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Entertainment Blog

Maks, Val & Peta (MVP) Confidential Tour VIP Experience

MVPtourMaks Val & Peta (MVP) Tour 2018:  The VIP Experience

#MVPConfidentialTour

#maksandvaltour

The MVP Tour is a MUST see!  This group truly knows how to make individual experiences super special and it was great to have Peta join this time.  Many other artists could learn a thing or two from them and how to make a fan’s experience one they will never forget.

MVPtourThis blog will be on the Front Row Package which included:

*One front row ticket

*VIP early entry into the venue

*Exclusive preshow meet & greet with Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Peta Murgatroyd

*Personal photograph with Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Peta Murgatroyd

*VIP access to the official Maks & Val & Peta preshow reception

*Champagne toast

*Collectible tour program autographed by Maksim and Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Peta Murgatroyd

*Maks & Val & Peta photo frame

*Exclusive Maks & Val & Peta VIP merchandise item, & more!

Right away it started off good, I received my instructional email about 5 days ahead of the show and we have to arrive 3 hours ahead for both of the shows I attended.  It was very detailed and included all the important details.  I appreciated that because it showed they were respecting your time, some VIP events you have to get there 4-5 hours ahead and you stand and wait.  Maks, Val & Peta did this right!

Upon arrival the process was very organized, you sign in get the appropriate package and laminate and you were directed to the VIP party area.  Once everyone was checked in I was thrilled to see everything started happening, there was not a lot of stand around and waiting.  Maks, Val & Peta came in 10 minutes later, stopped and did the Champagne toast and headed to the designated photo box.  This automatically got a thumbs up from me.  I loved that they had a nice private area so you didn’t have 200+ people all staring at you while you had your photo/meet & greet.

Once it was your turn you entered the photo box were able to step in and have your moment with them and then take your photo.  I know I am always saying it but, they are truly the absolute kindest, sweetest, talented and most humble people.  They put in the effort to make each fans experience special and they do not rush it.  It’s not a photo assembly line type of thing it’s a genuine interaction.  A few people in Raleigh felt it was more rushed than last tour but, I didn’t think so, these experiences are what you make of them in so many ways.  This is something all the VIP packages were able to do which is great!

After the photos were done you could take advantage of the crowd free merchandise shopping or just hang out at the party.  If you had the upgrade package you were escorted by the VIP host & security down to Maks, Val & Peta’s dressing room.  I was so incredibly happy they added this back in this tour.   This was such a small intimate group which makes it truly special.  You enter the room, sit down, receive your champagne flute and just sit and visit with Maks, Val & Peta for 20 minutes.  I seriously cannot say enough of the experience and the fact they would provide individuals with this type of access.  They genuinely want to get to know their fans and it shows in all that they do.  While you are in the room they autograph & personalize the tour program for you and this time they added selfies on your personal phone which I thought was great!  After the time is up the VIP host takes another photo of you and Maks, Val & Peta and that gets posted on the tour social page.

As far as the show itself I literally cannot say enough good about this tour, how it was put together the amazing staff/tour family and you are left wishing it wasn’t over.  I will be doing another blog on the actual show shortly I want to see it again to be sure I don’t miss anything.

Final thoughts are this is how a tour and VIP program should run.  Your time is respected, you are treated with kindness & respect and you receive a genuine interaction and in the upgrade package a chance to really sit down and get to know Maks, Val & Peta.  You absolutely receive value for your hard earned dollars that you spend for the experience.

Buy your tickets here!  http://maksandvaltour.com/

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

Contests/Giveaways

Congratulations Natalie! Silver Meet & Greet Package Contest Winner!

I just wanted to take a quick moment to post Natalie’s photo!  Natalie won the Maks and Val Tour Silver Meet and Greet Package giveaway!  It was fantastic to hear that she had such a wonderful experience and I look forward to making more dreams come true in the future!

Stay tuned to the blog social media pages @lightscmemories for more Maks and Val Tour swag giveaways coming soon!

Until next time,

 

xoxo

Heather

 

 

 

Entertainment Blog

Special Birthday, Huge Hearts & Prom

Prom Anyone?  Anyone that knows me well knows that I love birthdays.  I love to celebrate because it’s another year of life, experience, triumphs and challenges faced. None of us know how long we will be on this earth so why not celebrate the time we have.  This year was a tough one for me personally for many reasons so I was ready to close that chapter and open a new one.   For the last several years I decided to try to do something fun on the special day.  Last year it was  Steven Tyler in Vegas and this year when I saw Maks and Val would be playing in my favorite city it was a no brainer for me to plan the trip to Nashville.

I have been asked a bunch of times where I got my shirt from (STYLE # 266813):  http://www.bebe.com/

 

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If you want to read the past blogs please check them out:

This one is on the Maks & Val Tour Show:  http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/maks-val-way-live-tour-2016/

VIP Experience Blog can be found here:  http://lightscmemories.com/vip/maks-val-tour-2016-vip-experience/

I was really excited for two of my friends to join me on this trip and for them to see the show for the first time.  As expected they loved it!  We had a great time in Nashville.  We had dinner at the Palm, lunch at my favorite Demos and then spent time listening to music etc.

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It meant so much to me to be picked by Maks to be his Prom Queen that night.  It all went by so fast but, it was fun to do a few swing steps with him and live in the moment.  I have been taking dance lessons for 6 months and swing is one of my favorite dances.   It was just too much fun! It was also great to get to meet Magdalena Fialek that evening, she is beautiful and one amazing dancer.

Here are a few videos of the moment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q9YJTbme5Xg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH_t7fugid4

What meant even more to me was what Maks said after the Prom King/Queen moment.  He and Val both truly appreciate their fans, they know how to make each person feel special whether it is a few minutes in a meet and greet or an experience like this.  It’s something I wish so many others could learn from them.  In so many cases fans will travel for acts they enjoy, attend multiple shows because they enjoy it so much, it’s nice to feel appreciated and to see that it is noticed.  They truly do it right in every way.

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Here is a video just on the after talk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVGcHTLM-VI

Thank you again to Maks you made me feel truly special and I cannot think of any other way I would have rather kicked off this next year.  This tour has been so much fun this summer and thank you for all that you and Val do!

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Until next time,

 

Xoxo

Heather

 

 

 

VIP Experience Blog

Maks & Val Tour 2016: The VIP Experience

#maksandvaltour

#vipnation

As I suspected when I first heard about this tour the Maks & Val Tour VIP Experience is truly special.  Many other artists could learn a thing or two from them and how to make a fan’s experience one they will never forget.

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This article is on the Ultimate Package which included:

  • One premium reserved ticket in the front row – sit front and center!
  • Twenty minute backstage Meet & Greet with Maks and Val in their dressing room
  • Backstage toast with Maks and Val in their dressing room, including your own Our Way champagne flute to take homeFullSizeRender-3 (2)
  • Intimate Photo Op with Maks and Val in their dressing room taken with a professional camera

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  • Custom 5×7 Our Way  leather picture frame with your printed and signed Meet & Greet photo delivered to your seat
  • Access to pre-show VIP Party, including:
  • Green screen photo booth to capture additional photos of yourself at the VIP Party13697139_10153916311633978_1548412270020562681_n
  • One (1) drink ticket for the pre-show lounge (beer, wine, soft drinks)
  • Ultimate VIP Meet & Greet laminate
  • Autographed Tour Program with personalized dedication signed in front of you
  • Exclusive Maks and Val gift item
  • Pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity
  • On-site VIP host & ticket pick-up

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If you want to see the breakdown of the various packages which were at various price points please see the pre-tour blog I did:

http://lightscmemories.com/vip/maks-val-chmerkovskiys-way-summer-tour-2016-maksandval-ourwaytour/

 

Right away it started off good, I received my instructional email about 5 days ahead of the show and we have to arrive 3 hours ahead for both of the shows I attended.  It was very detailed and included all the important details.  I appreciated that because it showed they were respecting your time, some VIP events you have to get there 4-5 hours ahead and you stand and wait.  Maks, Val & VIP Nation did this right!

Upon arrival the process was very organized, you sign in,  get the appropriate package and laminate and you were directed to the VIP party area.  Once everyone was checked in I was thrilled to see everything started happening and there was not a lot of standind around and waiting.  They also gave very clear directions and specifically said to pleasae not bring your cell phones into the area and ask for selfies that a professional photo would be taken.  The guys came in 15 minutes later and headed to the designated photo box after waving hello.  This automatically got a thumbs up from me.  I loIMG_4286ved that they had a nice private area so you didn’t have 200+ people all staring at you while you had your photo/meet & greet.  While you were waiting you could get your photo taken on the green screen which was nice to have for the memory.

 

Once it was your turn you entered the photo box, had your special moment with them and then Anthony would take your photo.  I know I am always saying it but, they are truly the absolute kindest, sweetest, talented and most humble men.  They put in the effort to make each fans experience special and they do not rush it.  It’s not a photo assembly line type of event it’s a genuine interaction.  This is something all the VIP packages were able to do which is great!  After the guys completed the photos they stepped out, thanked everyone for coming and said they truly hoped everyone enjoyed the show.

 

After tIMG_4288he photos were done you could take advantage of the crowd free merchandise shopping or just hang out at the party.  If you had the ultimate package you were escorted by the VIP host & security down to Maks & Val’s dressing room.  This was such a small intimate group which makes it truly special.  You enter the room, sit down, receive your champagne flute and just sit and visit with Maks & Val for 20 minutes.  I seriously cannot say enough of the experience and the fact they would provide individuals with this type of access.  They genuinely waIMG_4287nt to get to know their fans and it shows in all that they do.  While you are in the room they autograph the tour program for you and the special frame that you get with this package.  After the time is up the VIP host takes another photo of you and the guys and that gets printed and delivered to you in the frame at the intermission of the show.

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On that subject I have to give a huge shout out to the VIP Host:  Anthony Jones.  He is very nice and he gets all the photos posted very quickly which is what I define as WOW customer service. He is great about answering questions, making sure announcements are made and treats everyone with kindness and respect.

As far as the show itself I literally cannot say enough good about this tour, how it was put together,  the amazing staff/tour family and you are left wishing it wasn’t over.  To read my thoughts on the show you can go to this link:  http://lightscmemories.com/entertainment-blog/maks-val-way-live-tour-2016/

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Final thoughts are…this is how a tour and VIP program should run.  Your time is respected, you are treated with kindness & respect and you receive a genuine interaction and in the ultimate package a chance to really sit down and get to know Maks & Val.  You absolutely receive value for your hard earned dollars that you spend for the experience.

For my looks please check out:  http://shop.nordstrom.com/

I always bring my Coach Cross body or wristlets:  http://coach.com

Until next time,

Xoxo

Heather

Entertainment Blog

Maks & Val Our Way Live On Tour 2016

Maks and Val Tour 2016

#maksandvaltour

#ourwaytour

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I absolutely knew this Maks & Val Our Way tour would be amazing and it lived up to all of my expectations and exceeded them immensely.  From the moment Maks and Val took the stage you were taken on a truly special and emotional journey of their life story.  I found myself laughing, smiling, dancing, tears and just proud.  I love nothing more than to watch individuals living their dreams and this show demonstrates that at every turn.

I have been to several dance tours in the past and felt they were good in their own right but what I loved more than anything was how classy and tasteful Maks & Val put together their tour.  They took a dance tour experience from good to flat out exceptional.  Are they absolutely sexy men with fab abs…yes of course but, this tour highlighted what it should their talent and their story.  It wasn’t cheeky, corny or all about their bodies.  Both men are insanely talented and you could tell they truly put their heart and soul into the design of this tour.

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If you know anything about Maks and Val it’s that their motto is Family over Everything.  It was wonderful how they incorporated Pops into the show and at every turn in their life story you see that the love of family, the pride of their parents and their inner drive made them into the wonderful and passionate men they are today.  They worked incredibly hard, they tried new things as young men from teaching dance lessons, dancing in restaurants, getting involved in competitive dance and eventually on to Dancing with the Stars where they each have won a Mirror Ball trophy.

They covered nearly every style of dance, followed the timeline journey of their life with a perfect mix of high energy, immensely passionate and fun numbers.  It was wonderful how they introduced the company dancers, not as background dancers but, truly part of their tour family.  They include Janaya French,

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Vladislav Kvartin, Teddy Coffey, Kiki Nyemchek, Magdalena Fialek, Taylor Banks, Amy Bennett, Emily Crouch and Ivan Paulovich.  Tracy Shibata is the Associate Director/Dance Captain and truly brought this bright light into the entire performance.  All of the dancers are phenomenal in their own right and are able to shine at various points in the show.

It would be nearly impossible for me to pick my favorite dance at this point.  They were all excellent in their own right.  I would say that the two dances that Val and Maks do on love were breathtaking and moving.  The Prom piece as also a lot of fun but, I don’t want to ruin it for those that have not seen it yet.  I am thankful I will be seeing the show a few more times this summer and I look forward to new takeaways after each city.

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For those that follow my blog I will be doing a piece on their absolutely amazing VIP Packages after my next show in Durham.  I am posting photos on social media, you can find me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @lightscmemories.

If you have not already purchased a ticket to a city near you, do it!  You will be blown away at how fantastic this show is.  If you are on the edge on if a VIP Package is worth it I also say DO IT!  This tour is so good I am hoping it will be become something we all look forward to annually.

Until next time,

 

XOXO

Heather

PS: Just because I like to share fun fashion finds.  I wore a new pair of http://www.luckybrand.com/ jeans to the show and they were so comfortable!

 

Contests/Giveaways

Maks & Val Tour Silver M&G Package Winner…

There were so many amazing entries for the Maks & Val Silver Meet & Greet pkg that I determined to be fair I would put all names in a random name picker. WINNER is @natalieallenkr5! Congratulations. If you didn’t win this time pls stay in touch, follow this page. I will be doing Tour Swag giveaways all summer and will do a pkg giveaway for the DWTS Winter Tour and more. Thank you all for participating #maksandval #ourwaytour

Just a reminder if you want to get tickets to the HOTTEST tour this summer go to: http://www.maksandvaltour.com/  I will be blogging on the show and their various amazing VIP Packages this summer! It kicks off in 6 short weeks!

#maksandval #ourwaytour

#maksandval #ourwaytour

Until next time,

Xoxoxo

Heather

VIP Experience Blog

Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy’s Our Way Tour 2016: #maksandval

Maks & Val Chmerkovskiy’s Our Way Summer Tour 2016:

 #maksandval

#ourwaytourCe6lNjIUEAEge5Z.jpg large     

Sure to be the HOTTEST tour of the summer!  Don’t miss out!

One of the things I will be covering a lot on this site is highlighting truly fantastic experiences put together by various artists.  If you have not already bought your tickets for what I know will be THE dance tour of the summer you need to today before tickets sell out near you!

If you think you know Maks & Val from Dancing with the Stars that is only a part of their amazing journey proving that with a dream, hard work, dedication, perseverance, humility and a strong support system you can make dreams come to life.

The tour will be an autobiographical piece on their life story and I am sure will keep the audiences on the edge of their seats.  If you were ever able to see their show SWAY in the past you would have seen they truly can make a story come to life through dance and bring intense emotion, pasmaks and valsion and energy.  As an audience member you feel like you just went on a journey with them.

Per Maks and Val from their site www.maksandvaltour.com

Maksim Chmerkovskiy commented, “Val and I have pushed each other to be better dancers every day since we were kids, and this show will fulfill a lifetime dream to perform on the same stage together across the country.  We want to connect with our audience and take the performance to a whole new level.  There will be no holding back on this tour.”

Valentin Chmerkovskiy commented, “The essence of this show will be the story of two brothers and the passion we have for life, family, opportunity and, of course, dance,” “It will be the most honest we’ve ever been to an audience. We want to entertain with incredible choreography and inspire while sharing our story, our way.”

 

In addition to standard tickets which start around $45-49 per ticket depending on the venue they have truly come up with the most fantastic VIP packages I have ever seen offered by any tour/artist.  Its unparalleled access and they truly created a once in a lifetime experience.  Below are images of what comes with each package.  I will be covering this over the summer as I attend shows and giving my insight.  I hope other tours take notice and also up their game because the way Maks & Val are doing this is truly the Diamond Standard and worth every cent.

What I also think is great is they have various VIP options and price points, all of which allow a Meet & Greet and individual photo with them.  Below is the information from the website and where you can go to buy your VIP Packages:  https://vipnation.com/tours/maks-amp-val/maks-amp-val-live-on-tour-our-way/d2ffc311d0fffb70e3483c94904da45eVwD2BFV%3D

Ultimate Front Row and Meet & Greet: 

$1000*:  This is an INCREDIBLE package! Front row, 20 min backstage, signed M&G framed photo and so much more!

*Prices may vary slightly by location.

  • One premiIMG_2780um reserved ticket in the front row – sit front and center!
  • Twenty minute backstage Meet & Greet with Maks and Val in their dressing room
  • Backstage toast with Maks and Val in their dressing room, including your own Our Way champagne flute to take home
  • Intimate Photo Op with Maks and Val in their dressing room taken with a professional camera
  • Custom 5×7 Our Way leather picture frame with your printed and signed Meet & Greet photo delivered to your seat
  • Access to pre-show VIP 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)
  • Ultimate VIP Meet & Greet laminate
  • Autographed Tour Program with personalized dedication signed in front of you
  • Exclusive Maks and Val gift item
  • Pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity
  • On-site VIP host & ticket pick-up

 

Front Row VIP Meet & Greet Package:   

$525 Front Row ticket, photo and more!IMG_2785 (2)

*Prices may vary slightly by location.

  • One premium reserved ticket in the front row
  • Meet & Greet and individual Photo Op with Maks & Val taken with a professional camera
  • Access to pre-show VIP 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)
  • VIP Meet & Greet laminate
  • Autographed Tour Program
  • Exclusive Maks and Val gift item
  • Pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity
  • On-site VIP host & ticket pick-up

 

Gold VIP Meet & Greet Package: 

 $400 Great seats & a Meet & Greet photo with Maks & Val.

*Prices may vary slightly by location.

  • One premium reserved ticket in rows 2 through 4
  • Meet & Greet and individual Photo Op with Maks & Val taken with a professional camera
  • Access to pre-show VIP Party, including:
  • Green screen photo booth to capture additional photos of yourself at the VIP PartyIMG_2781
  • One (1) drink ticket for the pre-show lounge (beer, wine, soft drinks)
  • VIP Meet & Greet laminate
  • Tour Program
  • Exclusive Maks and Val gift item
  • Pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity
  • On-site VIP host & ticket pick-up

 

Silver VIP Meet & Greet Package:

$300 Excellent seats & a Meet & Greet photo with Maks & Val.

*Prices may vary slightly by location.

  • One IMG_2782premium reserved ticket in rows 5 through 20
  • Meet & Greet and individual Photo Op with Maks & Val taken with a professional camera
  • Access to pre-show VIP 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)
  • VIP Meet & Greet laminate
  • Tour Program
  • Exclusive Maks and Val gift item
  • Pre-show merchandise shopping opportunity
  • On-site VIP host & ticket pick-up

Over the years I have attended several tours and purchased many VIP packages.  This tourpizap.com14608347803361 will go down into the record books, I have no doubt as being the most successful, moving and inspiring dance tour!  With these special packages fans will walk away feeling appreciated truly having a once in a lifetime experience with Maks & Val.

I have met them both and they are sweet, kind, smart,  talented, driven and so humble.  They truly should be incredibly proud of what they have created and I know I am personally counting the days until my first show!

Buy your tickets and packages today at:  http://www.maksandvaltour.com/

Tour will start June 15th in Florida and run for 2 months!

Follow @lightscmemories on twitter/IG and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lightscmemories/ for more!

 

Until next time,

 

Xoxo

Heather

 

 

Entertainment Blog

Dancing With the Stars Season 22 Premiere

 

This season of Dancing with the Stars has the potential to be the best season to date.  There is a lot of talent and fun personalities on the cast.  I have been watching this show since Season 1 and it continues to improve year after year and it truly is a guilty pleasure of mine.  Watching the show and going on the tours inspired me to learn to dance.  I recently did a boot camp in NYC and truly had fun and surprised myself.  It’s not easy that is for sure, it is great exercise and its fun to challenge yourself.

Opening number was a lot of fun, you could feel the energy through the television screen and it must have been fantastic fun to be in the audience.  I hope one day I will be lucky enough to sit in the audience.  You have to sign up for a waiting list and then they contact you as tickets become available.

It’s also great to have Len back.  He is often tough but, he does provide a lot of great insight in his critiques.  Carrie Ann and Bruno are always a pleasure and Bruno just makes me smile every week with his passionate critiques.

 

Kim Fields and Sasha Farber:  First things first, it’s so great to have Sasha back as a Pro.  He tru12823324_10153965771476740_974804722933452386_oly deserves this opportunity and Kim is lucky to have him as a partner.  Kim Fields was on Facts of Life, Living Single and Real Housewives of Atlanta.   First dance is the Cha-Cha.   I thought they did a good job for the first week.  The Cha-Cha in my opinion is a difficult dance to learn.  Kim showed a lot of personality, charisma and truly looked like she was having a lot of fun out there.

Scores:   7-6-7 (20 out of 30)

 

 

Paige Vanzant and Mark Ballas:  Paige is a UFC Fighter and Mark is a two time DWTS Champion.  Paige is adorable and has a f10849077_10153965771496740_544914179149190498_oun personality.  First dance:  Foxtrot.  I thought Paige did a great job, she was very elegant and seemed to soften up since the practice footage.  She had a lot of great lines and a lot of grace.    Paige has a lot of potential that is for sure!

Scores:  7-7-7 (21 out of 30)

 

 

 

 

 

Doug Flutie and Karina Smirnoff:  Karina has one DWTS Mirror Ball Championship.  Doug is an NFL Legend.  First dance: Foxtrot.  Doug s10403942_10153965770901740_8212991822311955465_oeems to have a Type A personality and truly seems to have the desire to learn.  It’s not easy to try something new that is totally out of your comfort zone.  He has a fun energy and truly looked like he was trying.  Is he a natural dancer…no but, he gave it his all and I give him a lot of credit for that.  I think each week you will see him improve.

Scores:  5-5-5 (15 out of 30)

 

 

Jodie Sweetin & Keo Motsepe:  I am so glad Keo has a great partner this year.  The last few seasons for him have been tough and he is truly talented.   Jodie played Stephanie Tanner from Full House and the recent Fuller House series.  She has genuin12801380_10153965771156740_7445900850692429156_ne excitement which is always fun to watch.   She is a perfectionist and it’s hard when you are as you learn to dance because you want everything to be totally correct.   Their first dance was a Tango.   I found this was a fun dance to learn when I took my lessons.  I thought they did a good job.  It had a lot of attitude and was great for a week 1 performance.   Jodie has a lot of potential to go far this season.

Scores:  7-6-7 (20 out of 30)

 

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Geraldo Rivera and Edyta Sliwinska:  It’s great having Edyta back this season after a 12 season break.  She is extremely talented and beautiful.  Geraldo is best known for his talk show and news reporting.  I didn’t realize he was 72 years old.  First dance:  Cha-Cha.  I am trying to find something positive to say about the performance.  He literally walked through the entire performance and unless he makes a lot of improvement he could be the first one going home or definitely early to leave in the season.

Scores:  5-4-4 (13 out of 30)

 

Marla Maples & Tony Dovolani:  Tony won the Mirror ball during the All Stars season with Melissa Rycroft.  Marla is a Broadway star, TV Host and ex-wife to Donald Trump.  I am excited about this match up, it has a ton of potential.  Tony is12472821_10153965771166740_6926092552106633690_n just so sweet and such an amazing dancer.  He has a ton of charisma, as does Marla and it will be fun to watch this pair.  First dance: Quickstep.   Marla is very elegant, has a fun personality and a lot of potential.  I think they will go far this season. .  I thought their dance was a lot of fun!

 

Scores:  7-7-7 (21 out of 30)

 

 

 

 

 

Wanya Morris & Lindsay Arnold:  Wanya is a singer in the group Boyz II Men.   This is Lindsay’s third season.   First da12799222_10153965771421740_4729347111452576560_nnce:  Cha-Cha.  Wanya has a fun personality and his charisma shines through the TV screen.  He’s going to fun to watch!  This pair reminded me so much of Alfonso and Witney.  I think he will go far in this competition for sure, so much fun to watch this pair!

Scores:  8-7-8 (23 out of 30)

 

 

Ginger Zee and Valentin Chmerkovskiy:  Ginger is a new Mom and a meteorologist on GMA.  Val won the Mirror Ball with Rumor in Season 20.  Full disclosure I am a huge Val supporter, have been since his very first appearance on the show. He has that special gift, a huge heart and he is so sweet to everyone he comes in contact with.  Ginger is super cute, she has a lot of spunk 12792091_10153965771136740_2438778521254467278_oand a desire to learn.   First dance:  Jive.  This was a challenging first dance.  Jive does not look like an easy dance to learn.  Val posted a video of his swollen knees on Instagram one night after practice.  Ginger really has a dynamic personality and I think this pair has a lot of potential.  Val is a great teacher and they will be another fun pair to watch.

 

Scores:  8-7-8 (23 out of 30)

 

 

 

Mischa Barton and Artem Chigvintsev:  Artem is such a gem, what a n10540571_10153965771586740_2272354560326802284_oice person and a true talent.  Mischa is well known for being an actress on the OC.  First dance:  Tango.   Mischa is definitely not a natural dancer.   She did ok for the first dance and I think she will need to put a lot more work/effort into it to be successful this season especially with this cast.  I am sure she was nervous.  I also think she will need to relax a bit and let people get to know.  Artem is a good teacher, hopefully she will loosen up a bit and take advantage of learning from him.

Scores:  5-5-6 (16 out of 30)

 

 

 

Nyle DiMarco & Peta Murgatroyd:  Nyle is deaf, an actor and winner of America’s Next Top Model.  Peta was the Season 14 champion.  I am so excited to watch this pair dance!  Nyle is gorgeous!  First dance:  Cha Cha.  I have one w12832552_10153965771696740_2557852128526259458_nord after watching their performance:  WOW!  The fact he is deaf did not stop him at all.  He can only feel vibrations if the music is loud enough.  Peta did such a fantastic job as a teacher and they truly seemed to be in tune with each other’s bodies.  I am so excited to watch this beautiful pair dance this season.  Nyle truly shows that you cannot let anything stop you from learning, from giving it your all and truly blew everyone away on night one.

 

Scores:  8-7-8 (23 out of 30)

 

 

 

 

Antonio Brown & Sharna Burgess:  Antonio plays for the Pittsburg Steelers as a wide receiver.  This is Sharna’s 7th season and she is just a sweetheart.  Loved having her on the Dance All Night tour this year.  I11731703_10153965770896740_5948663774764525204_o think the combination of their personalities is going to make them a team to watch this season!  First dance:  Quickstep.  Antonio did a great job, he has crazy charism as well and this super fun spunk!  I will be really surprised if they don’t go far this season!

Scores:   8-6-7 (21 out of 30)

 

 

 

 

 

Von Miller and Witney Carson:  Von Miller plays for the Denver Broncos and was the MVP of this year’s Super Bowl.  Witney won a Mirror Ball in Season 19 with Alfonso.  Witney is a great teacher and a sweet person.  I have seen her on a few of the tours12771532_10153965771321740_4075752511883759128_o and I am sure she will be an asset to teaching Von.  They definitely will be dealing with a major height difference.  First dance: Foxtrot.    I thought they did well for the first dance. Von is charming and I think just needs to loosen up a bit more.

Scores:  8-6-7 (21 out of 30)

 

 

 

 

 

To vote this season you can vote up to one hour after the show at the #’s below and vote on FB:

https://www.facebook.com/dancingwiththestars/app/374212512648812/

IMG_2531 (2)

 

Top of the leaderboard this week were:

Wanya & Lindsay

Ginger & Val

Nyle & Peta

 

Bottom of the leaderboard this week were:

Geraldo & Edyta

Dance Troupe comments:  Welcome to the new members.  I was bummed to see Brittany wasn’t in the troupe this year.  Also wished we had Julz Tocker and Paul Barris in the troupe, they did such a great job on tour this winter.

Final thoughts:  What a season this is going to be!  I always look forward to Monday nights.  Sorry this blog is a bit late this week.  I was traveling for business.   So many great stars this season.  I think from the football player’s night 1 performance Antonio is the one to watch with Von a close second.  It’s going to be such a joy watching Nyle this season, I am still blown away by his performance tonight.  Ginger and Wanya also have a ton of potential.  I think bottom two this week will be Geraldo and either Mischa or Doug.  I think first to go home based on performance should be Geraldo but, we all know it comes down to the votes!

Want to see photos from past tours go to:  @lightscmemories on instagram & twitter!  Also more on my facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/Lights-Camera-Memories-935628749847172/?ref=hl

DWTS Tour is taking the summer off but, you absolutely want to get tickets to the Maks & Val Our Way tour!  I cannot wait to blog about the show, the amazing VIP pkgs and more!   http://www.maksandvaltour.com/

 

Until next time,

 

Xoxo

Heather