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!!

Get a FREE 30-Minute Lesson at Dance With Me

Wendy Williams is giving away a free 30-minute lesson with an instructor at any Dance With Me studio. Here are the details:

The bearer of this DWM Gift Certificate is entitled 

to one private (individual or couple) 30 minute 

introductory ballroom dance lesson at any of 

the Dance With Me Dance Studios conveniently 

located in Long Island, SoHo or New Jersey. This 

cannot be combined with any other offer.

 If you're interested in printing this free voucher out click here.