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Pick your favorite 'Dancing' pros

Posted: Monday, March 30, 2009 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under:

"Dancing With the Stars" pretends to be all about the stars, but the professional dancers can be just as fascinating.

This year, I'm having trouble getting too attached to any of the celebrity dancers. But I've definitely developed favorites among the pros.


ABC
Can Cheryl Burke take Gilles Marini to the "Dancing" winner's circle?

I would not want to be partnered with Cheryl Burke. But that doesn't mean I don't get a huge kick out of watching her. She has won the show twice, with Drew Lachey and Emmitt Smith, and she shows signs that she could pull off a three-peat this year with actor/model Gilles Marini. I generally skip over most of the "Dancing" filler bits, but I always stop to watch the rehearsal scenes of Cheryl and her partner. She's like a drill sergeant whipping them into shape. It's no wonder she's had such success on the show -- and it's fun to see her bossing some high-priced star around.

It's only Lacey Schwimmer's second season, but she's already become one of the more interesting pros to me. She's hardly as edgy as the show would make her out to be -- the judges sometime act as if she's out there setting a guitar on fire, Hendrix-style -- but she's not afraid to try things that the other pro dancers steer away from. Sure, sometimes that means she and her partner get dinged by the judges, but she takes risks, and I like her style. It's got to be no coincidence that she was paired this year with Steve-O of "Jackass" fame, who's always up for anything.

Derek Hough is probably my favorite male "Dancing" pro. I know, I know, other fans are falling all over Maks or Tony, but Derek's rehearsal-room footage is almost as fun to watch as Cheryl's. He and Brooke Burke won last season, and you get the feeling that Derek liked the taste of the winner's circle and is doing his darndest to get there again. Thankfully for him, he has a pretty good partner in Lil' Kim.

I also got a huge kick of the show bringing in Corky Ballas last season. Corky has the pedigree -- he's the dad of pro Mark Ballas and almost-dad of Derek and Julianne Hough (he and his wife trained the siblings). At 48, he was almost a father figure to the other pros. He was brought in to dance with 82-year-old Cloris Leachman, and I appreciated seeing a non-teeny-bopper couple dancing (when Cloris wasn't taking her clowning over-the-top, that is).

Who are your favorite pros? Least favorites? Julianne? Maks? Edyta Sliwinska? Karina Smirnoff? Jonathan Roberts? Kym Johnson? Have newcomers Chelsie Hightower and Dmitry Chaplin made much of an impression so far this year? What about pros who aren't dancing this season, like season-one winner Alec Mazo? Weigh in in the comments, and you can also vote for your favorite current pro.

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Comments

I liked Derek Hough as the best as he seemed to understand his partner better and brings out the best in partners - I was going to pick his sister but after her and other dancers starting backstabbing Melissa from the bacherlor; I decided on someone more sincere - AND - there have been sooooo many more 'semi-pro' dancers than Melissa who have been on the show!  She was a little girl with ballet!

Linda Pospisil, Round Rock, Texas (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 9:13 AM)

I think you missed the real 'stars' of the show- and that would be the costume designers. Anyone that can take one foot of organza, drape it over Edyta and get it to stay there while she raises her foot over her head fifteen times a dance in her signature move deserves a medal.

Jill B, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 9:15 AM)

I like Derek. He's choreography is awesome, he's fun and most importantly, he's patient with his parterns and doesn't berate them or push them truly beyond their limits.

KG, Twin Cities, MN (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 9:17 AM)

I am a guy so i want to be with Cheryl.I don't think Cheryl is too tough, she is just very disciplined.But that girl can move like no other and i like the way she dance with her partners.Too sexy.I want some of those.It's like sex on the dance floor when you dance with her.Gotta feel good rubbing your body against her.She's so damn gorgeous when she starts dancing and moving.Hwrrrrrr..

Tommy (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 9:25 AM)

I like Cheryl, her choreography is always the most fun and the cutest.she don't give her partners anything that they couldn't handle or too difficult for them.She also know how to build the best chemistry and the best relationship with her partners.She always have this great friendship with all of them and they all couldn't seem to stop giving her praises.She is the best to work with.

Del, Vancouver (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 9:34 AM)

I would take Edyta over any of them any time, anywhere

John, Houston (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 9:46 AM)

Chelsie Hightower is the ONLY reason I'm watching this round of DWTS.  I was thrilled when they announced she would be on!  I loved her on SYTYCD and think she got robbed being kicked off before Courtney.  She's a great dancer and has definitely helped Ty improve since the first episode.

Ela R, Clifton, NJ (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 10:14 AM)

I miss Nick Kosovich.  His Argentine tango makes me swoon!

jennifer (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 10:38 AM)

As a female, I think all the male dancers are pretty hot but my favorites have always been Derek with his almost brother Mark a very close second if not equally good. How do they move like that? It's so fun to watch. Derek and Julianne's fan favorite dance last year was so great I taped it and watched it about 20 times.

Bev, Floral Park, NY (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 11:03 AM)

Any time Kym Johnson speaks in that Australian accent, and then does that eye-crinkling thing she does, I forget just what it is that I am d...

Charles, Seattle (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 11:10 AM)

Give me Maks anytime, anyday.  It's too bad they gave him such a boring partner this season.  I also like Cheryl and Mark Ballas.  Very good choregraphers.  And Mark has his hands full this season with Shawn Johnson being only 17.  He has to choreograph sexy dances with her and still remember that she is 17 and considered a minor.  Kudos to him so far this season!

Jannie, Hartford WI (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 12:49 PM)

If I can't vote for Maks, I'm not voting!

Susan, Atlanta, GA (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 1:21 PM)

I love love love Chelsea Hightower--I was so excited when I saw that she was added to the cast!
And of course, Maks is ridiculously sexy and fun to watch...=)

Beth M, Attleboro, MA (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 1:22 PM)

Personally, I think Edyta is the best technical dancer out there.  Not only is her dancing spot on but she really seems to enjoy herself completely while doing all she can to both entertain as well as be graceful, elegant, energetic or whatever the dance demands.

Jon, St.Paul, MN (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 1:35 PM)

Hands down, it's gotta be Alec Mazo ... little blond Derek can just go home.

Tracy, Columbus, OH (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 1:41 PM)

Well I loved Louis Van Amstel from the first two seasons. Talk about choregraphy. He is awesome, but guess he's too busy to do the show, or was too bummed about not winning with Lisa Renna.  Sad he isn't there anymore.  Derek is my next fav male, and I love Julianne, Cheryl and Edeta for the women.  As far as ameturs from this season....some good dancing.  Melissa wasn't just a little girl balleria..she was also a Dallas Cowboy cheerleader.  You don't get to be one of them without much more dancing background and then extensive training.  But, others also have had previous training...so be it.  But any cowboy who has never danced and is the all time All Around Cowboy who has suffered thru terrible injuries to get to where he did...not to mention climbing on the back of a 2000 lbs animal who doesn't want you there....well Ty Murray gets my vote.  I think he has really come a long way for someone with zero training or background for dance.  Go Ty!!!!  Love ya....

Glenda, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 1:51 PM)

My favorite is Kym! That Austrailian accent, those perfect blue eyes....and man, what a body!!!!!!!

Fred Seattle, Wash (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 1:55 PM)

Julianne Hough has it all.
To be honest, I will stop watching sports, when I here it's her turn to dance.
She's got it all, and talent too :)

Tim, Bremerton, WA (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 2:20 PM)

I like all of the professionals. Edita needs to get some help and pull one off. She soooo deserves it. Derik is too cute and professional. Cheryl is my fav and Julie. I just love to watch them dance.

Annie Dickson, Indianapolis, IN (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 2:59 PM)

Maks, no one looks more elegant or graceful dancing. Too bad he was partnered with Denise this year.

Lee (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 3:11 PM)

Julianne Hough rules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alexa Verney, Olympia, Wash. (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 4:05 PM)

They are all good... tough choice... I haven't made mine yet this season. Although the Hough siblings are always a joy to watch. I love Edita and Kym, too! We'll see how tonight shapes up.

Talkingfeather, Buffalo, NY (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 4:52 PM)

As for the pros, Cheryl is my favorite of the girls for the whole package.  She's disciplined but not harsh and she knows how to move and to get her partner to as well.  Lacey brings an edge that I enjoy and the camera loves her.  As for Julianne Hough, I've never been into blondes but she would be the one to convert me.

Of the stars this year, I'm most impressed with Lil Kim and Shawn Johnson.  I think Shawn's strength and flexibility should give her a huge advantage if she can let go of the control she has from training. It's nice to see Lil Kim out of her hip hop element, not trying to act so hardcore.  

I do think that the pros get a bit more praise than they deserve, especially Derek.  He had Brooke Burke as a partner, whose dancing ability was spilling out of her.  Now, if Karina could make The Woz into a champ, that is a well-deserved title!!

SharkByte Folsom, CA (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 5:10 PM)

Cheryl is my favorite.  You're right she is a bit of a taskmaster, but I think her choreography is among the best.  She knows how to get the best out of her partners (and hide the worst!).

DWTS Fan, Reston, VA (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 5:10 PM)

Tony is long over due...what he has done with Melissa is a work of art. It's his turn.
Cheryl is great also.  she is a terrific teacher.

Barbara Bortoli Tarzana Ca (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 5:30 PM)

Derek Hough's dancing and choreography make him my favorite pro. He really is in a league by himself.  Maks is a fantastic dancer, too and I love his sort of wink-and-a-nod self-commentary when he dances - but in true Maks fashion he often looks like he is too cool to really try.  Julianne Hough did some fantastic choreography when she was paired with Apollo Anton Ono, but I haven't liked her choreography as much when she has been paired with less athletic partners.  Cheryl & Karina both have been outstanding when they have had partners with good potential.  I wish Alec Mazo was on this year - he hasn't had a great partner since season 1.

Nicole, Edgewater, NJ (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 6:01 PM)

I miss Ashly from the first three seasons.

Jen (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 10:03 PM)

so far on this season's i've loved julianne, derek and tony. julianne and derek as siblings have shown what they can do and also what their partner can do. now with tony dovolani, he's strict but he let's his partner he's a get the job done right until him and his partner get it right.

Jamie Freeman Baltimore, Maryland (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 10:27 PM)

I love to watch Mark Ballas.  His dances are always so fun and entertaining!

Nicole, Murray, Utah (Sent Monday, March 30, 2009 11:30 PM)

Cheryl is the real lady and her dancing is superb, I hope she wins again.

Annie Harris,St.Louis, MO (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 2:34 AM)

For the guys I love watching Derek and Mark.  Both are fantastic choreographers.  I absolutely adore Tony.  He's always so positive and he's got the cutest smile, too.  I'm really pleased with what he's doing with Melissa this season.  I'm glad he's getting a chance to shine.  For the gals I like Julianne and Cheryl.  Again, two fantastic choreographers, although Julianne is really taking it easy on Chuck this season compared to what she did with Apolo and Helio.  Gotta say I like Lacey, although she was way better last season with Lance Bass.  They were an absolute joy to watch every week.  Lacey isn't a traditional choreographer, so it's always interesting to see what she comes up with.

Theresa, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 7:17 AM)

My favorite female dancer is Cheryl, hands down.  When I first started watching the show, she was partnered with Drew Lachey, and I just adored her style.  My like of her was cemented the following season with Emmitt; anyone who can take a big guy like that and make him look THAT good on a dance floor has my vote any day!  Her style of teaching seems to work wonders with her partners; even when she was paired with Wayne Newton I thought she brought out the best in him.  It wasn't her fault there wasn't a lot to bring out.  *chuckles*

My favorite male dancer has got to be Derek; he's cute, sexy, and HOLY COW can that man dance!  I'd love to have some private lessons with him! ;-)  Derek's good at taking someone not too sure of themselves and making them feel comfortable enough to risk being laughed at with difficult choreography that he can make look seamless.

The only dancer on the show currently that I could kind of live without is Karina.  She's a fabulous dancer, don't get me wrong, but her attitude at times leaves a LOT to be desired.  I recall in the third season, when she was in the final two with Cheryl, and they announced that Cheryl had won over her, the look on her face just made me gape at her; it was like she was thinking, "You b---h, give me that trophy!  It's mine!"  She's mellowed some over the seasons, and I have to admit that her partnership with Steve Wozniak is showcasing a much softer side to her personality, but unfortunately first impressions tend to stay with you, and I can't forget that attitude.  Doesn't keep me from tossing a few votes her way if I think she deserves them, but I still don't like her very much.

Sabrina, WDC (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 7:57 AM)

I think Julianne and Derek are the two best dancers because of the way they work with people and their choreography.

Rich, Chicago, IL (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 7:58 AM)

Tony is the best.  It seems to me that some of the pros always get stuck with the bad dancers and Cheryl, Julianne, Derek, Mark....always seem to get the better dancers.  Give Tony and Maks the best dancers!

alice Krumblebum, Orlando Florida (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:06 AM)

I've got a few faves.  Maks will always be one of them.  This year, Derek has risen in the ranks for me.  I also like Mark. All three of those men move like nobody's business.  For the ladies, Lacey is my girl.  I loved her on SYTYCD and I love her on DWTS.  Edyta is probably my second fave lady.  She always gives it her all, even when she has horrible partners.  And NO one else could've choreographed a paso doble to the superman theme the way she did for Cameron Matheson.

Tiffany, Virginia (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:20 AM)

Cheryl is my all-time favorite female with her elegance, skill and style. Julianne comes in right behind her. Derek and Mark are my favorite males, with their ability to move and guide their partners with great choreography and dance-ability.

Duane, Temple, GA (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 9:38 AM)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Edyta (and I'm a girl!). I think she's stunning with makeup, and gorgeous without makeup. And, she is so talented. I love watching her dance.

Cheryl is good, but there's something about her that puts me off.

Julianne is wonderful, but her sillyness gets to me after awhile.

Derek is annoying

Maks and Edyta's husband (is that Alex Mazo?) are so much fun to watch. Dead people move better than me, but I'd dance, in a heartbeat, with either of these gentleman.

I like Lacy S. I liked her on So You Think......but why does she always have her mouth open?? Close the mouth and dance, girl.

Robin, LV NV (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 10:26 AM)

Cheryl is the best of the rest; she has a real-woman's body and know how to use it to make dancing exciting and entertaining. I have watched her for several years, and when she is not in the winner circle it's disppointing. Max is my favorite male dancer

cal williams (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 11:20 AM)

Faves - In male pros, it's a tie for me between Deryk and Tony as best teachers and most interesting partners.  In female pros - Julianne has always been a fave, both for teaching and for great, well fitting choreo - but Chelsea is doing a heck of a job competing for that position this year.  I love Cheryl's results, not sure I would do well under that level of taskmaster.

Sue, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 11:49 AM)

I have to put in a plug for the often unfairly-maligned Karina. She's proven to be both an excellent-plus dancer and coach. She's also cute and pretty and sexy, everyone who has personally related with her says she's very charming, and she has a Law degree. Sounds darn good to me! (-:

Genovee, Pittsburgh, Pa (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 12:15 PM)

I absolutely love Alec Mazo ~ he has been my favorite professional since the very beginning!  It has come down to not watching "DWTS" if he's not on!!  He is a strong, very talented dancer, not to mention that he is 'over the top' gorgeous!!  Lucky Edyta!

Linda Shermer, Everett, WA (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 4:24 PM)

My favorite professional dancers by far are Edyta and her hunk of a husband Alec.  Both are phenomenal dancers.  Edyta deserves to win as she is the only professional to be in all seasons .... however, maybe not this year unless LT moves lightly and confidently.  Anyway, they get my votes!

Flo Johnasen, Honolulu, Hawaii (Sent Tuesday, March 31, 2009 6:13 PM)

The Two Houghs are my favorite... Julianne and Derek.  Their choreography and dancing style is by far the best of all of them. Julianne is like a ray of sunshine when she is dancing and is just a wonderful dancer. Derek has really matured this year and really dances like a professional. The two of them really do have it all and I could watch them both dance all night long.  What alot of entertainment the two of them give the viewers. On weekends I watch them dance over and over again on youtube.  

Camille (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 9:10 AM)

Chelsea is great!  So is Lacey and Edynta.  Maks is sooo fine!  So is Dimitry.

Renee, Dublin (Sent Wednesday, April 01, 2009 11:51 PM)

Mark Ballas has always been my favorite. He is a fabulous choreographer and he always designs the perfect dance for the partner and the evening - fun, beautiful, romantic, etc. This season will be a big challenge for him not because Shawn can't do the moves but, as was said, she is only 17 and has to have somewhat age-appropriate choreography. I wonder how is going to design a rhumba that encompasses the passion of the dance but isn't too sensuous for 17.

Julie, Mahomet, IL (Sent Thursday, April 02, 2009 12:09 PM)

OOOOO LALA it's Gilles all the way baby! the Argentine waltz, the Paso Doble OMG hot hot hot!!!!

KS, jacksonville , fl (Sent Tuesday, April 07, 2009 12:34 AM)

Cheryl and Mark-hands down!!

Carol Bru (Sent Tuesday, April 07, 2009 1:01 PM)

Tony is the Besttt, dancing ability and personality!

Simon, Oakland Township, MI (Sent Tuesday, April 07, 2009 2:24 PM)

My favorite pro is Julianne Hough.  She has such a wonderful smile and personality.  She looks graceful on the floor, and I love that this year she is with her beau!

Sarah, Indpls IN (Sent Tuesday, April 07, 2009 3:42 PM)

The guys:  Maks, Mark, and Tony
The Gals:  Cheryl, Julianne, and Edyta

The others are all so good, too, but to me, the ones I chose have it all.

jeanine Mcnail, Hamshire, TX (Sent Tuesday, April 07, 2009 4:57 PM)



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