Oscar Nominations Dress Challenge 2015

It's that time of year again! I need help finding a dress for Oscar Nominations morning on January 15, 2014.  It's early again this year and we are going to have to do this over the Christmas break. Remember though, the winner gets a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice. For those of you that are new to this challenge, YOU get to chose the dress that I wear for a one of Hollywood's biggest events. 

Here are some guidelines:

1.  It is not a red carpet event: I am looking for a dress that is simple, classic and understated.  Think of a DVF wrap dress or a Jackie O. sheath.  I am short (5' 3"), so I want to show off my legs versus lots of cleavage (which I don't have anyway) to give the illusion of height.  I love shoes, so I want to pick something hot and sassy from my shoe wardrobe.  One note:  Even though I want a dress to show off my legs, please no so-short-I-can-see-your-hoo-ha dresses.  The Oscar Nominations are a very conservative event, so I'd like to keep it that way.

2.  I will be working at 5AM PT that day: I want a dress that is easy, comfortable and not fussy.  I hate pulling and tugging at my dress while I am working. Also, I LOVE pockets!

3.  I like color: It looks great on camera and adds brightness to my face.  Please avoid red or crazy patterns because they have a tendency to moray on camera. I've done blue, two purples, and a hot pink, so maybe a green or yellow this year?

4.  The budget is important.  Let's keep the dress under $250 and it has to be available online in sizes 0 or 2. 

Here are the winners from 2011-2014 to give you an idea of what has won in the past:

For more information on the winning dresses from 2011-2013, click here, here, here and here.

2011:  Dress by Banana Republic

2012:  Dress by Aqua

2013: Dress by ModCloth

2014: Dress by Eliza J.

Are you up for the challenge? 

The Rules:

1. Find me a dress by Monday, January 5 at 11:59 p.m. PST. It must be available online. So post the link in the comments below with your contact info.

2.  The dress must be available in the U.S., but international contestants are welcome to join us for this contest. 

3.  Two finalists will be announced on Thursday, January 8 and the winner will be announced on Thursday, January 15.

4.  Winner will receive a $25 gift certificate to the store of their choice.


If you have any questions, post in the comments below.  Ready, get set, shop!

A Call To Mentoring...

Mentoring…

I posted this quote today because I felt like it was resonating with me more and more. 

It's about the need to give back in an industry that has given me so much. I live in a town where people are constantly asking me, "You're a reporter, but what do you really want to be?" I always tell them, "I'm doing it, I'm living it." 

Hollywood is a town filled with people who are striving to achieve their goals on a daily basis, waiting for their big break and dealing with rejection from every direction. It is possible to work successfully in this town, but there's only one way to do it — hard work.

In addition to the hard work that is required, a sense of humility, kindness, respect and gratefulness is also needed along the journey. These qualities get lost so often and it makes me wince to watch some people stumble along the way. I want to see people succeed and I think we are all better when we have that mentor in our life to guide us along the way to cheer our success and brush us off when we fall. It's an art that is lost in the entertainment industry, so I think it's time to get back to helping the next generation on their journey.

I find that I get more out of mentoring than the people I am helping. It feels really good to give back. So I decided to do a mentoring group for 2015. I want to gauge interest from aspiring broadcast journalists, TV hosts and reporters of all ages in a once-a-month Google Hangout to chat about the industry. I will also give you a monthly assignment…video or writing…so we can share our work, offer constructive comments and cheer each other on. I may also bring in a few industry guests to chat with us as well.

While I am still formulating some of the ideas, let me know what you think. If it's a large group, I may divide it up. If you are under 18 and want to participate, you are welcome to join us, I will just need written permission from a parent or guardian. 

Interested and want to join me? Give me a shout out in the comments below so I can get the ball rolling in the new year. 

DWTS Season 19: Jenna Johnson

I am so glad we had Jenna Johnson back in studio with us this season. In Season 18, we had her on with Artem Chigvintsev. It's wonderful to see how she's really blossomed in the last few seasons. She's assisting choreographer Mandy Moore with the opening numbers this season and the troupe is really working hard on bumpers and appearing in the celeb/pro numbers.

Yes, we did talk about her BFF Meryl Davis off the air. Their friendship runs deep and Jenna mentioned that she already knows Meryl will be in her wedding when that day comes. Awww….you have to love how DWTS brings people together.

We talked a lot about the judging as well. It was pretty unfair to be harsh in a week when the celebs were not working with their regular partners. If it was a normal week, fair game…Switch Up week, no thanks.

Next week, Sharna Burgess joins us again in studio. We missed her during Season 18. See you on Tuesday!

DWTS Season 19: Serge Onik

We're back! It was so much fun to be back in studio with Anna Trebunskaya and Suri Serano after a long summer away. Jake DuPree will be back for our Sept. 30 show, but in the meantime, SYTYCD's Serge Onik is doing a great job at filling in.

I wasn't too sure about this season. I didn't love the contestants, but Monday night's show proved that we are going to have fun this season with some unexpected choices. I'm excited by the possibilities…

Next week: Serge is in for Jake and Elena Grinenko is our guest. If you heard me say new pro Keo Motsepe is on next week, that was my mistake. He will be on our Sept. 30 show. I read the email wrong and I clearly have no concept of time.

We are on at Wednesday at 5 p.m. next week on AfterBuzz TV.

Dance With Me Sherman Oaks Opening Night Party

Congratulations again to Maks Chmerkovskiy, Tony Dovolani, Val Chmerkovskiy, Elena Grinenko and Rib Hillis for an incredible opening night party of Dance With Me Sherman Oaks. It's always nice to see the DWTS pros succeed in areas outside of the ABC show because they are sharing their love of dance.

I had been to the studio before when Elena and Rib had opened the studio back in March. I attended the party with my niece after a DWTS taping. Elena had briefly mentioned to me that they were thinking about partnering up with DWM late last spring. It's a really smart move since the brand is so strong.

The studio has been renovated (a lot done by Rib himself!) to get it ready for the official DWM launch. If you go in for a class, you will love the elegant chandeliers around the space. It creates a really lovely ambiance. 

Last night's party was packed and it was a hot night in the Valley, so the dancing out on the dance floor was even hotter and sweatier. I spent most of the night trying to touch base with as many pros as possible to see if we could connect and get them on AfterBuzz this season. I was buzzing around the room talking to Val, Louis, Peta, Henry, Sasha and Elena. I missed Maks and Artem, but I was glad to see some familiar faces supporting their new venture.

Some of the former and current contestants who stopped by included Leah Remini with her family in tow, Lea Thompson (who stuck by Artem most of the night--I mean, who wouldn't?!), Danica McKellar with her fiancé, Zendaya with her dad and Victor Ortiz. I run into Victor at least once a month and I have to say he is one of the most gracious and kind people I have ever met. He introduced me to boxer Diego Magdaleno and he kept bragging about his friend's upcoming world championship fight. 

I should have a few #15SecondDanceScoops for you this week, so make sure you are following my Instagram account: TheKristynBurtt.

For more photos from the evening, check out my Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages. 

See you all on Wednesday for our first episode of Season 19 DWTS on AfterBuzz TV at 5 p.m. PST.

SYTYCD Season 11: Dave Scott

How did we get Dave Scott on the show? Chloe ran into him out and about in Hollywood. He willingly gave up his contact info and I sent him an email. Within two hours, we had our guest!

I am really proud that we were able to book three choreographers in three different styles this season: Contemporary, Broadway and Hip Hop. I am praying that SYTYCD gets picked up for another season because I finally connected with NappyTabs. I interviewed them for my upcoming article in the December issue of Dance Spirit. So let's hope we get a Season 12!

Next week, I will be alone…Chloe and Jake all have other commitments, so I get the boys all to myself.  Join me for the finale with Serge Onik, Teddy Coffey and Emilio Dosal.

If you missed this week's episode, you can watch it below:

SYTYCD Season 11: Spencer Liff

Can I tell you how much we love Spencer Liff? I can't rave enough. He was our first big guest back on SYTYCD on AfterBuzz TV during Season 9 and we are thrilled he comes back each season. His honest and constructive comments on the contestants was so helpful for us to listen to. We are down to the Top 4 and he explained why each contestant should be there.

There is a lot of Zack love brewing at just the right moment. Don't forget to vote, vote, vote for your favorite contestant. It's so important for next week and the final results on Sept. 3.

Next week, our guest is choreographer Dave Scott.

If you missed the show, watch it here:

SYTYCD Season 11: Makenzie Dustman and Jasmine Harper

We've had pretty good luck with scheduling All-Stars this season. I wish I could say that I carefully planned this out, but the timing has been impeccable. We were supposed to have Courtney Galiano on this week along with Jasmine Harper and Makenzie Dustman, but her shoot was running late. We will be working to reschedule her within the last three episodes. Can you believe the season is almost done?

We had a lot to discuss with the untimely exit of Tanisha Belnap and Rudy Abreu, the addition of Allison Holker to DWTS and everyone's thoughts on Nick Lazzarini from last week's show. I can't wait to hear what you all think of the show this week.

Next week is Spencer Liff. I can't wait to get another choreographer in the studio.

Watch Jasmine Harper and Makenzie Dustman on AfterBuzz TV.

SYTYCD Season 11: Jaimie Goodwin & Nick Lazzarini

We can never predict what a guest is going to be like the first time they come into the studio. What a great pair we got with Jaimie Goodwin and Nick Lazzarini. I have really wanted more of the earlier season contestants on our show because SYTYCD Season 1 is far different from SYTYCD Season 11.  Nick received a penthouse rental as a prize, but he took the money and ran…and invested it. Very smart!

I also asked Jaimie about working on Derek Hough's Emmy Award-winning piece "Walking on Air" and we got the answer of a lifetime. Glad she has recovered. Ouch!

This was Jake DuPree's last episode of the season with us, but he will be returning to DWTS in October. We will have a fill-in guest until he returns on DWTS.

Next week's guest is a longtime friend to our AfterBuzz TV show, Courtney Galiano. See you all next week!

Before the Summer Winds Down, Hit the Beach Or Beverly Hills For Fun And Fashion

Summer is winding down, but there's still time to enjoy the fun fashions and getaways that the lazy days of August offer. Here are a few fun finds for the last vacation days of the season.

For a fresh look at the beach...head to the Vilebrequin line which has been around since 1971, but has focused mainly on menswear. Celebrities from George Clooney to Brad Pitt have been seen wearing their classic trunks. The company is now "turning [their] attention to the female form by reinventing its iconic looks for mother and daughter." The looks are a throwback to the 1970s with a modern twist from shorts to lounge-wear. Vilebrequin can be found globally at their retail shops including the newest location at the Malibu Lumber Yard in Malibu, California or online.

For those needing relief from summer sandals rubbing against your hot, tired feet...check out the Foot Petals line. They offer multiple "sole-lutions" to your footwear needs. For Dancing With the Stars fans, you can even check out the line by pro dancer Karina Smirnoff. It's a limited edition product line for every high-heeled need on or off the dance floor.

Smirnoff said, "I'm passionate about fashion — beautiful shoes are a must and Foot Petals is my secret to making everything more comfortable while staying stylish."

For a unique summer getaway…head to Beverly Hills, California for the city's centennial celebration called "Suite 100." Five luxury hotels have created suites that celebrate a different decade that will take you back in time. The event runs through Sept. 30, 2014.

The Montage Beverly Hills heads back to the 1940s in a film noir suite designed by Nina Petronzio. The Beverly Hills Hotel has the perfect room for any Marilyn Monroe fan with a  1950s theme designed by Adam Tihany. Mad Men aficionados will be shaking their martinis to check out the Beverly Hilton's '60s-inspired suite with some of the best food from the decade at prices guests haven't seen in decades.

For those wanting a bit of Studio 54 glam, L'Ermitage's 1970s suite is the perfect room for the Halston fan designed by Ken Fulk. The Peninsula's suite caters to the modern-day fan who wants Hollywood glamour and a private cabana by the pool. This is the most expensive room of the lot, but Cynthia Forchielli and Helen Glen's designs will keep you styled in comfort during your stay.


Photo Credits: Jen Lowery, Murphy O'Brien

National Dance Day: Mark Ballas

I was lucky enough to interview DWTS pro Mark Ballas on National Dance Day at Universal CityWalk. He talked not only about "Get My Name" being the official song of the event, he shared his thoughts on his new single, "Miss Incredible."

Listen to the unedited audio below. If you missed my interview with Mark at the Young Hollywood Awards, click here.

SYTYCD Season 11: Mandy Moore

This might be my favorite show all season. It was such an honor to have the Emmy-nominated Mandy Moore in our studios. She gave us a candid look at the contestants and what goes on in those rehearsal rooms. For my DWTS fans, we will try and have her on in the fall since she brings so much to the table. 

A couple of fun things we learned:

--They are not asking the choreographers' opinions on the contestants this year.

--Music clearance is challenging. Sometimes contestants find out the night before that their solo music cannot be used. Stressful!

--Mandy choreographs DWTS much differently than SYTYCD because she isn't ballroom trained. She said she relies upon Sasha, Emma, Jenna and Val to help her out in the studio.

--She also gives her thoughts on Shania Twain possibly joining the show…remember, Mandy choreographed her Vegas show!

Next week's guests are Nick Lazzarini, Season 1, and Jaimie Goodwin, Season 3.

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.