​The Return of the Knee Walk (DWTS: The Next Pro 102)

Summary

Teen Beat with Danielle Fishel – Episode Summary

Episode: "The Return of the Knee Walk" (Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro, Episode 102)

Date: July 21, 2026
Hosts: Danielle Fishel and Val Chmerkovskiy
Topic: Behind-the-scenes and analysis of "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro" competition, episode 2.

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Overview

This episode of "Teen Beat" sees Danielle Fishel and veteran pro dancer Val Chmerkovskiy dive into Week 2 of "Dancing with the Stars: The Next Pro." They offer candid commentary, personal insights, and plenty of inside knowledge as the remaining contestants face the storytelling challenge—performing a dance that tells a meaningful personal story. They discuss the intense behind-the-scenes logistics, the emotional highs and lows of the week, judge feedback, eliminations, and what qualities make for a strong pro both on stage and off.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Show Structure and the 'Next Pro' Format

• The show is filmed in Australia, with a grueling travel schedule for guest judges and pros.
• Contestants are paired to co-choreograph and perform a dance that tells a meaningful story from their lives.
• Selection of who leads the story in each pair is both strategic and emotional.

Notable insight: Shout-out to the "swings" (backup dancers Anya Stevenson and Keaton), who covered multiple routines and roles to keep the live tour and taping running smoothly.
Timestamp: 07:49

"They were kind of the glue... they filled in for any, like... she had to fill in for three female pros who left to do the next pro."
— Val Chmerkovskiy (07:49)

2. Behind-the-Scenes Uncertainty for Pros

• Val shares how little pros know ahead of time: "You guys find that out in the 11th hour whether or not you have a partner..." (04:13)
• Casting must balance skill, gender, and height.
• Val reflects on trust in production and embracing the process, resisting pre-show gossip.

3. This Week’s Challenge: Storytelling through Dance

• Contestants must choreograph dances reflecting significant life moments (e.g., heritage, family loss, perseverance).
• Partner dynamics and strategic choices about whose story to showcase are dissected.

Examples:

• Stephanie & Tristan choose to showcase Stephanie’s Latina identity.
• Nina & Benji select Nina’s story of loss and return to dance, even though it takes Benji out of his comfort zone.
  Val notes the strategic risk here:

"In doing right by his partner, he placed himself in a much more challenging situation."
— (17:24)

4. Emotional and Vulnerable Moments

• Adele & Alan: Decide to tell Alan’s story about losing his mother, leading to one of the most genuine and heartfelt performances on the show.

"This was definitely the highlight of the season for me, and it was just really honest, authentic. It didn't feel forced."
— Val (23:38)

• Judges and Contestants Open Up: Judges and contestants alike show vulnerability, especially in the performances that deal with topics of grief, identity, and transformation.

5. Coaching and Critique Dynamics

• Brandon Armstrong steps in as guest judge, delivering a heartfelt opening performance about his own adoption, moving some contestants to tears.

"He nailed it... just to see again his evolution on camera as far as speaking on camera and giving feedback and being confident and he shed a tear in this episode, which was so sweet."
— Val (11:09)
"Brandon calls the performance beautiful and says he will remember it until the day he dies."
— Danielle (53:14)

6. The Role of Humility, Communication, and Support

• Val highlights that pro dancers need to adjust for their celebrity partners, be humble, and work as therapists, coaches, and friends. Focusing on their partner’s journey is key to winning the audience’s support.
• He contrasts supportive partnerships (Eric & Natalie, Tristan & Stephanie) versus more fractured ones (Benji & Nina, AJ & Selena).

"You're only as good as your partner."
— Val (29:55)

7. Analysis of Key Routines

Notable Pairs and Feedback:

• Natalie & Eric: Strong, technically sound, empowering routine (Viennese Waltz), praised for confidence and teamwork.
  Timestamp: 37:34
• Benji & Nina: Storytelling through Rumba backfires due to style mismatch and weak connection, leading to critiques of lack of chemistry and partnership.
  Timestamp: 39:51

  "I thought it was very disconnected. I thought that she was like back leading."
  — Val (39:59)

• Tristan & Stephanie: Not perfect technique, but great connection, warmth, and mutual support—the "beautiful paradox" of giving on stage.
  Timestamp: 45:22
• AJ & Selena: High-energy jive, strong technique, but lacking in narrative. Val critiques AJ’s approach as overly arrogant, not supportive enough of his partner.

  "No matter how many championships you win, ... you ever earn the ability to make someone else feel less than right."
  — Val (62:28)

• Alan & Adele: Emotional Rumba tribute, bringing the judges and fellow dancers to tears. Universally lauded as “the best performance of the night.”
  Timestamp: 53:14

8. Elimination & Broader Lessons

• Benji is eliminated after a week marked by communication issues and failing to fully support his partner.

"If in only the second week, you can't fix communication issues... you deserve to be in the bottom two just for that."
— Danielle (55:16)

• Val and Danielle discuss the importance of adaptability, communication, and emotional intelligence for success as a pro.

9. Predictions and Reflections

• Adele is highlighted as a standout female contender; Alan and Eric are strong on the men’s side.
• Val and Danielle reflect honestly on their own shortcomings in coaching and communication, emphasizing growth from mistakes and the importance of creating a safe, supportive environment for partners.

"We're all gonna make mistakes. No one's ever gonna have a perfect season... But if you can learn from them and you can grow from them, then great."
— Danielle (65:37)

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the grueling schedule:

  "It was a lot of challenge... not having a day off was challenging on the body, but, like, I couldn't have been more happy."
  — Val (06:13)

• Role of communication:

  "You're a coach, you're a choreographer, but you're also a therapist. ... You have to be available as a human to be there for someone else."
  — Val (56:11)

• On humility and learning:

  "You catch more flies with honey than you are vinegar. ... I have certainly been unaware of how something I have said or the tone I've used comes across."
  — Danielle (63:33; 64:53)

• On enduring connection in dance:

  "It's not just my car. ... But we're not both hands on. ... So that's what I mean by that, and it felt like she was again just kind of taking the lead. ... It was very disconnected."
  — Val, on Benji & Nina's rumba (40:23)

• On the ideal pro's qualities:

  "I think men look the strongest when they're presenting their ladies, not when they make it about themselves. I think that there's real strength and masculinity to that."
  — Val (33:37)

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Episode Flow and Segment Timestamps

• [02:21] Show intro and brief Week 1 recap
• [04:13] Val explains how pros are cast and kept in suspense
• [07:49] Shout-out to swings, Anya and Keaton
• [12:32] Brandon Armstrong’s guest judge segment and emotional backstory
• [13:59] Assignment: Storytelling—contestant pair-up process
• [16:43] Inside strategy: Picking whose story to tell, and the pitfalls
• [23:38] Alan’s emotional story and dance with Adele
• [25:09] AJ’s controlling rehearsal style; Val’s honest (but tactful) feedback
• [29:44] Danielle and Val break down how different partnerships work/don’t
• [34:46] Brandon’s mentorship and coaching of contestants; judge feedback analysis
• [37:34] Dance performances and judges’ technical/emotional reactions
• [55:03] Elimination and what it reveals about partnership and communication
• [61:17] Closing reflections, early predictions for frontrunners

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Final Thoughts

This episode offers a deep dive into the artistry, psychology, and strategy behind becoming a successful "Dancing with the Stars" pro. Danielle and Val’s dynamic is candid and supportive, mixing hard truths with humor and personal stories from their own DWTS journeys. They stress that winning over the judges—and the hearts of the audience—means mastering not just dance steps, but empathy, humility, and the art of partnership.

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Highlighted Takeaway

"It's not your way. It's not AJ's way. It's not Val's way. It's not Mark's way. It's the way of your partner and the... person that's in front of you, who you're trying to lead.... You have to support that, not just push that. Sometimes you need to catch that." — Val Chmerkovskiy (68:00)

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For listeners and aspiring pros, this episode is both a masterclass in ballroom culture and a relatable, sometimes raw conversation about growth, teamwork, and what it means to truly step into the spotlight—together.

Transcript

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[Danielle Fishel]

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[Danielle Fishel]

Welcome back to stepping on toes. I am professional dancer Danielle Fishel and

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I'm a celebrity podcaster Val Chmerkovsky.

[Danielle Fishel]

It is week two of Dancing with the Stars. The next Pro10 contestants remain. Last week we said goodbye to Briar and Jake and we saw some stiff competition. It feels like everyone is so good and it's gonna come down to every single performance. And it gets us very excited for season 35.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Yep.

[Danielle Fishel]

Val, I know a lot of our listeners want to know how much you are aware of before the show starts. You know, any celebrities that will be on the show. Do you know who your partner is already? Will you do the knee walk again?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I think I retired the knee walk.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, you're done.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I mean, forget the season. I. I did it 97 times on the run.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But no, that was such a fun time. Hopefully I'll be able to create something else that. That goes viral.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Like a. Like a. I don't know, something that's

[Danielle Fishel]

not as hard on the knees, maybe.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Something a little more stationary. But, yeah. No, I. There's always whispers, I think, like, you know, you've been in this industry, in any business, there's whispers, you know, before any big project. But I try to respectfully keep my distance from the gossip. I have a great relationship with the show. I continue to hopefully be desirable by the production, and they continue to bring me back, and I don't really get involved in all the gossip beforehand. Who they give me is who they give me, and I can't complain. I've been very lucky with the way Dancing with the Stars has treated me in regards to partners. So I trust the process, and whoever I get, I'm going to do my best with.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. I mean, it's so funny. I asked you the question, like, do you know who your partner is? And you reminded me in the most diplomatic way. I'm not even sure they're asking me back. You guys find that out in the 11th hour whether or not you have a partner, because who they cast and who then kind of determines who the pros need to be. How many men, how many women, how tall they need to be?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Totally, totally.

[Danielle Fishel]

So, yeah, everyone always asks, are you sure you didn't know who your partner was? I'm like, it is 1. Not even 1 second. 0.5 seconds before I walked in, they were like, his name's Pasha. And then the door opened and I was like, it's all real.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It is. It is. It is real. And yes, there's a lot of uncertainty, a lot of hope, a lot of prayer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But, yeah, it's been the process for all these years, and I think now we've built a certain resilience to it. But it's. Again, it's hard for everybody. It's a live show. There's really very little pre production happening outside of the casting. I think it's a really difficult puzzle to piece together. I think our casting director does a great job. And, yes, the compatibility of the celebs being casted with the pros that are there to service that season for them is very. Also nuanced. The good thing about this is that I am a perfect height.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, you're also just a perfect person.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I feel like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, perfect man.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

The whole thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, you got the look.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So. So, yeah. So I'm excited regardless.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. I figured people should know they taped this next pro show in Australia while you were. Which means the guest judges had to fly in for just a few days, and then they returned back to the road in whatever city we were in. How insane was this schedule while you guys were on tour?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It was. It was insane. It was. It was exciting. Obviously, I. I've given myself. You know, I had five years off away from touring with Dancing with the Stars, so I kind of last year gave myself the license to really dive into dance and, you know, kind of. Because I try to do a lot of things entrepreneurially, whatever, outside of dance, but I kind of just was like, yo, just do this. Enjoy it for however long you still got. And so I just celebrated dance last year. So I did the season. I went straight into the tour. And. And so for me, showing up on our days off for three months, not having a day off was challenging on the body, but, like, I. I couldn't have been more happy.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You know, like, I wanna. In the previous episode, I gave you a Russian phrase about enough breath before the death.

[Danielle Fishel]

No matter how many breaths you take, you're still gonna die.

[Uncle Murder]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That's a great translation. Well, I'm taking all the dance steps I can before I don't anymore.

[Danielle Fishel]

So.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Before I'm a professional podcaster. Full time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Full time.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So I embraced it. But, yes, it was a lot of challenge. It was very challenging for Mandy Moore and the production of Dancing with the Stars because there's a tour, because there's a certain integrity that we want to keep with the show and to all of our fans that come out and watch us. So it was. It was a bit of a juggling act, but we. We did it. It was hard on the pros leaving. It was a lot. A lot of work for the pros staying.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But we. We handled it. It kept it fun.

[Danielle Fishel]

Can you talk a little bit about the swings? Any And Keaton?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Oh, yes. Again, superstars Anya and Keaton had to learn every single track of every single dancer. And so they were kind of the Glue between. They filled in for any, like. So, for instance, someone like Keaton and. And Anya. But I'll give you Keaton's side. He had to be Brandon, actually. Okay, let's actually give you any because that's better. Because she had to fill in for three female pros left to do the next pro. Yeah, yeah. And so she had to fill in for Danny, for Jenna, for Brit. For Brit then. But also in different ways, sometimes she had to fill in for Emma because Emma had to step in for Jenna and so she had to learn Emma's part.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It's like, it was a lot. And so shout out to Anya, Stevenson and Keaton because, yeah, they were. They were excellent.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's incredible.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I could have barely remember my own track.

[Danielle Fishel]

I mean, you and I laughed every single night about whether or not we were gonna get tambourines, right?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yo.

[Tony Ayo]

Yes.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's just one small part.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You just had to be there. You just had to be there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Coming into episode two of the Next Pro, how are you feeling? This is someone who's going to be competing against one of these dancers next season. Are you feeling it? Do you think it will deliver the next Dancing with the Stars standout?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, I think so. I think there's definitely an abundance of talent in this cast and it's exciting to see a lot of faces. I'm familiar with a lot of, you know, a few faces that I've. I'm being introduced to just like the rest of the world. And. And it's exciting again, it's exciting to shed even more light on ballroom dance and to do so on the community and therefore expose and introduce, you know, these guys to. To the rest of the world. Yeah, I'm proud of that. Again, I think we have a lot of incredible talent in the ballroom, competitive ballroom community. And, you know, Dancing with the Stars has been a vehicle to broadcast that talent to a wider audience and very few have enjoyed it. And it's been life changing. And so it's nice to not gatekeep this awesomeness and allow a new generation to come in and enjoy it. But they'll have to go through me.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's right. Welcome them in and also punish them out.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

This will be a brief stop. We'll see you next time.

[Danielle Fishel]

Enjoy your stay. See you later. So we. We start with a little recap of last week's show, reminding us of what has happened so far. And then here comes our host, the greatest Australian export since Tim Tams, it's Robert Irwin. He reintroduces the judges Shirley and Mark Ballas. And then he reveals this week's guest judge. A 10 season vet of the show, a tremendous choreographer and storyteller, and a student of the Ballas family himself. It is Brandon Armstrong.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Nice.

[Danielle Fishel]

What do you think makes Brandon such a great asset for Dancing with the Stars?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I wrote in my notes, yep, Brandon smashed.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, yeah, he did.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Brandon did a great job, by the way. You know, Jen always corrects me. It's Brandon. It's not Brendan, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

Not Brendan. Brandon.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Brandon. Yeah. Brandon and Brandon are the same name for me.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. You know, you have to say it. You have to. Yeah. Brendan, Brandon.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Brendan, Brandon.

[Danielle Fishel]

Brandon. There you go.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Okay. I think Brandon did a great job. I'm proud of him because it's interesting you said a 10 year vet and I'm like, damn, Brandon's been on the show for 10 years. I know that means I've been on the show for much longer, right?

[Danielle Fishel]

You're like, if he's been on for 10 years.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But I'm proud of him too because again, I looked at Brandon for a long time as one of these contestants, you know, who, whose dream came. I've known him since he was a kid as well. And to now have him as my peer and somebody I like, I said I get along very well with and I'm have an incredible amount of respect for him and he's grown so much. So I'm proud of him. And now to see him come in and be a mentor.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Was really, really special. So. And he, he nailed it. Just to see again his evolution on camera as far as speaking on camera and giving feedback and, and being confident and he shed a tear in this episode, which was so sweet. Brandon, I didn't even know Brandon was that emotionally available. We actually all. We have a consensus that he's not.

[Uncle Murder]

Oh.

[Danielle Fishel]

That he's. He's kind of cold and now super cold.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Well, he, he's not friends with us.

[Danielle Fishel]

Oh, I know.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Single day after the tour ends, he just goes, Let me tell you, I

[Danielle Fishel]

have texted Brandon about many things. I've never gotten a text back.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, just text his wife.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, she'll text back.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But yeah, no, Brandon did a great job and he directed them very well.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, just like Derek last week, Brandon arrives with an incredible performance for the contestants. Telling a story to the rescue by Lauren Daigle. It is a beautiful duet all about how he was adopted at a young age by a white family and how he views adoption now that it changed his life. We see that some of the contestants were brought to tears which these kids.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Man, this generation's so emotional.

[Danielle Fishel]

They are. I know.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I was not.

[Bank of America Announcer]

I was not that emotional. Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

You had some thick skin.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

No, I mean, again, he did a great job. And that's. So what's the theme of this episode? Storytelling.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Choreography.

[Tony Ayo]

Yeah.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

So he.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

He did a great job, obviously, telling a story, and it's a very powerful one. I think a lot of. A lot of people can relate to.

[Danielle Fishel]

And.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And they did, clearly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Fittingly, this week's challenge, like we said, is all about storytelling. The contestants are paired into couples to use dance to tell a story from their life that is meaningful. They are going to be looking for a strong narrative that warrants an emotional response. And then we get our pairs. Eric will be with Natalie. Benji will be with Nina. We have Tristan and Stephanie together. And they seem like they have a very strong connection. AJ And Selena. And finally, Alan and Adele. Alan uses the Rolls Royce nickname, so it appears that's sticking. We've now had it for two episodes.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I'm gonna throw something out there so we could find. But I did a podcast, and I was asked about.

[Danielle Fishel]

You did another podcast?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

This was years ago.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay, thank you.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

This was way before it should be.

[Danielle Fishel]

Ok.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And I was asked about Daniela Karagachi, and I was like, well, you know, Daniela, she's a Formula one car. Like, that's. She's on. You know, her mechanics are on a different level.

[Danielle Fishel]

And you think Derek heard that?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Well, I know he. Because we. I use that same metaphor in conversation with him. So I'll just. I'll just leave that.

[Danielle Fishel]

You're just leaving that little nugget out? It doesn't mean anything.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

No, nothing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just. Just.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But now that I have the. The mic, I'll just. Just, you know, just.

[Danielle Fishel]

Thank you.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You could look at the timeline.

[Danielle Fishel]

Just go back, select the gallery, look at the details. Look at the details. I love it.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But, yeah, Rolls Royce.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

She is.

[Danielle Fishel]

She's the Rolls Royce on this show. So now with each pair, they will need to choose whose story they want to tell, what song they will dance to, and in which style they will choreograph it themselves. And so the contestants break off. Stephanie and Tristan are the first to make the very important decision. They will tell Stephanie's story about honoring her Latina roots and embracing her true self.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

And so it seemed to me like the couples had a very easy time deciding whose story they were gonna tell. Is that usually the way it goes, that you are with your partner and you have a decision to make, and it just. You Kind of sense whose should take priority.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I mean, yes and no. First of all, I've never been in a position where I'm negotiating whose story is on.

[Danielle Fishel]

You've never been the cele.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I've never been a priority until now. But. But yeah, no, so. So typically we have a story, which story we want to tell. We kind of have a conversation and whatever feels more authentic to. To my partner, you know, we go with that story. Sometimes I can help direct. I know some pros will be like, no, no, yeah, they want to cry, so don't tell that story. Let's tell the other story. I try to go with like, whatever story is gonna resonate with you the most. That's the one I want to, you know, I'm here at your service, so. But certain things are, Are just more interesting than others and, And a little bit more translatable, I guess. More. You could, you could, you could tell that story in a minute. Because again, it's not. You don't have a two hour feature film to tell your story.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, you have a minute 10, you know, and in dance and not that much bells and whistles, production wise. So it has to be a very clear message that you're trying to tell.

[Danielle Fishel]

It is a very important week for former hip hop dancer Tristan, considering he was in the bottom two in the first episode. And then Benji comes in wanting to create an homage to Miami and his Latin roots. While Nina mentions perseverance. She took 10 years off of competitive dancing thanks to a jealous ex boyfriend and. And returned at the same time as the sudden death of her father. And they pretty easily decide they're going to dance to Nina's idea, which, you know, I guess he felt like, well, mine's a celebration of Miami and hers has some, some. Maybe some heartstrings. Do you think that was the right choice to go with Nina's story?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yes. But here's the thing again, it's like that, you know, when people reflect on their success and they look like. And. And they say, man, and obviously a lot of hard work, a lot of this, but also a little bit of luck. These are the moments. Right. So it was just really unfortunate because this story was told through rumba, and that is not where he was going to shine the most. You know, so if they did go with his story, for instance, I'm just giving you an example of where he.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Actually in. Go in doing the right thing, put himself in a much more challenging situation.

[Uncle Murder]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Because if they did something that celebrated his heritage and Miami and Cuba and Latin and probably do maybe like a salsa or sambo or something more lively. And yes, no, on the surface, that is not the most impactful story.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But as a performance, that would have been a much brighter moment for him and also allowing him to do all of the bells and whistles that he brings to the table. His strengths are the versatility of, like, the showmanship and the tricks that he could throw the backflips. You know, again, that is really valuable range and that is really hard to do. And he's one of maybe two people on the show that can do that. Is really important when you're competing, that you are constantly thinking of strategies that put your best foot forward, not your, you know, not, not, not your worst foot forward. But.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right. Yeah. You want to find opportunities to shine.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Totally. And so he did the right thing and going with Nina's story and kind of respecting that, the depth of that connection, he put himself in a much more challenging position. Why does that put him in? Because I can quickly see that partnering, especially in the rumba, isn't his, like, strongest suit. And it's really challenging. The rumba is just hard.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes. It's a hard dance.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It's a very hard dance. So that's what I mean by that.

[Uncle Murder]

Not.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Not that he can't do the rumble or, you know, there's no other style. But.

[Tony Ayo]

This is Tony Ayo from the Real Report with Tony Ayo and Uncle Murder. You ever notice how everything keeps going up? Rent's going up, streaming services are going up. Even your favorite burrito spot suddenly thinks salsa should cost. But with Boost Mobile, you and your phone bill don't have to play the will this go up soon?

[Bank of America Announcer]

Game.

[Tony Ayo]

Because Boost Mobile has an unlimited talk, text and data plan at a price that'll never go up. It's the same price you'll pay for life. Meaning you're set to never worry about your bill increasing again for as long as you're on the plan. While the world keeps finding new ways to nickel and dime you, Boost Mobile gives you unlimited wireless at one set price for life. Imagine something in your budget actually staying the same. You'll pay the same for unlimited wireless when you're posting mirror selfies in your 20s. And when you're posting mirror selfies in retirement. Some things never change. Switch now for unlimited wireless at a price that'll never go up. Only at boost mobile. After 30 gigabytes, customers may experience slower speeds. Customers will pay $25 a month as long as they remain active on The Boost Unlimited plan.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Hi, it's Kyle McLaughlin, host of what Are We Even Doing? You know, I've always believed the way you start your morning sets the tone for everything that follow. That first cup of coffee isn't just a routine. It's a ritual. That quiet moment before the day really begins. That's why I appreciate Delonghi. For over 50 years, they've combined Italian craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and innovation for homes around the world as the number one espresso machine brand in the world. They bring that same expertise to an espresso experience that feels effortless and makes mornings a little more delicious. The machine looks beautiful in my kitchen, but it's also incredibly simple to use a quick espresso before heading out the door or a cappuccino on a slower morning. It turns an everyday moment into something worth savoring. Dare I say, a damn fine cup of coffee. Right now, you can save 10% off your purchase at DeLonghi.com with code Kyle at checkout. After all, if it's not Italian, is it even espresso? To learn more, visit delonghi.com

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Wait, I

[Bank of America Announcer]

came in for two things.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

How is this $47? All right, we're gonna need a plan here.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Just start simple with bank of America Advantage Safe balance banking. No overdraft item fees, no monthly maintenance fee. If you're under 25 as a new checking customer, you can earn 100 when you open an account and make qualifying Zeller debit transactions.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Oh, that's actually really simple.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Safe balance banking. One less thing to figure out. Learn [e-mail] earn 100. Terms and conditions apply. Bank of America and a member FDIC.

[Uncle Murder]

You know what quality feels like. You can see it in the way a fabric moves, recognize it in a flawless fit, and appreciate it in the details that make our styles unique. It's the standard Coldwater Creek has honored for over 40 years, derived from a rich Mountain west heritage and designed for today in styles that are distinctively Coldwater Creek. For a wardrobe you can count on season after season, visit coldwatercreek.com, shop new arrivals, and save 15% on purchases. $75 or more with code Iheart.

[Danielle Fishel]

So back at the house, Adele is talking to Alan. She wants a dedication to her husband, who is also her dance partner. Alan wants to perform for his mom. They used to watch Dancing with the Stars together, and her dream was for him to join the show one day. Sadly, she passed away when he was just 15, and dance became his life. As a result, Adele decides to forego her idea and dance for Alan's mom. And I thought this was a very emotional moment for the show. It's the first time we've heard about Alan's mom passing. It's still very raw for him, even if 20 plus years have passed. I thought it was very vulnerable of him to open up that way and to know how important it was for him to tell this story.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, yeah. No, this was definitely the highlight of the season for me, and it was just really honest, authentic. It didn't feel forced. The reaction in the room was really genuine. And like I said, I know Alan. I was there around him at the time that this happened, and so I. You know, I just appreciate that he's having this moment to. To heal.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And I. Yeah, it was definitely a very powerful moment. Definitely the moment of the season.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's now day one of rehearsals. Eric and Natalie have decided to tell Natalie's story about finding her voice through dance. After moving to America from Hong Kong, Eric is excited. He wants to show the judges he can tell someone else's story and place them in the spotlight, since that is a vital element to Dancing with the Star. Are you. Are you shaking your head? Because my hair is attached to the bottom of my.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

No, no, no. I'm shaking. I'm just saying, Eric, that's a winner right there. You know, for me, that's. That's a huge quality. You know, we talked about, you know, you know, my celebrity being. Having my undivided attention for three months and focus and energy and just having the right perspective, like his. His energy is all about his partner.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And as a male pro on the show, I think that's a quality that. That is very important and really comes through when it's there, and I think it comes through in a very endearing and charming way. So he's. He's got the look, he's got the, you know, the skill, and now, you know, he's got. He's got the charm, he's got the heart.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. A.J. and Selena decide to tell his story about winning the British Open dance championship in 2015. And it seems like AJ runs a tight ship, giving Selena a lot of notes for technique correction in the jive.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

What did you think about that?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I'm getting too comfortable on this podcast.

[Danielle Fishel]

Episode two.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah. Yeah. I mean, I. I think, again, it. It makes good TV at his expense, I guess.

[Uncle Murder]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That's how I want to say it, because I don't think it's. I like his. I mean, There's a part to it that I like. I wish he just kind of wrapped that arrogance into, like, a little softer.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right. Presentation.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Presentation. You know, like, I get it. You. You. You did your thing. You won some awards, but so did Natalie. Right. We all got. We all got pedigree. Everybody wants something right now. Again, I appreciate that. He's a well accomplished competitive dancer, and he does have experience as already. This job.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

He had this job.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So I understand if he's coming in with this feeling of like.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Like,

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I'm not gonna say entitlement. I don't want to use that word. But, yeah, if he comes in with not a chip on his shoulder, but kind of like, you know, what am I even doing here? Why do I have to go through this process if I already. I know I'm good enough and I already did this, I can appreciate that. But, dude, that's why. Then don't sign up for the show.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You know, but if you are gonna show up, you gotta have humility in the sense that you gotta prove yourself right now. There's a reason why you're here and no longer have a job there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Because. And so. So be here, be present. Don't live in the past of. I know this is reflecting on a big story for you, and. And I'm cool with doing a story about your winnings. I didn't even hear a word that Selena had to say. I'm not really sure why, because I'm sure she also lived a life and has stories to tell, but I understand that. Okay. Take the lead on that. That's a special moment. You won the Wimbledon of dance. But it's the rehearsal footage that, you know, when he's using his foot to. To push her hip back.

[Uncle Murder]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Like, I. And even that, you know, I'm not gonna. I'm gonna have. I'm gonna have some grace on that because that is something that would be done in some rooms, you know, and not have, like, any negative energy to it. You know, it's just like, the utility of we're here and I can use my foot.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You know, and I get that. But all in, all together, and then that visual. You know, you're not gonna win people over.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Unless they're into that kind of thing.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. I mean, even. Just strategically for the show.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Strategically for the show. That is a huge turnoff.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right. And.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And, you know, everything I just said about Eric, I. I, you know, I would say the opposite about. About that moment.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Meanwhile, Benji and Nina work on their Perseverance piece. But not all is copacetic. It seems getting frustrated that Nina is not listening to him. It seems as though we have some trouble in paradise.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It's so interesting because we just talked about one pairing where it was like. Like the pendulum just took. Continues, and then it swung here. And now you have kind of like two people that aren't sure what to do, you know, And. And like I said, I think Benji quickly realized that in. In. In. In doing right by his partner, he placed himself in a very vulnerable situation as far as this competition.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And I think that started. The frustration of. That started coming out. Plus, again, the challenge of. Of it all, you know, I could see that. Again, these are. These are high stakes and. And so these are young people. It takes real self discipline to. To maintain your. Not just composure, but your humility while you're fighting for the biggest break of your. Of your life.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. And these are things that, like doing Dancing with the Stars and seeing the way the packages all turn out. You can't predict these things. You can't predict that you're gonna end up having three couples that tell three totally different stories. One couple that just seems to have such an incredible connection and everything falls into place so easy. Another couple that's like, okay, he's pushing her hip with his foot. And then a couple in between who's like, are you listening to me? I'm not sure what to do. Like, like, it's so well done that you get to see all the different scenarios that could happen in partnerships where you have to work together.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Totally.

[Danielle Fishel]

And even if all the decisions happened easily, we'll tell your story. We'll tell your story. It actually didn't all come together easily.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah. Well, I think, again, it's like, you're only as good as your partner.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And so if you keep that in the forefront of. Of your kind of like. Like just the way you approach it. That. That's my approach. Doesn't mean that I don't have an ego. Doesn't mean that I, you know. Well, we all know I. I do, but it doesn't mean that I'm a yes man.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But I lead with that. I lead in shadow position. You know, I. I don't. I try not to lead with. With. With just brute force. Like, it's not my way or the highway. It's our way. Especially on this show, no one's a celebrity, and no one's a professional. And that's why when I was watching the. The AJ Selena package, to me it felt like you're already on Dancing with the Stars and you're not.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right, Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So, again, enough with that. I get. He doesn't deserve all of that. It's definitely redeemable. I like AJ but that was a. That was a very. You know, that wasn't a moment I enjoyed.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Alan and Adele are analyzing their routine, looking to incorporate a lift into their dance, which makes Adele very nervous. She did not seem like she was super excited by this lift idea.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Again, because this Rolls Royce doesn't fly.

[Danielle Fishel]

No. He doesn't have wings.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It doesn't have wings. Not yet knows how to grip the floor. No, it's. Got it. And again, that isn't. That is such a. I think that's what makes this so exciting. And I think that's why ballroom translated in this format because it is so opposite of the showmanship, but the trickery, the Cirque du Soleil that people love to see like a set. Fundamentally, ballroom is not that we talk about wow moments. The wow moment, at least for me, is always the. The intensity in the relationship between the two people. It isn't how far I could throw her up in the air and catch her.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Even though, again, that. That exuberance is also important. But ballroom dance, structurally, also is a very grounded dance. And so I could see why she's. I mean, again, and when you excel in one, you know, in that craft so so much like, as she does, you're gonna find it challenging to all of a sudden be lifted.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, go ahead, jump into my hands. I promise I won't drop you.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It's like, okay. It's the most romantic thing you ever hear.

[Danielle Fishel]

Surrender, surrender to my arms. That night, back at the confides in the group that she and Benji are having a struggle coexisting. But Benji thinks sometimes she's just not willing to listen. And privately, he isn't so sure about the linear nature of her story.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

He's just these. It's. It's a kid from Miami sharing space with a chick from the tri State New York area.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's all it is.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That's all it is. It's just another conversation, I guess. No, I mean, again, she's a strong personality. She's has the. The. I guess the track record to. To speak her truth, you know, I mean, she's also an accomplished competitor. She's not a child. She runs her own business. I mean, this is a woman.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And she. Yeah, she's commanding the space. But again, just like with AJ this is not just Your competition. And.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Right. Be.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Just because we chose your story to tell doesn't mean that you're the only person leading this. This. This ship.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. And I think, you know, maybe it got in her mind. Well, we're being judged individually, and so she didn't care as much about how he presented. But when you are in a partnership, if you're both dancing, you should very much care how the other person looks. Cause it's only gonna make you look better if they look good. It's gonna make you look worse if they don't.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Totally. Again, the cliche phrase rumba is the dance of love, but it's also the woman's dance, you know, and it's even more so than any other style. This is. This is a style that really presents the lady. And so, again, huge opportunity, because I think men look the strongest when they're presenting their ladies, not when they make it about themselves. I think that there's a real strength and masculinity to that. But again, like I said earlier, I don't think the rumba really fit his strengths.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Right.

[Danielle Fishel]

And the next morning, with just one day left until the performance, Benji apologizes. At rehearsal, he brought her food as a peace offering. And now everyone is working out the kinks in their routines with some help from brandon. He thinks AJ's routine has too many bells and whistles to tell a story. He also isn't so sure about Stephanie and Tristan and whether or not their moves are working with their goal. He doesn't think Eric and Natalie are gelling as people and is questioning if Nina's story is clear enough. And Brandon really comes across like a great coach.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, he did a great job. He's. Yeah, he was very in tune with, you know, what they were going through and offered some really great insight, I think. Yeah, no, he. He checked out. He was awesome. And he, you know, he called out the things that needed to be called out, too.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, yeah, he. He didn't shy away from speaking the truth.

[Uncle Murder]

And. No.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And. And I agree with him. I mean, again, you know, doing a jive to tell a story. You know, it's funny as. As we talk about who made what choices, and in regards to who, it's like in that same breath, jive isn't necessarily the most feminine.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Dance to. To dance either.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So definitely not. Wasn't supposed to be Selena's moment to shine, you know, and again, that's a testament to when you got it, you got it.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And I love her for that. She said, I'm here to work. You keep. Yep. Cool. All right. And then she delivered. Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

On the other side of the spectrum, Brandon is very impressed with Adam and Adele again. Everyone rehearses through the night leading to. Back at the house. Human kangaroo baby. Robert Irwin decides to meet with Alan to talk about his very important story. And Robert. Robert, of course, knows all about what Alan is going through. Both of them lost their parents at a young age and have utilized dance to deal with grief. Alan thinks this is going to be the closest he's felt to his mom since her passing. It's very sweet to see Robert be able to.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Oh, yeah, totally. I mean, if anybody can relate. Yeah. That was a great moment in the show, I think. Again, I love that the show doesn't just highlight dance but really highlights human stories and, you know, these moments and that these guys are all available to tell these stories and do so so openly.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But, yeah, I mean, Alan is. He's. That he's sincere, he's gentle, and, you know, he's been through a lot and he genuinely loves this thing. He loves dance a lot.

[Danielle Fishel]

Now it's time for the competition. Robert welcomes everyone back to the ballroom. Reintroducing our judges now with br. Brandon in the third seat. The first couple is Natalie and Eric who will perform a Viennese waltz to hold my hand. With the story of Natalie's journey from Hong Kong to America, Shirley reminds us that she had concerns about both of their confidence last week. Do we think this was some attempt at a redemption dance for the two of them? Maybe they did a Viennese waltz. So not about the dance, but just about, like, she was worried about their confidence last week and then this week.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, I mean, again, you, You, You. You gain confidence when you're more in your element.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I think this was. This was in Natalie's element. She's an expert in this. In this style. You can accomplish a lot of things when you're confident.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And so I think there was already a built in confidence in the fact that, okay, I need to redeem myself for sure, but. But I'm at least in a genre that will allow me to do so.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And then Eric, again, like, perfect partner, did a great job. Package was. I mean, all of it. And the performance was excellent.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, I know.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I thought it was excellent. I don't think that they had as much of, like an emotional impact, but that wasn't the story she was saying. I mean, yes, it was emotional, but it, you know, it wasn't.

[Danielle Fishel]

It's not Supposed to be.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

It was more empowering than anything. And it was that. It was like, it was a really sound dance. I know the, like I said, I know that the, the, the assignment was storytelling, but it's still got to be a really good dance.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And got to be technically sound and, and this was like a plus for me.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, the judges agreed with you. Shirley thinks that Natalie found her confidence this week. She called it divine to watch and compared Eric charming, calling him a perfect partner.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

She could have just called him Prince Eric.

[Danielle Fishel]

Prince Eric.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

What an opportunity.

[Danielle Fishel]

A missed opportunity for Prince Eric. You know, she loved it. Brandon liked it in practice but loved it tonight. And Mark thinks they both did amazing. It was a great showing by all accounts. And now it's time. That was a great one.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That was clean. It was like really digestible, you know, it was like, wasn't too much. It was just, it was perfect.

[Danielle Fishel]

I know Shirley said this is going to be a hard act to follow. And. And next up was Benji and N. A partnership that was having some difficulty follows what ended up being kind of a perfect performance. They danced to Harry Styles, Sign of the times in a rumba. Keep in mind, Shirley yelled off balance mid routine. And I felt so bad for her for Savage, but it's true. What did you think of the performance?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I love it. Of Shirley's performance?

[Danielle Fishel]

No, no. What did you think of Benji? A plus Shirley?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah. No, I thought it was very disconnected. I thought that she was like back leading. For those that are not familiar with it, again, it's action, reaction. It's not a matter of I lead, you follow. It's never that, but it's just like driving a car. One person has to steer the wheel. Right. And we could take turns. It's not just my car. We could bow. Danielle, drive the Rolls.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, for sure. You could drive it the first hour, I could drive it the next hour.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, exactly, exactly. But we're not both hands on. On.

[Danielle Fishel]

Not at the same time.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah. So that's what I mean by that. And it felt like she was again just kind of taking the lead. And what happens then if it completely takes away any sort of responsibility from, from like. And when I say responsibility, I mean like, you are my purpose. My whole purpose and especially this dance is to create and initiate your movement and help support your movement. But if you have completely taken me out of that equation and are just now doing a rum, you know, a contemporary looking rumba without, you know, I don't need no man.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Maybe that is. But it left him completely homeless as far as like, okay, now what do I do? And, yeah, it was like I. I said it in the beginning, like it was a perfect storm of he did the right thing, but it didn't serve him.

[Uncle Murder]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And, yeah, and you felt it again. It was very disconnected.

[Tony Ayo]

This is Tony Ayo from the Real Report with Tony Ayo and Uncle Murder. You ever notice how everything keeps going up? Rent's going up, streaming services are going up. Even your favorite burrito spot suddenly thinks salsa should cost extra. But with Boost Mobile, you and your PH don't have to play the Willis Go up soon game. Because Boost Mobile has an unlimited talk, text and data plan at a price that'll never go up. It's the same price you'll pay for life, meaning you're set to never worry about your bill increasing again for as long as you're on the plan. While the world keeps finding new ways to nickel and dime you, Boost Mobile gives you unlimited wireless at one set price for life. Imagine something in your budget actually staying the same. You'll pay the same for unlimited wireless when you're posting mirror selfies in your 20s. And when you're posting mirror selfies in retirement, some things never change. Switch now for unlimited wireless at a price that'll never go up. Only at boost mobile. After 30 gigabytes, customers may experience slower speeds. Customers will pay $25 a month as long as they remain active on the Boost Unlimited plan.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Hi, it's Kyle McLaughlin, host of what Are We Even Doing? You know, I've always believed the way you start your morning sets the tone for everything that follows. That first cup of coffee isn't just a routine. It's a ritual. That quiet moment before the day really begins. That's why I appreciate DE'. Longhi. For over 50 years, they've combined Italian craftsmanship, thoughtful design and innovation for homes around the world. As the number one espresso machine brand in the world, they bring that same expertise to an espresso experience that feels effortless and makes mornings a little more delicious. The machine looks beautiful in my kitchen, but it's also incredibly simple to use. A quick espresso before heading out the door or a cappuccino on a slower morning. It turns an everyday moment into something worth savoring. Dare I say, a damn fine cup of coffee. Right now, you can save 10% off your purchase at DeLonghi.com with code Kyle at checkout. After all, if it's not Italian, is it even espresso? To learn more, visit delonghi.com

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Wait, I

[Bank of America Announcer]

came in for two things.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

How is this $47? All right, we're going to need a plan here.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Just start simple with bank of America Advantage Safe balance banking. No overdraft item fees, no monthly maintenance fee. If you're under 25 as a new checking customer, you can earn $100 when you open an account and make qualifying Zeller debit transactions.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Oh, that's actually really simple.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Safe balance banking. One less thing to figure out. Learn [e-mail] earn 100. Terms and conditions apply. Bank of America and a member FDIC.

[Uncle Murder]

You know what quality feels like. You can see it in the way a fabric moves, recognize it in a flawless fit and appreciate it in the details that make our styles unique. It's the standard Coldwater Creek has honored for over 40 years, derived from a rich Mountain west heritage and designed for today in styles that are distinctively cold. Water Creek Creek. For a wardrobe you can count on season after season, visit coldwatercreek.com shop new arrivals and save 15% on purchases. $75 or more with code iHeart.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, Brandon keeps it 100 and says he found it disjointed. Mark asks how rehearsal was and they both agreed they had some communication issues. Benji does take some accountability and admits he was confused himself and he could have spoken up. Shirley thinks this dance was a disservice to Benji and points out that Nina didn't service his work correctly. And then we have Stephanie and Tristan performing a rumba to Dreaming of you by Selena. Robert thought these two were connected and very much in sync. What did you think of the two of them?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I. I agreed with. With Shirley. I think the technique was a. But it was. It was the attentiveness from Tristan to Stephanie and her again, her embracing that. I mean, she reciprocated that again, back to talk about shadow position. I know this isn't going to be visual. People use your imagination. But there's a constant connection. And the most obvious are the eyes, obviously. But there's even just awareness and just an. You don't have to stare at me to connect to me, but there's a warmth. Warmth that I. That I include you on.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And I thought that they had that. Yeah. Plus on top of that, I don't think there's anything more powerful than, you know, just kind of the focus and the fact that he didn't take his eyes off of her. That in itself, you know, because as much as we focus on technique and this and that and the perfect placing of the. Whatever. Whatever. Ultimately, when I'm watching someone perform, I'm looking in their face and their eyes.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And. And it's when they lose me there that I start to pay attention if the toes are pointed or not.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But. And so when I'm looking at his eyes and they're constantly attending to her, I'm not even paying attention to is. Is his foot pointed, Is his technique perfect? And so that's, you know, it's such a small difference. But that's what allowed Tristan, who also isn't a master of ballroom technique, of rumba technique and partnering, maybe has more or less. I don't know what Benji's experience in that is, but because his partner was available for him to connect with and he was able to really help, you know, just. Again, it was her dance still. She was definitely showcased, but he shined because he helped her be showcased.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And isn't that the. The beautiful paradox of it all? You know, it's like the more you give, the more you'll get and the more you take, the most likely you'll have a lot. But no one will like you.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. But no one will like you. No one will want to watch anymore.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So I just love that. I love how that translated the fact that he was really there for her and she looked exquisite. I thought she nailed it.

[Danielle Fishel]

The judges completely agreed with you. They mentioned that they did want them to work more on their technique, but they thought they worked really well together. They told a nice story and they found it so impressive that Tristan never took his eyes off of Stephanie. And now we have AJ and Selena performing a fast paced jive to Runaway Baby by Bruno Mars.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That's what she wanted to do.

[Danielle Fishel]

Bruno Mars. I'm sure that's what she wanted. We are reminded that last week the judges thought AJ played it too safe when he also performed a jive. And then Shirley was confused. Why did AJ choose a jive again after being told he played it safe last week? And then he repeated some of the same moves. With that, though, she thought Selina ate AJ for lunch and that she is truly amazing. Brandon thought the story wasn't very relatable, and Mark thought it was technically great, but it was. It was missing some giddy up oomph. And there's a very funny moment here too, where Shirley says Brandon and Mark were very kind with their critiques. And Mark laughs, saying she hit enough of the harsh points by herself.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Oh, yeah, yeah. I agree with them kind of collectively, individually, I. I phrase it differently, but yeah, there was zero story.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I mean, yeah, there was zero story.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But it was a really good dance.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So I. Again, it's like, what's the assignment here? And if the assignment was to tell a story, then there was no story told at all. At all. Not even remotely. Like. But again, how do you tell a story? But. But like that. Right. Yeah, but there's ways. There's creative ways. You know, they could have. I don't know, if props were available. Maybe a trophy gets thrown in at the last second behind the camera. There's ways to. Again, on a low budget or a no budget. Again, when you do this show long enough, there's ways to enhance your story, even though it's really hard to tell.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. I mean, a story definitely has a beginning, a middle and an end. And so there has to be a bit of a journey in a story and a jive.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Like.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Like, she could have stuck a Velcro number on his back. You know, like, tell the story of you being on a competition. I don't think it had any of those elements.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, it was just a celebratory jive of I won.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah. Which again, I. I wish he could have included that. And that would have wrapped it up nicer. Which is, after you win a competition, a lot of time. They don't do that in Blackpool, I don't think. But in a lot of competitions, we do what's called an honor dance. And so the winner, after receiving their award, they play a song of their choice and they come out and they do, like, a solo dance just one last time. So he could have said, like, look, we don't have a real narrative throughout the piece, but the piece itself is what tells the story of winning Blackpool.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You know, so you gotta be a little bit of a wordsmith in this game, too.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You gotta make a story where it's. Where there isn't. But again, I thought zero story, but the dance was excellent.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And now, you know, that leads to the next thing it's like part of. Part of storytelling or. Or being an effective performer is if you don't have a really clear narrative. Like you said, beginning, middle. And then you gotta lead with your own personality and emotions and, like your story that you're creating in the moment with your partner.

[Tony Ayo]

Partner.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And so I thought. I thought, like I said, they did enough of that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I would still love to see him be more supportive to his partner, but I thought that she still did really well.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

She don't need no man.

[Danielle Fishel]

That's right. She. She showcased herself, and she killed it.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Killed it again. Two styles completely different. A jive is less dependent on your partner than the Rumble. But like I said, I think she killed it. And the dance itself was really great. I do have to disagree on the umph and the pace of the routine. I thought it had oomph and pace. I thought it was perfect. I know they mentioned something about slowing down in the beginning or. I don't remember if it was in this dance or a different dance, but I thought the dance itself was great.

[Uncle Murder]

Okay.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep. Our final dance is Alan and Adele, who are going to Rumba to See youe Again by Wiz Khalifa, A tribute to Alan's deceased mother, Val. There was so much emotion in this one. What did you think of these two favorites working together in this fireball of emotion?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, I mean, this is what you get when you. This is what you get.

[Danielle Fishel]

This is what you get.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Shout out Sherman. But this is what you get when you get two quality dancers come together. Like, he is a craftsman of this.

[Bank of America Announcer]

This.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Of this art, and she's excellent at this art. And together they. They did the most, I guess, quintessential ballroom dance outside of the walls, which is the rumba, and just. That's magic, you know? I mean, like, that's the essence of why the show's been on air for, you know, 35 seasons. Now going on to 35 seasons is because of that. Because when you bring two exceptional ballroom dancers together, you're probably gonna get a really quality ballroom dance.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And that's what they did, and they were able to tell a story. And I think on top of that, he had a real genuine connection to the story that, you know, I mean, it was, like, a perfect performance, I thought.

[Danielle Fishel]

Alan and Adele are very emotional. Shirley and Brandon tear up their fellow contestants, and Robert are also in tears. Brandon calls the performance beautiful and says he will remember it until the day he dies. Mark is very impressed and looks forward to working with both of them. Shirley calls it by far the best performance of the night and one of the most beautiful things she's ever witnessed.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, she's witnessed a lot of things. She's. I mean, she's up there.

[Uncle Murder]

She's up there.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, she's witnessed a lot. She's the founding mother of all dance, as we said.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, no, totally. I mean, again, it's like, it was a great dance, and at the same time, it evoked the emotion that we're looking for and did so authentically. Again, it's all so nuanced, which is so exciting. But also, you know, it's not like two plus two is four. Right. These two could have bounced off of each other, but they really integrated together and they did well together, and she was. But again, also, it's not like, like just standing there with an emotional face like, you still gotta dance really well. And I thought they danced really well.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah, they did.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So, yes, Story. Yes. Emotions, but also on the backdrop of really, really excellent and impressive movement.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah. Well, now it's the moment we all dread. It's the elimination time. Robert sets the stage and he asks Mark who is in jeopardy. And it is Nina and Benji, the couple who had a tough week with not only their dance, but their communication and their ability to work together. Do you think that was the right move? Is that the couple that should have been on the chopping block this week?

[Uncle Murder]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah, I thought. I thought they were the. The weakest performance of the evening, unfortunately. But yeah, I thought that that was the right. Definitely the bottom two were correct.

[Danielle Fishel]

I think if aside from performance, if in only the second week, you can't fix communication issues, when someone just says, I feel like you're not listening to me. The odds of you now being able to be paired with any celebrity and you're going to be able to have confidence walking into a scenario where you're going to be to.

[Uncle Murder]

Able.

[Danielle Fishel]

Able to overcome almost anything they throw at you. And let's be honest, celebs are a weird bunch. We could throw a lot at our pros. I feel like they. They deserved to be in the bottom two just for that because I didn't really see them ever truly dig in deep and work on fixing it. It was just kind of like, well, I'm sorry, you don't think I'm a good listener. And so now let's get back to my story.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah. Yeah, again. And somebody said it. I think Derek said it in the first episode. And therapist.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yes.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

So, like, yeah, you're. You're a coach, you're a choreographer, but you're also a therapist. You have to be again, also, you got to be available as a human to be. Be there for someone else. That's like a whole different quality that isn't for everybody.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And. And that's. There's no judgment.

[Danielle Fishel]

No, absolutely.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But that's not.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Not.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That's not a successful pro on our show.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I don't know one pro that's been successful on our show that has just had no ability to communicate or listen.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. That's why they need some work in that still in this. So I thought they were. This was the right move. When all is said and done, Shirley reveals that Benji has been eliminated. On his way, he gives a few final classy words, thanking everyone for the opportunity.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But on the way out, he slashed Nina's tires.

[Danielle Fishel]

Allegedly.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Allegedly. Sorry.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Legal.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

No, I, I, you know, it's interesting. I, after the first episode, I was like, yo, I could see this kid as a pro just because of his look, even though he's. I got the long hair now. But no, he just, he just had it. He, he really had it. I, it's, but this is the show, you know, somebody good is gonna go and, and, and, and it's a tough job to.

[Danielle Fishel]

Exactly. And he now knows some areas for opportunity, for growth for him. He needs to stand up for himself a little more, needs to be better at communicating.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But again, he did the right thing. I don't want him to, like, live in regret or, or feel like, you know, yeah, he was, he got the shorter end of the stick. He just, again, he ran into something that he. Next time, moving forward, he'll be a little bit, you know, he consider that aspect of the game, which is like, what are my strengths and how am I constantly positioning myself? Now, that doesn't mean that you're only doing the thing you're good at. That's boring. You have to push yourself. But in this competition, you have to lead at least with that and then try to conquer all the other things. But, yeah, I thought Benji is very talented and hopefully he continues to dance. I know he will.

[Danielle Fishel]

He will for sure.

[Tony Ayo]

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[Val Chmerkovsky]

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[Danielle Fishel]

Robert choreographs a final hug between the contestants, and he wishes us a good night. So now we've seen two episodes.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Yeah.

[Danielle Fishel]

Do you feel like you're narrowing down your male favorite anymore? And is Adele still your fav. Female?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I mean, Adele really had a breakout that first episode. I know that. Well, first and second, I thought that she was excellent. I know it's Alan's story, and it was an Alan moment, but she, you know, I think she supported that story very well and elevated that piece and helped him and all of that. And it was A great partner, and, like, she just nailed it. So I thought that this was a great episode for her. Selena is, like, making an impact. She's just. But I know I, like, I've seen Selena shine like this for years.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

On the male side again, Stephanie. Stephanie's excellent.

[Danielle Fishel]

Stephanie's not on the male side.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

No, no, no, no, no. I just went back.

[Danielle Fishel]

Okay. Sorry.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

People can't see my thinking face.

[Danielle Fishel]

I can see it.

[Uncle Murder]

Yeah.

[Tony Ayo]

Thanks.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Thanks for reiterating the people.

[Tony Ayo]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And on the male side, I think, again, Eric is a stand. Alan, obviously. Aj, look, aj, I don't mean this disrespectfully. I think he's an excellent dancer, definitely has earned his voice in this space. But nobody, no matter how many championships you win, earns, you know, ever earns the ability to make someone else feel less than right. And I'm not saying that he necessarily had those intentions. I'm not. But even in the package, the rehearsal package, I don't know if you saw this. They didn't show her crying, but you see Selena when she's given her interview.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

She, like, she had been crying.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That's what it looked like.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And so I'm like, bro, no, that's not. You know, you don't need that.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Right?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And it's like I said, maybe it's good tv, maybe it's not, but you don't need that. You could be firm. I mean, like, you could be stern, rather, and still uplifting. You have to have. You have to have that tact, especially

[Danielle Fishel]

as a pro on Dancing with the Stars. You are going to catch more flies with honey than you are vinegar.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Danielle, like, Selena is just a sweetheart who's trying to earn her keep. But, like, if he was with you, you. And you're also a sweetheart, but what

[Danielle Fishel]

were you going to say there?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

You would be like, grab this toke and kick him back. Exactly.

[Danielle Fishel]

What are you doing with that foot?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I. I think, again, I think there's a balance. I'm also. I'm also not like an angel, and. And I understood the utility of that foot. I don't want to also continue to talk about the same thing. Aj, I'm sure I don't know him as a person, so I. I'm sure he's wonderful, but just be careful with that.

[Danielle Fishel]

Like, and votes are very important on Dancing with the Stars. They may not be pro because they're not voting, but totally.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And also, don't make your life harder than it already is. Like, it's already a challenge. And when you're pro and dancing with a start. It's already gonna be hard. Like, I just. Again, I've done the show for so long. I've seen pros. I've seen myself look awful on TV because I overstepped my ambitions.

[Bank of America Announcer]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And so you got to learn from that. So hopefully he learns from that. I hope he, you know, had feedback on that and moving forward kind of changes that up.

[Danielle Fishel]

That is a good point, too, because I have certainly been unaware of how something I have said or the tone I've used comes across. Like, in my head, I hear it a certain way, and then I'll, like, hear it played back for me on camera, and I'm like, ooh, that didn't sound the way I intended. So hopefully he watches the episode and sees how it comes across and says, wow, I was not proud of myself in that moment, and I can learn from this. Cause that is. We're all gonna make mistakes. No one's ever gonna have a perfect season where they go, look at me. I didn't ever screw up. We all make mistakes. There has to be room to make mistakes. But if you can learn from them and you can grow from them, then great. So hopefully we see some change from him moving forward.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Totally. And, like, again, I. I'm not perfect. I have least two of those type of days throughout the season.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And some have more, some have less. I definitely overstep my authority and my ambition and my. I want the best for you, and in the name of the best for you, I'm going to make you feel like. Like I have those days.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yeah.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Because also I come from that type of background. You know, not. Not to excuse myself from that because I'm an adult, and I've. I can't blame my background anymore. You know, you. You've done your growth, you've done your work, and you know how to communicate better. But we grew up at a time when it was like, you know, it was physical to get you where you needed to be.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Let alone verbally.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Semi abusive, you know, so it's like, he needs to change that.

[Tony Ayo]

That.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

That isn't what you're signing up for. Respectfully. And that doesn't mean that you can't get the work. Work done. I had a partner, Sochi, who was.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

Who.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I look at that coincidence. We won.

[Kyle McLaughlin]

We won.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

But she was. I think she was 17 at the time. Or 8. No, no, I think she was 17. 18 or 17.

[Danielle Fishel]

I thought she was 17.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Anyway, the point is young. Young woman. But she had so much joy and flair and just. She just loved it. And she was so talented. A lot of things came naturally for her. A lot of. But she also showed up and worked really hard. And so. So, like. But when we ran into that overstep a little bit, because, again, it's not. Because you're not doing well. I just feel like if it doesn't hurt, then you're not doing enough. You know, it's like, but, bro, what?

[Danielle Fishel]

Right?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And when I say hurt, I mean figuratively speaking. Like, if it's not hard, then are we pushing enough?

[Danielle Fishel]

Right?

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I'm like, yo, you gotta change that mindset. You know? And she actually put me on, and I was checked by this younger person who, like, we sat down after one of those hard rehearsals souls, and she was like, I don't. I don't like that. Like, I don't want to do this like that.

[Danielle Fishel]

I don't want to feel like that.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I don't want to feel like that. If I'm not having fun, you're not gonna get anything from me. Like, that's not. That is not the energy in which I thrive.

[Danielle Fishel]

Right.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

And now different people differently.

[Danielle Fishel]

Totally.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I thrive in that energy. Right, right, Right again, but that's my background. That's that. That's my upbringing. But that's not for everybody. And that's another part of this show that's so important. Yeah, you have to adjust. It's not your way.

[Danielle Fishel]

Yep. You have to pivot.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

Is not AJ's way. It's not Val's way. It's not Mark's way. It's the way of your partner and the. The, you know, the person that's in front of you, who you're trying to lead in. In this thing and. And who's taking this incredible leap of faith and trust and puts. Puts that trust in you and is so vulnerable. Like, you have to support that, not just push that. Sometimes you need to catch that. And. Yeah, that's my spiel.

[Danielle Fishel]

Well, thank you very much. That is the end of episode two. It's in the books. We will continue to be here weekly watching on as we get closer and closer to crowning season 35's newest pro. And in the meanwhile, come say hello to Val and me and all the other Dancing with the like, Hannah Brown, Sacha Farber, Jan Ravnic, Whitney Carson, Riley Arnold, Xochi Gomez, and so many more at Dancing with the Stars fan convention and live show, July 31st through August 2nd in Palm Springs. Limited tickets are still available [e-mail] thank you everyone for listening. We'll see you next week.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

I'll be taking off my shirt at the con.

[Danielle Fishel]

At the con. Yeah, a couple of times now. We just sold 5,000 tickets.

[Val Chmerkovsky]

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