I always wanted to be a dancer. I didn’t have the chance growing up, but I did get to live out my dream for an afternoon a couple of weekends ago! While I was in LA for the Nutcracker and the Four Realms premiere, I had the chance to take a dance lesson from professional dancers. Not just any pros- “Dancing with the Stars” pros and “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” mentors Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten and Gleb Savchenko!
We met up at Gleb’s studio, Pro Dance LA, where the trio of pro dancers met us and welcomed us in. They were very welcoming and super excited to teach us a few things, which I’ll be sharing in a post that you’ll have to come back and look for! They also took the time to answer some of our burning questions about their exciting lives on TV!
On their favorite moments from being on the show:
Brandon Armstrong: My favorite was this season- my first season as a pro. We did an Argentine tango, that was very much my style. It wasn’t traditional, it was to a different song, different type of vibe. That’s definitely my style as a pro on the show, so I was really excited. That was one of my best.
Alan Bersten: Honestly, my best moment was joining the show. It was a dream of mine when I was younger- I was watching the show with my grandpa and it was so nice to think ‘Oh, maybe one day I can be there.’ And then one day I got here and it’s honestly a dream come true. So, honestly, every moment on the show is my favorite moment as cliché as that sounds.
On if it’s harder to mentor adults or children:
Alan: Depends on the pro. I think it was an experience that really enlightened all of us. When we’re on the show with adults there’s a lot of pressure because we’re in it with them, we’re going on this journey with them. With the kids, we’re able to kind of stand back and let the kids go on a journey and really help as much as we can without actually being in it.
Brandon: I do have to admit, I think it was more rewarding for me to watch my kids do well then it would be for myself to do well.
Gleb: But it’s definitely much more nerve-racking because you stand back and you can’t do anything about it.
On the messages they’d give young dancers who are following their dance dreams:
Brandon: Never give up.
Gleb: Never give up. Just push forward and anything is possible.
Alan: If you can dream it, you can achieve it.
Gleb: I grew up in Moscow with no money in literally one-bedroom apartment with my parents and I do the most amazing show in the whole world, where everyone’s watching. So, just dream and work really hard. Never give up. Don’t let anybody push you down. Stand your ground and just pour your soul and heart into what you do.
You can currently find Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten and Gleb Savchenko on Dancing with the Stars and Dancing with the Stars: Juniors, but soon you can find them on tour, too! This winter, “Dancing with the Stars: Live! – A Night to Remember” kicks off on December 15th, featuring fan favorite professional and troupe dancers in a brand-new production showcasing every type of dance style as seen on the show. Find a tour date near you here: dwtstour.com
This Sunday, Dancing with the Stars: Juniors will let the seven remaining celebrity kids choose the song they dance to on “Juniors Choice” Night! Some kids chose their favorite songs, and other chose songs that have special meaning to them. Each dance will be either a Charleston, jazz, cha cha, or samba, and at the end of the night, there will be an elimination! Be sure to tune in to see what are sure to be great performances! “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” airs Sundays at 8|7c on The ABC Television Network or streaming or on the app.
This Monday, don’t miss the Semi-Finals on Dancing with the Stars! Each couple will perform two new dances- the first dance dedicated to a meaningful person in the celebrity’s life and the second dance being the judge’s choice to help decide who should make it to the finale! The stakes are high and the talent is, too, making this an episode not to be missed! “Dancing with the Stars” airs Mondays at 8|7c on The ABC Television Network or streaming or on the app.
If you live in the Los Angeles area, be sure to check out Pro Dance LA! It’s owned by Gleb Savchenko and his wife Elena Samodanova and it is absolutely beautiful! You can follow Pro Dance LA on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more.
To follow along with all the fun, be sure to follow Dancing with the Stars: Juniors on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram- and Dancing with the Stars on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too! And of course, be sure to check them out on YouTube!
Do you watch Dancing with the Stars or Dancing with the Stars: Juniors? Who are you rooting for?
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