Dancing with the Stars – week 1

I’m back to “Dancing with the Stars” again. I didn’t watch it the first season. Didn’t understand what the fuss was about. Did skip the first half of the second season – but really got into the second half.

I started watching the third season from the beginning and was totally hooked. I have a former high school friend in Colorado who also watches. It’s good to have someone to share all of this with. I don’t know her husband that well but when Sandy wasn’t home one day when I called to discuss results of the night before – Dave and I discussed them. I now also consider Dave to be a friend.

I never thought I’d sit and watch TV. with my phone next to me. There was no way my vote wasn’t going to be counted. HDTV and my DV R really add the joy.

It seemed a little strange last night with all new faces. The total commitment isn’t there yet. The dancers are mostly unpolished still. I missed Emmitt and Joey last night.

Some of the eleven, I had never really heard of. Some who I thought would wow me – didn’t so my favorites of the evening were basically a surprise.

Love this new Joey Fatone. Kym had a good season last year, but is in an entirely different competition this year. Laila is so charming, and I like the Maksim she’s with. It’s amazing how different people bring out different qualities in each other. He knows the importance of the “bond” that’s needed to impress the viewers to get their vote. This is going to be a fun couple to watch.

Karina shined last season with Mario. This isn’t a good season for her. Billy Ray surely won’t cut that shaggy, dirty-looking hair for this competition. He didn’t seem to care if he did a good job or not. He seemed to have sabotaged himself. And, the plug for his cd – not cool. Karina surely didn’t like the low scores.

Paulina is charming and her being so graceful and beautiful won’t hurt. She’s really special. Since I didn’t watch first season, I know nothing about Alec.

Bless John Ratzemberger. He definitely isn’t Cliff. Edyta is so impressive and radiates on camera. I hope they stay on a while. They certainly weren’t the worst.

Heather surprised me more than anyone. I was prepared to not like her, but I think she did quite well. No sympathy for her – she’s slept with Paul. I used to love him when I was 18 – and when he was the cute Beatle.

Apolo – what a cute guy! He and Julianne are a great match. I had seen a little of him during the Olympics, but didn’t realize how cute is he..

Clyde didn’t’ impress me. I’ll have to see more of him. I judge on personality as well as dance ability.

Ian, sexy with a cute smile. He’s got pressure this year. I hadn’t thought of it but if you’re with the two time champ, then you want to do really good. Cheryl really knows what she’s doing though and will work with him. He has what it takes – drive.

Shandi and Brian. I wasn’t impressed at all with either.

I used to think Leeza was the perfect woman – a true woman’s woman. I wasn’t crazy about her last night. I thought she was going to be one of my favorites, but that didn’t happen. I know Tony is an excellent dancer – but he’s never impressed me.

I did notice that most were a bit awkward and seemed afraid to touch their partner. That will change as they get to know each other. It’s amazing how the celebs get better and better each week. And, I’m so envious of the weight they lose during the season.

Finally, Tom Bergeron is one of the funniest guys. Love his ‘boy next door’ appeal and his fantastic sense of humor. He’s the best for MC.

I did phone my friend Sandy to chat about the first night of DWTS’s. She wasn’t home – Dave answered. He didn’t seem to want to discuss it. I think it was more of a “man” thing when Emmitt Smith was on it.