusta, GA:  Photo:  Bobby, Val, Jenna & Gleb  Mingle:  Alan & Hayley

12/18:  Birmingham:  Photo:  Bobby, Witney, Val & Jenna.  Mingle:  Britt & Brandon

12/19:  Huntsville:   Photo:  Emma, Sasha, Alan  Mingle:  Hayley & Gleb

12/20:  Chattanooga:  Photo:  Rashad, Brandon, Jenna & Val  Mingle:  Artem & Britt

12/21:  Knoxville:  Photo: Rashad, Val, Witney & Alan  Mingle:  Sasha & Hayley

12/27:  Charleston, WV:  Photo:  Milo, Val, Alan & Artem Mingle:  Emma & Brandon

12/28:  Raleigh:  Photo:  Milo, Sasha, Gleb & Jenna  Mingle:  Emma & Witney

12/29:  Spartanburg:  Photo:  Milo, Brandon, Alan & Britt  Mingle:  Hayley & Artem

12/30:  N.  Charleston:  Photo:  Milo, Emma, Sasha, Witney Mingle:  Val & Jenna

12.31:  Charlotte:  Photo:  Milo, Artem, Britt & Alan Mingle:  Brandon & Emma

1/2:  Richmond: Photo:  Milo, Witney, Val & Jenna Mingle:  Alan & Hayley

1/3:  Pittsburgh: Photo:  Milo, Artem, Gleb, Britt  Mingle: Emma & Sasha

1/4:  Verona:  Photo:  Milo, Alan, Val & Jenna  Mingle:  Hayley & Witney

1/5:  Windsor (Mat & Evening Combined):  Photo:  Milo, Gleb, Sasha & Emma  Mingle:  Britt & Brandon

1/6:  Kitchener:  Photo: Milo, Artem, Gleb & Jenna Mingle:  Witney & Hayley

1/8:  Rochester: Photo:  Joe, Alan, Emma & Sasha  Mingle:  ???

1/9:  National Harbor:  Photo:  Joe, Witney, Jenna & Val Mingle: Artem & Hayley

1/10:  Baltimore:  Photo:  Joe, Alan, Brandon & Britt  Mingle: Emma & Sasha

1/11:  Atlantic City:  Photo:  Joe, Gleb, Hayley, Witney  Mingle:  Val & Jenna

1/12:  Mohegan Night 1:  Photo:  Joe, Artem, Emma & Sasha  Mingle:  Alan & Britt

1/13:  Mohegan Night 2:  Photo:  Joe, Val, Jenna & Witney  Mingle:  Hayley & Brandon

1/15:  NYC:  Photo:  Gleb, Alan, Joe, Juan Pablo, Bobby  Mingle:  Emma & Sasha

1/17:  Boston:  Photo:  Joe, Jenna, Val & Emma Mingle:  Alan & Brandon

1/18:  Boston 2:  Photo:  Joe, Gleb, Sasha & Artem  Mingle:  Britt & Witney

1/19: Bethlehem:  Photo:  Joe, Val, Jenna, Alan  Mingle:  Artem & Hayley

1/20 Bethlehem: Photo: Emma, Witney, Sasha, Joe Mingle: ???

1/22 Lancaster: Photo: Brandon, Hayley, Gleb, Alan, Artem, Joe

1/23 Lancaster 2: Photo: Emma, Sasha, Val, Jenna, Joe, Britt

1/24 Lancaster 3: Photo: Witney, Alan, Britt, Brandon, Joe, Gleb

1/25 New Brunswick, NJ Photo: Val, Jenna, Joe, Alan Mingle: Hayley & Artem

1/26 Philadelphia, PA Photo: Witney, Sasha, Joe, Gleb Mingle: Brandon & Britt

1/27 Buffalo, NY Photo: Joe, Artem, Alan, Val Mingle: Emma & Hayley

1/29 Akron, OH Photo: Emma, Britt, Sasha, Joe Mingle: Witney & Gleb

1/30 Columbus, OH Photo: Val, Jenna, Joe, Alan Mingle: Artem & Hayley

1/31 Cincinnati, OH Photo: Joe, Britt, Alan, Brandon Mingle: Emma & Sasha

2/1 Indianapolis, IN Photo: Val, Jenna, Joe, Artem Mingle: Hayley & Alan

2/2 Rosemont, IL Matinee Photo: Emma, Sasha, Joe, Brandon Mingle: Britt & Gleb

2/2 Rosemont, IL Photo: Val, Jenna, Alan, Joe Mingle: Witney & Artem

2/4 Wilwaukee, WI Photo: Emma, Sasha, Joe, Brandon Mingle: Hayley & Gleb

2/5 Minneapolis, MN Photo: Witney, Joe, Artem, Alan Mingle: Val & Britt

2/7 Grand Prairie TX Photo: Emma, Sasha, Joe, Gleb Mingle: Brandon & Jenna

2/8 Sugar Land, TX Photo: Witney, Alan, Artem, Joe Mingle: Val & Jenna

2/9 Memphis, TN Photo: Joe, Alan, Gleb, Brandon Mingle: Emma & Sasha

2/10 Nashville, TN Photo: Alan, Joe, Val, Jenna Mingle: Hayley & Artem

2/11 Atlanta, GA Photo: Brandon, Emma, Sasha, Joe Mingle: Gleb & Britt

2/13 Hollywood, FL Photo: Joe, Witney, Alan, Artem Mingle: Jenna & Val

2/14 Clearwater, FL Photo: Emma, Sasha, Joe, Gleb Mingle: Witney & Brandon

2/15 Sarasota, FL Photo: Jenna, Val, Joe, Artem Mingle: Hayley & Alan

2/16 Orlando, FL Photo: Joe, Britt, Gleb, Brandon Mingle: Emma & Sasha

2/17 Jacksonville, FL Photo: Jenna, Joe, Alan, Val Mingle: Witney & Artem

2/19 New Orleans, LA Photo: Witney, Alan, Joe, Gleb Mingle: Brandon & Hayley

2/20 Austin, TX Photo: Emma, Sasha, Brandon, Joe Mingle: ???

2/21 San Antonio, TX Photo: Alan, Jenna, Gleb, Joe Mingle: Witney & Britt

2/22 McAllen, TX Photo: Brandon, Joe, Emma, Sasha Mingle: Hayley & Val

2/23 Corpus Christi, TX Photo: Britt, Val, Alan, Witney, Jenna, Joe

2/24 Midland, TX Photo: Artem, Joe, Gleb, Brandon Mingle: Britt & Hayley

2/26 Wichita, KS Photo: Emma, Joe, Sasha, Brandon Mingle: Hayley & Alan

2/27 Amarillo, TX Photo: Hayley, Gleb, Joe, Jenna, Artem, Val

2/28 Albuquerque, NM Photo: Emma, Witney, Sasha, Brandon, Britt, Joe

3/2 Phoenix, AZ Photo: Alan, Jenna, Joe, Val Mingle: Gleb & Hayley

3/3 Long Beach, CA Photo: Emma, Sasha, Alan, Joe Mingle: Witney & ???

3/4 Escondido, CA Photo: Jenna, Gleb, Joe, Val Mingle: Hayley & Alan

3/5 Las Vegas, NV Photo: Alan, Witney, Artem, Joe Mingle: Emma & Sasha

3/7 San Jose, CA Photo: Witney, Val, Jenna, Joe Mingle: Britt & Brandon

3/8 Reno, NV Photo: Emma, Alan, Joe, Sasha Mingle: Hayley & Britt

3/9 Thousand Oaks, CA Photo: Jenna, Joe, Artem, Val Mingle: Witney & Gleb

 

 

 

December 12, 2018
VIP Experience Blog

DWTS VIP Light Up the Night Winter Tour 17-18

DWTS VIP Light Up the Night Winter Tour 17-18

#dwtstour

#dwtsvip

#lightupthenighttour

I’ve had the pleasure of being a VIP for the last six 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!

Pre-Show: For my 1st show in Charlotte I did the Front Row VIP Pkg we received the email 4 days ahead of the show.  We had to arrive between 4:15-5:15 but, remember that varies by city so check your itinerary.   VIP Hosts this tour are Jeff & Sam (Lindsay’s hubby)

Entering VIP:   There were a lot of VIP’s but, the facility was awesome and let us in out of the cold so we could line up inside.  Once we signed in I got my ticket, the VIP bag with a tall mug inside and the signed tour program.  They did the lanyards with the letters on them again which is great so then they are only lining up small groups at a time for the photos.

Now on to the good stuff!  After check in we were directed upstairs.  We all grabbed a drink and met up with some other really nice fans.  At about 5:30-5:45 they lined up the first group for the photos and the cast came in.  Hayley and Brandon were in the mingle and Jordan, Lindsay, Frankie (all 3 will be consistent this tour) and then the other 2 will rotate and we had Emma & Keo. I will be keeping track so you can see if there is a pattern and potentially narrow down who might be in your city!  Photos did go a little quick this time but, they did have a ton of people.  You were still able to say hi to each person and say something quick.  Hayley and Brandon were super sweet in the mingle.  The lighting was tough where they were standing so I would suggest using flash when you have your photos taken if the lighting is tough.

http://lightscmemories.com/vip/vip-photo-list-dwts-light-night-winter-tour/

DWTS TourThe 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 one professional photo taken by VIP Nation host, no selfie options in the main photo.  You could however do selfies with the dancers in the Meet & Mingle.  They did have a GIF area this time.  I didn’t get a chance to get over there as I was catching up with friends but, will at a future show.  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.

Please note on the pics:  the itinerary says up within to 2 weeks which drives all of the fans crazy because that is the one thing they all want and it took 5 days to post the Charlotte pics and I am beyond disappointed, the host clearly did not check them like they usually do because my eyes are completely shut in both pictures!  That is not ok, people spend a lot of money on these packages, I can’t print either of my pictures!  If I could change one thing in the VIP world it would be that the photos were up in 24-48 hours as that is the ONE thing the fans want to see more than anything but, the tour just started so we will see if the speed improves.  UPDATE:  I have done 3 more shows since opening night and I am happy to report that the host is now checking the photos before you walk away to be sure eyes are open.  I was much happier with my photo from the Verona show and the Mohegan shows.  I did want to mention though because it was brought to my attention that the fans in Boston will not be receiving their photos.  They received an email offering a $100 refund and an apology that they would not be receiving their photos due to a memory card error.  I know so many of you follow this page and I just wanted to say that I am so sorry to hear that happened to you.  In all my years of doing VIP I never heard of that happening to an entire city.  I know on one hand you have the memory of meeting them but, I also totally understand how disappointed you are not having the photo memory.

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

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.  Very minimal crowd interaction this time, only Alan goes out for less than a minute to start off a # in the crowd.  That was disappointing because fans love that so much.  Jordan and Frankie are a lot of fun and the Pro’s just knock it out of the park with their high energy performance.  More to come in a few weeks.

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 (4 the last 2 tours & 5 this tour) 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 you 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!

If possible rotate the staff 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.

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:  Jenna and Artem truly put together an amazing show that 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 (Sharna, Gleb, Artem, Lindsay, Sasha, Keo, Emma, Jenna, Hayley, Alan, Morgan 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!

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/

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

December 31, 2017
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

December 29, 2017
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

October 17, 2017
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

October 10, 2017
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

September 18, 2017