National Dance Day: An Interview with SYTYCD judge Mary Murphy

I was fortunate enough to interview SYTYCD judge Mary Murphy on National Dance Day. I asked her about a few topics regarding Season 11 since there have been a few things on viewers' minds. 

Here are some highlights:

On the #BallroomMassacre last week:

"We never know who they [the fans] are going for."

On Ricky Ubeda being so far ahead of the pack:

"He certainly was challenged in the Viennese Waltz. If he doesn't improve and he hasn't dropped down, it will go into America's hands, by the way. I think he is extremely talented. Let's see what he's going to do when he gets a Quick Step. For most of the kids, ballroom is often a challenge."

On needing ballroom lessons to compete on the show:

"A few lessons won't cut it to get them through a routine."

On the missing "Dance for Your Life" Solos:

"By the finale you will see solos by themselves…without a doubt."

Listen to the whole 3:30 interview with Mary Murphy below.

Don't forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter on the upper right section of my page. I post one exclusive video each time for dance fans. Next newsletter goes out on Aug. 1.

2014 Dizzy Feet Gala: Courtney Galiano

The Dizzy Feet Gala is one of my favorite events each year. The only thing that rivals this red carpet for me is the Oscars. It's just such a great day to celebrate dance with all of your favorite stars from DWTS and SYTYCD. If you missed my interviews, you can watch the highlights here.

I was asked to post SYTYCD Season 4 contest and Hit the Floor star Courtney Galiano's full interview. I was happy to comply. It's unedited footage because I think it's always fun to see what happens right before and after our interview. Sometimes the pre-interview chit chat is more insightful than the questions asked on the red carpet. (Don't forget that she's on AfterBuzz TV with us on Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. PT)

I have other full interviews with tWitch and Allison Holker, Emma Slater, Fabrice Calmels and Witney Carson. Let me know if you would like me to post any of their full interviews in the comments section below.

Chelsie Hightower's full interview is here.
Cyrus Spencer's full interview is here. 

Don't forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter on the upper right section of my page. I post one exclusive video each time for dance fans. Next newsletter goes out on Aug. 1.

Young Hollywood Awards: DWTS Round-Up with Derek Hough, Mark Ballas and Amy Purdy

I've had a really fun weekend and this photo just about sums it up. I'm uploading the audio files as quickly as I can for you. First up is Derek Hough. I asked him about the ending of his tour, Season 19 of DWTS and what challenges are left for him on the show. This is RAW, UNEDITED audio footage, so understand it's noisy and it was a very chaotic red carpet. (In fact, he was trying to leave and I jumped in and badgered him with questions…I HAD TO GET THIS INTERVIEW!)

Mark Ballas:


Amy Purdy:

2014 Dizzy Feet Gala: Cyrus Spencer

The Dizzy Feet Gala is one of my favorite events each year. The only thing that rivals this red carpet for me is the Oscars. It's just such a great day to celebrate dance with all of your favorite stars from DWTS and SYTYCD. If you missed my interviews, you can watch the highlights here.

I was asked to post SYTYCD Season 9 finalist Cyrus Spencer's full interview. I was happy to comply. It's unedited footage because I think it's always fun to see what happens right before and after our interview. Sometimes the pre-interview chit chat is more insightful than the questions asked on the red carpet.

I have other full interviews with tWitch and Allison Holker, Emma Slater, Fabrice Calmels, Courtney Galiano and Witney Carson. Let me know if you would like me to post any of their full interviews in the comments section below.

Chelsie Hightower's full interview is here.

Don't forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter on the upper right section of my page. I post one exclusive video each time for dance fans. Next newsletter goes out on Aug. 1.

2014 Dizzy Feet Gala: Chelsie Hightower

The Dizzy Feet Gala is one of my favorite events each year. The only thing that rivals this red carpet for me is the Oscars. It's just such a great day to celebrate dance with all of your favorite stars from DWTS and SYTYCD. If you missed my interviews, you can watch the highlights here.

I was asked by one of Chelsie Hightower's Twitter fan sites to post her full interview. I was happy to comply. It's unedited footage because I think it's always fun to see what happens right before and after our interview. Sometimes the pre-interview chit chat is more insightful than the questions asked on the red carpet.

I have other full interviews with tWitch and Allison Holker, Emma Slater, Fabrice Calmels, Courtney Galiano, Witney Carson and Cyrus Spencer. Let me know if you would like me to post any of their full interviews in the comments section below.

Don't forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter on the upper right section of my page. I post one exclusive video each time for dance fans. Next newsletter goes out on Aug. 1.

SYTYCD Season 11: Malene Ostergaard

This was definitely another first for us on SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV. I've really been trying to mix it up for you guys this season. I've always wanted to go behind the scenes with the show because it's so interesting to hear how the audition rounds really went, what rehearsals are like and what happens when you are voted off. I know I'm not the only one, so I hope you have an enjoyed some of the new guests we have brought in like Mindy Arnold and a contestant from this season like Malene Ostergaard.

Yes, Malene was as gorgeous in person as she was on TV, but don't be fooled by her looks. She was a smart and insightful guest. I was so thrilled to get her on our show and I know this isn't the last we've seen of her…DWTS, perhaps?

Next week is Mandy Moore and I cannot wait to get a choreographer's perspective on Season 11. We will also be recovering from the elimination of four dancers. It's going to be a tough week.




I didn't post the show from Vibe Studio owner Mindy Arnold with her daughter and SYTYCD Season 9/current DWTS cast member Lindsay Arnold. If you want to hear more about the politics of SYTYCD, watch this show…it was fascinating.

SYTYCD Season 11: Audrey Case

Season 9's Audrey Case was back in the house! It was so good to see her and get the inside scoop on Choreographers' Showcase for SYTYCD. Don't know what we are talking about? Make sure to watch the episode below.

We talked a lot about choreographers being accountable for their work as much as the contestants are each week. Nigel Lythgoe had no problem saying some to Benji Schwimmer and Spencer Liff this week. Do you agree?

We also chatted about Malene Ostergaard's exit and Nigel's comments to her. I think we all agreed it was a bit harsh, but I hope she realizes this is just the beginning of good things to come…just ask Brittany Cherry!

VIDEOS: 2014 Outstanding Choreography Emmy Nominees

Congratulations to all of today's Emmy nominees for choreography. It's a tough competition this year. Just taking a quick glance, there are strong entries from Derek Hough with "Human" and "Ameksa", NappyTabs has an impressive SYTYCD opening number with "Puttin' on the Ritz"and Christopher's Scott's "Sand" was iconic for Season 10 of SYTYCD.

One interesting thing to note since we've been talking about choreography and how it's hard to copyright lately: (See this Instagram post for more info.) Shannon Mather accused Travis Wall of copying her choreography for the dance "Medicine" last season. She had submitted a YouTube video to be considered for choreography for Season 10 of SYTYCD. Travis came up with a similar dance later in the season. He is now nominated for an Emmy this year for the dance. I spoke with Shannon last year when this all happened and we talked about it on AfterBuzz TV. See this post for more info and all of the dances. Do you think they are similar?


Derek Hough: DWTS

"Human"


"Ameksa"


"Too Darn Hot"


Christopher Scott: SYTYCD 

"Trigger"


"Sand"
"The Gravel Road"

Mandy Moore: SYTYCD

"The Edge of Glory"

"Feelin' Good"

"I Can't Make You Love Me"

Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo: SYTYCD 

"Puttin' on the Ritz"

 "Gold Rush"

"Run the World"  Travis Wall: SYTYCD

"Hanging by a Thread"

"Wicked Game"

"Medicine"

Win a Trip to Lollapalooza from Maestro Dobel Tequila and Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell

                                                                                                                                          Sponsored Post

For music fans, here's a really cool opportunity to win a VIP trip courtesy of Maestro Dobel Tequila and Jane's Addiction frontman Perry Farrell.  Don't miss the opportunity to have an incredible weekend at Lollapalooza Music Festival in Chicago from Aug. 1-3 or win other cool prizes. Good luck!--Kristyn

LOLLAPALOOZA CREATOR PERRY FARRELL and MAESTRO DOBEL TEQUILA OFFER CHANCE TO WIN VIP TRIP TO LOLLAPALOOZA MUSIC FESTIVAL

Lollapalooza creator and front man for the legendary rock band Jane’s Addiction Perry Farrell has teamed-up with Maestro Dobel Tequila to offer music fans the chance to win a rockin’ VIP experience for two to Lollapalooza in Chicago, August 1-3.

It’s easy to enter the promotion, all you have to do is visit Maestro Dobel Tequila's site and sign-up. Maestro Dobel Tequila is also adding a bit of cutting edge technology for the promotion this year called Platform³ from Vancouver-based 3 Tier Logic. Platform³ gives you the opportunity to earn rewards points that can be redeemed for additional prizes. The additional prizes include extra entries into the sweepstakes, another rockin’ VIP experience for two to Lollapalooza, a Sony A 3000 Digital Camera Package, Apple iPod Shuffles and Nanos, and iTunes Gift cards .

To earn points you share content that is available for you on Maestro Dobel Tequila's site and add it to your Facebook, Twitter or Instagram pages. Each piece of content has points assigned to it and Platform³ keeps track of your points, which you can monitor on the site as well. On the micro-site you can see how many points are required to earn each prize and you can redeem the prizes right there on the site. When you redeem the prizes they are mailed to you.

Maestro Dobel Tequila is pouring-on a premium promotion this year with their sweepstakes and rewards program, for sure. There will be lots of news about it on Maestro Dobel Tequila's Facebook and Twitter page, so make sure to stop by, or visit their experience at Lollapalooza.




This is a sponsored post by Maestro Dobel Tequila. I was paid to help promote this contest.

July Giveaway: Enter Now!

I hope everyone had a fantastic Fourth of July holiday weekend. I took a nice break from Twitter so I could return today relaxed and recharged. I did post a few photos on Instagram if you missed them.

I want to thank you all for such tremendous support over the last year with all of dance scoops and red carpet reports. I decided to do a summer giveaway. There's a ton of really fun things…a little something for everyone.

Here are the rules:
1. Enter the form listed below before Sunday, July 13 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

2. You must be 18 years old to enter.

3. You must be a U.S. resident.

And the winner is…Evangeline Polan! Congratulations! I will send an email to you today to get your mailing address. 

Here are the list of prizes you will receive if you are the winner:

-3 ECO by Tupperware water bottles

-Halston cologne

-2 iPhone 5 cases by Tech Candy

-Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine beer cozy

-Ted Baker iPhone 5 case

-Vilebrequin inflatable ball

-Vilebrequin waterproof wallet

-Oz Great and Powerful iPhone 4 case

-4 Acai bracelets

-4 perfume samples from Karl Lagerfeld, Prada and Juicy Couture

-Argo Declassified DVD

-Inside Llewyn Davis soundtrack

-Metric "Synthetica" CD

-Monsters University needlepoint

-CNDC Shellac remover wraps

-Rough Justice sunglasses with case

-Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine

-Salem souvenir blanket and baseball cap

-5 tote bags from Suite 100, Lulu Lemon, London, TEd Baker and Marilyn Monroe

Are you excited? Then enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway