# Dancing with the Stars Fall 2011 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [August 25, 2011, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101 "2011-08-25T23:37:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/401 "2011-11-23T04:02:45Z")
Well I guess nice guys do win once in awhile after all. šŸ˜‰ Congrats to J.R. Karina finally gets that Mirrorball she missed out on way back in Season 3 with Mario. Ten seasons later she finally gets that trophy. A Nice ending to season 13. I got to admit this season turned out pretty good. I was worried back in August when the cast was announced. Turns out this bunch really seemed to like & support each other. The camaraderie made a big difference in the seasons success. ---
**Author:** ![Long\_Time\_First\_Time](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@Long\_Time\_First\_Time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Long_Time_First_Time)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/402 "2011-11-23T04:05:46Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I lost most of my faith in the finals after the judges stole Evan Lysacekā€™s win a couple seasons ago. IIRC they had some kind of instant judges dances nonsense that time too. Iā€™d rank Evan in the top four celebrity dancers this show has ever produced. He was a thousand times better than Jennifer Gray or any of this seasons finalists. I love me some Evan Lysacek - heā€™s the reason I started watching the show. But he never learned to move his hips. He didnā€™t deserve to win. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/403 "2011-11-23T13:44:24Z")
I was truly rooting for Rob, who danced better than JR last week and this (well, other than that one teeny misstep last night), but how could anyone be pissed that JR won? Despite the rocky finish, he had a great season and won both on dance ability and on personality. It will be interesting to see where his career goes from here ā€“ though the show has been good exposure for some people, it hasnā€™t exactly been a game changer for any previous winners. (Iā€™m thinking here specifically of Drew Lachey.) I think the final rankings were about right ā€“ and, sorry, Derek, Iā€™m glad Ricki was third ā€“ and thought this was a good season overall. And yeah, **El\_Kabong** , agree that it was nice to see Chyna and Tonyā€™s ā€œMission Impossibleā€ routine as intended ā€“ damn, she really fucked it up the first time, too bad, it was a nice piece. I liked several of the returneesā€™ dances ā€“ how fun that they let Carson and David both do a new number instead of just reprising whatever. Fuck Maks for not appearing in Carsonā€™s number, though ā€“ homophobia or just general assholishness? I hope they give him a time out next season. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/404 "2011-11-23T13:49:31Z")
The finalists getting on the plane for NY and GMA. > **[Party on the plane !!!](http://www.mobypicture.com/user/derekhough/view/11312280)** > > Live With Passion Hard to believe itā€™s already over. Seems like just a few weeks ago that it started. A lot of this shows appeal is getting to know the cast. This group seemed to have so much fun together this season. I noticed Derk and Mark hoisted J.R. on their shoulders after his win. Great sportsmanship all around. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/405 "2011-11-23T14:06:42Z")
Finally watched the final dances and finale. It was a very close contest, IMO, with all 3 amateur dancers really delivering. Itā€™s hard for me to overcome my hatred of the overexposed Kardashians, but Rob did improve tremendously. (Of course, when you have all the time in the world to practice because you donā€™t have, you know, a job, I guess you should improve. However, the same can be said of the top 3 because I donā€™t think any of them is working at the momentā€¦) Anyway, I did take points off Robā€™s score for not getting into character on his first dance (waltz). He grinned his way through it, which was boyish and endearing, but he should have acted the part of a man. I think he did a great job on the second dance, especially with the lifts, though. However, his overall posture and mannerisms (e.g. arm extensions, footing) lack the natural grace of someone like JR. Ricki did a great job but I think 3rd was appropriate. She, like JR, started and finished strong, but didnā€™t show any appreciable growth as a dancer. However, itā€™s hard to criticize solid delivery week after week. Itā€™s tough to believe that JR doesnā€™t have any dance training. Heā€™s a complete natural. And, like Dereky, he can pull off arm extensions without looking effeminate, something that Maks and Tony need to work on, IMO. And he dances with such a joie de vivre! Iā€™d love to see him free style it up on a dance floor in Miami. It was a feel good season with a feel good ending, with the Maks and Hope distraction being the only negative. Well, that and that horrible Brooke whatshername, who is admittedly getting a TAD better at live interviews, but still cannot ad-lib for the life of her. Which is kind of essential on a live show. But enough of the negatives. I was very impressed with just about everyone and it was a fun distraction. And Iā€™m happy for Karina who seemed to really, really want the win. Those lifts that she pulled off were incredible. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/406 "2011-11-23T14:33:15Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > I liked several of the returneesā€™ dances ā€“ how fun that they let Carson and David both do a new number instead of just reprising whatever. Also Laceyā€™s dad ā€“ that was a hoot. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/407 "2011-11-23T14:44:44Z")
Over all, I liked the ā€œshowā€ aspect of this finale better than any Iā€™ve seen before. The returning cast members got to perform way better than before, and I liked that they could include others in their dances. That was fun. I think Carson should replace Brooke Burke. Half a season, and he ā€œgetsā€ the show better than Brooke has in a winning season and a couple of years hosting. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/408 "2011-11-23T15:15:55Z")
Interesting idea ā€“ but would he be able to dial back the schtick and let the dancers talk? ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/409 "2011-11-23T15:26:59Z")
Better to not let them talk than to make them respond to: ā€œJohn Doe, the judges said that you really blew it with that dance, and that any three year old dancing with an ape could have done better. How does that make you feel?ā€ ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/410 "2011-11-23T15:31:18Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > I liked several of the returneesā€™ dances ā€“ how fun that they let Carson and David both do a new number instead of just reprising whatever. Same. Also, if we have to have a current pro-parent with a star, I would much rather see Buddy Schwimmer than Corky Ballas. Much, much rather. Iā€™m happy with the results and looking forward to next season. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/411 "2011-11-23T15:47:58Z")
Well, Iā€™m trying to start a Twitter campaign to get Carson hired. Weā€™ll see if it takes off. šŸ˜‰ ---
**Author:** ![Feyrat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/fbc32d/32.png) [@Feyrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Feyrat)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/412 "2011-11-23T17:06:37Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > The finalists getting on the plane for NY and GMA. > [Party on the plane !!! by Derek Hough (derekhough) on Mobypicture](http://www.mobypicture.com/user/derekhough/view/11312280) > > Hard to believe itā€™s already over. Seems like just a few weeks ago that it started. A lot of this shows appeal is getting to know the cast. This group seemed to have so much fun together this season. I noticed Derk and Mark hoisted J.R. on their shoulders after his win. Great sportsmanship all around. Yeah, the clear camaraderie in this cast really made it happy to watch. Youā€™d see them up there getting their scores and instead of everyone looking tense and pissed-off that someone else did well, they were too busy giving back slaps and hugs to even let the other person get their scores. So sweet. I really think JR was a big pusher for that, too. Every time they let us hear a comment, it was JR telling someone they were awesome, they were doing well, they were great. Almost everyone who got voted off mentioned how great JR was. I really couldnā€™t be happier about the JR win. Ricki and Rob were both great, and Rob improved tons, but I was really afraid the Kardashian Twitter Goliath was going to just deluge the votes. ---
**Author:** ![Oy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bc8723/32.png) [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/413 "2011-11-23T17:19:45Z")
This show has always (well, at least from Season 3, when I started watching) been comradely rather than hypercompetitive. Itā€™s one of the things Iā€™ve always admired about it. The contestants and pros all seem to be genuinely glad when their competitors do well, especially when itā€™s the case of a contestant who is much improved. Thatā€™s one of the reasons Hope came off looking so bad. Bitterness is not encouraged. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/414 "2011-11-23T17:34:54Z")
> [@twickster](#): > > Well, Iā€™m trying to start a Twitter campaign to get Carson hired. Weā€™ll see if it takes off. šŸ˜‰ Count me in. Heā€™s adorable. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/415 "2011-11-23T20:44:41Z")
I hope a casting director somewhere gives J.R. a chance in a tv show. Iā€™ve heard the _All My Children_ role was specifically written for a injured vet character and J.R. fit it perfectly. Iā€™d like to see him remain in acting. It wonā€™t be easy when casting directors usually want handsome men and sexy women. Thankfully, thereā€™s always character roles for actors & actresses that donā€™t quite fit into that niche. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/416 "2011-11-23T20:57:16Z")
Louisā€™ last blog for this season. I hope Louis gets a partner next Spring. I missed seeing him this season. > **[Louis Van Amstelā€™s ā€˜Dancing With the Starsā€™ Dish: J.R. Martinez Delivered and...](https://www.yahoo.com/gma/blogs/abc-blogs/louis-van-amstel-dancing-stars-dish-j-r-130813816.html)** > > ā€œDancing With the Starsā€ pro Louis van Amstel blogs on season 13 of ā€œDWTS.ā€ The three-time world dance champion, who starred on seven seasons of the hit ABC show, weighs in on the dances, judges scores and who will be eliminated. By LOUIS VAN... > [@](#): > > J.R. winning ā€œDWTSā€ Season 13 is in my opinion the right choice because overall he was closest to having the whole package of a champion: talent, heart, his personal story, plus the difficulty level of the choreography Karina taught J.R. > > J.R. and Karinaā€™s choreography was more challenging than the other couplesā€™, and J.R. did deliver. He also had a few ups and downs, which showed what he was truly made of. America saw that and voted for J.R.ā€™s devotion. > > Big congratulations to pro Karina Smirnoff for winning her first mirrorball trophy. Iā€™m jealous, lol! ---
**Author:** ![jsc1953](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/5daacb/32.png) [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2011, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/417 "2011-11-23T21:44:24Z")
> [@Oy](#): > > This show has always (well, at least from Season 3, when I started watching) been comradely rather than hypercompetitive. Like Derekā€™s spontaneous reaction to Robā€™s scoresā€¦ā€œwow, he could win the whole thing.ā€ Not bitter, not disgusted ā€“ just surprised/impressed. ---
**Author:** ![orderfire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/orderfire/32/10908_2.png) [@orderfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orderfire)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2011, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/418 "2011-11-24T00:53:32Z")
> [@PunditLisa](#): > > Count me in. Heā€™s adorable. Loved Carsonā€™s comeback to Tomā€™s inquiry about his disappointment at not having danced with Maks; ā€œThereā€™s always the after party!ā€. (cheers, raucous laughter) Followed by Nancyā€™s lame attempt at a snappy comebackā€¦ (crickets) Seriously, I would love to see Carson replace Bumbling Brooke. ---
**Author:** ![Andiethewestie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/ba9def/32.png) [@Andiethewestie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Andiethewestie)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101/419 "2011-12-15T16:19:31Z")
> [@amarinth](#): > > But ā€œbestā€ according to what? Overall ability, their dances over the entire course of the show, or tonightā€™s dances? > > Going in to tonight, I would say JR is the best dancer, Ricki is a better performer than Rob, but for the past couple of weeks, it feels like Robā€™s being asked to do more. (The choreography is confusing me. Itā€™s seemed like Derek is doing a lot of ā€œdancing aroundā€ Ricki, which makes it feel like someone is trying to distract me and makes it harder for me to see if sheā€™s dancing well or if Iā€™m just being distracted. Cheryl dances around Rob, too - but it doesnā€™t seem as showy this season). > > However, if tonight JR is mediocre and Rob hits it out of the park, who would I vote for if I were voting for the ā€œbest dancerā€? Best dancer all season long was Ricki. Even in the finale, if you didnā€™t like it, thatā€™s fine, but technique was there. Good foot placement, strong and quite beautiful dance line, intricate step sequences. The Psycho Tango will be remembered as the best dance of the season, not only because of the choreography, but because she was given some very difficult sequences and nailed it. I remember Lil Kim got a similar sequence when they danced a Team Tango in season 8, and she messed it up. She just wasnā€™t as sure on the footwork as Ricki. Brooke Burkeā€™s Tango didnā€™t have the same strong technique, and even Jennifer Grayā€™s Tango was a little wobbly. Only Nicole Scherzinger, who wowed us with the Pretty Woman Tango can rival us with Technique and the showmanship that this dance required. These are the things the boys just donā€™t have the capacity to do. JR is a nice guy, and a winning personality, but his dancing in the finale was an utter let down. His ankle injury showed badly and the judges ignored it. The freestyle was not as strong as the music would have you believe, he stood in place for a lot of bars only ā€œwinding upā€ his arms, not moving his feet, which sort of gives us a clue as to how much the ankle was a problem. Rob is still a pedantic beginner at best, if anyone danced around anyone this season it was Cheryl dancing around Rob to try and make the plodding seem plausible. Did he improve? Of course. But that is relative to how uncoordinated he was when he started. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dancing-with-the-stars-fall-2011/594101.md?page=20)