You didn’t think I’d let the new season of Dancing with the Stars begin without some commentary, did you??
This season started at just the right time – I feel more motivated this week than I have in a while. I’ve still been going to class about three times a week, but Tuesday morning when I got up to go to class, I realized just how much in the last couple of weeks I’ve had to really make myself go versus really wanting to go and being at least a little excited to go.
I know that there are going to be those days that are harder than others to get up and get moving, but the last week or so has been difficult. Dealing with some health issues, unrelated to dancing, have increased some stress and anxiety levels, which led to my natural response of curling up in bed and hiding. I didn’t do too much of it, but, like I said, I’ve had to do a lot of talking to myself and telling myself “Get your behind up and go!”
So, the Dancing with the Stars premiere… There are some celebs on this season that I think are going to be amazing dancers. I’m very excited! As I watched I found myself paying much closer attention to the moves they were actually doing, rather than simply whether or not I liked the dance. Doing Zumba for a few months, which includes some dance moves (not that we do them very technically correct!) has made me really REALLY appreciate just how difficult some of…no MOST of what they’re doing truly is. Watch, especially in fast dances like the Cha Cha or the Jive, how fast they move their feet or when they are dancing on one foot swinging or kicking the other. And when they jump or hop in time or in rhythm… let me tell you, if you are even a little out of shape, if you are even a little overweight – moving your entire body weight at one time – not so easy!
One of my Zumba instructors likes to do routines with lots of hops and jumps. The low impact version of that is walking or marching, doing knee lifts instead, something like that. I have steered away from things like jumping jacks because I’ve had knee problems in the past and until I loose some more weight, I’m very conscious of not injuring myself. But in class this week I tried to do a few of the jumping/hopping sequences – oh. my. god. I’m not going to say “I can’t do them”. I can hop a little, but my toes don’t come far off the ground and I can only do like two! So something new to work toward!
Here is my two cents on the first week of Dancing with the Stars Season 19. You will notice that Derek did not make my list. I know… He is always amazing, so that goes without saying. His partner, Bethany Mota, did well but she had a few issues. However…kudos to her for keeping up with Derek!!
I’m excited to see where they go…
Lea Thompson & Artem – I have always liked Lea. I was excited about her being on this season anyway, but wow!!
Randy Couture & Karina – He was worried about feeling clumsy, but he was anything but! I didn’t know who he was before the show, but can’t wait to see what happens. I’m looking forward to when they start doing lift because I think he’s just going to be throwing Karina around the floor!
Surprises of the night:
Tommy Chong & Peta – Like Bruno said, I was expecting “Bad grandpa”. It wasn’t the greatest but it was entertaining. Loved the cameo by Cheech Marin, too!
Sadie Robertson & Mark – The thing I appreciate most about Mark Ballas is that he is so good with the younger girls. He worked with Shawn Johnson when she was 17, Aly Raisman (18), and Bristol Palin (20). He is such a good guy and he can make them feel grown-up and even a little sexy when the dance calls for it without it being weird, creepy or uncomfortable for them. And oh my god, has the girl got legs! Excited to see her break out of her shell and little and have some fun!
Favorite of the Night:
Alfonso Ribeiro & Witney Carson Not sure what I can say other than I smiled the whole time! So in honor of him and the hopes of seeing “The Carlton” at some point in the season, here is a fun little clip…
Will Smith, Jaden Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Alfonso Ribeiro on Graham Norton The whole thing is good but especially if you jump to 1:22
I’m now waiting for Will Smith to show up to cheer on Alfonso!
Dancing with Derek 