when you wish upon a star-dwts: week 4

So if my last post was better late than never, this one must be ‘it’s ok if you skip a week because Disney week was worth the wait’? Most Memorable Moment week was moving, but the stories were so heartfelt, that not a lot of crazy stuff was going on.  This week, however, was Disney night, and anytime there is an animated gazelle dancing on my screen, I know we’re in for a treat.

Wanya Lion King Ending

Favorite Dances


1.  Witney and Von’s waltz was magical. I may be a little biased because I have a slight obsession with the newest live-action version of Cinderella, but I’m starting to think that movie may have been better if Witney was cast in the starring role. She looked EXACTLY like Cinderella, and the lights in her dress just made the moment even more magical.  Besides Witney’s killer costume, Von was graceful, charming and everything you could ask for in a prince. I think he’s finally in the game, and I can’t wait to see where this couple goes.


2. As a self-appointed “Belle” girl myself, I thought Ginger and Val really brought the atmosphere of Beauty and the Beast to life during their foxtrot.  While watching this dance, I actually had the thought that this looks like something out of a Broadway production, the set design was that good.  ABC goes all out Disney night (their parent company), and you could really see that at play here. I agree with Zendaya, when she said that even with all the amazing set design, you never lost Ginger in the dance.


3. Paige and Mark’s quickstep was the perfect number to end the night.  It had energy and Mark’s patented creativity which combined for a show stopping number. Paige didn’t miss a step, and I think this could be another couple to watch!

Did Ya Catch That?

Len does the Monkey gif1. Sometimes, world renowned ballroom judge Len Goodman does the monkey with Disney characters.

Doug Kickline Gif2. And sometimes, he just has pure joy on his face when Heisman winners do sicklines in  front of him.

Tom_Keo Hair
3. They say Dancing With the Stars is a family, and clearly they are right.  Right in the middle of judging, host Tom Bergeron decides to pick stray hair of Keo’s face. As it seems Jodie Sweetin says, “Ooook”.

Dressing with the Stars
Since everyone this week was dressed as a princess or an animal, I’m finding it hard to translate the costumes into relatable everyday outfits. So this week, we’re just going to pay tribute to the amazing costumes that the wardrobe department puts together, and to the kick-ass performers who wear them.

Witney as Cinderella1. If I haven’t gushed about Witney’s Cinderella costume enough, here’s a better look at it.  It seriously takes my breath away.

Sharna as Jasmine v22. In the first dance of the night, Sharna played the role of Jasmine in an amazing little spandex outfit.  Does anyone know where I can find her workouts?

Nyle and Peeta Tarzan
3. Nyle and Peta pulled off Tarzan and Jane in a very convincing fashion.  I mean, Tarzan didn’t wear clothes, so why should they?

What did you guys think of this episode? Did you think Marla was deserving of going home? And who do you think is next? Let me know!

xo
Em

fireball-dwts: week 2

As the saying goes, better late than never, right? The week was capped off by a bit of flu, but I’m feeling on the mend and ready to post my thoughts on Week 2 of Dancing With the Stars.

Jodie Week 2 Dance

Favorite Dances

1. Jodie Sweetin kicked the night off right with this sexy number.  Much like Stephanie Tanner in Fuller House, Jodie owns her sexiness and isn’t afraid to put it out there.  It paid off with this sizzling samba.


2. I thought Paige VanZant’s salsa was amazing, especially considering the circumstances.  Partner Mark Ballas went down in rehearsals with a slipped disk in his back, giving her only two hours to practice with fill-in partner Alan Bersten. As host Tom Bergeron said, it’s truly a testament to the talent of the professional dancers to be able to substitute in on these complicated routines at a minute’s notice.


3. Although not the most technically proficient celebrity in the group, I really enjoyed Doug Flutie’s performance on Monday.  He appeared strong and in control during his Paso Doble with partner, Karina Smirnoff. I was also moved by the analogy he made between the fight in this dance and the fight against autism, a diagnosis his son received at the age of two.

Did Ya Catch That?Cody Linley1. They say Dancing With the Stars is a family, and I guess that’s true because they invite EVERYONE back to the ballroom.  This week in the front row, former Disney Star and Season 7 contestant, Cody Linley.

Noah Turn Around2. I loved this little moment between Sharna Burgess and her partner from last season, Noah Galloway.  I’m not quite sure if Noah was supposed to still be up in the SkyBox when they came back from commercial, but either way, Sharna had to tap him and remind him to turn around.  That is Dancing With the Stars etiquette!

Thumbs Up3. This guy, who claps when no one else does, and thumbs up when everyone claps. Love him.

Dressing With the Stars

Witney Week 2 OutfitThis week I was a fan of Witney’s coordinating two piece, which I learned in my research is called a Co-Ord.  If you can pull off as much skin and jewels as Witney, more power to you. However, if you’re like me and don’t think you could do it, I’ve rounded up a few similar options.

Asos Outfit Week 21. This outfit, from Asos gives you the jewel factor, without looking like a costume. You can buy the top here, and the skirt here.

Asos Week 2 OUtfit
2. If the first outfit is still a bit much for you (and for me it probably would be), a second option is this Co-ord.  Although not a floral, as Witney’s appears to be, this pink polka dotted number has the same retro vibe. You can buy the top here, and the skirt here.

Accessories Week 1
3. To finish off the look, add a pair of high top wedges, and a denim jacket!

What are your thoughts on Week 2? Sad to see Geraldo go? Hope Mischa finally finds her mojo? Let me know in the comments!

xo
Em

groove is in the heart-dwts: week 1

Hi everyone! Is anyone else feeling the withdrawal that comes with the end of a season of The Bachelor? Thankfully, the glitz and glamour of the ballroom is here to fill our time, and I’m going to be honest, I don’t hate it.

Jodi Dance

Favorite Dances

1. Am I shameless homer? Yes. Am I going to apologize for that? Nope. From the facade of Geno’s steaks, to the dance to ‘Motownphilly’ by his best selling boy band Boyz II Men, I loved every moment of Wanya Morris & Lindsay Arnold’s routine. I think this partnership is adorable, and thought it was really clever that Wanya calls Lindsay his “Z-Pack” because she always makes him better. #TeamYayZee

2. I was excited to see two current football players hit the dance floor this season, and I think Von Miller came out on top (it doesn’t help that Antonio Brown plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers, see above homer comment). Von is a defensive beast, but is a soft-spoken poultry (not poetry) lover in the pre-performance package.  Witney and Von’s partnership is comical to look at, simply because he towers over the 5’3″ beauty.Von Miller Poetry

I wasn’t sure what a Super Bowl MVP could want with the Mirror Ball Trophy, but Von came out of the gate swinging. His moves were graceful, and Witney’s Foxtrot routine “went for it in a proper way”, (according to Len, I have no idea).  I think Von is one to watch.

3. Nyle DiMarco and Peta Murgatroyd blew me away. Jaw. Dropping. If I had not known before, I would never have guessed that Nyle has no ability to hear. Carrie Ann commented on the most remarkable part of this partnership when saying that Nyle wasn’t just on time with the dance, but really found the pocket of the beat with his movements. I’m excited to learn more about Nyle as the season goes on, and see how this partnership grows.

Did Ya Catch That?
One of the best parts of Dancing With the Stars for me are the little background moments that everyone may not pick up on and the behind the scenes packages.

Nick Viall DWTS1. As a companion of Bachelor and Season 19 contestant, Chris Soules, we can see Bachelor Nation member Nick Viall lurking behind Amy Robach and Robin Roberts as Tom Bergeron interviews them.

Theguy32. This guy.

Von Dance 23. Bravo editors, for pairing this dance move of Von’s with a straight into the camera stare of a steer.

Dressing With the Stars

Erin DressI loved Erin Andrews’s DSqured2 dress last night, and I’ve found a few dresses that gave me the same vibe for your next formal event!

DSsquared21. This dress, by the same designer as Erin’s, has a similar neck and is paired with an open/statement back.

Adam Lippes2. Although this dress has long sleeves and a deep-V neckline, the gold chain detail along the back adds some edge, just like Erin’s.

Rent the Runway3. If you’re not in the ball gown market (and really who isn’t?), you can rent this Halston Heritage dress here. The sleeves and neckline are almost identical to Erin’s, with a skirt that has a little more drama.

What did you guys think of the premiere episode? Any early standouts for you? Let me know in the comments!

xxEm