My Thoughts on Derek Hough

This number alone should win him the Emmy

I have always maintained that I believe that Derek Hough is going to be one of the defining choreographers of his generation. I don't take that statement lightly. As someone who has been a student of dance history, think of the names you would put in that category: George Balanchine, Agnes DeMille, Jerome Robbins, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett, Martha Graham. There are more, but it's not a list of thousands or even hundreds. I don't say that about any other pro on the show.

With a statement like that, it should be understood that you also have to be a great dancer and teacher in order to be classified as a "defining choreographer of a generation." You can't just be one thing.

On AfterBuzz TV this week, we were talking about Val and Derek and their strengths. If I am going to pick the one quality that makes Derek stand out on the show...yep, it's choreography. For Val, it's teaching. Does it mean they don't have the other qualities? Nope.

We are a show about dance, talking about dancers and why we love it so much. We give opinions that you won't always agree with, but the one thing we all agree upon is that we love dance. I'm one of the hosts of the show and as a part of my job, I have to balance my love for Derek's work with my appreciation and support for what other pros on DWTS bring to the table.

Come Sunday, I hope it's Derek who is holding that Emmy.

Feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below. I will respond to all comments here, but I'm going to keep the debate off of Twitter. Thanks, guys!  See you next week with our guest Henry Byalikov...who is also choreographing this week's opening number on DWTS with Sharna Burgess.

SPOILER ALERT: DWTS Season 17 Updated Pro List

Okay, there have been a few shake-ups in the DWTS world. We've all been fed information about the pros. The list looked really solid and then it started to fall apart less than 24 hours before the big reveal.

You know what? It happens. ABC is clamping down on loose lips around the network especially after multiple seasons of The Bachelor/Bachelorette being spoiled.

I spoke with a reliable source and I believe this is your pro list for Season 17:

Men:
Sasha
Mark
Derek
Tony
Val
Tristan

Women:
Tyne Stecklein-NEW name. Follow her on Twitter!!!
Sharna
Karina
Peta
Emma
Cheryl

Troupe: Will perform every episode!
Gleb
Lindsay
Henry
Witney

Tyne's Wikipedia bio--Dancer on the ill-fated Michael Jackson This Is It tour, so you know this girl can DANCE!
Tyne's IMDB page

See Tyne in action:


Disclaimer: This is what I was told. We all know things are subject to change and there could be errors here. We all run the risk of that when we publish spoilers. However, my source is solid, so I feel comfortable publishing this list. 

Photo Credit: ABC/FlynetPictures.com

Dance Chat With Kristyn Burtt: Episode 1

It's such a big dance week, I couldn't resist! Let's talk DWTS, SYTYCD and Derek Hough! I hit a few hot topics on the two dance shows. Watch the whole show or drop in on your favorite segment. Here's how the show breaks down:

SYTYCD: 00:20
DWTS: 03:32
Derek Hough: 10:05

And the articles I refer to...here are the links:
Christina Milian Instagram ScreenCap: http://bit.ly/15oaAAX
Travis Wall Article: http://bit.ly/136WbLK
Sonya Tayeh Article: http://bit.ly/17vDyTw

Don't forget to join the chat and share your comments below. Let me know if you want me to do these regularly and what hot topics you want to discuss.

Magic Mike Casting Rumors: Is Derek Hough Headed To Broadway?

Have you seen this tweet yet? Yep, this social media message and photo (see below) are sending SYTYCD and DWTS fans into a frenzy. So, I did a little sleuthing around to see whether this was a fun joke with some good casting ideas or if this is the "good news" Derek Hough and Travis Wall were tweeting about.


Well, it's not true. You aren't looking at the new cast of Broadway's Magic Mike. I think they are smart to put the idea out there because having Derek Hough, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Travis Wall and Nick Lazzarini is a great way to sell tickets and put butts in those theatre seats!

Here are a few reasons why:
1. The project was just fast tracked as of Friday, July 19. It was revealed by Deadline that they have come up with collaborators Tom Kitt and Brian Yorkey to write songs and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa to write the book. Nothing is written yet. No story, no songs.

2. Channing Tatum just confirmed the news on his site on July 22. That was the first official news that the show is definitely happening.

3. Without songs or a story...you cannot cast just yet. It too early in the process. There isn't even a director who is definitely announced before the cast or choreographers.

4. I also spoke with a Broadway insider today who told me, "Heard nothing about him [Derek Hough] here. And seems way too early for casting."

5. Even though this show is fast-tracked, it takes so much time, effort and money to get a show mounted. While casting will happen in the future...it's not happening right now.

So, I think this was a fun shot with five hot guys and one smoking girl...perfect for a Magic Mike photo.  Perhaps it puts a bug in the casting director's ears that some of these amazingly talented dancers/choreographers might be interested in doing the show. As an artist, it sure never hurts to throw your name in the ring.


Don't forget that tonight we have Spencer Liff on SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV at 9pm PT. Watch here.

VIDEO: 2013 Emmy Nominees: Outstanding Choreography

Here are your 2013 Emmy nominees for Outstanding Choreography. I think this is Derek Hough's year. His work has been so outstanding over the last year.  Mark my words: He's going to define this generation of choreographers.  Who are you rooting for? Let me know in the comments below:


Outstanding Choreography

Dancing With The Stars • Routines: Heart Cry / Stars • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions

Derek Hough, Choreographer

Allison Holker, Choreographer





Dancing With The Stars • Routines: Hey Pachuco / Para Los Rumberos / Walking On Air • ABC • BBC Worldwide Productions

Derek Hough, Choreographer









Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel (Live From Lincoln Center) • PBS • A Lincoln Center Media production

Warren Carlyle, Choreographer



So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: Possibly Maybe / Turning Page / Sail • FOX • Dick Clark Productions, Inc  19 Entertainment

 Sonya Tayeh, Choreographer

 





So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: The Power Of Love / Wild Horses • FOX • Dick Clark Productions, Inc. & 19 Entertainment

Mandy Jo Moore, Choreographer

   

So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: Call Of The Wild (Circle Of Life) / Love Cats / Beautiful People • FOX • Dick Clark Productions, Inc. & 19 Entertainment

Napoleon Dumo, Choreographer
Tabitha Dumo, Choreographer

 



So You Think You Can Dance • Routines: Where The Light Gets In / Without You / Unchained Melody • FOX • Dick Clark Productions, Inc. 19 Entertainment

 Travis Wall, Choreographer

 

Tony Awards, Monkeys and More!

 Just a few fun photos from my weekend. The first two photos are from Maria Menounos' birthday party. She had a monkey, snake and a bird all joining the Hawaiian festivities. If you missed my Vine videos of DWTS' Derek Hough and Karina Smirnoff on the dance floor, click here or here.

On Sunday, I was asked to live tweet The Actors Fund Tony Party. It was such a fun night filled with incredible honorees from TV and film in addition to celebrating Broadway's biggest night.

 Tommy Tune and Anne Jeffreys

 Listen to Tommy Tune tap at the opening of the show here. 

 June Lockhart showing off one of the first Tonys ever awarded. She won for For Love or Money in 1948.

 Marissa Jarot Winokur accepting her award.

 The petite Cathy Rigby McCoy jumped on a chair to accept her honor.

 Charlotte Rae from The Facts of Life. See our photo together here. 

DWTS: It's Time To End The Zendaya Debate

Enough with Zendaya.

She's not a ringer, she's a girl who has had Hip Hop classes. I might take this debate more seriously if she were a trained ballet dancer or ballroom dancer, but it's time to stop.  Here are my reasons for ending the Zendaya discussion on DWTS:

1. It's a TV show: Having great dancers and bad dancers all lumped into one variety show is fun. I cheered on Andy Dick as much as I have cheered Zendaya and Kellie Pickler this season.  I did make fun of Sean Lowe's dancing a bit, but it made for some interesting topics of discussion on our AfterBuzz TV show.
    And guess what? By constantly debating that "Zendaya is a ringer" and "Kellie is being underscored"(Although the "7" from Len was ridiculous, it also made for good TV.) topics, you are playing into exactly what ABC wants...controversy.  It makes for good television and it gets us all watching each week.
    One other argument is that ABC wants to promote its own network stars. If you look at the statistics, this is a bad argument.  Let's look at the ABC stars who have won DWTS:  Season 1 Kelly Monaco, General Hospital. That's it, kids.  You could argue Melissa Rycroft from Season 15 as she is a former ABC employee with The Bachelor franchise/former GMA & Bachelor Pad host, but ABC has not used her in that capacity since April 2012. If there were a series of ABC winners, I would agree with you. 1 winner out of 15 does not make for an ABC push for a winner.
 
Supplemental reading: Carrie Ann Inaba talks Kellie Pickler 

2.  Zendaya Hears You:  If you think this 16-year-old doesn't hear your criticism, she does...and she takes it personally.  If you read her Access Hollywood blog, she knows exactly what is going on in the forums.  I feel badly for her because I remember being 16 and we don't need to help anyone's teen insecurities along.

Supplemental reading: Zendaya's blog

Even with dance training, Zendaya doesn't have lines like Kellie does. Beautiful!

3.  Twitter followers:  Yep, Zendaya has more followers than anyone, but she's also of a generation that is more tuned into social media than say...Wynonna's fans.  Different generations, different demographics, different use of social media.
      I know many of you are upset that Zendaya got Hip Hop this week. She asked for it, the fans gave it to her. Aly asked for Afro-Jazz, Kellie asked for Flamenco, everyone got the exact dance they wanted. While Flamenco might be harder for Kellie than Hip Hop is for Zendaya, it is Derek who wanted this dance. He has something in mind choreographically just the same way Mark wanted to try Afro-Jazz on Aly.  They know their partner's strengths.
      Also, ABC is trying to keep up with the times and keep this show as interactive as possible for all of the fans.  Twitter is social media site that keeps growing while Facebook's growth has stagnated over the last two years, that's why they are using it for voting.  While not every experiment on DWTS works, I like that they are trying to keep current and relevant.

Supplemental reading: Carrie Ann Inaba names best DWTS dancer ever

Honestly, I would rather talk about the great dancing we are seeing from Zendaya and Kellie this season and how much I've enjoyed watching them each week.  Val and Derek have both stepped up their game choreographically and it's been a treat for the viewers.  With two weeks left, let's end the debate and see who's going to come out on top.  Remember last year, we all thought Shawn Johnson was going to win.

Let's end the debate. You are missing some good dancing.

Okay, your turn to comment. Please post in the comments below...

UPDATE:  Thanks for all of your responses so far. While some of you agree with me, I want to address those that don't agree with me...of course, I respect your opinion. However, hurling insults my way weakens your case. Instead, why don't you comment below and give me some facts to back up your argument.  I am totally up for rational discussions. It's refreshing to hear a different perspective when it's done with respect.  

The other thing you must remember is that I compliment both Zendaya and Kellie in this post. I like them both. I haven't chosen sides.  

I also want to disclose I have interviewed Zendaya many times, so I was very familiar with her work pre-DWTS. If you want to see some of that coverage, go here and here. 

Anyway, thanks for all of your feedback. I appreciate it!   

Preview: AfterBuzz TV DWTS, Week 8

Okay, I know a lot of you have been asking who are guests are this week. My answer...I don't know yet. Jake is working hard on it back in LA, so hopefully we will have a guest this week. If not, you all know we have plenty to talk about with Len's "7", Sean's elimination, and Kellie and Derek were in jeopardy-ish this week.

UPDATE:  Our guests tomorrow night are Sasha Farber and Emma Slater...get those questions in!

DOUBLE UPDATE: Tristan MacManus is coming, too! #PartyTime

TRIPLE UPDATE:  No Anna tonight. She's performing in Vancouver.

So...if you have been following my tweets, I am not in LA. I am working in Houston this week.  In addition, Suri is not in LA this week either. She's starting the ProGym Challenge in Pennsylvania. It will air on ESPN2 in two weeks.  We will both be joining the discussion via the phone while Jake and Anna hold down the fort in LA.

I will be LIVE tweeting tomorrow night again like I did back in March when I was out of town for work.  Remember to use the official hashtag to talk with me and Suri:  #ABTVDance.

I am still collecting questions for Anna here on my site, so make sure to leave all of your comments and questions below.  Can you believe we only have 2 weeks left?

If you are a fan of SYTYCD, I will be starting the AfterBuzz show next week with my co-host AJ Gibson. I will have more details on time and date soon.

DWTS on AfterBuzzTV, Week 7: Shirley Ballas, Yegor Novikov

How great of a guest was Shirley Ballas? She offered up some awesome insight and she talked about the fact that there is politics on the show. However, she showed that they are fair and balanced when it comes to moving the top leaders around on that scoreboard. It's boring if Kellie or Zendaya win every week and no one should discount Jacoby for the top spot in the end. I also love that Shirley confirmed the Maks/Val/Derek feud...it's true, it exists.

As for Yegor, he was so sweet and he gave the best critique of the night when it came to Sharna and Andy's journey. He showcased what Sharna did as a choreographer for her celeb who was a great performer, but not a great dancer.  It was fantastic to hear his opinions on them.

If you missed the show, you can watch it below or download it on iTunes. Thank you for making the show #10 this week of Top Podcasts on AfterBuzz TV.  We love you guys!

I also want to thank JC Rubio and Jackie Miranne for taking your questions to the red carpet. It's awesome to have their clips and your questions featured on our show.

I can't believe we only have 3 more shows left. Sniff...I'm going to miss you all until next season...or come join me as I co-host Season 10 of SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV beginning May 14.

Finally, you are all so sweet for sending my mother lovely birthday wishes! xoxoxo kb

Dancing with the Stars, Season 16: Confirmations and Rumors

With the Season 16 announcements for Dancing with the Stars just three days away, I thought I would compile a list of who is rumored or confirmed to be hitting the dance floor. Make sure to add your confirmed or rumored celebs and pros in the comments below, on Twitter, or Facebook.

Note:  I am covering the Oscars on Sunday, so I probably won't have time to update this page on Sunday. I will be back on Monday.  Thanks for understanding!

Confirmed Pros:
Derek Hough--confirmed via Twitter
Sharna Burgess--confirmed via Twitter
Cheryl Burke--confirmed via Twitter
Val Chmerkovskiy--confirmed via Twitter
Lindsay Arnold--confirmed via Twitter
Mark Ballas???--he tweeted this
Tony Dovolani--confirmed via Twitter


Pros Not Doing This Season:
Maks Chmerkovskiy--confirmed via Twitter and TMZ
Chelsie Hightower--confirmed via Twitter
Ana Trebunskaya--Has this been confirmed?


Rumored Celebs:
Aly Raisman--Fierce Five member
She tweeted this on Friday.  

J.J. Wyatt--NFL player for the Houston Texans

Tito Ortiz--former UFC champion

Safe Haven: Interviews with Julianne Hough and Josh Duhamel

If you are headed to see Safe Haven this week, make sure you watch my videos before you go.  This is the second time I've interviewed Julianne Hough and I have to say, she's darn cool.  Julianne is fun and refreshing to interview and I do think it is her best onscreen role to date.

As for Josh Duhamel, well...darn, he's even better looking in person!  He gave some really thoughtful answers to my questions. I also wore my new Fergie boots to see if Josh would notice I was wearing a pair from his wife's shoe line.  Alas, he was too busy being thoughtful about my questions.

I also attended the Safe Haven premiere a week later and I ran into former Dancing with the Stars pro, Derek Hough, who was there to support his sister.  We will miss him for Season 16, but he's off to bigger things in Hollywood. Let me know what you think of the interviews, I would love to hear from you!