I don’t plan on recapping every episode of Dancing with the Stars this season but, it’s one of my favorite shows so I’d like to check in on it every once in awhile. Last night’s premiere was pretty exciting, so I thought I’d share my takes.

1. That kerfuffle with Ryan Lochte was an unsuspected bit of riveting television at the end of last night’s Dancing with the Stars premiere. For those who may have not seen, during Lochte’s judges’ comments protesters began creating a commotion and found their way to the dance floor. The two men were wearing shirts with Lochte’s name on them with a red X over it. During the broadcast, the cameraman didn’t pan away from judge Carrie Ann Inaba’s face but you could hear the yells of the protesters and anxiety in her voice as she was trying to figure out what was going on. I instantly took to twitter hoping to find out the deal from someone who was in the audience but to no avail. Luckily, the media machine was there to help us this morning with previously unreleased footage finding its way to the inter webs showing the men being taken down by security. Go to this People.com link, to see video of the incident from all angles – and even catch a video of Derek Hough asking the protesters who stayed in the audience to leave!

I was happy, and unsurprised, to see that all of the pros and celebrities are behind Ryan and his redemptive journey on the show.

Ryan’s thoughts on the incident: “I’m a little hurt. I came out here and wanted to do something I am completely not comfortable with. I came out there with a big smile and have the best fan support here.”

I felt bad for Ryan, and thought his dance was fun and full of personality. I hope that this incident isn’t the first of many, and we can all enjoy the show for the fun, sparkly, entertainment that it is.

2. The news may be covering the Ryan Lochte incident ad nauseam, but the real story going further into the season should be the star that is Laurie Hernandez. She was, in my opinion, the best celebrity that hit the dance floor last night. She is paired with the dashingly handsome Valentin Chmerkovskiy, who has a history of taking his partners very far into the competition. Laurie’s background in gymnastics gives her a leg up on some of her competition, like former Texas Governor Rick Perry, but even knowing that I was impressed with her. Her routine seemed more difficult than some of the other celebrities and her execution was great. She is my early favorite for the Mirror Ball Trophy.

3. A few other quick thoughts on this premiere episode:

 I’m so happy to see Emma Slater back as a pro but, I think her journey this season may be a relatively short one.
 Maureen McCormick is so cute in her excitement to be on the dance floor. And her last minute comment in her package that she just met Babyface was adorable.
 Blac Chyna sighting supporting her BFF Amber Rose.
 James Hinchcliffe is a dark horse in this competition. I had no preconceived notions about him coming in and was pleasantly surprised.
 I can’t believe Jenna Johnson and Jake T.Austin are the same age! She looks so much older!

Did any of you check out the premiere of Dancing with the Stars? Let me know what you thought in the comments!

xo
Em