1 00:00:16,120 --> 00:00:20,280 Speaker 1: They can try and get rid of me, but I 2 00:00:20,480 --> 00:00:25,440 Speaker 1: have become one with the ballroom. It's Danielle Fischl, podcaster, 3 00:00:25,680 --> 00:00:30,760 Speaker 1: TV director, mother of two and self appointed Dylan Efron 4 00:00:30,920 --> 00:00:34,520 Speaker 1: good luck charm to Penga Lawrence from Boy Meets World, 5 00:00:35,040 --> 00:00:38,239 Speaker 1: and yes, just two weeks ago, I myself was a 6 00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:41,519 Speaker 1: contestant on Season thirty four of Dancing with the Stars, 7 00:00:41,920 --> 00:00:46,120 Speaker 1: eliminated from the Elite eight, only to return like a phantom, 8 00:00:46,600 --> 00:00:50,800 Speaker 1: haunting the show from the audience for the semifinals. I 9 00:00:50,880 --> 00:00:55,280 Speaker 1: once again saw everything unfold with my very own eyes, 10 00:00:55,680 --> 00:01:00,200 Speaker 1: and I am here ready to report back to you. Has. 11 00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:02,880 Speaker 1: In addition to joining a show focused on dance with 12 00:01:03,360 --> 00:01:08,360 Speaker 1: zero experience in dance, I have also consistently recorded this 13 00:01:08,520 --> 00:01:12,240 Speaker 1: very podcast, hoping to take you all on the journey, 14 00:01:12,640 --> 00:01:16,160 Speaker 1: right to the very last second when someone who will 15 00:01:16,200 --> 00:01:19,640 Speaker 1: not be me is crowned the recipient of a Len 16 00:01:19,680 --> 00:01:24,920 Speaker 1: Goodman mehr Ball Trophy. I just returned home from the semifinals. 17 00:01:25,280 --> 00:01:30,559 Speaker 1: It was Prince Knight incredible night of music. I don't 18 00:01:30,600 --> 00:01:34,200 Speaker 1: know how many of the younger people who are tuning 19 00:01:34,240 --> 00:01:36,839 Speaker 1: in to Dancing with the Stars for the first time 20 00:01:37,880 --> 00:01:42,920 Speaker 1: know about Prince or no Prince music. But for those 21 00:01:42,959 --> 00:01:45,920 Speaker 1: of us who have been Prince fans and who love 22 00:01:46,120 --> 00:01:50,120 Speaker 1: Prince music, let me tell you tonight was a fun 23 00:01:50,240 --> 00:01:55,240 Speaker 1: night of music. I am in agreement with a lot 24 00:01:55,280 --> 00:02:00,360 Speaker 1: of you that the themes can sometimes make the night's 25 00:02:01,120 --> 00:02:04,000 Speaker 1: difficult to get behind as far as the dancing, because 26 00:02:04,720 --> 00:02:08,200 Speaker 1: it is true that, like, if you're gonna limit yourself 27 00:02:08,240 --> 00:02:11,600 Speaker 1: to one artist, which by the way, limiting yourself to 28 00:02:11,639 --> 00:02:14,840 Speaker 1: an artist like Prince who has just like smash hit 29 00:02:14,880 --> 00:02:18,520 Speaker 1: after smash hit, you could do worse, Like you could 30 00:02:18,560 --> 00:02:20,960 Speaker 1: do worse than a Prince Night. But the hard part 31 00:02:21,080 --> 00:02:26,280 Speaker 1: is not every song is made for the dance styles 32 00:02:26,360 --> 00:02:28,480 Speaker 1: that we have to do. And so you know, I 33 00:02:29,960 --> 00:02:33,000 Speaker 1: know that like TikTok Night and even even the first 34 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:36,240 Speaker 1: week Anthem Night were nights that people said, you know, 35 00:02:36,400 --> 00:02:39,160 Speaker 1: it kind of makes it difficult, Like, you know, we're 36 00:02:39,320 --> 00:02:44,800 Speaker 1: trying to do a traditional ballroom style to a pop 37 00:02:44,880 --> 00:02:49,800 Speaker 1: song and it doesn't necessarily fit. So I can see how, 38 00:02:50,560 --> 00:02:53,920 Speaker 1: you know, it can be a little difficult, especially if 39 00:02:53,919 --> 00:02:55,799 Speaker 1: you're a newer fan and you're like, wait, what's happening here? 40 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:57,960 Speaker 1: And as you heard tonight, some of the songs had 41 00:02:57,960 --> 00:03:00,520 Speaker 1: to be slowed down significantly in order them for them 42 00:03:00,560 --> 00:03:02,640 Speaker 1: to work for the dance styles, and some of them 43 00:03:02,680 --> 00:03:04,880 Speaker 1: had to be sped up significantly in order to work 44 00:03:04,880 --> 00:03:08,400 Speaker 1: for the dance styles. So I am in agreement with 45 00:03:08,560 --> 00:03:11,680 Speaker 1: the camp of people who are saying that there are 46 00:03:11,720 --> 00:03:15,799 Speaker 1: too many themes. I personally think, as fun as they are, 47 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:21,000 Speaker 1: the show is better with some fewer themes. That would 48 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:24,160 Speaker 1: be my overall takeaway. Now that all the theme nights 49 00:03:24,200 --> 00:03:27,519 Speaker 1: are done, next week's the finale. We've seen them all. 50 00:03:29,120 --> 00:03:33,000 Speaker 1: I love it, but I think maybe maybe it would 51 00:03:33,000 --> 00:03:36,880 Speaker 1: be better with just a select group. It doesn't even 52 00:03:36,920 --> 00:03:39,240 Speaker 1: have to be a select few. If you have let's 53 00:03:39,240 --> 00:03:41,120 Speaker 1: say ten weeks, which is what we have so far. 54 00:03:41,600 --> 00:03:45,680 Speaker 1: If you have ten weeks, make five of them themes. 55 00:03:46,360 --> 00:03:50,280 Speaker 1: You know Halloween Wicked was an amazing one. Make five, 56 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:53,400 Speaker 1: maybe even six of them themes and then the rest. 57 00:03:54,920 --> 00:03:57,480 Speaker 1: Maybe we don't need to have all of them be themed. 58 00:03:57,680 --> 00:04:04,280 Speaker 1: That's just my opinion. You can agree or disagree. So 59 00:04:04,560 --> 00:04:08,200 Speaker 1: it was a celebration of Prince music, at which I love, 60 00:04:08,680 --> 00:04:11,480 Speaker 1: a real coup for the show, and since they have 61 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:14,360 Speaker 1: tried it for years to clear his music and now 62 00:04:14,400 --> 00:04:16,600 Speaker 1: they finally worked with the estate to make it happen. 63 00:04:17,160 --> 00:04:19,599 Speaker 1: I wasn't planning on going tonight. I was, as you know, 64 00:04:19,720 --> 00:04:23,200 Speaker 1: eliminated back in week eight. And the following week was 65 00:04:23,279 --> 00:04:27,520 Speaker 1: the twentieth anniversary, which felt like just an event I 66 00:04:27,800 --> 00:04:31,400 Speaker 1: really wanted to be a part of. It's a historical night, 67 00:04:31,720 --> 00:04:35,880 Speaker 1: it's celebrating twenty years of the show. You know, they 68 00:04:37,279 --> 00:04:40,359 Speaker 1: reached out and individually invited me. I felt like I 69 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:42,400 Speaker 1: really wanted to be there for that one. And then 70 00:04:42,400 --> 00:04:45,400 Speaker 1: I thought, okay, and then it's Prince week, and then 71 00:04:45,440 --> 00:04:47,520 Speaker 1: for the finale, I'm going to be there for the finale. 72 00:04:47,680 --> 00:04:51,240 Speaker 1: I get to dance in the finale, so I'll take 73 00:04:51,279 --> 00:04:54,880 Speaker 1: a week off. I'll you know, give everyone a chance 74 00:04:54,920 --> 00:04:58,640 Speaker 1: to miss me or something, you know. But then last 75 00:04:58,640 --> 00:05:01,720 Speaker 1: week was so special being there for the twentieth anniversary, 76 00:05:02,760 --> 00:05:07,240 Speaker 1: and Dylan made such a sweet point of telling me 77 00:05:07,400 --> 00:05:10,320 Speaker 1: how nice it was to be able to see me 78 00:05:10,640 --> 00:05:13,280 Speaker 1: right before he went out and did his dance. And 79 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:17,200 Speaker 1: as you guys have heard us talk, we have a 80 00:05:18,680 --> 00:05:24,400 Speaker 1: great friendship and a strong alliance. And he was like, 81 00:05:24,680 --> 00:05:29,120 Speaker 1: you know, now, he said, superstition wise, I feel like 82 00:05:29,160 --> 00:05:31,640 Speaker 1: I need to be able to see you before I 83 00:05:31,680 --> 00:05:35,920 Speaker 1: go out on the dance floor. And he texted me 84 00:05:35,960 --> 00:05:37,720 Speaker 1: over the weekend and said, are you going to come 85 00:05:37,760 --> 00:05:43,240 Speaker 1: on Tuesday? And I said probably not. You know, unfortunately 86 00:05:43,560 --> 00:05:46,440 Speaker 1: my kids are sick and I'm not feeling great this weekend, 87 00:05:46,600 --> 00:05:51,000 Speaker 1: so probably not. And he just didn't He didn't respond 88 00:05:51,080 --> 00:05:54,560 Speaker 1: in any way. He didn't like say that's okay, or 89 00:05:55,279 --> 00:05:58,560 Speaker 1: even thumbs up it or anything. There was just like silence. 90 00:05:59,279 --> 00:06:04,600 Speaker 1: And then my kids recovered. I recovered, And so I 91 00:06:04,640 --> 00:06:08,400 Speaker 1: texted him today the day of the show, and I said, 92 00:06:09,480 --> 00:06:14,280 Speaker 1: we recovered. If you want me there tonight, I am 93 00:06:14,400 --> 00:06:18,240 Speaker 1: free and can go. And he was like, oh my gosh, yes, 94 00:06:18,320 --> 00:06:22,480 Speaker 1: please come. And so I texted the wonderful Dina Cats 95 00:06:22,480 --> 00:06:24,799 Speaker 1: and I said, I know it's last minute. I feel 96 00:06:24,800 --> 00:06:27,839 Speaker 1: like such a heel. I'm so sorry, but if you 97 00:06:28,080 --> 00:06:30,960 Speaker 1: have room for me to come tonight, I would love 98 00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:34,200 Speaker 1: love to be there. And she said, let me get 99 00:06:34,279 --> 00:06:36,200 Speaker 1: right on this, and then she got back to me 100 00:06:36,240 --> 00:06:39,520 Speaker 1: and said that we could come. So thank you, Dinah, 101 00:06:39,839 --> 00:06:42,600 Speaker 1: and I'm so glad I was there. It was it 102 00:06:42,680 --> 00:06:47,040 Speaker 1: was it was quite a night. At this point. You 103 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:50,800 Speaker 1: guys all know Dylan's brother Zach was there. It was 104 00:06:50,839 --> 00:06:57,200 Speaker 1: so nice to meet him. He is just delightful, beautiful, sweet, 105 00:06:58,120 --> 00:07:02,120 Speaker 1: bubbly personality, sat with Olivia the whole time. They just 106 00:07:02,160 --> 00:07:08,000 Speaker 1: have such a beautiful family. I also awkwardly inserted myself 107 00:07:08,120 --> 00:07:12,200 Speaker 1: into their family. I went and sat with them during 108 00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:17,840 Speaker 1: the elimination time and someone I don't even know who 109 00:07:17,960 --> 00:07:20,160 Speaker 1: someone was like, let's take a family picture. And they 110 00:07:20,200 --> 00:07:22,360 Speaker 1: stood up and took a picture, and I was like, guys, 111 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:27,440 Speaker 1: I'm now in your family picture. I'm apparently an honorary 112 00:07:27,520 --> 00:07:29,520 Speaker 1: family member. And I said, the unfortunate thing is that 113 00:07:29,520 --> 00:07:32,320 Speaker 1: that probably could have been like a really cute Christmas card, 114 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:35,760 Speaker 1: and now it just can't be. And Zach turned around 115 00:07:35,760 --> 00:07:38,040 Speaker 1: and was like, no, now it's a better card, which 116 00:07:38,120 --> 00:07:41,360 Speaker 1: is so cute, just so cute. Love their family so 117 00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:44,440 Speaker 1: much so I'm really happy I was there tonight and 118 00:07:45,120 --> 00:07:53,120 Speaker 1: forced myself into their family. We will be taping a 119 00:07:53,200 --> 00:07:57,520 Speaker 1: live episode of Danielle with at Disney California Adventure Park 120 00:07:57,560 --> 00:08:00,720 Speaker 1: on December fourth, twenty twenty five. 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Plus you 131 00:08:38,880 --> 00:08:40,719 Speaker 1: will have the chance to meet us while we are 132 00:08:40,760 --> 00:08:45,520 Speaker 1: taping an episode of Danielle With inside Disney California Adventure Park. 133 00:08:45,960 --> 00:08:49,559 Speaker 1: Visit Coast one oh three five dot com forward slash 134 00:08:49,760 --> 00:08:52,440 Speaker 1: Danielle With now to enter for your chance to win. 135 00:09:01,400 --> 00:09:07,200 Speaker 1: You know, the ballroom tonight felt different without Andy. I 136 00:09:07,280 --> 00:09:10,640 Speaker 1: know that is like, you know, it should feel different 137 00:09:10,720 --> 00:09:13,200 Speaker 1: every time somebody's gone home, and of course it does. 138 00:09:13,240 --> 00:09:16,960 Speaker 1: And also the energy was probably a little bit different 139 00:09:17,000 --> 00:09:20,800 Speaker 1: because it is the semifinals, so there was like a 140 00:09:20,840 --> 00:09:25,760 Speaker 1: heightened amount of pressure. There was some tension in the air. 141 00:09:27,559 --> 00:09:34,679 Speaker 1: I think everyone's just running on fumes and adrenaline. And yeah, 142 00:09:34,720 --> 00:09:39,960 Speaker 1: the ballroom just kind of felt different and I don't 143 00:09:39,960 --> 00:09:43,080 Speaker 1: know how to describe it. It was a little less 144 00:09:43,120 --> 00:09:47,720 Speaker 1: electric tonight. Then I think it has felt previously and 145 00:09:47,800 --> 00:09:50,200 Speaker 1: I cannot put my finger on what that would have 146 00:09:50,559 --> 00:09:53,920 Speaker 1: been about, other than the fact that Andy's not there. 147 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:59,600 Speaker 1: I don't know. Okay, let's talk about the dances. Robert 148 00:09:59,720 --> 00:10:05,040 Speaker 1: or did a jive, and I saw some people were 149 00:10:05,200 --> 00:10:09,240 Speaker 1: annoyed by the amount of repeat dances because they tonight 150 00:10:09,679 --> 00:10:11,640 Speaker 1: having to do two print songs. You got to do 151 00:10:11,679 --> 00:10:14,360 Speaker 1: an original song and then you got to do a repeat. 152 00:10:14,920 --> 00:10:19,200 Speaker 1: And this technically is Robert's third jive if you count 153 00:10:19,240 --> 00:10:23,280 Speaker 1: the relay race with Soci last week. I don't care 154 00:10:23,480 --> 00:10:28,160 Speaker 1: that it's a repeat. Watching Robert Irwin do a jive 155 00:10:28,400 --> 00:10:32,880 Speaker 1: is one of the most joyous experiences you can have. 156 00:10:33,480 --> 00:10:37,679 Speaker 1: It just suits his personality and his vibe and his 157 00:10:37,840 --> 00:10:42,120 Speaker 1: energy so well, and he's so good at it. I 158 00:10:42,160 --> 00:10:47,320 Speaker 1: was just so impressed. I loved it. I loved that 159 00:10:47,480 --> 00:10:51,280 Speaker 1: trick they did where he went over Whitney's back. I 160 00:10:51,320 --> 00:10:55,440 Speaker 1: thought that was just spectacular. I thought that was amazing. 161 00:10:55,760 --> 00:10:57,840 Speaker 1: So he did a jive routine to Baby I'm a 162 00:10:57,880 --> 00:11:01,520 Speaker 1: Star and a Viennese waltz to Wow I Was Not 163 00:11:01,800 --> 00:11:04,600 Speaker 1: Those are not two of my favorite print songs. I 164 00:11:04,640 --> 00:11:06,960 Speaker 1: know a lot of people love them. But when I 165 00:11:07,040 --> 00:11:10,840 Speaker 1: first saw that he was doing those songs, I was like, huh, 166 00:11:10,920 --> 00:11:13,520 Speaker 1: I wonder how that's gonna work. Knocked it out of 167 00:11:13,520 --> 00:11:17,800 Speaker 1: the park, really absolutely loved that. His jive was the 168 00:11:17,800 --> 00:11:21,240 Speaker 1: first perfect score of the night. He got ten ten ten. 169 00:11:21,400 --> 00:11:26,360 Speaker 1: The gold confetti cannon went off, very exciting, super proud 170 00:11:26,400 --> 00:11:31,120 Speaker 1: of him, just thrilled. It was very sweet. I went 171 00:11:31,160 --> 00:11:35,679 Speaker 1: and said hello to Mama Terry, and I walked up 172 00:11:35,679 --> 00:11:37,680 Speaker 1: and I gave her a hug, and she said, I 173 00:11:37,800 --> 00:11:40,200 Speaker 1: have to thank you so much for running up into 174 00:11:40,240 --> 00:11:44,480 Speaker 1: the skybox and congratulating Robert last week. He came home 175 00:11:44,520 --> 00:11:48,240 Speaker 1: and told me how much that meant to him. My heart. 176 00:11:48,640 --> 00:11:54,040 Speaker 1: I just love him so much. And then Whitney Levitt 177 00:11:54,240 --> 00:11:57,880 Speaker 1: did a cha cha to nineteen ninety nine and a 178 00:11:57,960 --> 00:12:04,920 Speaker 1: Viennese waltz to Slow Love. I thought her purple outfit 179 00:12:05,480 --> 00:12:11,960 Speaker 1: for the cha cha was stunning. I love her red hair, 180 00:12:12,120 --> 00:12:16,160 Speaker 1: the way it was like crimped or waved, just so good. 181 00:12:17,040 --> 00:12:19,920 Speaker 1: She was giving. I saw Mayan Lopez commented on one 182 00:12:19,920 --> 00:12:23,320 Speaker 1: of her Instagram posts. On Whitney's Instagram posts that she 183 00:12:23,400 --> 00:12:27,600 Speaker 1: was giving Daphne from Scooby Doo and it was so perfect. 184 00:12:27,640 --> 00:12:33,000 Speaker 1: She totally was just absolutely stunning. Whitney is one of 185 00:12:33,040 --> 00:12:39,120 Speaker 1: the most beautiful dancers I have ever seen in twenty 186 00:12:39,200 --> 00:12:44,000 Speaker 1: years of Dancing with the Stars. I just think she 187 00:12:44,120 --> 00:12:49,200 Speaker 1: is spectacular. There's no denying it. You can not be 188 00:12:49,280 --> 00:12:53,679 Speaker 1: a Whitney fan for whatever reason. You cannot deny that 189 00:12:53,720 --> 00:12:59,160 Speaker 1: she is an incredible dancer. And Mark has really pushed her. 190 00:12:59,720 --> 00:13:02,959 Speaker 1: And some people think, like watching the packages, like, oh, 191 00:13:02,960 --> 00:13:06,560 Speaker 1: Mark is pushing her too hard. Let me tell you something, 192 00:13:07,080 --> 00:13:13,120 Speaker 1: Whitney wants that. Whitney wants that. Whitney's been a Mark 193 00:13:13,200 --> 00:13:17,400 Speaker 1: fan for years, somebody who she's somebody who's watched the show. 194 00:13:17,760 --> 00:13:22,720 Speaker 1: She knows how Mark coaches. She wants to be pushed, 195 00:13:23,280 --> 00:13:28,439 Speaker 1: she wants to be challenged. She really, you know, this 196 00:13:28,520 --> 00:13:32,760 Speaker 1: is what she's built for. She's very clearly a performer. 197 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:37,680 Speaker 1: And Whitney being the best dancer on the show, as 198 00:13:37,840 --> 00:13:41,960 Speaker 1: anybody who's watched this show knows, being the best dancer 199 00:13:42,280 --> 00:13:44,720 Speaker 1: or one of the best dancers on this season or 200 00:13:44,760 --> 00:13:48,000 Speaker 1: on the show is never a guarantee that you're gonna win. 201 00:13:49,000 --> 00:13:55,440 Speaker 1: So am I surprised that Whitney isn't in the finals. Yes, 202 00:13:56,280 --> 00:13:58,520 Speaker 1: I'm surprised that Whitney isn't in the finals. I thought 203 00:13:58,559 --> 00:14:00,880 Speaker 1: she was going to make it to the final round. 204 00:14:02,200 --> 00:14:05,280 Speaker 1: I did not think Whitney was going to win Dancing 205 00:14:05,280 --> 00:14:08,960 Speaker 1: with the Stars, even though I think she's one of 206 00:14:08,960 --> 00:14:12,120 Speaker 1: the best dancers. I am surprised she didn't make it 207 00:14:12,160 --> 00:14:19,760 Speaker 1: to the finals. I will say that the way the 208 00:14:19,840 --> 00:14:27,400 Speaker 1: package was set up, and with the season premiere of 209 00:14:27,680 --> 00:14:32,200 Speaker 1: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives coming out this week, it 210 00:14:32,320 --> 00:14:36,160 Speaker 1: felt to me while I was watching the show, it 211 00:14:36,200 --> 00:14:40,080 Speaker 1: felt to me like if we look at reality TV 212 00:14:40,360 --> 00:14:44,360 Speaker 1: as a storytelling mechanism, the same way dance is a 213 00:14:44,400 --> 00:14:50,080 Speaker 1: storytelling mechanism, the way acting is a storytelling mechanism. If 214 00:14:50,080 --> 00:14:57,360 Speaker 1: we look at that, what makes the most compelling storytelling 215 00:14:58,360 --> 00:15:02,920 Speaker 1: was for Whitney to go home tonight, for her ambition 216 00:15:03,280 --> 00:15:06,680 Speaker 1: to be on the show on Dancing with the Stars 217 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:10,040 Speaker 1: to have been played out in the premiere episode of 218 00:15:10,040 --> 00:15:13,120 Speaker 1: Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, and for that to then 219 00:15:13,320 --> 00:15:17,560 Speaker 1: be shown in her package and talked about in the skybox, 220 00:15:18,320 --> 00:15:27,440 Speaker 1: and I just thought, you know, the craziest storytelling is 221 00:15:27,440 --> 00:15:30,880 Speaker 1: somebody being that honest about the things that they want 222 00:15:31,000 --> 00:15:34,840 Speaker 1: and about their dreams and having no shame about it, 223 00:15:34,920 --> 00:15:40,560 Speaker 1: which I applaud but storytelling wise, what makes the most 224 00:15:40,600 --> 00:15:46,360 Speaker 1: captivating TV is seeing all of that and then immediately 225 00:15:46,360 --> 00:15:50,480 Speaker 1: seeing that person go home. So I had a bad 226 00:15:50,640 --> 00:15:55,240 Speaker 1: feeling throughout the day, like throughout the show, that it 227 00:15:55,360 --> 00:15:59,960 Speaker 1: might be Whitney's time to go home. And I was 228 00:16:00,080 --> 00:16:04,240 Speaker 1: hoping I was wrong, but I was not. Alex did 229 00:16:04,280 --> 00:16:09,120 Speaker 1: an Argentine tango to Little Red Corvette and a Viennese 230 00:16:09,120 --> 00:16:17,880 Speaker 1: waltz to Purple Rain. Her Viennese waltz was so unbelievably 231 00:16:18,840 --> 00:16:29,720 Speaker 1: beautiful and man Alex's journey on this show is one 232 00:16:29,760 --> 00:16:36,840 Speaker 1: of my absolute favorites. I see it personally, I see 233 00:16:36,880 --> 00:16:40,880 Speaker 1: it personally, and I see it reflected on the show. 234 00:16:41,600 --> 00:16:45,320 Speaker 1: When I very first met Alex was in New York 235 00:16:45,440 --> 00:16:49,280 Speaker 1: for Good Morning America and we were in the same 236 00:16:49,360 --> 00:16:52,520 Speaker 1: room a couple of times, she didn't make eye contact 237 00:16:52,520 --> 00:16:54,320 Speaker 1: with me. I kept trying to make eye contact with 238 00:16:54,400 --> 00:16:58,360 Speaker 1: her to like find find a time to introduce myself 239 00:16:58,360 --> 00:17:00,560 Speaker 1: and say hi, and I kept like looking at her 240 00:17:00,560 --> 00:17:02,520 Speaker 1: and she wouldn't make eye contact with me, And then 241 00:17:02,520 --> 00:17:05,639 Speaker 1: we almost crashed into each other in the hallway, and 242 00:17:05,720 --> 00:17:08,560 Speaker 1: instead of like using that as the opportunity to say hi, 243 00:17:08,600 --> 00:17:11,600 Speaker 1: she kind of like ugh, like diverted around me, and 244 00:17:11,640 --> 00:17:14,480 Speaker 1: I had to go out of my way and be like, hey, Hi, 245 00:17:14,760 --> 00:17:17,520 Speaker 1: by the way, I'm Danielle. I'm going to be on 246 00:17:17,560 --> 00:17:19,119 Speaker 1: the season of the show with you. And she was 247 00:17:19,160 --> 00:17:23,000 Speaker 1: like hi, and immediately so nice and gave me a hug. 248 00:17:24,080 --> 00:17:27,280 Speaker 1: And I could tell that whatever was stopping her from 249 00:17:27,280 --> 00:17:30,160 Speaker 1: making eye contact with me before or from saying hello, 250 00:17:30,720 --> 00:17:34,440 Speaker 1: was definitely not that she was a rude person. It 251 00:17:34,640 --> 00:17:39,160 Speaker 1: was that she was either nervous or she was uncomfortable 252 00:17:39,400 --> 00:17:41,760 Speaker 1: or something. There was something going on that had nothing 253 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:44,919 Speaker 1: to do with her trying to be snooty or rude. 254 00:17:45,760 --> 00:17:47,920 Speaker 1: I could tell that right away. But I could also 255 00:17:47,920 --> 00:17:52,439 Speaker 1: tell that she wasn't like necessarily super comfortable. And then 256 00:17:52,600 --> 00:17:55,880 Speaker 1: as the weeks progressed and we started seeing each other 257 00:17:55,960 --> 00:17:59,359 Speaker 1: more and more in the dance rehearsal space, and we 258 00:17:59,400 --> 00:18:01,960 Speaker 1: got to know each other better, and we would make 259 00:18:02,000 --> 00:18:06,920 Speaker 1: tiktoks together or we would do things together. Her personality 260 00:18:07,080 --> 00:18:09,960 Speaker 1: just started developing more. And I'm not saying she didn't 261 00:18:09,960 --> 00:18:12,080 Speaker 1: have a personality and it was developing, let's say it 262 00:18:12,400 --> 00:18:15,440 Speaker 1: say it a different way. Her personality started. She started 263 00:18:15,440 --> 00:18:20,320 Speaker 1: feeling more comfortable showing her personality and being her authentic self. 264 00:18:21,440 --> 00:18:24,119 Speaker 1: And the more I got to know her and the 265 00:18:24,640 --> 00:18:28,800 Speaker 1: more I just she is you want to wrap her 266 00:18:28,920 --> 00:18:31,480 Speaker 1: up in your arms or in a blanket and cuddle 267 00:18:31,520 --> 00:18:34,879 Speaker 1: her and hug her and laugh with her and have 268 00:18:34,920 --> 00:18:38,480 Speaker 1: a good time with her. And there's a real sensitivity 269 00:18:39,040 --> 00:18:44,160 Speaker 1: to her that I just absolutely love. And I think 270 00:18:44,440 --> 00:18:48,760 Speaker 1: I think seeing her emotional journey where she first started 271 00:18:48,800 --> 00:18:50,600 Speaker 1: and you could tell that maybe her face was a 272 00:18:50,640 --> 00:18:54,399 Speaker 1: little more stoic and she wasn't super comfortable, you know, 273 00:18:54,680 --> 00:18:57,920 Speaker 1: really revealing who she was. And now to see her 274 00:18:57,920 --> 00:19:04,440 Speaker 1: tonight with tears streaming down her face, and those are 275 00:19:04,480 --> 00:19:08,439 Speaker 1: tears that I know so well because I felt exactly 276 00:19:08,520 --> 00:19:13,200 Speaker 1: the same way about the show. That going there every 277 00:19:13,280 --> 00:19:16,399 Speaker 1: single day and meeting up with your dance partner and 278 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:20,280 Speaker 1: learning a new dance and being with the friends that 279 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:24,560 Speaker 1: we made on the season, you forget that, like, oh, 280 00:19:24,680 --> 00:19:28,680 Speaker 1: this isn't my every day. This is going to end, 281 00:19:29,840 --> 00:19:32,400 Speaker 1: and it is hard when it ends. So I felt 282 00:19:32,480 --> 00:19:35,040 Speaker 1: for her and I thought it was really great. As 283 00:19:35,119 --> 00:19:37,600 Speaker 1: much as I don't want to see her cry, I 284 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:39,439 Speaker 1: thought it was really great that she was willing to 285 00:19:39,480 --> 00:19:42,160 Speaker 1: open up and show everyone that and then for her 286 00:19:42,200 --> 00:19:46,520 Speaker 1: come out and just do two such beautiful dances. I 287 00:19:46,560 --> 00:19:50,480 Speaker 1: thought it was really it's really nice. Her journey and 288 00:19:50,520 --> 00:19:53,880 Speaker 1: her evolution on this show has been just really fun 289 00:19:53,920 --> 00:19:57,320 Speaker 1: to watch. I'm so proud of her. And then he 290 00:19:57,440 --> 00:19:59,920 Speaker 1: Laan did a foxtrot to I Want to Be Your Lover, 291 00:20:01,480 --> 00:20:04,560 Speaker 1: and she opened the show again, and I thought, oh man, 292 00:20:04,680 --> 00:20:08,000 Speaker 1: it's tough to open the show. Opening the show is 293 00:20:08,040 --> 00:20:11,560 Speaker 1: so hard, so I felt for her having to be 294 00:20:11,600 --> 00:20:16,720 Speaker 1: in that position again, and the judges gave it three nines. 295 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:23,080 Speaker 1: And when the show first started, it seemed like there 296 00:20:23,160 --> 00:20:26,200 Speaker 1: was a lot of pressure coming from the judges now 297 00:20:26,240 --> 00:20:30,560 Speaker 1: that we were in the semifinals to up our games, 298 00:20:30,640 --> 00:20:34,240 Speaker 1: like everybody's game needed to be elevated and raised and 299 00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:37,479 Speaker 1: upped because it was the semifinals. And I thought there 300 00:20:37,480 --> 00:20:41,720 Speaker 1: were quite a few dances that deserved higher scores than 301 00:20:41,760 --> 00:20:48,040 Speaker 1: they got, but they were saying, like, listen, it's the semifinals. 302 00:20:48,119 --> 00:20:51,240 Speaker 1: I'm not gonna let little mistakes go. If I see 303 00:20:51,280 --> 00:20:52,880 Speaker 1: a slip up, i'm gonna mark you down for it, 304 00:20:53,680 --> 00:20:56,399 Speaker 1: which I can also appreciate, like at this point in 305 00:20:56,400 --> 00:21:01,360 Speaker 1: the competition, you are fighting for your place in the finale. 306 00:21:01,560 --> 00:21:06,240 Speaker 1: So I also understood that, and then they said she 307 00:21:06,280 --> 00:21:09,359 Speaker 1: wanted they wanted to see more fight from her, and 308 00:21:10,200 --> 00:21:13,679 Speaker 1: she went up into the skybox and she said, the 309 00:21:13,720 --> 00:21:15,680 Speaker 1: next thing you're gonna see for me is some fight. 310 00:21:16,400 --> 00:21:19,159 Speaker 1: And they had a perfect dance to do that with. 311 00:21:19,640 --> 00:21:24,360 Speaker 1: They had Apasa Doble to win Doves Cry. I loved 312 00:21:24,560 --> 00:21:28,080 Speaker 1: their costumes. I thought their costumes were just great. I 313 00:21:28,160 --> 00:21:32,800 Speaker 1: thought Elaine killed this dance. And you know, you'd never know, 314 00:21:33,119 --> 00:21:37,520 Speaker 1: like you see people as graceful and elegant as Whitney 315 00:21:37,600 --> 00:21:39,720 Speaker 1: and Alex and Elaine, and you see them in the 316 00:21:39,720 --> 00:21:42,760 Speaker 1: ballroom styles and you see them with their long arms 317 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:45,040 Speaker 1: and it's so beautiful and flowing, and then you think, 318 00:21:45,359 --> 00:21:49,120 Speaker 1: how are they gonna do stomping around? And then you're like, wow, 319 00:21:49,160 --> 00:21:52,679 Speaker 1: you're good at that too. So that was great, and 320 00:21:52,720 --> 00:21:58,119 Speaker 1: sure enough the judges were just thrilled, and Carrie Anne 321 00:21:58,160 --> 00:22:02,080 Speaker 1: came out from behind the judge's table and fell down 322 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:05,120 Speaker 1: to her knees and said, that's what I wanted to see. 323 00:22:05,200 --> 00:22:08,399 Speaker 1: And I thought right away, like, all right, Elaine's going 324 00:22:08,440 --> 00:22:11,600 Speaker 1: to be in the finals for sure. Based on these reactions, 325 00:22:11,680 --> 00:22:15,280 Speaker 1: Elaine is going to be in the finals. And she 326 00:22:15,359 --> 00:22:19,280 Speaker 1: got three perfect tens for that dance, which I know 327 00:22:19,480 --> 00:22:22,600 Speaker 1: meant the world to her, because, if I'm not mistaken, 328 00:22:22,680 --> 00:22:26,520 Speaker 1: the only other ten did she she must have gotten 329 00:22:26,520 --> 00:22:29,280 Speaker 1: a ten last week, but maybe not. I think her 330 00:22:29,320 --> 00:22:31,760 Speaker 1: only other ten may have been a flav of Flave ten, 331 00:22:31,880 --> 00:22:35,520 Speaker 1: which not to say that a flav of Flave ten 332 00:22:35,680 --> 00:22:39,399 Speaker 1: is not the same as any other ten, But if 333 00:22:39,440 --> 00:22:42,080 Speaker 1: you're one of the core three judges and you're a 334 00:22:42,119 --> 00:22:45,600 Speaker 1: contestant on this show, you probably place a little more 335 00:22:45,600 --> 00:22:48,320 Speaker 1: weight into what they think, So getting a ten from them, 336 00:22:48,480 --> 00:22:51,879 Speaker 1: or three tens, as it were, really means a lot. 337 00:22:52,119 --> 00:22:56,360 Speaker 1: So I'm sure she was absolutely thrilled about that. And 338 00:22:56,400 --> 00:23:00,520 Speaker 1: then my girl, Jordan, she did a jive to Ratsberry 339 00:23:00,640 --> 00:23:07,560 Speaker 1: Beret Oh, one of my favorite songs, and you saw 340 00:23:07,840 --> 00:23:10,959 Speaker 1: them set up in her package. How badly she wanted 341 00:23:11,040 --> 00:23:15,199 Speaker 1: a perfect score. She wanted it so bad she was 342 00:23:15,280 --> 00:23:19,680 Speaker 1: calling it out. I was rooting for and she did 343 00:23:19,720 --> 00:23:22,720 Speaker 1: the jive. I thought her jive was amazing. I thought 344 00:23:22,720 --> 00:23:27,359 Speaker 1: her kicks and flicks were on point. It was so enjoyable. 345 00:23:27,960 --> 00:23:31,399 Speaker 1: I loved her costume, I loved her hair. I just 346 00:23:32,160 --> 00:23:33,440 Speaker 1: I thought it was great. I thought it was a 347 00:23:33,440 --> 00:23:36,520 Speaker 1: great jive. I thought the choreography was incredible. Ezra killed it. 348 00:23:37,200 --> 00:23:40,159 Speaker 1: That little like breakout moment they had over on the 349 00:23:40,240 --> 00:23:46,520 Speaker 1: side I thought was unbelievable, very exciting. And then they 350 00:23:46,560 --> 00:23:50,199 Speaker 1: called out a mistake and she got three nines and 351 00:23:50,280 --> 00:23:53,280 Speaker 1: I thought, oh my gosh, I just want her to 352 00:23:53,320 --> 00:23:59,000 Speaker 1: get her perfect score so badly, and she made sure 353 00:23:59,040 --> 00:24:02,720 Speaker 1: she got it. She came out with an Argentine tango 354 00:24:03,000 --> 00:24:09,560 Speaker 1: in a pose upside down. She looked incredible. Ezra has 355 00:24:09,640 --> 00:24:13,680 Speaker 1: really become one of my favorite choreographers on this show. 356 00:24:15,080 --> 00:24:20,959 Speaker 1: I love how risky he is. I love the risks 357 00:24:21,000 --> 00:24:25,720 Speaker 1: he takes, and I love that Jordan trusts him enough 358 00:24:25,880 --> 00:24:29,119 Speaker 1: and goes, yeah, I know this doesn't look like a 359 00:24:29,200 --> 00:24:33,480 Speaker 1: conventional you know, this doesn't look like conventional choreography I've 360 00:24:33,560 --> 00:24:36,640 Speaker 1: seen done by a bunch of other people. I don't care. 361 00:24:36,880 --> 00:24:38,760 Speaker 1: That's exactly why I want to do it. I want 362 00:24:38,760 --> 00:24:40,479 Speaker 1: to stand out. I want it to be different, like 363 00:24:40,680 --> 00:24:45,040 Speaker 1: I just love it. So they came out and absolutely 364 00:24:45,200 --> 00:24:50,040 Speaker 1: killed an Argentine tango to you got the look. It 365 00:24:50,080 --> 00:24:55,000 Speaker 1: was so well done, and she got her perfect score 366 00:24:55,960 --> 00:24:59,280 Speaker 1: and I cried. It was the only time I cried 367 00:25:00,000 --> 00:25:01,960 Speaker 1: in the ballroom. Tonight. You'll be happy to know. I 368 00:25:02,000 --> 00:25:04,160 Speaker 1: think everybody thinks I'm just a giant softie who cries 369 00:25:04,200 --> 00:25:07,359 Speaker 1: all the time, But that was the only time I cried. 370 00:25:07,440 --> 00:25:11,840 Speaker 1: I was so I was just so immensely proud of her, 371 00:25:12,800 --> 00:25:15,520 Speaker 1: really truly so proud of her. And she got her 372 00:25:15,760 --> 00:25:19,719 Speaker 1: perfect score, and I was sitting not too far behind 373 00:25:19,840 --> 00:25:23,240 Speaker 1: her family, and so I got to congratulate them on 374 00:25:23,600 --> 00:25:26,040 Speaker 1: not only making the finals, but on the perfect score. 375 00:25:26,119 --> 00:25:31,399 Speaker 1: And Jordan's dad was so kind and he said, I 376 00:25:31,440 --> 00:25:34,240 Speaker 1: am so grateful that you guys are friends, which is 377 00:25:34,400 --> 00:25:54,359 Speaker 1: just so sweet. How did this cast luck out so 378 00:25:54,520 --> 00:25:58,840 Speaker 1: much that not only do we all love each other 379 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:04,880 Speaker 1: so much and support each other so much, but we 380 00:26:05,240 --> 00:26:11,600 Speaker 1: love all of our families too, Like what it's you, 381 00:26:12,560 --> 00:26:15,560 Speaker 1: It's it's not this is not easy to have this 382 00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:20,720 Speaker 1: many people spend this much time together during a competition show, 383 00:26:21,240 --> 00:26:25,320 Speaker 1: and for everyone to just be so supportive and loving 384 00:26:25,600 --> 00:26:30,879 Speaker 1: to one another. And it's very genuine. Speaking of things 385 00:26:30,880 --> 00:26:38,280 Speaker 1: that are very genuine, Connor, Whitney's husband. Immediately after Whitney 386 00:26:38,400 --> 00:26:42,960 Speaker 1: had been Whitney and Mark had been eliminated, Connor turned 387 00:26:43,160 --> 00:26:47,040 Speaker 1: like he watched Whitney walk off stage with Mark, and 388 00:26:47,080 --> 00:26:50,480 Speaker 1: I gave him a hug, and I told him the 389 00:26:50,520 --> 00:26:53,960 Speaker 1: same thing I told Whitney, which is she has already won. 390 00:26:55,520 --> 00:26:58,760 Speaker 1: Being in the finale is not going to change the 391 00:26:58,800 --> 00:27:02,880 Speaker 1: fact that Whitney Levitt is going to be a massive star. 392 00:27:04,000 --> 00:27:07,160 Speaker 1: It just she already is. And I think the opportunities 393 00:27:07,200 --> 00:27:11,000 Speaker 1: for her to be a performer are going to if 394 00:27:11,040 --> 00:27:14,480 Speaker 1: they have not already started, they are just going to continue, 395 00:27:14,560 --> 00:27:17,800 Speaker 1: and she is going to have her pick of anything 396 00:27:17,880 --> 00:27:22,160 Speaker 1: she wants to do in the entertainment industry. And one 397 00:27:22,200 --> 00:27:24,720 Speaker 1: more week making it to the finale wouldn't have made 398 00:27:24,760 --> 00:27:28,520 Speaker 1: it moren't It wouldn't have changed it. She's already one. 399 00:27:28,600 --> 00:27:31,360 Speaker 1: And he said that he was really proud of her, 400 00:27:31,440 --> 00:27:33,480 Speaker 1: and I said I was proud of her too, And 401 00:27:33,560 --> 00:27:35,879 Speaker 1: immediately after I was done talking to him, he turned 402 00:27:35,880 --> 00:27:42,000 Speaker 1: to Jordan's family and just with so much enthusiasm and 403 00:27:42,119 --> 00:27:47,360 Speaker 1: like genuine support, said, I am so excited and I'm 404 00:27:47,480 --> 00:27:50,760 Speaker 1: so proud of Jordan. Congratulations to you and your family. 405 00:27:51,800 --> 00:27:56,000 Speaker 1: It was so nice because no one would have judged 406 00:27:56,080 --> 00:27:58,240 Speaker 1: him for just kind of being in his own head 407 00:27:58,320 --> 00:28:04,280 Speaker 1: and not saying anything or even just saying like hey, 408 00:28:04,320 --> 00:28:07,919 Speaker 1: congratulations and being down, and he just didn't he is 409 00:28:08,720 --> 00:28:14,199 Speaker 1: Connor is the hype man in the audience for everybody's family, 410 00:28:14,600 --> 00:28:19,440 Speaker 1: and especially for Whitney. His love and support for her 411 00:28:19,880 --> 00:28:26,520 Speaker 1: is unmatched. I also really want to specially acknowledge Mark. 412 00:28:27,160 --> 00:28:34,040 Speaker 1: Everyone knows that Mark is one of the best dancers 413 00:28:34,400 --> 00:28:38,240 Speaker 1: and the best choreographers the dance world has ever seen. 414 00:28:39,560 --> 00:28:43,000 Speaker 1: Definitely one of the best dancers and choreographers Dancing with 415 00:28:43,040 --> 00:28:47,040 Speaker 1: the Stars has ever seen. He started on Dancing with 416 00:28:47,080 --> 00:28:49,960 Speaker 1: the Stars in season five and has been there for 417 00:28:50,000 --> 00:28:55,360 Speaker 1: fifteen years. He has been around for a lot. And 418 00:28:56,560 --> 00:28:59,320 Speaker 1: I don't think I'm speaking out of turn when I 419 00:28:59,400 --> 00:29:08,520 Speaker 1: say that this season has been the most difficult season 420 00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:17,640 Speaker 1: to manage opinions and online criticism and hate and you know, 421 00:29:19,320 --> 00:29:23,480 Speaker 1: death threats, the things people will say online about his 422 00:29:23,600 --> 00:29:31,960 Speaker 1: family and just truly insane and through it all, I 423 00:29:32,000 --> 00:29:39,880 Speaker 1: think I'm the most amazed by is how well Mark 424 00:29:39,920 --> 00:29:42,520 Speaker 1: handles it all. And I know it's difficult. I know 425 00:29:42,600 --> 00:29:49,280 Speaker 1: it's not easy, But his strength of character and the 426 00:29:49,320 --> 00:29:58,120 Speaker 1: goodness of his heart, oh boy, it's he is a 427 00:29:58,240 --> 00:30:02,680 Speaker 1: special He's a special d vial, he really is. He. 428 00:30:02,680 --> 00:30:08,360 Speaker 1: He is a great, great friend, and he is a 429 00:30:08,400 --> 00:30:14,320 Speaker 1: friend to every single person and every single celebrity, every 430 00:30:14,360 --> 00:30:18,800 Speaker 1: single pro that's on this season, and I believe probably 431 00:30:18,800 --> 00:30:20,880 Speaker 1: of every season in the past that he's that he 432 00:30:20,880 --> 00:30:23,840 Speaker 1: has been a part of. He is there for and 433 00:30:24,080 --> 00:30:26,160 Speaker 1: if you need a pep talk, if you need advice, 434 00:30:26,240 --> 00:30:29,080 Speaker 1: if you want help with something. I don't know how 435 00:30:29,080 --> 00:30:33,560 Speaker 1: he has the bandwidth, but he he's just he's a 436 00:30:33,600 --> 00:30:36,040 Speaker 1: really special man. And I told him that tonight. I 437 00:30:36,080 --> 00:30:41,720 Speaker 1: told him that, you know, his choreography the season was incredible, 438 00:30:41,760 --> 00:30:45,360 Speaker 1: his dancing the season was incredible. All of it's great, 439 00:30:45,760 --> 00:30:49,720 Speaker 1: and yet none of it, to me, is as beautiful 440 00:30:50,200 --> 00:30:54,960 Speaker 1: as the character he showed throughout this year. And I 441 00:30:55,000 --> 00:30:57,240 Speaker 1: told him I would continue to scream it from the 442 00:30:57,320 --> 00:31:00,880 Speaker 1: rooftops to anybody who would listen, because I just think 443 00:31:00,920 --> 00:31:03,600 Speaker 1: it should be known what an amazing man he is. 444 00:31:04,080 --> 00:31:08,080 Speaker 1: And then my boy Dylan, he did a tango too. 445 00:31:08,360 --> 00:31:14,480 Speaker 1: I would die for you. I thought his tango was amazing. 446 00:31:15,800 --> 00:31:19,360 Speaker 1: I will say I did not see the feet. I 447 00:31:19,480 --> 00:31:23,240 Speaker 1: wasn't super paying attention to his feet because I was 448 00:31:23,400 --> 00:31:27,720 Speaker 1: so focused on his sharp head turns because I remember 449 00:31:27,760 --> 00:31:30,680 Speaker 1: from when I did my tango, like knowing how important 450 00:31:30,720 --> 00:31:34,000 Speaker 1: those sharp head turns were. I was watching his elbow 451 00:31:34,040 --> 00:31:35,920 Speaker 1: because I saw that something they were talking about in 452 00:31:35,920 --> 00:31:39,760 Speaker 1: his package, I was really paying attention to like everything 453 00:31:39,920 --> 00:31:43,200 Speaker 1: other than he'll leads, and I know that he'll leads 454 00:31:43,200 --> 00:31:47,040 Speaker 1: are important. Derek called it out tonight, and I can't 455 00:31:47,080 --> 00:31:49,920 Speaker 1: say that I paid any attention to that, so I 456 00:31:49,960 --> 00:31:53,240 Speaker 1: can't even say, like what, But I will say because 457 00:31:53,280 --> 00:31:58,080 Speaker 1: I did not without seeing that, I thought this stance 458 00:31:58,160 --> 00:32:02,200 Speaker 1: deserved at least one ten. Call me crazy. I thought 459 00:32:02,200 --> 00:32:05,760 Speaker 1: this dance was a little underscored. I really liked it. 460 00:32:05,840 --> 00:32:08,160 Speaker 1: I thought the tango was great. I thought he did 461 00:32:08,200 --> 00:32:13,240 Speaker 1: a great job keeping his booty tucked, and then they 462 00:32:13,280 --> 00:32:17,840 Speaker 1: did a cha cha to kiss, which I was so 463 00:32:18,040 --> 00:32:20,360 Speaker 1: proud of him for doing a chat cha because they 464 00:32:20,440 --> 00:32:24,240 Speaker 1: didn't decide to do his best dance. They decided to 465 00:32:24,280 --> 00:32:26,760 Speaker 1: do a dance that would really show how far he's come, 466 00:32:26,880 --> 00:32:31,240 Speaker 1: which is you know, you're calling it out. You're saying, hey, 467 00:32:31,320 --> 00:32:33,160 Speaker 1: look at me, this is gonna be good. That's why 468 00:32:33,200 --> 00:32:34,920 Speaker 1: I'm doing it, because I want you to compare it 469 00:32:34,960 --> 00:32:37,400 Speaker 1: to my other one and notice how much better it is. 470 00:32:38,640 --> 00:32:40,840 Speaker 1: I just I think that kind of stuff is really 471 00:32:41,760 --> 00:32:43,800 Speaker 1: I love that. I think that, you know, it's what 472 00:32:43,960 --> 00:32:46,240 Speaker 1: Whitney and Mark said, why they decided to do their 473 00:32:46,360 --> 00:32:51,000 Speaker 1: dance as well. I thought this dance was incredible. Danny's 474 00:32:51,040 --> 00:32:55,320 Speaker 1: choreography for this Cha Cha was spectacular, the way they 475 00:32:55,440 --> 00:33:00,840 Speaker 1: used the musicality to punctuate the dance moves. I just 476 00:33:00,920 --> 00:33:05,000 Speaker 1: thought it was great. And it didn't get as high 477 00:33:05,000 --> 00:33:07,360 Speaker 1: of a score as I thought, and they were on 478 00:33:07,480 --> 00:33:12,600 Speaker 1: the bottom of the leaderboard. And although that made me nervous, 479 00:33:13,280 --> 00:33:17,800 Speaker 1: if there is one thing this season has showed us, 480 00:33:18,000 --> 00:33:21,440 Speaker 1: it's that being at the bottom of the leaderboard doesn't 481 00:33:21,480 --> 00:33:26,120 Speaker 1: mean it doesn't mean that you're going home. So I 482 00:33:27,360 --> 00:33:30,880 Speaker 1: wasn't too worried, but I was just a little bit worried. 483 00:33:31,840 --> 00:33:36,520 Speaker 1: And when it came time to the elimination, I looked 484 00:33:36,560 --> 00:33:39,360 Speaker 1: at Jensen, who was sitting next to me, and I said, 485 00:33:39,880 --> 00:33:41,880 Speaker 1: I'm sorry, but I need to go sit with Dylan's family. 486 00:33:42,080 --> 00:33:44,280 Speaker 1: And he was like, okay, go, go go, And I 487 00:33:44,320 --> 00:33:47,800 Speaker 1: got up and I ran across to the other side 488 00:33:47,840 --> 00:33:50,920 Speaker 1: and that's when I sat myself down in the chair 489 00:33:51,040 --> 00:33:54,120 Speaker 1: and inserted myself into what eventually became a family photo, 490 00:33:54,280 --> 00:33:56,040 Speaker 1: but without Dylan, so they wouldn't use it for a 491 00:33:56,080 --> 00:33:58,480 Speaker 1: Christmas card anyway. Dylan's not in it. Oh maybe they 492 00:33:58,520 --> 00:34:01,360 Speaker 1: could just replace me with Dylan. They can photoshop me, 493 00:34:01,840 --> 00:34:04,520 Speaker 1: or they can photoshop Dylan over me. That's a good idea. 494 00:34:04,560 --> 00:34:08,160 Speaker 1: I'll give him that suggestion. Anyway, I still ran over there, 495 00:34:09,560 --> 00:34:17,040 Speaker 1: and I sat down next to Dylan's stepmom, and I 496 00:34:17,080 --> 00:34:20,200 Speaker 1: held Dylan's girlfriend's shoulder. I held Courtney, she was sitting 497 00:34:20,200 --> 00:34:22,319 Speaker 1: in front of me. I held Courtney's shoulder, and I 498 00:34:22,320 --> 00:34:25,839 Speaker 1: had my arm around Dylan's stepmom and we sat there 499 00:34:25,880 --> 00:34:30,520 Speaker 1: holding our breath. And Elaine was the first one called 500 00:34:30,560 --> 00:34:35,160 Speaker 1: safe when Alfonso said she's fifty four, and the whole 501 00:34:35,200 --> 00:34:40,600 Speaker 1: place erupted celebration for her, and she ran off, and 502 00:34:40,640 --> 00:34:44,800 Speaker 1: then Alex and Val were next. They were called safe, 503 00:34:45,800 --> 00:34:53,080 Speaker 1: and then Robert and Whitney were called safe and left 504 00:34:53,200 --> 00:34:59,200 Speaker 1: standing up. There was Jordan and Ezra, Dylan and Danny, 505 00:35:00,440 --> 00:35:05,960 Speaker 1: Whitney and Mark. And the second there was silence, I 506 00:35:06,120 --> 00:35:10,359 Speaker 1: said out loud, Dylan and Danny, Dylan and Danny, Dylan 507 00:35:10,360 --> 00:35:12,480 Speaker 1: and Danny, Dylan and Danny, Dylan and Danny, and they 508 00:35:12,480 --> 00:35:16,200 Speaker 1: announced that Dylan and Danny were safe, and they walked off. 509 00:35:17,320 --> 00:35:21,279 Speaker 1: And the minute I knew that it was down to 510 00:35:21,400 --> 00:35:31,279 Speaker 1: Jordan and Whitney, I said Whitney's going home, And sure 511 00:35:31,360 --> 00:35:37,839 Speaker 1: enough they called Jordan and Ezra safe and that was it. 512 00:35:39,480 --> 00:35:42,080 Speaker 1: Whitney came walking down and I was wondering if she 513 00:35:42,200 --> 00:35:47,080 Speaker 1: was surprised, but I also know that she told me 514 00:35:47,160 --> 00:35:49,200 Speaker 1: last week that she really thought she was going home 515 00:35:49,280 --> 00:35:55,160 Speaker 1: last week. And you know, I went out onto the 516 00:35:55,160 --> 00:36:00,839 Speaker 1: ballroom floor and she seemed very composed, and I said, 517 00:36:03,040 --> 00:36:04,640 Speaker 1: I told you what I told her. I said, you 518 00:36:04,640 --> 00:36:07,200 Speaker 1: know you've already won. She said, I know I have. 519 00:36:07,400 --> 00:36:12,600 Speaker 1: She gave everybody a hug, and then her and Mark walked, 520 00:36:12,640 --> 00:36:16,799 Speaker 1: you know, after they talked to everybody, her and Mark 521 00:36:16,840 --> 00:36:22,719 Speaker 1: walked up and then walked off the stage, and she 522 00:36:22,760 --> 00:36:25,520 Speaker 1: seemed very composed. She seemed like she was, you know, 523 00:36:25,880 --> 00:36:28,000 Speaker 1: probably a little bit in shock and taking it all in. 524 00:36:28,920 --> 00:36:31,319 Speaker 1: And then she changed clothes and she was on her 525 00:36:31,360 --> 00:36:33,360 Speaker 1: way to go do the Dancing with the Stars podcast, 526 00:36:33,400 --> 00:36:36,080 Speaker 1: and I saw her. I saw her one more time 527 00:36:36,120 --> 00:36:39,920 Speaker 1: outside and then, you know, she was more emotional at 528 00:36:39,920 --> 00:36:42,600 Speaker 1: that point. I think she had had some time to 529 00:36:42,640 --> 00:36:44,840 Speaker 1: be with Connor and to let some of the emotions 530 00:36:44,880 --> 00:36:51,879 Speaker 1: hit her. And it's never easy. It's never easy when this, 531 00:36:52,120 --> 00:36:55,200 Speaker 1: when this journey ends, even if you make it all 532 00:36:55,239 --> 00:36:59,000 Speaker 1: the way through the semifinals. You know it won't be 533 00:36:59,080 --> 00:37:03,840 Speaker 1: easy next week for the people in the finals. The 534 00:37:03,880 --> 00:37:11,520 Speaker 1: show has a weird It has a weird emotional hold 535 00:37:12,800 --> 00:37:14,520 Speaker 1: over all of us. And I don't know if it's 536 00:37:14,640 --> 00:37:20,080 Speaker 1: just dance. I think it's the immersion. I think it's 537 00:37:20,120 --> 00:37:24,279 Speaker 1: the full immersion of our lives and our time and 538 00:37:24,360 --> 00:37:28,000 Speaker 1: our physical bodies and the amount of vulnerability and trust 539 00:37:28,920 --> 00:37:34,520 Speaker 1: it takes to do this kind of a schedule and 540 00:37:34,640 --> 00:37:36,840 Speaker 1: in front of millions of people, and to like really 541 00:37:36,920 --> 00:37:42,360 Speaker 1: let the world see you for who you are. The pros, 542 00:37:42,480 --> 00:37:47,080 Speaker 1: the cons, the skills, the lack of skills, the flaws, 543 00:37:47,400 --> 00:37:52,919 Speaker 1: all of it. And it's I think maybe we're all 544 00:37:52,960 --> 00:37:56,319 Speaker 1: trauma bonded. But like good trauma, is there such a thing. 545 00:37:57,120 --> 00:37:58,960 Speaker 1: I don't think there's such a thing as good trauma, 546 00:37:59,040 --> 00:38:03,160 Speaker 1: but like, you know, it's such a unique experience and 547 00:38:03,239 --> 00:38:08,319 Speaker 1: it is so like in the trenches. I just think, yeah, 548 00:38:08,640 --> 00:38:12,400 Speaker 1: there's there's a weird bond. But I'm sad for Whitney. 549 00:38:13,280 --> 00:38:18,799 Speaker 1: I'm sad for all of us who didn't get to 550 00:38:18,800 --> 00:38:21,160 Speaker 1: do it for all eleven weeks, and even when it's 551 00:38:21,160 --> 00:38:22,960 Speaker 1: over at eleven weeks. So I'm gonna be sad for 552 00:38:23,040 --> 00:38:25,520 Speaker 1: just all of us that it's over. I can't believe 553 00:38:25,560 --> 00:38:27,200 Speaker 1: we don't get to like do this for the rest 554 00:38:27,200 --> 00:38:30,359 Speaker 1: of our lives. I know that sounds insane. I sound 555 00:38:30,400 --> 00:38:32,960 Speaker 1: like an insane person. I'm gonna stop. It's late. It's 556 00:38:33,040 --> 00:38:36,360 Speaker 1: nine thirty. This is, you know, almost my bedtime. I 557 00:38:36,400 --> 00:38:41,560 Speaker 1: mean minutes away from my bedtime. So, guys, we're at 558 00:38:41,560 --> 00:38:44,799 Speaker 1: the finals. I can't even believe it. We're at the finals. 559 00:38:46,200 --> 00:38:50,040 Speaker 1: It's just gonna be incredible. We get an Ezra freestyle, 560 00:38:50,520 --> 00:38:53,880 Speaker 1: we get an Alan Burston freestyle, we get a Daniella 561 00:38:54,000 --> 00:38:59,960 Speaker 1: Kara Gosh freestyle. We get a Val Schberkowsky free style, 562 00:39:01,200 --> 00:39:05,919 Speaker 1: we get a Whitney Carson free style. Guys, we are 563 00:39:06,320 --> 00:39:11,640 Speaker 1: going to be just floating in free style goodness. I 564 00:39:11,680 --> 00:39:15,560 Speaker 1: can't wait to see them. It's gonna be it's gonna 565 00:39:15,600 --> 00:39:21,880 Speaker 1: be spectacular. I cannot wait. Also, in the finale, you girl, 566 00:39:22,320 --> 00:39:25,320 Speaker 1: that's me, I'm your girl. I get to dance in 567 00:39:25,360 --> 00:39:27,759 Speaker 1: the finale. It's a very small little thing. I think 568 00:39:27,760 --> 00:39:29,640 Speaker 1: there's like an opening number that I get to be 569 00:39:29,680 --> 00:39:32,480 Speaker 1: a part of, and then there's some sort of bumper 570 00:39:32,680 --> 00:39:35,239 Speaker 1: that I get to do. I don't know who I'm 571 00:39:35,680 --> 00:39:38,560 Speaker 1: I mean, obviously I'm paired with Pasha. Pasha's my forever, 572 00:39:38,719 --> 00:39:41,160 Speaker 1: forever partner, but I don't know like who I'm going 573 00:39:41,239 --> 00:39:44,440 Speaker 1: to be in a grouping with. I think there's like 574 00:39:44,480 --> 00:39:46,680 Speaker 1: two other couples. I don't know who they are. I 575 00:39:46,719 --> 00:39:51,720 Speaker 1: will find out soon. Rehearsals for that start later this week, 576 00:39:52,080 --> 00:39:55,279 Speaker 1: and then, I mean, it's a week from now. It 577 00:39:55,400 --> 00:39:57,799 Speaker 1: is a week from now the finale, and I can't 578 00:39:57,800 --> 00:39:59,920 Speaker 1: wait to be there. I can't wait to tell you 579 00:40:00,080 --> 00:40:04,200 Speaker 1: you all about it immediately after it's over. I hope 580 00:40:04,239 --> 00:40:08,400 Speaker 1: you guys are looking forward to it. And while we wait, 581 00:40:09,120 --> 00:40:12,880 Speaker 1: I am going to be sitting down with one half 582 00:40:13,400 --> 00:40:17,680 Speaker 1: of the dynamic duo that hosts Dancing with the Stars. 583 00:40:18,320 --> 00:40:23,560 Speaker 1: That's right, he's nineties royalty, he's two thousands royalty. He's 584 00:40:23,719 --> 00:40:29,160 Speaker 1: just American royalty. It's Alfonso Rivero. Can't wait to sit 585 00:40:29,200 --> 00:40:30,960 Speaker 1: down and talk with Alfonso about what it's like to 586 00:40:31,000 --> 00:40:33,000 Speaker 1: host Dancing with the Stars. It really does seem like 587 00:40:33,520 --> 00:40:36,800 Speaker 1: a total dream job. And I want to know is 588 00:40:37,320 --> 00:40:40,160 Speaker 1: is it as dreamy as it looks? And I want 589 00:40:40,160 --> 00:40:42,319 Speaker 1: to talk to about his dance schedule too. I want 590 00:40:42,360 --> 00:40:44,399 Speaker 1: to know what kind of classes? Is he in? What's 591 00:40:44,440 --> 00:40:48,480 Speaker 1: he up to? What's he doing anyway? Thank you all 592 00:40:48,520 --> 00:40:51,400 Speaker 1: for listening to this episode of Danielle with I will 593 00:40:51,440 --> 00:40:56,920 Speaker 1: see you all next time. Bye. Danielle with the Stars 594 00:40:57,160 --> 00:41:00,680 Speaker 1: Produced and hosted by Danielle Fischl. Executive producer Jensen Carpon, 595 00:41:00,760 --> 00:41:04,440 Speaker 1: Amy Sugarman, Executive in charge of production, Danielle Romo, producer, 596 00:41:04,640 --> 00:41:08,360 Speaker 1: editor and engineer Tara Sudbasch. Theme song by Justin Siegel. 597 00:41:08,680 --> 00:41:12,680 Speaker 1: Follow us on Instagram at Danielle with Stars and vote 598 00:41:12,680 --> 00:41:12,880 Speaker 1: for me