As part of my recent The Nutcracker and the Four Realms press trip, we headed to the beautiful Los Angeles dance studio Pro Dance LA, owned by Dancing with the Stars pro dancer Gleb Savchenko. When you enter the studio, there’s a beautiful chandelier above the brightly lit dance space, instantly making you feel inspired to let your creativity flow!
Inside Pro Dance LA. Photo credit: Coralie Hughes Seright/LoveBugsandPostcards.com
We began the evening with an inspiring interview with “Dancing with the Stars” pros and “Dancing With the Stars: Juniors” mentors Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, and Gleb Savchenko. It was fun to kick off our interview by learning the types of dances that the three of them specialize and began their career in; Armstrong trained in a wide variety of styles growing up including jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and ballet. Savchenko trained mainly in ballroom growing up, and eventually also started picking up contemporary, jazz, and hip-hop dance. Bersten was also a ballroom dancer!
From left to right: Bersten, Armstrong, Savchenko. Photo credit: Coralie Hughes Seright/LoveBugsandPostcards.com
Although these “Dancing with the Stars” pros and “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” mentors have been dancing for quite sometime, they still work on their craft and continue to learn everyday. With each new song comes a new way of doing things.
Their experiences and time on “Dancing with the Stars” and “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” has been a dream come true. All three had been fans of the show before becoming a part of it.
“I think it was an experience that really enlightened all of us. You know, when we’re on the show with adults there’s a lot of pressure because we’re [performing] in it. 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” -Alan Bersten
Even though they are experts in their field, it was great to hear that the three of them are continuously being inspired by the songs they dance to, and by the partners they dance with each season, and each episode. They all also had the wise piece of advise for aspiring young dancers to be unique; take all the things you are great at but develop them to your own style and always be yourself.
And finally, when asked what star they would like to dance with on “Dancing with the Stars,” they agree unanimously: Ariana Grande!
Photo credit: Coralie Hughes Seright/LoveBugsandPostcards.com
Tune into DWTS and DWTSJuniors!
Coming up on “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” on Sunday, Nov. 11th, the seven remaining celebrity kids will have to choose the song they dance to for “Juniors Choice” night! Coming up on “Dancing with the Stars”, the six remaining couples are preparing for the semi-finals, where each couple must perform two new dances! The first dance will be dedicated to a meaningful person in the celebrity’s life, and the second dance will be the judges’ choice to determine who should move to finale night.
Tune in to watch “Dancing with the Stars: Juniors” Sundays at 8/7c on The ABC Television Network, streaming, or on the ABC app. “Dancing with the Stars” airs Mondays at 8/7c on The ABC Television Network, streaming, or on the ABC app. And to get your tickets to see “Dancing with the Stars” Tour, visit DWTSTour.com!
Stay tuned for my blog post on taking a dance lesson inspired by The Nutcracker and the Four Realms alongside Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, and Gleb Savchenko!
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