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VIP Experience Blog

DWTS VIP Hot Summer Nights Tour Summer 2017

DWTS VIP Hot Summer Nights Tour Summer 2017

#dwtstour

I’ve had the pleasure of being a VIP for the last five 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 and 2nd shows in Raleigh/Durham…I did two different packages there.  We received our pre-show email about 3-5 days ahead from VIP Nation.  For our show we had to arrive between 2:15-2:45 and show started at 5:00 (Note this varies city to city so ALWAYS review your itinerary).  There is no reason to line up an hour early or anything.  They have a very organized process to get everyone in.  The email also contains where the VIP check in table is, the link to where to find your photos and password.

Front Row VIP Package Gifts

Entering VIP:   Right on time the doors were opened, they did the usual security checks at the door and then you went to the sign in table.  It took maybe 5 minutes to get checked in.   We also picked up our 1 drink ticket, the tote bag for the front row package included a bag, sunglasses, water bottle, earbuds & signed tour program.  For the 2nd row package it include the same minus the signed tour program.  When you check in you are given a laminate with a letter on the back and that is the order they call you for your pictures so there is not one giant line and everyone can enjoy the party until it’s their turn.  I will also say I missed our VIP host from the last two tours Anthony Jones.  No offense to Brittany in any way.

Now on to the good stuff!  After check in we were directed upstairs.  We didn’t wait very long at all when they started telling Group A to line up.  A few minutes later we saw Alan and Britt coming our way, it was their turn to do the Meet & Mingle!  It appears that it’s all rotating like last tour (2 in the Meet & Mingle and 4 in the photos with Emma & Rashad/Heather being consistent).   To give you an idea for our cast photo we had Emma, Lindsay, Rashad & Gleb.  I will update this after each show to give you all an idea:

http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-hot-summer-…r-vip-photo-list/

The photos were wonderful as always.  In all past tours I have attended they have always taken 2 pictures, this time they only did 1.  The 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.  I did not honestly see the green screen option anywhere at either VIP party in Durham so I cannot comment on that.  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.

Rows 2-5 VIP Package Gift

Please note on the pics:  the itinerary says up within to 2 weeks but the staff has been doing an awesome job and usually has them up in about 24 hours.

Show time!  Here is a full article I did on the show itself.  http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-hot-summer-nights-tour-2017/

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) 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 dancers 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, Director Andrew Winghart, Associate Director and Ashley Edens-Shaffer, Creative Consultant and our dance captains:  Lindsay 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, Hayley, Alan and Britt 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! https://vipnation.com/tours/dancing-with-the-stars-live/hot-summer-nights/e54ccb4a62ac4b99ca9331d468a18443VwH3ZPV%3D

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!

https://factory.jcrew.com/

http://shop.nordstrom.com/

http://coach.com

http://www.bebe.com/

 

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather

Entertainment Blog

DWTS Hot Summer Nights Tour 2017

Dancing With the Stars

Hot Summer Nights Tour Summer 2017

#DWTSTour

This was my 5th Dancing with the Stars tour! The stage set up with fantastic, great music/dance selection and the cast was filled with not only great talent but, the kindest people.  Truly loved the Hot Summer Nights Tour!

 

I am attending 4 shows on this tour and have one more to go in Minnesota and did VIP for three of the four. Here are a few links to past articles on the tours.  First one is guest blog by a contest winner:  http://lightscmemories.com/contestsgiveaways/dwts-vip-tour-winner-review-_dwts-hough/  Next: http://lightscmemories.com/vip/guest-blog-sandra-chen-1st-dwts-tour-vip-experience/ Here are a few on past tours:  http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-came-dance-2016-17/ & http://lightscmemories.com/vip/dwts-vip-came-dance-tour-2016-17/ & http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dancing-stars-dance-night-tour/and I have also kept track of the cast photos and mingles as I know many of my followers like to guess who will be in their VIP:  http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-hot-summer-nights-tour-vip-photo-list/

The cast included: Rashad Jennings, Heather Morris (filled in for most of July while Rashad was out for football) Sharna Burgess, Lindsay Arnold, Artem Chigvintsev, Gleb Savchenko, Keo Motsepe, Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Sasha Farber, Hayley Erbert and Britt Stewart!

This year’s tour was very light & fun with a lot of summertime elements mixed in.  It was so great to see Emma & Rashad dance together live again.  I was so excited for them that they won this season.  I haven’t seen Heather perform yet that will be at the next show.  It was also so nice to have Sasha back on tour this time and Britt was another fantastic addition to the cast.  I know a lot of people were unsure what to expect when Val took the summer off.  Even though he and Jenna were incredibly missed on the stage I think many of the other dancers really shined bright this tour.  We saw a few of our favorite dances from the season, they had an entire movie section which was just fantastic.  I know I keep saying it when I post pictures but, that dance that Sharna & Gleb do to 50 Shades was just smoking hot.  I also really enjoyed Artem & Hayley’s beautiful and passionate contemporary dance and Gleb & Hayley’s dance to “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”.  Watching Sasha and Emma dance quite a few pieces together including the Viennese Waltz dedicated to their engagement was just beautiful. Lindsay has a fun storytelling portion of the show as well that is hilarious in addition to performing many amazing numbers.  I also really enjoyed the Prince/Princess piece.  Keo is absolutely hilarious with his drop the mic moment and also has many beautiful and high energy performances.  Alan also truly stands out this tour with his fun dance with the ladies, his Samba with Lindsay and many other fantastic performances.  Britt is a real sweetheart and also incredibly talented.  She shines bright on the stage every night!    All of the dancers just radiate joy on that stage.  The entire show was absolutely beautiful and high energy and it allowed all the dancers to be equally in the spotlight.

I also loved all the other special elements.  If you haven’t seen the show you can skip a few of the videos so it doesn’t get spoiled:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0B1x8CXgW8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7Ws1LShqNg

Every style of dance was perfectly portrayed, you could feel the raw emotion and energy and each performance flew by because it was just that good.  This year’s tour was similar to the last one very fast paced which I loved it seemed to be shorter numbers but, with a lot more content packed in which I absolutely loved.

The dancers gave it their all every single night of the performances and I cannot say enough what a privilege it was to meet them at the meet and greets, but to sit in the audience and watch their talent and brilliance come to life.

 

 

For even more photos please visit my Instagram, Twitter or Facebook pages @lightscmemories

I will be posting an article on the VIP Experience this week as well!

A few of my favorite shops for tour clothes:

https://factory.jcrew.com/

http://shop.nordstrom.com/

http://coach.com

 

Until next time,

Xoxoxo

Heather

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 Season 24! Week 3-Vegas Week

DWTS Season Season 24! Week 3-Vegas Week

#dwts

I missed blogging last week due to having pneumonia.  I am thankfully finally feeling better and excited to blog about this week’s episode.  I did want to say it was so sad to see Witney and Chris go last week.  They were a fun match up and it’s unfortunate we didn’t learn how extensive Chris’s injury was.   Let’s see what Vegas week brings!

Super fun opening number!

 

Nick Viall & Peta Murgatroyd #teamBabyGotBach

Dance:  Tango

Song:  “Poker Face” by Lady Gaga

This partnership is really growing on me.  It’s been so great having Peta back and Nick is showing a more vulnerable side to himself.  I think he did improve week over week.  He definitely appears more comfortable and confident than the first week.  It absolutely takes time when you learn to dance.  Nick and Peta are working hard and it shows.

 

Mr T & Kym Herjavec #teamDancinFools

Dance:  Foxtrot

Song:  “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” by Robbie Williams

This was a really different character for Mr T it was fun to see him in a more classic character.  I thought they did a good job.  I liked this softer side of him.  He seems like he is a really great guy and I have done some reading on him and he truly does give back a lot.   Keep up the great work!

 

Bonner Bolton & Sharna Burgess #teamDenimNDiamonds

Dance:  Charleston

Song:  “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” by Fergie and GoonRock and Q-Tip

 

I thought they did a really great job this week.  Sharna is brilliant about being able to create around injuries and they are such an amazing team.   This is a tough dance.  You can tell how much Bonner cares about the competition and that he really does want to improve each week.   They are fun partnership and one that I still think will go far in this competition.  I thought the scores were a bit low.

 

It was nice to get a preview to the Derek & Julianne Tour as well!!!   For tickets and tour info please go to:  https://moveliveontour.com/

 

Heather Morris & Maksim Chmerkovskiy #teamMaksimumHeat

Dance:  Tango

Song:  “Toxic” by Brittany Spears

 

Maks is still out injured and I am absolutely sending him out well wishes for a speedy recovery.  It was nice to see him at the studio cheering Heather on tonight.  Alan is filling in and I am glad he is getting a chance to shine as a Pro again.  I thought they had a great tango!  It was a lot of fun to watch, defiantly showed how much Heather has grown as a ballroom dancer.

 

Charo & Keo Motsepe #teamCuchiCuchi

Dance:  Foxtrot

Song:  “Chapel of Love” by The Dixie Cups

 

Charo has a huge, full of energy personality but, I really do like the friendship that seems to have developed with Keo.   Keo is such a nice guy and I am glad he was a Pro again this season.  I loved their dance tonight.  It was elegant, beautiful, sweet and a lot of fun to watch.  Bravo Keo on the wonderful choreography.

 

Simone Biles & Sasha Farber #teamGoldenGiggles

Dance:  Quickstep

Song:  “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley

 

Holy smokes that was one fast quickstep!  Hats off to both Simone and Sasha for having the energy and stamina for that dance!  Another fantastic job.  Fun, energetic, lots of great technique and they really are a dynamo team.  I am looking forward to seeing what they come up with for next week and showing a more emotional side to Simone.

 

Nancy Kerrigan & Artem Chigvintsev #teamBladesOfGlory

Dance:  Samba

Song:  “Shake Your Bon-Bon” by Ricky Martin

 

OMG Artem’s reaction to meeting Ricky Martin was awesome!  Now he knows how we feel when we meet him!  I absolutely LOVED their dance.  In my opinion they have been under-rated to date everyone should sit up and take notice tonight because they just crushed it!  Bravo, bravo, bravo!  It was fun, it was technically fantastic, high energy and they really make such a fantastic team.  I am smiling ear to ear!

 

David Ross & Lindsay Arnold #teamLadyAndTheGramp

Dance:  Jazz

Song:  “Candy Shop” by 50 Cent

 

This is another fun partnership.  David is going way out of his comfort zone this week.  He almost cracked himself up at the beginning.  Their dance was filled with humor that is for sure.  David seems like such a great guy.  It was very, fun entertaining and creative.

 

Erika Jayne & Gleb Savchenko #teamPrettyXXpensive

Dance:  Jive

Song:  “Take Me to Heaven” by Patina Miller & Debbie Kurup & Amy Booth-Steel

 

I like this partnership too.  It will be interesting to see what the judges say about the content but, other than that I liked it was more stripped down and more of a focus straight on the dance.  It’s clear Erika and Gleb work really hard each week and they are a lot of fun to watch.  The Jive is a really tough dance and I think they just put a different spin on it instead of all the kicks and flicks.

 

 Rashad Jennings & Emma Slater #teamShadSquad

Dance:  Samba

Song:  “Swallia” by Jason Derulo featuring Nikki Minaj & Ty Dolla $ign

 

This is another couple that I absolutely love this season.  They have already formed such a great working relationship and Rashad can MOVE!  They are doing crazy good this season and I could not be more excited for Emma to finally shine bright with an amazing partner.  I didn’t agree with Julianne on this one I thought they did a really great job tonight.  I really felt their scores were far too low.

 

Normani Kordei & Val Chmerkovskiy:  #teamValMani

Dance:  Foxtrot

Song:  “Big Spender” by Shirley Bassey

 

I don’t know how Val and Normani have been doing it, that kind of travel is hard core tough on your body.  They absolutely freaking crushed it tonight.  What a fabulous dance!  Normani has such a sparkling presence she shines the minute she takes the dance floor.  What a wonderful job!

Jeopardy:

Keo & Charo and Peta & Nick

 

Tonight we said goodbye to Keo & Charo.  Sad to see them go especially after their performance tonight.  Much love to you Keo, be proud of all you did this season.

I will be at the live show next week!  I am so excited to experience Most Memorable Year live!

 

Until Next Time,

 

XOXO

 

Heather

 

Entertainment Blog

DWTS Season Premiere Season 24! 400th Episode

#dwts

DWTS Season Premiere Season 24! 400th Episode

I have been counting the days & weeks to the premiere!  Crazy it’s now Season 24!  Congratulations to DWTS on its 400th Episode!  I have personally never missed one!   It was another fantastic opening number!  It should be another dynamic season with a wide range of personalities as always!

Normani Kordei & Val Chmerkovskiy:  #teamValMani

Dance:  Quickstep

Song:  “Good Time Good Life” by Erin Bowman

 

This will be a challenging season for Val and Normani due to the fact they will be traveling while Fifth Harmony is one tour in Asia.  I think this pair has a lot of potential.  They had a very challenging first dance in the Quickstep but, I thought they did a really good job.  It was fun, full of energy and really kicked off the show the right way!

I did want to address one thing.  Some people thought Val was being cocky or saying something unkind about his partner when he talked about the averages.  That is 100% false and I don’t know why people have to jump to negative conclusions.  I went back and listened again to be sure I had it correct.  He was referencing Normani’s Grandmother that is a huge fan of the show and has a catalog of scores from all seasons from the very 1st.  He said with tonight’s scores it might lower his average and she will have to write them down in her catalog.

 

Nancy Kerrigan & Artem Chigvintsev #teamBladesOfGlory

Dance:  Viennese Waltz

Song:  “She’s Always a Woman” by Billy Joel

I am so excited for Artem this season.  He finally has a great partner and an athlete and I think they will go far in this competition.  I remember being a little girl watching Nancy in the Olympics.  She is so strong and full of grace and I believe this pair will be one to watch!

Their dance was elegant, beautiful and I think they did a fantastic job.  I look forward to watching Nancy grow this season.  I think each week she will feel more comfortable and relax a bit more but, it was a stunning opening performance!

 

 

Chris Kattan & Witney Carson #teamMangoTango

Dance:  Cha Cha

Song:  “What is Love” by Haddaway

 

Chris is an actor/comedian from SNL.  Witney doesn’t watch much TV so she wasn’t sure about any of his characters.  He did break his neck in the past so he is dealing with an injury.   Their dance was fun to watch and it did seem like he was trying to be in character of a bad dancer.

 

I think this team will need to put in a lot more work to make it in the competition.  Witney is very talented and I am sure she will continue to work hard and helping Chris grow as a dancer as the weeks continue.

 

Bonner Bolton & Sharna Burgess #teamDenimNDiamonds

Dance:  Cha Cha

Song:  “Move” by Luke Bryan

First of all they have serious chemistry.  It was cute watching Sharna blush!  Bonner broke his neck a year ago and was initially paralyzed and wanted to come and inspire people.  I predict this couple will be red hot all season long!  This was such a fun dance for the first week.  It was hot, it was a ton of fun to watch and for me they will be one to watch this season!

I wanted to comment too on Hand Gate.  Again I don’t know why some must automatically think the worst of someone.  When you watch the video you can see he wasn’t facing Sharna to know where his hand was he just went to put it around her waist when she came up to him.  Sharna commented on it last night on twitter “Anyone who has the ridiculous idea that it was intentional…is straight up stupid.  As in lacking the intelligence to realize it was innocent”.

 

Charo & Keo Motsepe #teamCuchiCuchi

Dance:  Salsa

Song:  “Cuban Pete” by Mambo Companeros

Keo absolutely has his hands full this season.  Charo has a big personality but, I am glad he is getting another shot as a Pro because he is very talented and such a nice guy.  Their first dance was extremely energetic and fun.

I don’t know what happened at the end after the judge’s comments.  I absolutely think she might want to relax a bit and listen to the judges or she’s going to give the audience the wrong impression.

 

Nick Viall & Peta Murgatroyd #teamBabyGotBach

Dance: Cha Cha

Song:  “Let Me Love You” by DJ Snake & Tiesto featuring Justin Bieber

 

First of all, welcome back to Peta and congratulations on beautiful baby Shai.  I wasn’t sure at all what to expect from Nick as a dancer.  He surprised me a bit.  He executed the moves well but, I agree he needs to try to relax and make it flow a bit more.  It seemed a bit stiff.

Peta is known to always bring out the best in her partners and I am sure she will continue to work to bring out all of Nick’s strengths.  He definitely has the determination to grow and continue to improve.

 

Heather Morris & Maksim Chmerkovskiy #teamMaksimumHeat

Dance:  Viennese Waltz

Song:  “Make Something Beautiful” by Ben Rector

 

I worry a bit about this pair just because of the chatter about it not being fair she is on the show because her title on social media says Professional Dancer.  My opinion is everyone needs to give her a fair shot as ballroom and Latin dancing with a partner are very different than what she has done in the past.  Julianne touched on that as well during her comments.  We should also remember that she is not the first person on the show that has had dance experience.

Their first dance was full of grace, she is very light when she dances and she was able to get into character.  It was beautiful and they will be one to watch this season.

 

David Ross & Lindsay Arnold #teamLadyAndTheGramp

Dance:  Quickstep

Song:  “Go Cubs Go” by Steve Goodman

 

David is the first baseball player to be on the show and seems to have a really fun personality.   This partnership will be a lot of fun to watch and Lindsay is really good at pulling out her partner’s strengths.

Their first dance was a ton of fun to watch!  I think David will surprise people this season as he gets more comfortable each week.  I thought for a first week they did a good job.  They definitely had the performance factor!

 

Erika Jayne & Gleb Savchenko #teamPrettyXXpensive

Dance:  Salsa

Song:  “XXPENSIVE” by Erika Jayne

 

I have always liked Erika on Real Housewives because she keeps it real.  When I found out she would be paired with Gleb I was excited to see what they come up with this season.  They are sure to bring the heat and the sizzle.

I thought they did a good job in the first week. It was sexy and they performed well!   I think if they just relax a bit they will be one to watch this season.  I am excited to see them tackle a ballroom routine and show some of her vulnerability.

 

Rashad Jennings & Emma Slater #teamShadSquad

Dance:  Cha Cha

Song:  “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars

 

I am beyond thrilled for Emma that she has a great partner this season and I was literally on my feet clapping for them as they were dancing last night.  They are in it to win it and absolutely will be one to watch this season.  Their personalities mesh so well and I bet they bring the fun all season long!

Their performance literally lit up the room!  Bravo!  I cannot wait to see what they do this season and it was awesome to see Emma beaming and so excited.  She’s the sweetest!

 

Mr T & Kym Herjavec #teamDancinFools

Dance:  Cha Cha

Song:  “Theme from the A-Team” by Mike Post, Pete Carpenter & The Daniel Caine Orchestra

Welcome back to Kym it’s always nice to have her on the show!  Mr T was one of the cast members I was interested to watch this season.   I use to watch the A-Team as a kid and I know he has done a lot of work with youth over the years.

He has basic rhythm and a lot of positive energy.  I think the more comfortable he gets the more we will see from this team.  They have potential for sure.

 

Simone Biles & Sasha Farber #teamGoldenGiggles

Dance:  Tango

Song:  “Untouchable” by Tritonal and Cash Cash

 

This is another pair that is in it to win it!  They both have such fun playful personalities and it will be a really fun match up!   They had so much content skill for an opening week performance.

They were fantastic tonight.  Simone was very graceful, they were a ton of fun to watch and I know this team will go far this season.

 

 

 

This season will be a ton of fun to watch and there is so much talent!  It will be interesting to see who will make the final 3!  As a fan I couldn’t be more excited!

Top of the leaderboard was Simone/Sasha.  Bottom was Witney/Chris

If you want to see some fun pictures from the DWTS Winter Tour please feel free to follow me on social media @lightscmemories FB/IG/Twitter  www.lightscmemories.com

 

Until Next Time,

 

XOXO

Heather

Entertainment Blog

DWTS We Came to Dance 2016-17

Dancing With the Stars

#dwtstour

We Came to Dance Winter 2016-17

This was my 4th Dancing with the Stars tour (#DWTSTOUR) and hands down the BEST one to date! The stage set up with fantastic, great music/dance selection and the cast was filled with not only great talent but, the kindest people.

I am attending 5 shows on this tour and have one more to go in Costa Mesa on the last night of the tour and did VIP for each.  If you want to learn about their amazing VIP experience check out this link:  http://lightscmemories.com/vip/dwts-vip-came-dance-tour-2016-17/ and I have also kept track of the cast photos and mingles as I know many of my followers like to guess who will be in their VIP:  http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dwts-tour-cast-meet-greet/

Cast: Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Sharna Burgess, Laurie Hernandez, Lindsay Arnold, Artem Chigvintsev, Gleb Savchenko, Keo Motsepe, Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Jenna Johnson and Hayley Erbert!

This year’s tour really focused on each dancer’s story and it was so beautifully put together.  You would find yourself laughing, in tears, with goosebumps and just sitting on the edge of your seat.  To highlight just a sample:  Val and Laurie perform a few of their favorite dances from the season, there is a section on favorite movie dances that is just fun and stunning at the same time, special dances for just the men and just the women and a lovely moment as Emma shares the story of her engagement. The girls and Artem perform a fun Spice Girls number that will really take you back.  I loved the opening & closing numbers and the piece they all participate in on how they put together the dances each week.  There is also a section after intermission that will leave you in stitches it is so hilarious.  Jenna Johnson performs a really amazing number to Seduces Me that is just breathtaking.  Sharna & Val perform a high energy jive that just totally rocks and Sharna performs a steamy tango with Alan that I just loved!  Alan and the ladies perform a special number that will leave every man in the room jealous of him.  Artem and Gleb heat up the stage in their respective pieces that tell their stories.  Lindsay hits all the right notes in her dances too including the one she dedicates to her Dad…Crazy Train.  Keo also has some moving pieces to his life story and a rumba with Emma.   Jenna and Artem perform a special piece from La La Land that is visually and emotionally stunning.  The contemporary numbers that Jenna & Artem and Hayley and Val do are so beautiful and passionate.  The number that makes me cry and I get goosebumps every night is Sharna’s story.  I don’t want to spoil it for those that have not yet seen it but, it’s a story some can really relate to and will pull at your heart strings for sure.   This was just a quick highlight of my thoughts.  All of the performances are just amazing!

Every style of dance was perfectly portrayed, you could feel the raw emotion and energy and each performance flew by because it was just that good.  This year’s tour was very fast paced which I loved it seemed to be shorter numbers but, with a lot more content packed in which I absolutely loved.

You will absolutely walk out of the theater feeling like you have truly gotten to know the Pro’s.  They open their hearts and souls to us in this tour.  So often on DWTS it’s always focused on the celebrity. It was so special to learn all of their stories and see how it shaped their joy not only in dance but, in life.

The dancers gave it their all every single night of the performances and I cannot say enough what a privilege it was to meet them at the meet and greets, but to sit in the audience and watch their talent and brilliance come to life.

For even more photos please visit my Instagram, Twitter or Facebook pages @lightscmemories!

Also thank you and shout out to VIP Host Anthony Jones for continuing to be our rock star, taking truly memorable pictures, always being very organized and truly being invested in the fan experience!

Until next time,

Xoxoxo

Heather

Check out my favorite online shops!

Bebe:  http://www.bebe.com/

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

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

 

Entertainment Blog

DWTS Tour Cast Meet & Greet Updated List

I know a lot of people are trying to figure out the Cast Meet & Greet Schedule.  I will update this after each show so maybe it will help get an idea:-)

#dwtstour

1: Reno, NV:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem  (Meet & Mingle:  ??)

2:  San Jose:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb  (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Keo)

3:  Redding:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Hayley (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Lindsay)

4:  Eugene:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Emma:  (Meet & Mingle:  ??)

5:  Portland:  Val, Laurie, Lindsay & Hayley (Meet & Mingle:  Sharna & Gleb)

6:  Seattle:     Val, Laurie, Sharna & Keo (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Jenna)

7.  Ft Meyers:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Alan)

8.  Orlando:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem (Meet & Mingle:  Emma & Keo)

9.   Hollywood, FL:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb  (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Alan)

10 & 11.  Clearwater, FL:  Mat/Evening: Val, Laurie, Sharna & Keo  (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Emma)

12.  Atlanta:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem  (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Jenna)

13.  Richmond:  Emma, Sharna, Keo & Laurie (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Hayley)

14.  Lancaster Night 1:    Keo, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb (Meet & Mingle: ??)

15.  Lanchaster Night 2:  Val, Laurie, Emma & Artem (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

16.  Niagara Falls:  Val, Laurie, Gleb & Emma  (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

17 & 18:  Casino Rama Mat/Evening:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem   (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Lindsay)

19.  Pittsburgh:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Keo  (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Emma)

20.  Poughkeepsie, NY:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb   (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Hayley)

21.  Upper Darby, PA: Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Jenna)

22.  Verona:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Emma (Meet & Mingle:  Keo & Lindsay)

23 & 24.  Bethlehem, PA (2 shows):  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

25.  Baltimore: Val, Sharna, Laurie & Emma  (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Lindsay)

26.  New York City:  Val, Sharna, Laurie & Keo  (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

27.  Bangor, ME:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem    (Meet & Mingle:  Emma & Jenna)

28.  Boston:  Val, Laurie, Emma & Hayley   (Meet & Mingle:  Gleb & Lindsay)

29:  Mohegan Sun Night 1:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Alan)

30.  Mohegan Sun Night 2:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem (Meet & Mingle:  Hayley & Lindsay)

31.  Red Bank  Night 1: Val, Laurie, Sharna & keo   (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Emma)

32.  Red Bank Night 2:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Alan)

33.  Cleveland:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem  (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Hayley)

34.  Windsor Early & Late Show:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Emma (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Alan)

35.  Chicago Early & Late Shows:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb  (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Keo)

36.  Indianapolis, IN:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem    (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

37.  Cincinnati, OH:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Emma (Meet & Mingle:  Keo & Alan)

38.  Columbus, OH:  Laurie, Sharna & Alan (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Lindsay)

39.  Richmond, KY:  Laurie, Val, Artem (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay and Emma)

40.  Birmingham:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Alan (Meet & Mingle:  Emma & Lindsay)

41/42.  New Orleans (Both shows):  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb (Meet & Mingle:  Keo & Jenna)

43:  Sugarland, TX:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Artem (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

44.  Austin: Keo, Laurie, Sharna & Emma (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Hayley)

45.  Grand Prairie, TX:  Val, Laurie, Artem & Sharna (Meet & Mingle:  Alan & Hayley)

46.  El Paso, TX: Val, Laurie, Sharna & Keo  (Meet & Mingle:  Emma)

47.  Phoenix Early Show: Val, Laurie, Gleb & Sharna   (Meet & Mingle:  Hayley & Jenna)

Phoenix evening:  Val, Laurie, Gleb & Sharna (Meet & Mingle:  Lindsay & Keo)

48.  Thousand Oaks:  Val, Laurie, Artem & Emma

49.  Riverside (Early/Late):  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb (Meet & Mingle:  Jenna & Hayley)

50,.  Costa Mesa:  Val, Laurie, Sharna & Lindsay (Meet & Mingle:  Keo & Hayley)

 

VIP Experience Blog

DWTS VIP We Came To Dance Tour 2016-17

DWTS VIP We Came To Dance Tour 2016-17

#dwtstour

I’ve had the pleasure of being a VIP for the last four 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 every year!  So let’s talk about the details of the VIP!

Pre-Show: For my 1st show in San Jose I had the Front Row Meet & Mingle VIP Package.  We received our pre-show email about 3-5 days ahead from VIP Nation.  For our show we had to arrive between 5-6 pm (Note this varies city to city so ALWAYS review your itinerary).  There is no reason to line up an hour early or anything.  They have a very organized process to get everyone in.  The email also contains where the VIP check in table is, the link to where to find your photos and password.

We Came to DanceVIP Shout Out!  I was thrilled to see that we have one of VIP Nation’s best hosts Anthony Jones for this tour!  He also did the Maks & Val Tour this summer.  He is not only a really nice guy, he gets it and works to post pictures as quick as he can (remember we all have to be patient), he checks the photos after he takes them and truly cares about the customers.  High-five Anthony when you see him in your city because he really is a rock star for the fan experiences!

Entering VIP:   We arrived about 15 min before check in and just waited outside the doors.  Right on time the doors were opened, they did the usual security checks at the door and then you went to the sign in table.  It took maybe 5 minutes to get checked in.  For this venue we didn’t know what seats we would be in until we picked up our envelope.  I was thrilled with the seats we had!  They are distributed in the order you purchase the tickets.  We also picked up our 1 drink ticket, the tote bag for this package included an umbrella, blanket, signed tour program (Note it’s different for each pkg).  When you check in you are given a laminate with a letter on the back and that is the order they call you for your pictures so there is not one giant line and everyone can enjoy the party until it’s their turn.  One other detail note that was different than past tours but, I am not sure if this was venue related or how it will be on the entire tour but, they took ALL gifts as you were checking in.  They said it’s because they had to check them before giving them to the dancers.  I understand both sides if it’s for dancer security by all means but, there were a lot of disappointed people so just expect that going in so you are not bummed out.

Now on to the good stuff!  After check in we were directed upstairs.  For this venue the layout was a bit odd compared to other venues I have been to but, they have to work with the space the building offers.  We didn’t wait very long at all when they started telling Group A to line up.  A few minutes later we saw Keo and Alan coming our way, it was their turn to do the Meet & Mingle!  It appears that it’s all rotating like last tour (2 in the Meet & Mingle and 4 in the photos with Val & Laurie being consistent ).   To give you an idea for our cast photo we had Val, Laurie, Sharna & Gleb.  I will update this after each show to give you all an idea:

DWTS Tour Cast Meet & Greet

The photos were wonderful as always, it was my first time meeting Laurie & Gleb and it was so fantastic to see Val & Sharna.  Anthony takes great care in taking the photos for us.  The 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 Anthony, no selfie options in the main photo.  You could however do selfies with the dancers in the Meet & Mingle.  The green screen operator for this city wasn’t the best at taking the shots and they were having issues with the Wi-Fi not being fast enough so the green screen pictures were very hit or miss on if you got them in your email.  However, Anthony with VIP Nation being the rock star host that he is, is already on it for us!  I noticed today in the photos link there is one for the Meet & Greet pictures and then one for the Photo booth.  That was smart thinking to just upload them all vs having issues city to city with Wi-Fi.  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.  I know it’s super hard to be patient but, I know Anthony will post as quickly as he can.  He is one of the best in speed to get them posted.

 

 

 

 

Show time!  I am going to do a separate blog on the actual show after my next one in January.   I also do not want to spoil anything for those that haven’t seen it yet.  I will say this for now.  It is AMAZING and you should be very excited and counting down the days until you go!  It’s the best tour they have done to date.  It’s formatted a bit like the Maks & Val Tour whereas it tells a story in many segments which I loved.  It allows you to get to know the dancers better by hearing their individual stories.  It’s also very fast paced but, I loved the pace of the show this time.  You were on the edge of your seats the entire show wondering what was going to happen next.  The other difference from the past tour is there was no audience engagement like the kick off of the last tour and they don’t bring anyone on stage.

You will get to see a few of the best dances of our Mirrorball Champions Val & Laurie and a few other truly amazing performances by the cast from this season.  However, my lips are sealed on more details for now so you can be surprised and enjoy the shows in your city.

Bravo & Thank you:  VIP Nation you always put together fantastic unique experiences and it doesn’t go unnoticed! Thank you again for putting Anthony on this tour!  Mandy Moore, Supervising Choreographer Amy Tinkham, Creative Director and Guy Phillips, Executive Producer 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 (Val, Laurie, Sharna, Gleb, Artem, Lindsay, Keo,  Emma, Jenna, Hayley & Alan 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://www.dwtstour.com/#tour

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!

Until next time,

XOXO

Heather

Note:  I have been asked what I was wearing in the pics I posted.  Check out www.bebe.com for fun tops like the one I was wearing!

 

Entertainment Blog

Dancing With the Stars We Came to Dance Tour 2016-17

Pre-Tour Blog

#dwtstour

I wanted to share some pre-tour info with you all.  On December 16 the tour will kick off in Reno, NV and travel around the country to 40+ cities!

If you don’t have your tickets yet please go to:  http://www.dwtstour.com/

If you would like to hear what past tours are like or VIP check out these articles!

http://lightscmemories.com/vip/dancing-stars-vip/

http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/dancing-stars-dance-night-tour/

Picture4

Here is a photo with the fantastic cast!

img_6726

If you have never done VIP absolutely buy a package if you are able to.  The cast is truly kind and this is a unique opportunity to not only see an amazing performance but, get a photo with select members of the cast and meet & mingle with others at the party.  Last tour Val & Alek were in all photos and then the rest rotated every other show and then the troupe rotated and two were at each meet and mingle party.  Not sure yet if it will be the same this tour.

Dancing With the Stars Dance All Night Tour 2015-2016It sounds like this tour will be even more incredible than the last so definitely don’t miss out!

 

 

 

 

 

The VIP Packages include:

***FRONT ROW ULTIMATE VIP MEET & MINGLE PACKAGE***  

Approximately:  $599 (varies by location)

– One reserved ticket in the front row
– Meet & Greet and individual Professional Photo Op with select cast members of the DWTS touring cast INCLUDING SEASON 23 MIRRORBALL CHAMPION AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST LAURIE HERNANDEZ
– Access to pre-show DWTS Lounge for an exclusive Meet & Mingle party, including:
—- Green screen photo booth to capture additional photos of yourself at the VIP party
—- One (1) drink ticket for the pre-show lounge (beer, wine, soft drinks, water)
—- Mingle with select members of the DWTS touring cast
– VIP Meet & Greet laminate
– Exclusive Autographed Tour Program
– Exclusive DWTS gift item
– Crowd-free merchandise shopping
– On-site VIP host

pizap-com14805532502771
***PREMIUM VIP MEET & MINGLE PACKAGE***

Approximately:  $399 (varies by location)

– One reserved ticket in rows 2 through 4
– Meet & Greet and individual Professional Photo Op with select cast members of the DWTS touring cast INCLUDING SEASON 23 MIRRORBALL CHAMPION AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST LAURIE HERNANDEZ
– Access to pre-show DWTS Lounge for an exclusive Meet & Mingle party, including:
—- Green screen photo booth to capture additional photos of yourself at the VIP party
—- One (1) drink ticket for the pre-show lounge (beer, wine, soft drinks, water)
—- Mingle with select members of the DWTS touring cast
– VIP Meet & Greet laminate
– Exclusive DWTS gift item
– Crowd-free merchandise shopping
– On-site VIP host
Picture5

***VIP MEET & MINGLE PACKAGE***

Approximately:  $299 (varies by location)

– One reserved ticket in rows 5 through 15 (up to row 20 in certain markets)
– Meet & Greet and individual Professional Photo Op with select cast members of the DWTS touring cast INCLUDING SEASON 23 MIRRORBALL CHAMPION AND OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST LAURIE HERNANDEZ
– Access to pre-show DWTS Lounge for an exclusive Meet & Mingle party, including:
—- Green screen photo booth to capture additional photos of yourself at the VIP party
—- One (1) drink ticket for the pre-show lounge (beer, wine, soft drinks, water)
—- Mingle with select members of the DWTS touring cast
– VIP Meet & Greet laminate
– Exclusive DWTS gift item
– Crowd-free merchandise shopping
– On-site VIP host

Picture3

I will be attending several shows and I look forward to sharing the experience and photos with you all!  Please be sure to follow my Instagram, Facebook and twitter @lightscmemories to be the first to see them!

Want to find some really cute dresses and tops to wear for your photo ops?

Check out my favorite online shops!

Bebe:  http://www.bebe.com/

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

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

Special offers just for my followers for this shopping season!

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Until next time,

Xoxo

Heather

Entertainment Blog

Dancing with the Stars 23-Mirrorball Champions!

Mirrorball Champions are…

#dwts

img_6674I have been a fan of this show ever since Season 1 and I have to say this season will be a hard one to top.  The entire cast truly came in with a great attitude and really put in the effort.  It was hard not to fall in love with the personalities and stories of each of our stars this season.  There were so many shining stars.

 

 

Just a few quick notes:

img_6717

  • RIP to the wonderful Florence Henderson who sadly passed away on Thanksgiving. She was a contestant on DWTS and a regular smiling face in the audience.
  • Congratulations to Mark Ballas & BC Jean who were married on Friday.
  • This season also brought the engagement in the ballroom of the very kind Emma Slater and Sasha Farber! They are both such sweethearts and it will be a night we always remember from Season 23

 

 

 

  • MirrorballI want to give a huge shout out to the Season 23 Dance Troupe: Brittany Cherry, Alan Bersten, Hayley Erbert, Keo Motsepe, Britt Stewart, and Dennis Jauch.  You all worked so hard all season and truly provided us with fantastic quality and creative dance numbers.  I think it’s time to have a few of the troupe members from the last several seasons get a chance at Pro.  They truly have proved themselves.
  • It was announced on the finale that Laurie would be joining the #dwtstour #wecametodance. I am sure she will be a fantastic high energy addition to the show and I look forward to seeing her perform.
  • I will be attending a handful of tour shows and will be posting pics to my various pages starting with my Instagram page so please feel free to follow me @lightscmemories.

 

img_6681On to the finale:

I absolutely loved the opening number.  Choreographed by the amazing Mandy Moore.  She is an absolute creative genius.

Andy Grammer also performed his new single Fresh Eyes tonight.  Andy is not only a DWTS alum he is a fabulous live performer.  If you get a chance to check him out in concert, do it!  Allison and Keo danced along to his performance and did a beautiful job!

cx7udgyxuaagixl-jpg-largeIt was too fun to watch Maureen McCormick live her huge fan dream of dancing with Babyface, Ryan, Artem, Keo and Dennis tonight.  Maureen was one that I truly felt grew a lot this season.  It’s always fun when a star is also a fan of the show because it allows us at home to live it through their eyes.

The number that Maks did with a group of the ladies was a lot of fun too.  It was so nice to have Maks back this season.  I know he has said he won’t be returning next season because we will enjoying his time being a new Daddy.  I am so happy for him and Peta and wish them so much happiness!

img_6723I loved the friendship that developed between Vanilla Ice and Rick Perry this season.  Vanilla’s performance was a fun blast from the past and even though they might not have been the strongest dancers the partnerships between Witney/Vanilla and Emma/Rick were fun to watch all season and both did work hard.

 

 

For the first time ever it came down to 3 athletes in the finale!

img_6725Sharna Burgess & James Hinchcliffe
#TeamStopandGo

They chose their favorite dance to perform again which was the Foxtrot from Cirque night which was a great pick for them.  Full of energy and truly highlighted the skills, fun and fabulous relationship of this team.  James and Sharna had that something truly special.  Sharna has such a humble, unique, genuine way she builds relationships and performs.  She has had several memorable partnerships but, this one truly had that very special magic.  James had tremendous growth all season, he has such an amazing survival story and a personality that shines.

img_6672The gift that James gave to Sharna of the race suit he wore the first time he raced again after his accident was truly sweet.  Sharna truly put together the most amazing piece to close the chapter on James’s survival journey.  They performed a fusion dance of Foxtrot & Viennese Waltz.  It was absolutely beautiful.  James demonstrated all the grace in his movements and it again highlighted the beautiful friendship that developed between them this season.  It was stunning.

 

img_6728Calvin & Lindsay
#TeamLindsatron

Calvin and Lindsay chose their Argentine Tango from Latin Week as their favorite dance and it was a fabulous choice for them as well.  That dance was filled with passion, absolutely out of this world lifts and it absolutely was a great reminder of the growth that Calvin has had this season.  Calvin really had such a glowing personality and it was fun to watch him develop into a dancer this season.

img_6670Calvin & Lindsay did a Jive & Quickstep fusion.  Calvin and Lindsay almost developed a big brother/little sister relationship this season. Calvin should be so happy with his journey this season.  He grew immensely and I think kept his attitude on the fun this entire season.  He was a joy to watch!  Their fusion dance was a lot of fun, high energy and again showed off all the great dance qualities that Calvin brought to the floor.

 

 

img_6722Laurie Hernandez & Val Chmerkovskiy
#TeamVaLaur

Laurie and Val picked their Trio Dance with Maks for their favorite dance.  This Samba was crazy good and it absolutely highlighted Laurie’s amazing skills and the ability to truly get into character of the dances.  Plus who wouldn’t want to dance with the Chmerkovskiy brothers.  Laurie has been such a bright light this season.  She showed a lot of talent, positive energy, poise, courage and maturity beyond her years.

img_6669Val and Laurie had a Foxtrot & Argentine Tango Fusion dance.  Their package was so adorable.  It was sad hearing them talk about this season ending.  I think Val was a tremendous positive influence on Laurie.  Laurie grew so much before our eyes and is truly a remarkable young lady.  Their fusion dance was incredible.  Laurie had that fire, pure determination and the look of champion in her eyes when they started that fusion dance.  I do disagree with those that felt Laurie had an edge this season because of gymnastics.  Laurie was the first gymnast that didn’t use the tricks in the dances this season.  I can speak from personal experience at a lower level.  I was a cheerleader and when I started taking ballroom & latin dance lessons it is totally different and definitely not easy to learn to dance with a partner.

 

img_6673More on the finale…

The holiday performances of Babyface and Felicia Barton and the beautiful dance numbers performed by Artem & Jenna and Allison and the dance troupe really got you in the holiday spirit!

That all male dance number was totally off the hook.  Hmmm wondering if we might get to see that on the DWTS Tour this year like we did the Magic Mike number from last year’s finale.  I know they are going to switch up the format a bit this year. img_6727

What a treat to get to see Jana & Gleb’s hot Argentine Tango again.  That dance will absolutely go down in the DWTS history as being one of the hottest numbers of all time.  I am really excited that Gleb will be joining the tour this winter.  It will be nice to meet him and see him perform live!

Terra and Marilu’s special highlight number was also a lot of fun to watch.  Many people were asking where Derek was, he was at rehearsals for Hairspray Live!

The Macy’s Stars of Danimg_6721ce number was also choreographed by the amazing Mandy Moore.  This was truly remarkable.  It was creative, it was a technical and visual delight the way she was able to bring the story into motion using the special screen to make the young girl’s dream a reality.  It truly was an absolute Masterpiece!

I loved the tour preview dance we had tonight.  I highly recommend the tours, if you are able to go you will not be disappointed.  It’s always a fantastic entertaining time and the cast this year is fantastic!

Jana’s performance of her hit song Circles as we watched the video of the final 3 couples was just perfect.

The Results:

Lindsay and Calvin came in 3rd place.

MirrorballSharna & James and Val & Laurie were the final two couples and truly they were both so good it could have been a tie this season.  Each partnership just had that special something.  The talent, the creativity of Val & Sharna with their respective partners was just unstoppable this year.  I would have been absolutely thrilled if their partnership had won.

 

Sharna & James came in 2nd place.

Mirrorball

 

Dancing with the Stars Season 23 Winners are:

Laurie & Val! 

Bravo & congratulations to Laurie & Val.  What a season it was and your partnership was just incredible.  It was great to see Val relaxed and so happy and Laurie grew and improved as a dancer and just proved she was the total package with dynamic ability.  Laurie you absolutely do inspire as does Val!  Keep it up!

 

 

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Finally meet & greet VIP Packages and general tickets are on sale for the DWTS Tour so don’t miss out!  www.dwtstour.com

Until next time,

 

XOXO

Heather