Quote for the Day

Final Words from Maks to Kirstie, DWTS Season 12 Finale:

"It's been a special season. But I don't only have words for Kirstie, I have words for previous nine partners I had. Cause this is tenth trophy I got, and thank you for this. This has been an amazing , amazing season."

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy to Kirstie Alley at the end of Season 12

Quote for the Day

From the Dancers Confess - Week 10 of DWTS as shown on ABC.com:

Maks: "I'm very proud of you."

Kirstie: "Thank you."

Maks: "I really am."

Kirstie: "Thank you."

Maks: " It was hard to stand up to me a certain moments when I was very, very difficult. Because, I was. It's never easy you know. So, not a lot of people would've lasted, and you did. And I love you for it. Thank you."

Quote for the Day

"Before everything gets crazy, I just wanna thank everyone who has stood behind @MaksimC and I... We're lucky to have u.. We're in love with U"

- @kirstiealley via Twitter on 5/22/11

This is a pic of Kirstie signaling her Twitter followers on Week 9 of DWTS as shown on ABC.

Quote for the Day

"YOUR energy fills me up and gives me the incentive to WIN!!!! Thank you a bijillion times over!!! We make a great
team!!!"

- @kirstiealley via Twitter on 5/18/11

Quote for the Day

"I guess the point isn't to live a careful life or to be a saint. guess the point is to go balls to the wall & laugh when u live through it."

- @kirstiealley via Twitter on 5/18/11

Quote for the Day

One of the great things about being part of Team G-Mak is that Kirstie and Maks have so many devoted and supportive fans. Here are a few comments from Twitter this week:

"@kirstiealley Twitter is a lot like CHEERS. . . Everybody knows your name and they're always glad you came!! Have a restful night! Luv2U::)" - @RockinThunder via Twitter 5/19/11

"@kirstiealley So proud of you & @MaksimC! Your contribution has been so inspiring. Thanks for bringing so much fun & pleasure this season"- @moonchick via Twitter 5/18/11

"SCREAMING WITH JOY OVER @kirstiealley @MaksimC GOING INTO THE FINALS! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!" -MaksiDi via Twitter 5/17/11

"@MaksimC @kirstiealley Congratulations! You('re) both amazing. Best teacher & most accomplished dancer. Real stars!"- @marleneb4 via Twitter 5/17/11

Quote for the Day

"THANK U for all your votes!!!!! Really proud (o)f us tonight!!!..... Really grateful to Boo..... Gotta luv Boo... Gotta love You!!!"

- Kirstie Alley via Twitter on 5/17/11

"Good morning y'all! Thank you for your support, votes and kind messages! Feel honored to have you in my corner! GOOD MORNING M!!!!"

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy via Twitter on 5/17/11

Quote for the Day

The following message was posted on Twitter on Wed, 5/18/11 by @LiveLaughLoveCj to Kirstie and Maks. I'm sure that many of us agree and feel the same way! Thanks for writing and sharing such a great message @LiveLaughLoveCj !!

On Wednesday, 5/18/11, @LiveLaughLoveCj said:

@KirstieAlley @MaksimC #DWTS It has been a journey not just of dance but of laughter and the resiliency of the human spirit. You took us all by the heart and we stood witness to the extraordinary transformation of a life via the celebration of dance.

Maks you showed what could be possible you BELIEVED first and we couldn't help but believe too. "Bad boy of dance" I think not! Not as evidenced especially this season, you are dedicated, hardworking, tough - fair but tough, you envision what can be for your partners long before they can even begin to envision it for themselves. You sir, have a gift, an extraordinary gift! Thank you for sharing it with us all ~ all these years!

Kirstie; what can be said that hasn't already been said by so many of us? You remain #unbroken and to thousands and thousands of us out here who have been in that very place, you encouraged with laughter, love of life, ballsy hutzpah, and sheer will and determination how one can make what others say is "impossible" possible - you roared, you laughed and you brought us all along for the most incredible ride. Your fans have long since adored you and if even possible, adore you even more! I think we'd collectively give you a High Five, hugs, and atta girl's if we could - I hope you have felt that throughout this experience.

We, both yours and Maks fans have come together to share our enthusiasm, life, love and laughter and appreciation for ALL of it. You both truly are the Princess and Prince of the dance floor and in life/ We, your willing community are so grateful to have been part of your dance, your "kingdom". We will continue to support you in each of your endeavors whatever they may be once the lights have dimmed on the dance floor. Although not just yet -- there is one more week to go - right?

May you both know that you have gone above and beyond entertainment - you spoke to our lives and to believing all that is possible. #Light #Love #Fight #Yove #Laughter and #Dance Now here's to the #MirrorBallTrophy ~ go get it! We want it for you! #F'nPerfect

Mel B & Maksim Chmerkovskiy - Paso Doble - Week 9

Another great Paso. . .Mel B & Maks' Paso Doble from Week 9 of Season 5 and they received a perfect 30 for this performance! Thanks to Codebear4 for posting this on YouTube.

Mel B & Maksim Chmerkovskiy - Paso Doble

Take a look at Mal B & Maks' Paso Doble from Season 5, Week 7. They received a perfect 30 for this performance and Mel B wore such a fierce outfit!! Thank you to Codebear4 for posting this on YouTube.

Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy - Viennese Waltz - Week 9

Here's a look at Erin Andrews and Maks' Viennese Waltz from Season 10, Week 9. They received 3 - 9s for this performance. Thanks to Derek1986forever for posting this on YouTube.

Quote for the Day

"I hope all of u will get the opportunity to DANCE! Whether its ballroom or Hip hop, Dancing is exhilarating to the soul. . . I hope u dance."

- Kirstie Alley via Twitter on 5/11/11

Mel B & Maksim Chmerkovskiy - Viennese Waltz - Week 9

While we wait for Monday evening to get here, take a look back at Mel B & Maks' Viennese Waltz from Week 9 of Season 5. They received a perfect score of 30 for this performance. Thanks to Codebear4 for posting this video on YouTube.

Quote for the Day

"@MaksimC @kirstiealley Congrats! Semi-finals! U so deserve to be there! This week eat/learn/practice dance Mon..the GMak Army will vote!!"

- @gammyof5 via Twitter on 5/10/11

Quote for the Day

This is from "The Dancers Confess" as shown on abc.com, in reference to Week 8 - Argentine Tango and Instant Salsa.

Maks: "Can I tell you something?"

Kirstie: "What is it, Maks?"

Maks: "Welcome, you're a dancer." [As he shakes her hand.]

Kirstie: "Yay, I want to be a dancer." [ They hug - See Below.]

Quote for the Day

"It's like, oh my god, and we have to do this in four days. There's enough steps there, you know, to stomp out all the cockroaches in New York."

- Kirstie Alley in reference to the Argentine Tango, as shown on DWTS Season 12, Week 8

Memory Lane - Mel & Maks - Comedy moments

Here is a trip down memory lane to help fill the time until tonight's show - this is a summary of "Mel & Maks - Comedy moments" from Season 5 and they placed second overall (Helio and Julianne won). Thank you to CescRVP for posting this on YouTube - this such a fun video to watch and they were a great team!

Kirstie Alley's Bio

Emmy Award-Winning Actress. Best-Selling Author. Dancing with the Stars Season 12 Champion?

Kirstie Alley shocked and delighted fans when her first dance, a Cha Cha to Cee Lo Green’s Forget You went off without a hitch. Whizzing around the floor with enough charisma and charm for ten dancers, the 60-year-old proved that she has what it takes to be a competitor.

Emmy-award winning actress and Dancing with the Stars fan favorite Kirstie Alley was born Kirstie Louise Deal in Wichita, Kansas on January 12, 1951. The second of three children to Lillian (Mickie) and Robert, Kirstie’s very first acting role was at age 6 when she was the sun in a school play. She didn’t show much interest in the profession, however, until she became an adult. Kirstie was pretty much your typical Midwest teenager…high school cheerleader, wild child, boy chaser. You get the idea.

The actress, writer and producer picked up her now-famous surname at the age of 19 when she eloped with high school sweetheart Robert Alley in 1971 while studying drama at Kansas State University. After dropping out of college and divorcing Robert in 1977, Kirstie moved to California and started a career as an interior decorator, but was sidetracked by a wild party scene and developed a dangerous cocaine addiction.

1981 brought a defining moment in Kirstie’s life when Mickie and Robert were hit by a drunk driver. Mickie was killed and Robert was left seriously injured. Instead of spiraling further out of control, Kirstie decided to make some drastic changes in her life for the better. She entered Narcanon (a drug rehabilitation program), became a Scientologist and decided that she wanted to be an actress.

While, Kirstie struggled to get acting jobs she appeared as a contestant on Match Game PM where she took home $6000 and Password Plus where she earned $800. Her first big break, though came when she scored the role of Lt. Saavik in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan in 1982. The film was the highest grossing film at the time and Kirstie’s star began to rise (she even has her own action figure).

Around this time, Kirstie fell hard for former Hardy Boy Parker Stevenson. The two eloped on December 22, 1983.

Throughout the early 1980’s, Kirstie worked steadily acting in movies and guest starring on television shows. Most notably, she was a scene-stealer as Virgilia Hazard Grady in the TV miniseries North and South (1985) and its sequel North and South Book II (1986). Alley became a bona fide star when she was cast as the neurotic Rebecca Howe on Cheers alongside Ted Danson in 1987. During her six year run on the prime time sitcom, Kirstie earned five Emmy nominations and four Golden Globe nominations. Two of those nominations turned into trophies for Kirstie when she took home both the Emmy and the Golden Globe in 1991, as well as that year’s People’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Performer.

Kirstie made a splash on the big screen in 1989, as Mollie in the comedy Look Who’s Talking opposite her bestie John Travolta. Critics bashed it, but audiences loved it. The film made $140 mil at the box office and two blockbuster sequels followed, Look Who’s Talking Too and Look Who’s Talking Now (1990 and 1993, respectively).

With professional success came personal heartache. In 1992, Kirstie suffered a miscarriage and was told that she may not be able to have children. Determined to have a family of her own, Kirstie and Parker adopted William True that same year. In 1994, the couple adopted a daughter, Lillie Price.

After Cheers ended in 1993, Kirstie continued to make films and TV movies throughout the rest of the decade. Silver screen highlights include: Village of the Damned, It Takes Two (with the Olsen Twins and Steve Guttenberg), For Richer or Poorer (with Tim Allen), and Drop Dead Gorgeous (with a bunch of people). On the small screen, she earned another Emmy and Golden Globe set for her dramatic chops in Brian’s Mom and another nomination for her supporting role in The Last Don.

In 1997, Kirstie and Parker Stevenson ended their 14-year marriage (and get this: she reportedly had to pay him $6 million because he demanded spousal support).

Kirstie bounced back and returned to the sitcom world as the executive producer and titular character of Veronica’s Closet from 1997-2000. The People’s Choice Award came home with Kirstie once again in 1998 when she won Favorite Female Performer in a new Television Series. VC also garnered Kirstie Golden Globe, Emmy and Screen Actors Guild Award nominations. After Veronica’s Closet was cancelled in 2000, Kirstie continued to work, making TV movies.

Unfortunately, in the years that followed, Kirstie’s weight began to grab more attention than her talent. Anyone else would have buckled under the tabloids’ relentless scrutiny, but Kirstie decided to turn the tables and use her new figure to her advantage by poking fun at herself in Showtime’s Fat Actress (2005). By playing a sort of parody of herself and making jokes about eating disorders, Kirstie stirred up a little bit of controversy but it only added fuel to her ever-growing fire. After Fat Actress, Jenny Craig asked Kirstie to be their national spokeswoman and then she also penned her best-selling memoir, How to Lose Your Ass and Regain Your Life: Reluctant Confessions of a Big-Butted Star.

By November of 2006, Kirstie had lost 75 pounds and decided to show off a new figure on the highest rated The Oprah Winfrey Show of the season wearing a bikini and “stripper hose”. Her success was short lived, however, as she put back on more weight than she had initially lost after parting ways with Jenny Craig in 2009.

While filming Kirstie Alley’s Big Life for A&E, Kirstie developed her own weight loss system, Organic Liaison. To date, the star has lost more than 50 pounds on the program and hopes to lose even more on Dancing with the Stars. Whatever the number on the scale, fans will always adore Kirstie for her humor, honesty and take-no-prisoners determination.

Sources:http://www.people.com/people/archive/article/0,,20113460,00.html

http://www.organicliaison.com/about/kirsties-bio

http://www.biography.com/articles/Kirstie-Alley-9542556?part=1

http://www.people.com/people/kirstie_alley/biography/0,,20475436_10,00.html

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000263/

Quotes for the Day

In honor of Mother's Day today:

"To the only woman in my life that's irreplaceable, always
giving, loving, caring, unconditional and most beautiful, I say THANK YOU MAMA!"

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy via Twitter on 5/8/11

"Happy Mother's Day in advance!!!! Best part life is being a mother........ I love u Lillie and True!! U blessed me!"

- Kirstie Alley via Twitter on 5/7/11

Quote for the Day

"To everyone that keeps telling @kirstiealley how lucky she is to be partnered with me. . . .I'M THE LUCKY ONE!!! Amazing person to be around!"

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy via Twitter on 5/5/11

Argentine Tango - Brandy & Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Here is a look at Maks and Brandy's Encore Performance of their Argentine Tango from Season 11 of DWTS from YouTube as uploaded by Codebear4

Argentine Tango - Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerko...

Here is a look at Maks and Erin's Argentine Tango from the Finale of Season 10 as posted on YouTube by fschnell

Quote for the Day

Kirstie and Maks After the Jive

"This is the same I did when I was three and that's why I quit dancing. I was three. I did the bunny hop. . .I got way involved in the audience. And I hopped out. I went like this and all the other bunnies hopped off and I was like heyyy".

- Kirstie Alley, DWTS Week 7, The Dancer's Confess

Quote for the Day

"Just saw @MaksimC on Ellen. It goes w/o saying Kirstie is funny, but Maks was equally funny. He has presence by the truckload. #natural."

- @Meli_Magnolia via Twitter, 5/5/11

Quote for the Day

"I want to thank our fans. . . There's fans that are willing to take the ride with you, good and bad. And that's our fans. . . I need to be consistent and that I need to deliver for the fans."

- Kirstie Alley, interview with ontheredcarpet.com, 4/3/11

See the full interview here: http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/video?id=8110764

Quote for the Day

"Kirstie's amazing. Kirstie is, for me, what the show's all about. . . She's gone through so many ups and downs on the show. She has a great attitude about the whole thing. And you know, she's not a dancer. She's coming out here, learning how to dance, the way it should be."

- Cheryl Burke, as interviewed by Brett Malec, eonline.com, 5/2/11

Trivia Follow-up - Celebrity Ghost Stories

The daily trivia topic from 4/6/11 was about Maks' leg injury, which almost ended his dance career. This video is from "Celebrity Ghost Stories" from the Biography Channel posted by Codebear4 on YouTube on 11/6/10. This gave me goosebumps!

Thank you to Codebear4 for this and all of the great videos you have posted on YouTube!

Quote for the Day

"A shirtless man in aviators w/a wild woman next to him. If that doesn't scream America, I don't know what does! @MaksimC & @kirstiealley"

- @moonchick via Twitter on 4/18/11 (After Maks and Kirstie's foxtrot to "American Woman")

Edyta and Maksim's jewelry commercial

Daily Trivia Question from 4/24/11"

Maks along with DWTS alums Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo and others appeared in a TV commercial for a jewerly store chain. Can you name which jewerly store chain?

Answer: Jared: The Galleria of Jewelry

Thanks Megan for your comment!

Quote for the Day

"Just a quick 'Thank you' to all the fans! Something made me realize how lucky I am to have your support! Thank you all...."

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy via Twitter on 4/26/11

Quote for the Day

Via Twitter from @KirstieAlley on 4/28/11:

This is the horror I have to go through everyday.....can you even imagine.

.....and this...

Just trying to give u a vicarious moment each day... One of the perks of being an actress... Seriously, probably the best one. ;)

-Kirstie Alley, 3 Tweets via Twitter on 4/28/11

(We will forever be grateful to you Kirstie)

Thanks to @serenity384 for re posting these photos on twitter!

Quote for the Day

"I'm lying here reading all your swell tweets... I'll fall back to sleep soon.. But wanted to say I'm so lucky to have u..We make a good team"

-Kirstie Alley via Twitter 4/26/11

Quote for the Day

"I'm a Maksaholic and will never go to rehab for that :P"

- @WestCoastGal88 via Twitter on 3/29/11

Media Roundup!

I will try to post these for the rest of the season... here's the roundup of Kirstie and Maks' week 6 performance show media. I can't embed them all, sorry.

On traveling, nervous breakdowns, and Maks:

CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/video/?/video/showbiz/2011/04/26/dwts.guilty.pleasure.night.cnn

Kirstie's thoughts on Karina's fall:
http://www.etonline.com/tv/110101_DWTS_Pro_Karina_Smirnoff_offers_First_Wedding_Dance_Advice_to_Prince_William_and_Kate_Middleton/index.html

On weight loss:
http://www.accesshollywood.com/kirstie-alleys-dancing-weight-loss_video_1322429

Video of their smokin' samba:

I'll post more if I find it! :-)

Quote for the Day

"Maks is quite the genius. . . Thought I would learn lots about dance from him. . Didn't know the effect he would have on my life. . My Boo-dah"

- Kirstie Alley via Twitter on 4/13/11

Daily Trivia Question - 4/24/11

Maks along with DWTS alums Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo and others appeared in a TV commercial for a jewerly store chain. Can you name which jewerly store chain?

Answer: Jared: The Galleria of Jewelry

Thanks Megan for your comment!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3m9hyDI3WY&feature=player_embedded

Quote for the Day

From Maks and Kirstie's session with the "The Dance Doctor" - John Travolta, DWTS Week 5, as shown on ABC 4/18/11

John to Maks: "My last piece of advice. Do you tell her you love her enough?"

Maks: "I do, but in Russian."

Daily Trivia Question - 4/23/11

In 1979, Kirstie appeared on this game show and won $6,000. Do you know the name of the show?

Quote for the Day

From DWTS Week 5, Kirstie & Maks during practice for their Foxtrot, as shown on ABC 4/18/11

Kirstie: "Everyone says there's no frontrunner. I wannabe the frontrunner."

Maks: "You wannabe the frontrunner?"

Kirstie: "Um-Hmm, Why wouldn't I?"

Maks: "You're my frontrunner." [They Hug.]

Daily Trivia Question - 4/22/11

During the summer of 2009, Maks was on a TV show that paired celebrities with athletes, and these teams competed against each other in various athletic challenges. Maks was paired with freestyle skier Kristi Leskinen. Do you know the name of the show? Do you know how Kristi and Maks did on this show?

Answers: The show was called "The Superstars" and was on ABC from June to August 2009 with six episodes. Maks and Kristi beat the other 7 teams to win the competition, demonstrating the athleticism of a pro dancer and their great teamwork. Source: www.tvguide.com



Photo as shown on www.tvguide.com

Quote for the Day

John Travolta (aka The Dance Doctor) advising Kirstie & Maks during their practice for the Foxtrot, as shown on DWTS, 4/18/11 -

To Kirstie: "You're Fantastic."

To Maks: "And you are the bomb."

Daily Trivia Question - 4/21/11

In this 1995 movie, Kirstie played the part of Diane Barrows and costars with the Olsen twins? Can you name the movie?

Answer: "It Takes Two."

Source: www.imdb.com

Quote for the Day

Kirstie and Maks talking with Inside Edition on 4/19/11, about how Maks going shirtless and in leather pants during their Foxtrot to "American Woman" was recreating memories from Kirstie's youth. (as shown on http://www.insideedition.com/ )

Maks: "It's kind of weird that we did it during the foxtrot."

Kirstie: "Why, when else were we gonna get to do it?"

Maks: "The Samba. . .the Paso Doble. . .the Jive could have been it."

Kirstie: "No, I don't want to be naked in a Jive."

Daily Trivia Question - 4/20/11

Kirstie has mentioned that she has an interest in being in a show on Broadway. Maks has performed in a show on Broadway; do you know the name of the show?

Maks was an original cast member of the Broadway show "Burn the Floor" when it opened on August 2, 2009 and returned to the cast along with Kym Johnson later that year. Other DWTS and Burn the Floor connections: Damian Whitewood and DWTS Troupe members Peta Murgatroyd and Tristan MacManus.

Sources: www.burnthefloor.com and www.broadwayworld.com

Quote for the Day

"Last week we survived, but I. . . don't want anyone to have any doubts. I'm in this to win this."

- Kirstie Alley, DWTS Week 5 prior to dancing the Foxtrot 4/18/11

ABC - East

Live Stream for DWTS ABC - East

Bonus Quote for the Day

"Yo @kirstiealley @MaksimC glad u made it thru!! Hopefully my pointers I gave u as a Payless Shoe salesmen will lead u 2 that Crystal Ball!"

- Dan Cortese via his Twitter page @dancortese on April 12, 2011, the day after Kirstie & Maks' Waltz

Quote for the Day

"Just do your thing. I'll protect you."

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy to Kirstie Alley prior to dancing the Waltz as shown on DWTS Week 4 - Results

Daily Trivia Question - 4/17/11

What 1997 movie did Kirstie star along with Tim Allen that them hiding out from the IRS with the Amish?

Kirstie played Caroline Sexton in 1997's "For Richer or Poorer"

Thanks selene and LiveLaughLoveCJ for your comments!

Quote for the Day

Kirstie and Maks after the Waltz, from ABC.com, DWTS Week 4 - The Dancers Confess

Kristie: "This was our chance to prove to our, our fans and to the audience that we, that we're not accident prone."

Maks: "We are."

Quote for the Day

"If we had dance insurance, the insurance company would kick us out, right now."

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy, discussing the Waltz with Kirstie Alley, as shown in "The Dancers Confess-Week 4" on ABC.com

Daily Trivia Question - 4/16/11

We all recognize Maks in this photo, but who is his cute, furry friend?

This is Maks' English Bulldog, Sir Sleep-A-Lot Chmerkovskiy. This photo appeared on http://www.peoplepets.com/ on 1/19/2010, courtesy of Maks.

Thanks selene for your comment!

Quote for the Day

"We came, we fell, we conquered. And now we have a chance to redeem our sorry selves."

- Kirstie Alley as shown on Week 4 of DWTS on ABC 4/11/11

Quote for the Day

Maks and Kirstie during their practice for the Waltz, As aired on Week 4 of DWTS on ABC, 4/11/11

Maks: "You're jumping, your step's not big enough, You tensing up."

Kirstie: "You're handsome, you're a good dancer, you're every girl's dream. Let's do it again."

Maks Works So Much That Writing This Bio Made Me Tired.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy

The “Bad Boy of the Ballroom” exploded onto the Dancing with the Stars scene in season 2 as Tia Carrere’s tall, dark and ponytailed partner. The often shirtless (thank God) Ukrainian has been known to be demanding, strict and focused on achieving perfection, which has made him a perennial fan favorite (that, and the shirtless thing). Along with striking fear into the hearts of his partners and competitors, he’s also broken his share of hearts having been the target of who’s-dating-who gossip (let’s not name names, ok? we’ll just leave it at “he’s single at the moment” and everyone can go back to crushin’ on the Russian).

And now for look into the past.

Maksim Aleksandrovich Chmerkovskiy was born in Odessa, Ukraine on January 17, 1980. As a child, Maks showed that he had exceptional athletic ability. His father, Aleksandr (Sasha), saw this and exposed Maks to many sports, including swimming, soccer and tennis. Maks attended his first dance lesson at the age of four, but readily admits to hating dance and would instead dream of becoming a professional athlete. Thankfully for us, things changed when Maksim became a teenager and started dancing for money. Wait, that didn’t sound right…he danced in restaurants and competitions.

Anyway…

Around the time when dance started to become more important in his life, Maks suffered a major setback and was involved in a skiing accident. He broke his right leg so badly that not only were his athletic and dance careers in jeopardy, but he could have been permanently handicapped. Of course, our Maksim wouldn’t hear of this (even at the tender age of thirteen) and his determination and perseverance kicked into overdrive. After several surgeries, a metal rod and many intensive hours of physical therapy he was not only walking again but dancing in competitions. (Side note: Our lovable Maks invited the doctor that told him he would never dance again to witness him dance in his first competition after the accident. This is why we love him).

Shortly after his family immigrated to the United States in 1994, Maks began to develop a love of tutoring others in the art of dance, including his younger brother, Valentin (Val), who also became a champion dancer. This new passion of spawning champions prompted Maks to found (and currently serve on the board of) the Rising Stars Dance Academy in 1998 with his father. He also gives back to dance through his non-profit organization, Dance Team USA, which promotes youth dance programs and competitions.

More recently, Maks, his father, and family friend Jhanna Volynets have branched out beyond youth dance and opened Dance With Me Dance Studios in 2005. This chain of dance studios is billed as a social dance experience and is open to anyone and everyone who wants to join in. Currently Dance With Me has studios in Ridgefield (NJ), Long Island and SoHo and is still growing.

The American public caught their first glimpse of Maksim in 2006 on season 2 of Dancing with the Stars and obviously, we liked what we saw. After coming in 6th with actress Tia Carrere, Maks was paired with Willa “I Wanna Be Bad” Ford and ranked 7th in season 3. Spring of 2007 brought season 4, and pro boxer Laila Ali was ticked when she and Maks came in 3rd (who else thought she was going to deck Tom Bergeron?). Also, it’s worth noting that the Dancing With the Stars – Cardio Dance DVD (a.k.a. Get Sweaty with Maks) was also released around this time.

Season 5 was a big one for our Maksim because it was his best finish to date. Partnered with Spice Girl Mel B., the duo came in 2nd although they were the season-long frontrunners.

Maks took a break during season 6 to focus on choreographing the 2008-2009 Dancing with the Stars Tour (which he also performed in). He was back for season 7, but his partner, Olympic Gold Medalist Misty May-Treanor, unfortunately had to withdraw from the competition after injuring herself while rehearsing the Jive. Technically, this landed the couple in 10th place.

Seasons 8 and 9 weren’t kind to Mr. Chmerkovskiy, either, as he and both of his actress partners, Denise Richards and Debi Mazar, finished in 12th place. Never one to sit still, Maks used his time wisely and choreographed Wynn Las Vegas Resort’s La Rêve (2009) and then performed in the Broadway show Burn the Floor (November 2009 – January 2010) and earned an Astaire Award nomination. (Side note: Maks also stages his own productions through his personal company, the appropriately named, Maksim Chmerkovskiy Productions.)

Also in the summer of 2009, Maks won the reboot of the ABC reality competition “The Superstars” with partner Kristi Leskinen. The pro dancer and the professional skier topped seven other celeb/pro athlete pairs and Maks proved his point that dancers are absolutely athletes, thankyouverymuch.

Season 10 in 2010 brought redemption in the form of a 3rd place finish with ESPN reporter Erin Andrews (it also brought along some dating rumors and a contemporary freestyle, which we’ve never seen on DWTS before). The 11th Season included the shocking elimination of Maks and singer Brandy leaving them shockingly shocked and in 4th shocking place.

Moving along…

Ukrainian viewers are now following Maks’ pursuit of true love in the country’s inaugural season of The Bachelor. The show started airing March 17th, but Maks is, of course, tightlipped about the outcome of the show. He did tell People that “[it was] the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” and went on to say that in reference to the stress of eliminating people, “If I knew then what I know now, I would never have signed up. I would do Dancing with the Stars for the rest of my life before I do something like this ever again."

In the United States, Americans are fascinated by his dance partnership and unlikely chemistry with current partner, actress Kirstie Alley on season 12 of Dancing with the Stars. The couple are regulars at the top of the leader board and continue to entertain viewers not only with copious amounts of personality and charm, but with growing technique to back it up. With “The Fall” and “The Shoe Malfunction” behind them, fans are wondering what this quirky couple have in store for the rest of the season. Whatever it is, you can be sure we’ll be there watching.

Dancing with the Stars Celebrity Partners:

Season 2: Tia Carrere – 6th place

Season 3: Willa Ford – 7th place

Season 4: Laila Ali – 3rd place

Season 5: Mel B. – 2nd place

Season 7: Misty May-Treanor – withdrew due to injury/10th place

Season 8: Denise Richards – 12th place

Season 9: Debi Mazar – 12th place

Season 10: Erin Andrews – 3rd place

Season 11: Brandy – 4th place

Season 12: Kirstie Alley

Professional Achievements (per Wikipedia.com):

2005 Yankee Classic Professional Latin Champion

2005 Blackpool Dance Festival Semi-Finalist

2004 Manhattan Dancesport Professional Latin Champion

2004 Nevada Star Ball Champion

2004 World Masters Finalist

2004 Moscow Kremlin Cup Finalist

2004 Philadelphia Dancesport Festival Champion

2003 All England Champion

2003 Ohio Star Ball Latin Champion

2003 La Classique du Quebec Champion

Ranked 2nd in the US

Sources: http://www.maksimchmerkovskiy.com/

http://www.dancewithmeusa.com/

www.abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/bios www.people.com/people/article/0,,20469573,00.html

http//www.wetpaint.com/dancing-with-the-stars/cast/maksim-chmerkovskiy

Daily Trivia Question - 4/13/11

On November 9, 1995, Kirstie received an honor that she shares with such stars as dancing greats Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. What honor did Kirstie receive?

According to www.hollywoodchamber.net , Kirstie Alley was inducted into the Walk of Fame on November 9, 1995 in the category of Motion Pictures and the star is at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Below is a photo that Maks posted on Twitter of himself and Ted Volynets (@TeddyV, from the DWTS Troupe) visiting Kirstie's star.

Quote for the Day

"Here is a Maksimism.....'If you want to be perfect you have to practice perfection'.......I'm tryin baby..I'm tryin."

- Kirstie Alley, quoting Maks via Twitter on 4/4/11

Daily Trivia Question - 4/12/11

Continuing with the trivia question from 4/6/11. Maks injured his right leg in a skiing accident when he was a teenager and it almost ended his dancing career. Who did Maks invite to his first dance competition after the accident?

"Maks invited his doctor to his first competition after the accident. Needless to say, his doctor was speechless. Because of the accident, Maksim learned the importance of dedication and desire to succeed. He understands that success is about what you put into the effort." - www.maksimchmerkovskiy.com

Quote for the Day

This is a portion of Kirstie and Maks (after their waltz on 4/11/11) being interviewed by George Pennacchio from KABC Television as shown on ontheredcarpet.com,(This whole interview is beyond funny. At one point Maks turns away from the camera because he is laughing so hard. It is worth a watch. http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/video?id=8067078)

George: "Maks, why are you being so quiet?"

Kirstie: "Because he's ready to kill himself." (All laughing)

Maks: ". . .On a good note, uh, George, my foot's fine, my leg's good too, my ego has not healed."

Kirsite: "Wait, Wait, Wait. I know what happened. . ."

Maks: "Yes. What happened. . .tell me what happened. . ."

Kirstie: ". . .This is what you said, I got one free pass."

Maks: "And you decided to use your free pass the very next week?"

Kirstie: "Right Now." (She motions pulling a "pass" out of her cleavage and puts it in Maks' hand and closes it.)

Maks: "We're even ladies and gentleman. It's (a) clean slate from now on."

Maks On Air with Ryan Seacrest

Maks was a guest on Ryan Seacrest's radio show this morning. I'll give you guys a little recap, but if you'd like to listen to the full interview, click here.


Of course, the first thing Ryan asked Maks was how he was feeling after the fall on Monday, and asks if he was just being a gentleman by taking the blame. Maks stressed once again that it had nothing to do with Kirstie, and this kind of stuff happens all the time. He went on to say he was surprised by how high their scores were, and that he and Kirstie were both grateful towards the judges.

Ryan then asked what the most challenging thing is about having Kirstie as a partner, Maks replies with "Nothing! Listen, I know it sounds like almost as if it's in our contract to have to speak nice about our partners, but you know me, everybody knows me; I don't hold back" He also says "I'm a people person, I just love, you know, meeting a new personality, but Kirstie's nothing like I've ever met before" and "I just love working with her!"

Maks says we can expect a big comeback, and when asked "Will you be wearing any sort of fabric above your waist?" Maks replies with "Uh, probably not."

Anyone else excited for this shirtless comeback? :D

Quote for the Day

This is a converstation between Maks & Kirstie after the Rumba. This was such funny, great interaction between them, and one of the reasons they make such a great team! As aired on DWTS Week 3, aired on ABC 4/5/11 - Results, After the Rumba Discussion:

Maks: "It wasn't you. It wasn't you at all. Look. . .I admire that you want to, you know, take the fall with me."

Kirstie: "I did." (Both Laughing)

Maks: "Literally"

Kirstie: "Oh, I love you, (kisses Maks on the cheek) You're so funny."

Maks: "I was like there's no way your're standing up. Come down here with me." (As Maks motions pulling her down.)

Daily Trivia Question - 4/10/11

In 1998, this sitcom won the People's Choice Award for "Best New Comedy Series" and earned Kirstie "Favorite Female Performance in A New Television Series". Kirstie also was excutive producer of this show. Can you name the show?

"From 1997 to 2000, Alley played the title character in the NBC sitcom "Veronica's Closet," as well as served as executive producer. This popular series garnered several award nominations, and in 1998 Alley won the People's Choice Award for "Best New Comedy Series," while Alley took home Favorite Female Performer in a New Television Series. In addition, Alley’s comedic talent was recognized as she was nominated for a Golden Globe, an Emmy, and a Screen Actors Guild Award." - www.kirstiealley.com

Quote of the Day

"It's been an overwhelming amount of support. Thank you to all the fans and this one (Kirstie), particularly. I'm fine. It's nothing. . .you're going to need a stretcher to get me out of here."

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy, backstage with Kirstie, responding to Brooke Burke's question if he is ok, DWTS Week 3 Results, aired on ABC, 4/5/11

Daily Trivia - 4/9/11

Continuing with yesterday's trivia. . .here are more Q & A from Maks and his twitter followers from 4/7/11.

DianafromBklyn: "what part of Bklyn did family move to(?)"

Maks' answer: "Coney Island"

From youareawesome6: "where exactly are you from?"

Maks' answer: "Odessa, Ukraine"

From KPeepsTV20News: "were you born in the US or did you come here later?"

Maks' Answer: "came to NY in '94"

From CandacePParker: "you seem less bossy with @kirstiealley than w other of your partners - is it true? PS I love your work ethic!"

Maks' Answer: "Absolutely no different since I joined DWTS"

From joyphulon: "i bet kirstie is a laugh all day. . . Is there ever a dull moment with her?"

Maks' Answer: "no!"

From MuziknDdance129: "You have 1 hour to sit down, relax and read a good book. What book to you pick?"

Maks' Answer: "Alchemist"

Quote for the Day

"I was ecstatic to meet Maks. I'm not worried about Maks' reputation. When you're really good at what you do and you look like he looks, I say more power to ya."

-Kirstie Alley, DWTS Week 1 as aired on ABC on 3/21/11

Daily Trivia - 4/8/11

Instead of a question for today's trivia, how about a recap of Q & A from Twitter? Yesterday (4/7/11), while Maks was getting treatment on his leg, he offered to answer questions from his twitter followers. Many great questions were asked! Here are some. . .

From Deb72: "Are you going to be able to dance this coming week? Or will someone be taking your place?"

Maks' Answer: "no one will ever take my place. . .lol"

From abower2: "If you weren't a dancer, what do you think you would be?

Maks' Answer: "swimmer"

From pravda101: "what does your dream vacation look like?"

Maks' Answer: "ANYTHING/ANYWHERE with family"

From AGHSilverRain: "What one dancer is an inspiration to you?"

Maks' Answer: "Michael Jackson and Nouriev"

From carriem29: "do u ever get tired of teaching dance?"

Maks' Answer: "no"

If you enjoyed this recap, let me know in the comments and I will post more in the future!

Maks in this weeks PEOPLE magazine!

DWTS is featured in this week's issue of PEOPLE magazine (March 26, 2011). The 2 page spread is titled "Dancing Fever: Secrets of the Stars!" It features Kirstie, Maks, Cheryl, Kym, Hines, Louis, Kendra, Karina, Ralph, and the dear judges. Here's scans of the pages...go grab a copy!

Quote for the Day

"I'm Maksim Chmerkovskiy. Some say I'm bad, I say I make bad look good."

- Maksim Chmerkovskiy, DWTS Week 1 aired on ABC 3/21/11

Daily Trivia Question - 4/7/11

Kirstie turned 60 this year (and looks fabulous!) - Who was the famous actor that took Kirstie shopping for her birthday? What did he buy her?

Answer: John Travolta, shoes and a coat, Source: etonline.com, Mark Steines' interview w/John Travolta

Thanks selene for your comment!

Quote for the Day

"My biggest challenge is to move quickly enough . . . if someone told me to haul ass, it would take two trips." - Kirstie Alley, Week 1 DWTS aired on ABC 3/21/11

Kirstie and Maks in the Windy City

Earlier this evening, Kirstie tweeted this pic of her and Maks in Chicago, which had me saying “Ooooh pretty.” But then I remembered that we’re in the middle of a dancing war here…shouldn’t we be looking at pictures of fantastic waltzing goodness? Still, Kirstie promised it was “for something good,” so of course I went digging!

I checked Organic Liaison’s website and there doesn’t seem to be any big events or openings that they would be attending. I also stopped by the Scientology website and nothing stood out for this week in particular. If I were going to be totally honest, I would tell you that I went so far as to desperately Google the phrase “Kirstie and Maksim in Chicago,” but I don’t want to reveal all of my secrets in my first post (but let’s just say that if I did use Google, it would’ve been extremely unhelpful).

There seems to be only one explanation…Maks really, really wanted to ride the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier.

Or, they could be guests on Oprah, which seems to be the Twitter consensus (and my first guess, I swear!). It wouldn’t be all that surprising now that I think about it…Kirstie has had many a chat with the Queen of Daytime (remember cleaning houses and the Jamie Foxx surprise!) and it would only seem fitting that she would pop by to dish with Oprah one last time for her farewell season (I really hope we hear some gooood stuff).

Or, you know, Ferris Wheel.

Kirstie Alley Shows Off Her New Tattoo

As you probably know by now, Kirstie got a tattoo Monday night after the show that says "Unbroken", I think it suits her well. What do you think? Check out this video and picture!

Daily Trivia Question - 4/6/11

What happened to Maks as a teenager that almost cost him his dancing career? Answer:

"He was in a skiing accident, which resulted in severe right leg injuries and hospitalization for months. He had to undergo many surgeries and constantly be monitored by doctors and physical therapists. Doctors told Maks about his high chance of being handicapped for the remainder of his life. Upon learning this, Maks became adamant with proving them wrong. He began rigorous physical therapy and dedicated months of his time to healing."

- Source: maksimchmerkovskiy.com

Thank you Elle for your comment!!

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