TheDancing.com Latest Blog Posts

‘Dancing With the Stars’ may add ‘Extra’ host Maria Menounos to its lineup

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:01:48 GMT

She’s already doffed her clothes in freezing New York winter weather in the middle of Times Square after losing a Super Bowl bet, so the skimpy, sequined numbers on “Dancing With the Stars” should be no sweat.

According to TMZ, “Extra” host Maria Menounos may be the latest celebrity to give the ballroom a twirl in the upcoming season of the dancing competition. If true, the doe-eyed entertainment host would be joining the ranks of Jack Wagner, Sherri Shepherd and Melissa Gilbert to compete for the mirror ball on the show, gossip sites report.

Menounos, 33, donned a blue-and-red Giants-colored bikini the day after the Super Bowl after losing out on a bet with fellow “Extra” correspondent A.J. Calloway when her beloved New England Patriots lost. “God is a Giants fan!” Calloway exclaimed.

The other three rumored contestants are no strangers to the spotlight themselves. Wagner, better known as Heather Locklear’s ex, is a three-decade soap opera veteran who made headlines last year after an ugly 911 call ended their relationship. Shepherd, a current host on “The View,” was rumored to have been in the running as a contestant for season 13, but the deal fell through due to issues of scheduling. And Gilbert, 57, is best known for playing Laura Ingalls on “Little House on the Praire” from 1974 to 1983. The official cast lineup will be announced on “Good Morning America” Tuesday morning.

Pole dancing in Zimbabwe getting dirtier

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 11:51:21 GMT

As if that is not enough, two of the top dancing girls have launched a war against each other, through mudslinging, probably in a bid to maintain pole positions as more girls join the turf. In an ugly turn of events, rival dancers Beverly Sibanda and Zoey Selani are engaged in a war of words, accusing each other of stripping after work, following the two’s successful performance at the City Sports Bar last weekend.

In a shocking outburst, Beverley, who has for the past few months rocked the joints with her sexy dance routines, accused rival Zoey of “parading cheap dancing tactics, which are nothing short of stripping”. “The girl does not know what she is doing. All her acts, dancing and even the pole antics that she claims to do are fake.

“I just don’t know why she continues with the act, when she knows that she is not good enough. At one time, we held a joint show, and we were almost arrested by the police, after she (Zoey) started stripping in front of the patrons,” she alleged.

In response to Beverly’s accusations, Zoey had no kind words either. “I taught her all that she is showcasing though I do not go for the rhumba dancing that she does (Ukararera imbwa nemukaka mangwana inofuma yokuruma).
“I don’t strip.”

“I am a professional pole dancer, whose limits are bum shorts and not nudity like some might think. “We (Zoey’s camp) have always given her space to prove her mettle but at times she snubs the shows,” she alleged referring to the Upper Lounge show, on February 16 at which Beverly was conspicuous by her absence.

“Fans are always complaining that she has a bad attitude as she sometimes insults them, something which is anathema to me. If she wants a show then I will give her one, so we can prove who is the best.”

Despite their simmering differences, the two seem to get along very well when they are on stage. They have also been holding joint shows in the last few months following the introduction of pole dancing in Harare. Pole dancing has come to many of Harare’s hangouts and clubs where patrons turn up in large numbers to watch young women wearing very skimpy and revealing clothing dance on poles.

This new dancing craze has pushed the dance groups that used to be popular at these joints into the background. No one knows if this is a passing phenomenon or something a little more permanent. Oddly enough, not many people in Harare know exactly what is involved in pole dancing. Some think it’s the same as strip tease, probably from watching too many American movies where stripping while draping the body around a pole seems, at least so Hollywood imagines it to be the main entertainment in bars. Pole dancers in Harare technically do not strip, although some costumes leave very little to the imagination.

According to Wikipedia, pole dancing is a form of performing arts, which is a combination of dance and gymnastics. It involves dancing and performing acrobatic tricks with a vertical pole and is an increasingly popular form of fitness and dance practised by many enthusiasts in gyms or dedicated dance studios.
A wide range of amateur and professional competitions are held in many countries around the world.
Before the mid-2000s, pole dancing mainly took place in strips clubs. Since then, promoters of pole dance fitness competitions have been trying to change people’s perception of pole dancing and to promote it as a legitimate form of dance and acrobatics.

Dancing in nostalgia

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:53:32 GMT

With performers flown in from all across the country, swaying to wonderful Punjabi tunes, dressed in their colourful costumes, the event was a true testament to the beauty of Punjabi culture. From the internationally adored Bhangra style to the shaadi favourite Luddi to the lesser known categories like Jhoomer, Giddha, Dankaara, Malwai Giddha, Ghoomer, Dharees, Kikkli, Sammi, Gatka, Dhammal and Julli, the festival welcomed folk dances from all provinces while giving special attention to Punjab.

The aura was submerged in an air of nostalgia — forcing the audience to think of the wonders that could be lost with the quickly changing dynamics of the society. Zahoor Hussain, an international folk performer from Jhang, who was talking part in the festival, talked about the neglect felt by talented folk performers and the overall desertion of the art form. “People have forgotten Punjabi culture. Although in the rural areas it’s still highly regarded and alive in many ways, in urban areas people have moved on,” said Hussain. However, he blames this changing trend to the influx of different forms of dance and music which has been imported from other cultures.

Emotional aspects of Punjabi folk dance
What sets Punjabi folk dance apart from contemporary dance forms is that there is a thought and emotion entangled with every type of folk dance. When it comes to Punjabi folk dance, the songs are depended on three emotions — celebration, war and sadness. Celebration songs are fast-paced while war dances were structured and slow. According to Hussian, bhangra, for instance, is deeply connected to the life of the farmer who toils in the fields. “Bhangra is based on the different steps a farmer performs during the harvesting process.”

Punjabi music vs Punjabi folk music
Hoat explains that the modern Punjabi music has not connected with masses nearly as much as Punjabi folk music has. Despite this, the efforts to incorporate folk music and promote it have been limited so far. He feels that this is the reason why classical singers such as Ustad Dadi Ali Khan have gone unnoticed. Although fusion of different dance and music styles has been popular recently, originality of such art forms needs to stay intact.

Strong belief system behind Punjabi culture
For Hoat, Punjabi culture was not just dance and music. There was an underlying belief system and rich identity which has been forgotten in the new interpretation of Punjabi culture. He said that women were once well-respected and an important part of society. However, this has changed and now society is generally more male-dominated. It’s surprising that these positive elements of culture are often forgotten and not applied in modern times.

The real identity of Pakistan
Taking a look at the harmonious and well-choreographed dances all around, famed classical dancer Nighat Chaudhry said, “This is the real culture of Pakistan, this is what we stopped doing, this should make us want to end violence.” Chaudhry, whose students were performing at the festival, added, “No matter what anyone says, these customs and traditions can never die and with festivals like these taking place regularly, they can be preserved and can stay alive forever.”

Dancing On Ice's Heidi Range Wants To Lose Even More Weight

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:21:44 GMT

The 'Sugarbabe, who has already lost weight since starting the show and is already a tiny UK size six has admitted she wants to get even fitter ready for the national tour in the Spring. Speaking on This Morning, following her departure from the show last night, the singer said: "The pressure is on to keep it off now, isn't it, for the tour.”

The 28 year-old who was devastated to leave the competition revealed that she can’t wait to get back on the ice, especially as she will be able to perform in front of her home crowd. She said: “I can't wait, I'm really looking forward to it and it's going to Liverpool so I get to skate at the Echo Arena."

Perhaps her impressive figure isn’t the only reason Heidi is so keen to keep up her training. She confessed that the show was a great distraction following her split from fiancé, Capital Radio DJ Dave Berry.

The blonde, who separated from the presenter in December after eight years together admitted earlier this month: “Dancing on Ice was a great distraction from the break-up.”

“I’ll be lost when it finishes because it really does take over your whole life, and I have gone from a really difficult phase to throwing myself into this and absolutely loving it." She told The Mirror.

Dancing on Ice: Heidi Range upset at Katarina Witt criticism

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 11:41:59 GMT

Dancing on Ice star Heidi Range was eliminated after coming bottom of the leader board. The Sugababe singer has admitted that she was unhappy when Katarina Witt told her she relied too much on her partner Andrei Lipanov for the lifts.

Range hit back by saying Katarina is a solo skater and never did lifts in her own routines. After her performance Witt told Heidi: "Your step sequence was very slow and you are preying on the strength of Andrei and that he's able to do all those great lifts with you."Range told The Sun: "It was unfair because it was never said to any of the other girls, 'Oh he puts you in your lifts... '"With the other girls it was always acknowledged what they'd done to hold themselves and get into that lift.

"But with mine she seemed to dismiss how much effort I put into them. You have to go for it and hold yourself in there and it is terrifying. It was never said to any of the other girls. "I took it personally because it was a point she made every week."However, despite the criticism Heidi insisted she loved her time on the show.

She said: "I'd have loved to have stayed for two more months. "I will miss the people. It's fun and you're challenged and then you achieve things and it's a really special experience."

Dancing with Mr Xi

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:51:57 GMT

Ireland has turned to Riverdance diplomacy to help lift the country out of the economic doldrums. The Irish government yesterday treated Chinese Vice-President Xi Jinping to a castle banquet and a private performance of the show Riverdance as it sought investment from the world's most populous nation. Mr Xi, who is likely to succeed President Hu Jintao, arrived in western Ireland after a visit to the US where he met President Barack Obama. Ireland's government is hoping Mr Xi's visit will help bolster exports as it recovers from a recession. Irish Foreign Minister Eamon Gilmore said he expected the visit to ''set the context for increased trade and investment'' between the two countries.

Michele Bachmann Rejects 'Dancing With the Stars;' Focuses on More 'Serious Issues'

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 15:21:27 GMT

Congresswoman Michele Bachmann will not be joining ABC's hit show "Dancing with the Stars" this March contrary to rumors indicating otherwise. Bachmann and Herman Cain were allegedly invited to appear on DWTS' 14th season alongside other celebrities and stars, but both politicians denied their participation.

"In full disclose, I did win a polka dancing competition when I was in the tenth grade at my alma mater, Anoka High School in Anoke, Minn.," the Minnesota Rep. announced on her website Wednesday. "But, despite my tenth grade polka success and my lifelong love of ballroom dancing, the recent rumors are false. I will not be joining 'Dancing with the Stars.'"

Instead of focusing on how to perfect her quickstep or jive, the former presidential candidate revealed that she would be concentrating on more serious issues like fixing the economy.

"My time and attention remains committed to creating more private sector jobs, and higher paying jobs, in the Sixth Congressional District. Serious issues face our nation. I'm continuing to push for cutting wasteful government spending, a successful conclusion to the decades-long St. Croix River Crossing Project in my district, and repealing the government takeover of health care."

In addition to Bachmann's announcement, Cain also expelled rumors of appearing on DWTS. His assistant, Lisa Reichert, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, "He can't dance in an eight-count."

"He can only dance in a nine-count," Reichert said, referencing his 9-9-9 tax plan, which would remove all payroll taxes and purportedly lift a $430 billion burden on the economy. Previously, DWTS secured other political figures such as former House Majority Leader Tom Delay, who quit the contest in 2009 due to stress fractures in both of his feet.

Bristol Palin, daughter of former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, also joined the show in 2010, winning third place in the competition. With Bachmann and Cain out, other names currently being tossed about include Gavin DeGraw, Perez Hilton, Regis Philbin, and Giuliana Rancic.

"Dancing with the Stars" returns on Monday, March 19 at 8 p.m., ET for a two-hour season premiere. This season's celebrities will be announced live from the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood on Tuesday, Feb. 28 exclusively during "Good Morning America" on ABC.

'Dancing With the Stars': Draft Tim Pawlenty!

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 15:38:52 GMT

The producers of Dancing With the Stars have been thwarted in their reported efforts to draft ostensible reality TV stars — okay, former Republican presidential candidates — Herman Cain and Michele Bachmann for the next season of their show. Yesterday, Cain’s executive assistant reportedly told the Atlanta Journal Constitution that the pizza godfather and Tea Party favorite wouldn’t do it because he “can’t dance in an eight-count. He can only dance in a nine-count.”

And just today, Bachmann tweeted and released a statement taking her feather boa out of the ring, “In full disclosure, I did win a polka dancing competition when I was in the tenth grade at my alma mater, Anoka High School in Anoka, Minn. But, despite my tenth grade polka success and my lifelong love of ballroom dancing, the recent rumors are false. I will not be joining Dancing With the Stars.”

The producers of DWTS might be disappointed by the rejections, panicked even. They have only two more weeks before the new cast will be announced. But I come with good news. Cain and Bachmann’s rejection is the best thing that could’ve happened to the show. I have two words for you, DWTS. Lean in close…T-Paw. That’s right, Tim Pawlenty. Sure, you weren’t necessarily sold on the former Minnesota governor’s extremely moderate political platform during his short-lived campaign for the Republican nomination, but there was no denying T-Paw’s charisma. I mean, just watch these three young ladies hanging on his every word as he weighs in on Lady Gaga.

Day of Dance aiming to get Pine Belt moving toward better health

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:27:14 GMT

Pine Belt residents are invited to get moving toward better heart health at the eighth annual Day of Dance, hosted by Forrest General's Spirit of Women.

Each year, this free interactive community event brings the Pine Belt together for a celebration of the benefits of dance and exercise for the prevention of heart disease.

One Pine Belt woman will surely be found dancing along with the crowd at Day of Dance as a visual testament to the importance of taking action for heart health.

Though Katie Headrick's vivacious personality and infectious smile will most likely be the first things anyone notices about her, the 64-year-old Hattiesburg resident would be quick to express that she takes one thing very seriously - her opportunity to impact other women's lives with her story.

One morning in January 2011, Headrick awoke thinking she had a virus - experiencing dizziness, weakness and numbness in her hands. After arriving at Forrest General, she was diagnosed as being in atrial fibrillation, one of the most common types of irregular heartbeat.

"Everyone always thinks you are going to have chest pains," said Headrick, "but women don't always have that - it's more subtle. Now that I know the symptoms, I ask women standing in line at the grocery store if they're taking care of their heart."

Headrick says she is an advocate for women to take action against heart disease. "More than 70 percent of women have heart disease - we think we're healthy, but we're in denial about our age!" Headrick said.

That's why this survivor is planning to attend the upcoming Day of Dance, to be a part of an event that aims to teach attendees about keeping their heart healthy and taking preventative measures to catch any problems before they become life threatening.

This year's Day of Dance will begin at 9 a.m. Feb. 25 at the Lake Terrace Convention Center for a fun-filled day of dance instruction and entertainment, health assessments, heart disease education, door prizes, vendor booths and more.

Last year, more than 200 performers from more than 18 dance groups entertained the crowd with various types of dance, showing the more than 600 attendees that it doesn't matter what kind of dance you do - it's all heart healthy!

The fifth annual "Celebrity Dancing with the Stars" contest - a highlight of the day - will feature local celebrities paired with professional dance partners. During the day's interactive dance sessions, attendees are invited to dance at their seat or get on stage with instructors as they demonstrate the steps to line dances, exercise dances and more.

As a new feature for this year's event, Forrest General's Spirit of Women is partnering with Mississippi Public Broadcasting to bring a unique opportunity to attendees.

During Day of Dance, MPB personalities will ask attendees to be a part of the audience as they host an on-location taping of "Southern Remedy," Mississippi Public Broadcasting's flagship wellness show.

Rosemary Conley leaves Dancing On Ice

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:14:42 GMT

Rosemary Conley became the latest star to leave 'Dancing On Ice' last night (12.02.12). The diet and fitness guru - who landed in the bottom two alongside Chemmy Alcott - was given the boot after judges Louie Spence, Katarina Witt and Robin Cousins voted unanimously to keep the skiing champion in the ITV1 celebrity skating competition.

Wearing a frilly fuchsia dress, the 64-year-old star - who is the oldest ever competitor to reach this stage of the show - failed to impress with her Valentine's Day themed routine of The Pretenders' 'I'll Stand By You'.

However, she praised Chemmy as "brilliant" and admitted she has "loved" every minute of her 'Dancing On Ice' journey. Rosemary told host Phillip Schofield: "I absolutely loved it. We reached the point when everyone is raising their game. I probably can't do it like the others can. Chemmy is brilliant and deserves to go through."

Turning to her professional skating partner Mark Hanretty, she added: "Thank you for being the best coach and the nicest person God put on this earth."However, the drama didn't stop there, as last night's show also saw actress Jennifer Ellison suffer a dramatic blow to her head from the blade of her skate during a daring 'Scorpion Kick' move.

Despite having to receive medical attention for the ailment, the blonde beauty bravely continued with her routine. Show mentor Jayne Torvill said: "The adrenaline tonight went a bit too far. It shows you how dangerous ice dancing is."

But Jennifer's skating partner Dan Whiston reassured the audience, saying: "She is going to be OK. It was a very scary moment. When I put her down her whole hair was just red."Next week's episode of 'Dancing On Ice' will see two celebrities eliminated from the competition.