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.