Dancing with the Stars Winter Tour 2020
VIP Experience
My 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.
Pre-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!
VIP 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.
She 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…
Mingle: 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:
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.
Tour 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
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.
The VIP Nation staff is also very kind, nobody is yelling at you it’s a pleasant experience. You do have to leave your purse, bags and anything else on you at the table and you cannot ask for autographs etc. at the cast photo portion. This year too it was 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.
What to wear: Be comfortable & wear what you want. You will see everyone from dressed down to wearing beautiful dresses and everything in between.
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!
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! 
Hi guys! So happy to be featured in this guest blog by Heather, it’s amazing and such a pleasure! I’m going to be telling you all about my amazing experience doing the DWTS We Came To Dance Tour VIP. First of all, I have to thank Heather again for this opportunity to meet my favorite dancers and watch an incredible show up so close. It was the best time of my life, and I loved every second of it. Forever grateful for that experience and to have met the wonderful person that’s Heather. 
Afterwards, it was time for the mingle with Hayley & Lindsay! So glad they added this to the VIPs because it gives you so much time to be able to really chat with them and take individual pictures. I was beyond happy that Hayley was in my mingle because I really wanted her there. I got to talk to her multiple times and take pics with her, and sometimes we’d just go back if nobody was talking to her. One of my favorite moments talking to Hayley was telling her about me and Erica’s name in the jive she does, and her laugh is the cutest thing. She really made this VIP experience so special. Lindsay was super sweet to meet again, and when she was leaving she even helped give my gift to Laurie. I loved how interactive they were with fans! Both the m&g and mingle was absolutely perfect, even better than I expected. Moments I’ll treasure forever! 
We got to sit in the second row right in the middle, and I had such a perfect view. It was unbelievable how close I was, and the whole show there was so much contact made between me and the dancers. You can also hear things they say when you’re so close up, and it was just wonderful. The show was absolutely perfect, everything to the costumes, dances, voiceovers, made this show incredible and really made me connect with them more. My first VIP experience was just indescribable and made me so happy, I smile just thinking about it. Thank you once again to Heather, the whole cast, and friends who experienced this with me. If you can, definitely get VIP or just general tickets to the show because wherever you sit, it’ll be an amazing time for you. January 21st, 2017 is a day I’ll remember always! XO -Sandra
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: 
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!
VIP 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!
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:
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.
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.
It sounds like this tour will be even more incredible than the last so definitely don’t miss out!
