[SPEAKER_00]: If he would have told me three months ago that I'd be doing this and going on tour in a few months too, like, I wouldn't even believe you.
[SPEAKER_00]: The thing with Derek that I think is really cool is he's always trying to make things different?
[SPEAKER_02]: Are they waiting for you to run back there?
[SPEAKER_02]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: We have a curtain and literally every time I open it, my girl's like, you should have seen Val and Yon.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's on you and I had to do a fork fart with them.
[SPEAKER_01]: Yeah, at the table.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: They were sure.
[SPEAKER_02]: What a roller coaster of a year that it's been for you.
[SPEAKER_02]: Insane the show, the tour, all your hard work is paying off.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, it's been a pleasure to kind of watch everything fall into place.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's just been absolutely insane.
[SPEAKER_00]: Sometimes I'll just feel like
[SPEAKER_00]: Holy crap, this is my life, like, what the heck?
[SPEAKER_02]: Does it feel like it's like flying at warp speed?
[SPEAKER_00]: A little bit.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like if you would have told me three months ago that I'd be doing this and going on tour in a few months to, like, I wouldn't even believe you.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's been going so fast.
[SPEAKER_02]: Could we go back to the beginning as to where you got the call?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: I know Jen and Val filmed it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Was that call expected at all?
[SPEAKER_02]: Was there anything on your radar that nothing?
[SPEAKER_00]: I was in Utah just on my way to go teach a hip hop class.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like in my car, I get a call from Val.
[SPEAKER_00]: We talk all the time, so I thought nothing of it.
[SPEAKER_00]: I answer, I'm just like, what's up?
[SPEAKER_00]: it's Jenna's voice to my surprise she's just like hey she sounds so flustered hey I'm gonna add Val to this call like just hold on to this for a second I'm like what like Val just called me Jenna's answering telling me she's adding Val to the call
[SPEAKER_00]: I was just like, okay, so it's silent for a few seconds.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then all of a sudden, Val's voice comes in, and he's like, Haley, Dina, Dina, Haley.
[SPEAKER_00]: And Dina's the, she's the person that casts.
[SPEAKER_00]: The answer to the source.
[SPEAKER_02]: And you're aware of that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I'm aware of that.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was like, wait, what?
[SPEAKER_00]: But I thought he was just messing with me because that's how we are.
[SPEAKER_00]: And he knew I'd wanted dancing with the stars.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I just didn't really answer.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was just like, yeah, right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Come on, girl.
[SPEAKER_00]: Really?
[SPEAKER_00]: A woman's voice is just like, hey Haley, and I just knew is Dina, then we just started talking, having small talk for a sec, and she's like, so what's sad are you in right now?
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm like, I'm in Utah, and then she's like, do you want to join the dancing of the stars, true?
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm like, yes, absolutely, I do.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that's how it worked.
[SPEAKER_02]: So there's not a lot of decisions.
[SPEAKER_02]: She's just aware of what you've been doing on your own in Utah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I guess so.
[SPEAKER_00]: There wasn't any sort of audition process, at least for me on my end.
[SPEAKER_00]: I, yeah, I was just trying to post on social media a lot, keeping my training and just make it clear.
[SPEAKER_00]: But that's what I wanted to do is a goal.
[SPEAKER_00]: And yeah, I'm so grateful.
[SPEAKER_00]: It worked out.
[SPEAKER_02]: Congrats, because that's honestly awesome.
[SPEAKER_02]: Prior to that, you did the Derek Huff winter tour, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, I did.
[SPEAKER_02]: How do you know Derek just throughout the Utah scene?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, a little bit.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was always that, you know, as connections where you don't actually know the person, but you feel like you kind of know them because you're just in each other's orbit.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, exactly.
[SPEAKER_00]: And also Jenna, like he knew her.
[SPEAKER_00]: He knew I was her niece.
[SPEAKER_00]: We kind of knew each other and he had come to one of my nationals.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just graduated high school, like when I was auditioning for his tour.
[SPEAKER_02]: Let's do some last year.
[SPEAKER_00]: Last year.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So crazy insane, but yeah, we had kind of many each other there, and then I my studio director had called me and was just like hey Derek wanted references for his tour, and I Reference to you.
[SPEAKER_00]: So if you want to go to this audition, you should I'm like, yeah, I'm gonna go to that audition.
[SPEAKER_00]: So audition for that
[SPEAKER_00]: made it went on tour and then Derek and I have been tight ever since.
[SPEAKER_02]: Was that your first time doing something of that magnitude?
[SPEAKER_02]: Doing a giant tour like that?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, that was honestly my first professional job out of high school.
[SPEAKER_00]: That was yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: What's tour life like with Derek?
[SPEAKER_00]: It was so fun, like intense.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if you've seen the show, but it's like a two-hour ball to the wall, like, go for a show.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it was so hard, but also like, he was on the same bus as us, and the whole tour cast, we got so close.
[SPEAKER_00]: So like every night, we were just watching movies, bingy crap, it was just so fun, I loved it.
[SPEAKER_02]: I have to go see it because you only get to see Derek's dancing once or a couple times a season and then aside from that, he's just behind the judges table.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: On this tour, he is dancing and on the Christmas one, he was also singing.
[SPEAKER_00]: So he was like, going for it.
[SPEAKER_02]: You get to do dance with all the other pros throughout dancing with the stars on the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: What's Derek's choreography style like, how is it different to everyone else?
[SPEAKER_02]: How does he teach you differently than everyone else?
[SPEAKER_00]: Everyone teaches differently the thing with Derek that I think is really cool is he's always trying to make things different like he never wants to do the same thing that he did before so he has so many ideas like I want to be inside of his brain because he has just a million things like oh my gosh, we could do this we could also do this it's just like holy crop he's thinking of so much stuff so that's kind of how it is with Derek just so many ideas that we just piece together and then it all comes together and it's so good.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's such a powerhouse because I did a couple of videos within a few years ago.
[SPEAKER_02]: One day we were shooting for him and we went to a breaking Benjamin concert and then I was editing a video of him swimming with sharks and then the next time we're doing like just regular day in the life it was
[SPEAKER_02]: That was my first introduction to who Derek is and he's just such a talent.
[SPEAKER_00]: We always say he's always just doing some sort of side quests.
[SPEAKER_02]: Literally.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's the king of side quests.
[SPEAKER_00]: He really is.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's so busy.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's always putting himself to do something, yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: So you get the call.
[SPEAKER_02]: What happens next?
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you planning?
[SPEAKER_02]: I assume you're just going to go live with Jenna and Val.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I mean, I had a really thought of it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like I was like, I need to figure this out, but it was so convenient that they were there.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, they just kind of were like, are you gonna come live with us?
[SPEAKER_00]: And I was like, yeah, let's do it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like absolutely.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then when does training start for troop?
[SPEAKER_00]: We started September 8th.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we had since that call, I think,
[SPEAKER_00]: three weeks, two and a half weeks to kind of bear my things and go.
[SPEAKER_02]: Is that a lot of timing to where your life just happened to be you are ready for this?
[SPEAKER_02]: You wanted it.
[SPEAKER_02]: So everything was possible.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, it honestly, like everything in my life landed so perfectly to this.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was actually on a college dance team before doing that for a year and I decided to step away from that and while you were in high school.
[SPEAKER_00]: um, after high school.
[SPEAKER_00]: So actually, tour was during college.
[SPEAKER_00]: I went on the direct tour during college.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, wow.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, have to drop out.
[SPEAKER_00]: No.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I was, I went back to my team after tour.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was like an insane year.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was like on the bus doing school work for psychology.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Are you on school now?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, not anymore.
[SPEAKER_02]: You had to take off.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: I figured it would be a little too busy for that.
[SPEAKER_00]: But maybe later in the future, I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, I decided to take a separate way from that.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I was, that was a really vulnerable position for me, because I don't like not having a plan necessarily.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I was just kind of like, I want to dance in the industry somehow.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't really know what I'm going to do.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was thinking about being an L.A.
[SPEAKER_00]: But just kind of like in the middle of an, I don't know, position.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it literally was perfect when she called me.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was like, this gives me
[SPEAKER_00]: something to do with my career.
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[SPEAKER_02]: Now back to the podcast.
[SPEAKER_02]: So that when you get to LA, you start doing the trooper hersels.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you learning that opening number right away?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, that was our second day.
[SPEAKER_00]: We started learning the opening number and who choreographed that?
[SPEAKER_00]: Ray Leaper.
[SPEAKER_00]: OK. Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's choreographed some of the other ones in the past seasons.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's awesome.
[SPEAKER_02]: And this is your first introduction to a lot of the pros now.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, actually, I knew a few of them because I had done the Junior's version of Dancing of the Stars.
[SPEAKER_02]: So who'd you get to see on that?
[SPEAKER_02]: I know Gleb was part of that one.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, Gleb Allen was part of it, Whitney, Jenna.
[SPEAKER_00]: That was actually a judge.
[SPEAKER_02]: Nice.
[SPEAKER_02]: I saw Bell Judge too.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, he's judging.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's so funny.
[SPEAKER_00]: So awkward.
[SPEAKER_02]: But that ride home.
[SPEAKER_02]: No, I was like, no, the heck.
[SPEAKER_00]: Literally, yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then what was it like getting to meet everybody?
[SPEAKER_00]: It was amazing.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, actually, posh and Daniela funny, you say that.
[SPEAKER_00]: I had taken ballroom lessons with them when I was little.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I, with them, like, they were the coach?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like, posh and choreographed my posh and dobley routine.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, yeah, crazy.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's what I love about the show, the lore, so intertwined with everyone.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, it really is.
[SPEAKER_00]: Everyone's intersected.
[SPEAKER_00]: The dance world is so small.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like, it's crazy.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, I'd gotten to know a lot of them on a personal level for the first time.
[SPEAKER_00]: The best, like they are so sweet, so down to earth.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you also doing other people's dances as well?
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you doing those stand-ins for camera blocking for them?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, okay, yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: So I think this is one of the most interesting things about being a true member.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, we get to really see everything kind of fall into place.
[SPEAKER_00]: So how it works for the opening numbers is will usually piece the choreo together with the choreographer, just the true.
[SPEAKER_00]: Then the next say, which is usually a Thursday, we'll have what's called a skeleton crew come in.
[SPEAKER_00]: And these are basically stand-ins for the pros.
[SPEAKER_00]: So they're like body doubles, just to see,
[SPEAKER_00]: how formations work who does what par all the things other dancers other dance were not part of the show were not part of the show at all yeah it's it's so crazy actually but it's super fun because we usually know the dancers so we have the best time so yeah we'll space the whole routine together and then the next day the pros will come in and learn their part and they basically have a day to learn that whole entire opening number and then we won't come back to it until Monday so that's kind of how that all works
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you, because also now you're doing stand-ins, posture was here yesterday.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, okay.
[SPEAKER_02]: And he was telling me how he had a dance with you to send in for the camera blocking.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: So you just hop in there, learn the pros routine so that they can send the camera blocking so that the director knows how to film the dance.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, exactly.
[SPEAKER_00]: your schedule is actually that crazy a little bit yeah like we'll sometimes just get a call and they'll be like hey can you come film a wide for us right now like you need to come over I'm like absolutely like driving over so yeah that's kind of how that works they call it they call it why it's it's basically where you have to take a video of your routine just so the filming producers can see how everything works all the spacing of everything so we'll learn their
[SPEAKER_00]: a few minutes and just have to film that wide with them, and then we leave.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you able to get it like 90% or 100%?
[SPEAKER_00]: Most of the time, yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Wow.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no, it's fun.
[SPEAKER_00]: I try to lock in and just learn really quickly to keep it easy for them, quick for them.
[SPEAKER_02]: let's go back to that opening night.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: You do the number.
[SPEAKER_02]: This is your intro to the world.
[SPEAKER_02]: The millions of people are watching.
[SPEAKER_02]: Is that all going through your head or are you getting nervous for this?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I was so scared.
[SPEAKER_02]: Because your first appearance is where you're at the judges table, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: That's your.
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, I was so nervous.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not even going to lie like I was like, Oh, my God.
[SPEAKER_00]: So scared, but
[SPEAKER_00]: When I started dancing, it kind of all, like, went away.
[SPEAKER_00]: I blocked out honestly, like, just started dancing.
[SPEAKER_00]: And it was, it couldn't have been better.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like that whole opening night, it was just surreal.
[SPEAKER_02]: How does it work for you because you learn so many people's dances?
[SPEAKER_02]: Once you do a routine, is it kind of out of your brain and you don't remember it?
[SPEAKER_02]: Like, it's locked in.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay, recycle.
[SPEAKER_02]: Next.
[SPEAKER_00]: Next.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, which is so new for me, because I'm so used to learning a show or a routine and perfecting that.
[SPEAKER_00]: doing that for like a few months at least.
[SPEAKER_00]: So this show, it's just like you learn or your team, you perform it, you're done with that.
[SPEAKER_00]: You will never do it again, which is crazy, but also kind of fun and refreshing.
[SPEAKER_02]: When I'm doing interviews, if I'm doing six and a week, there's no way I can remember everything about everybody because I'm just also trying to make sure.
[SPEAKER_02]: So I just picture when you're learning all these dances, you only have so much real estate and you're bringing to figure it out.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no, you just really have to try to dial in and just really be specific to that dance and then the other ones too, yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: So we're filming this right now on a Sunday.
[SPEAKER_00]: We are.
[SPEAKER_02]: You have all of your routines that you're going to be dancing with everybody for wicked night that you're part of.
[SPEAKER_02]: Can you get a call tomorrow and be like, hey, we need you to do one more thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: I could.
[SPEAKER_00]: I never really know.
[SPEAKER_00]: But right now as of this week, I have everything locked in.
[SPEAKER_00]: I know what I'm doing.
[SPEAKER_02]: Really.
[SPEAKER_02]: So it once the camera blocking comes in, you know where you're going to be and everything.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, usually, but sometimes we'll have weeks around Monday, they'll be like, hey, you're actually in a stance.
[SPEAKER_00]: Come learn this really quick, and we'll just learn it on Monday.
[SPEAKER_00]: Do it with the camera and then we're like, okay, I need to remember that for tomorrow.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was crazy.
[SPEAKER_02]: When I'm at the live show, and you get to see you run around left and right.
[SPEAKER_02]: How many outfits are you going through?
[SPEAKER_00]: It honestly depends on the episode.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like dedication night, we were only in three numbers, which is a small amount for us, at least usually.
[SPEAKER_00]: But for some nights, we could be in up to like seven or eight dances.
[SPEAKER_00]: You just never know, it really depends.
[SPEAKER_02]: So you do the dance, you run off stage, you go change, run back on, you're just waiting.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like, b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b
[SPEAKER_00]: It's crazy in the dressing room.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thanks to our wardrobe team, they're awesome.
[SPEAKER_00]: They are so quick with it.
[SPEAKER_00]: They just get everything on, tape it on.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, it's like, it's insane.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are they waiting for you to run back there?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: We have a curtain and literally every time I open it, my girl's like, it's great.
[SPEAKER_00]: I love it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Wow.
[SPEAKER_02]: Did you know the other troop members?
[SPEAKER_00]: I did.
[SPEAKER_00]: I actually knew all of them, which is so amazing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like Jackson and Carter and I, we all grew up on the same team and Utah at center stage.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we were all super close.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, that's crazy.
[SPEAKER_00]: In saying, and then on yay, actually, I used to live in Texas growing up when I was younger, we grew up on the same team in Texas.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we all knew each other in some sort of way.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was all super close with them.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's been so fun to be with them.
[SPEAKER_00]: It like so weird, too.
[SPEAKER_02]: Like is there a troop group chat?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh indeed.
[SPEAKER_00]: Who's who's making the jokes who's having Honestly, all of us we all click so well Jackson is so funny.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's just like the mood of the group.
[SPEAKER_00]: We call him.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's just like
[SPEAKER_00]: He does whatever he wants.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's so funny.
[SPEAKER_00]: We love him so much, but Carter also makes the funniest one-liners ever I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're all we all could trivia you.
[SPEAKER_02]: Do you have a favorite memory so far from being on true?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh
[SPEAKER_00]: Probably our first cross that we did together, just the four of us, and then finishing it.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know the energy was just, it was amazing.
[SPEAKER_00]: We were all so nervous, but also like right before, there was this sense of calm, and we were all just like, we need to take a step back and just like, realize what we're doing right now for the first time ever.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then after we were done, we were just like crying emotional hugging each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's probably my favorite memory so far.
[SPEAKER_00]: us.
[SPEAKER_02]: Wow.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: So it's a collective.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh-huh, which was honestly one of the most surprising things for me.
[SPEAKER_00]: I didn't know that.
[SPEAKER_00]: I didn't know we would be choreographing most of our routines.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you throwing out which songs you want to do or they?
[SPEAKER_02]: Hey, this is it.
[SPEAKER_02]: This is the style you need to do.
[SPEAKER_02]: You have 45 seconds.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_00]: So usually it'll be on a Wednesday where they say, hey, you too are doing this.
[SPEAKER_00]: You too are doing this.
[SPEAKER_00]: Here's the song.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, so they already have figured out that far ahead.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_02]: Who got a Disney night?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, absolutely.
[SPEAKER_02]: So the big opening number, that was almost a three minute routine.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: Was that a long one to learn for everybody?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, we only had as many, like as much time as we usually do.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it was kind of the same thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: We learned it, the troop learned it on Wednesday.
[SPEAKER_00]: We did the skeleton crew on Thursday and the pros learned it Friday.
[SPEAKER_02]: Is the skeleton crew the stand-ins for Mickey and Minnie and Pluto?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, but we actually never saw their faces.
[SPEAKER_00]: They would always come full costume.
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, why would you see their faces?
[SPEAKER_02]: They're big and, yeah, you're included.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, the characters.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, of course, does.
[SPEAKER_02]: What was the candleman singing the whole time, too, or is that a track?
[SPEAKER_00]: He, that's actually a really good question.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm not sure.
[SPEAKER_02]: I mean, during rehearsals.
[SPEAKER_00]: During rehearsal, he was singing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, wow.
[SPEAKER_00]: He was fully in it.
[SPEAKER_00]: He was incredible.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, he was fully singing rehearsals.
[SPEAKER_02]: That was such a crazy number.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, it was a full production.
[SPEAKER_00]: We had props, like, forks.
[SPEAKER_00]: We were, you should have seen Val and Yon.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's on you and I had to do a fork fart with them.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, at the table.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: They were sure less.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, every time I would look at them, they were like, thrusting.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, it was so much going on, but it turned out so good.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, many more is just incredible.
[SPEAKER_02]: Have you done a lot of dances with Yon?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, only the opening numbers so far.
[SPEAKER_02]: So no inverter or soul stuff yet.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, all help him prep sometimes and all, yeah, we'll practice his routines, but that's kind of it with Yon.
[SPEAKER_00]: I've only performed opening numbers with him.
[SPEAKER_02]: His TikTok lives are so funny.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's actually an actual funny guy.
[SPEAKER_00]: Funny, and I love that they're starting to make TikToks with his voice in it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Have you seen those?
[SPEAKER_01]: No.
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay, so basically they'll take like a sound out of his life.
[SPEAKER_00]: and the pros will lip sync to it and like make fun of him.
[SPEAKER_00]: And he hates it, it's so funny.
[SPEAKER_02]: That how do you think he's adjusting to the new show?
[SPEAKER_02]: Cause he's the only new member now.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, he is.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, it's a lot.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like there's so much to it.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it's a change for him, but I also think that he's starting to like really get a sense of how it is.
[SPEAKER_00]: He gets along, at least from what I've seen, he gets along with so many of the pros and they're all really good friends.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think he's like, you know,
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, I mean, him and Mark both went back to Utah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, they're in Utah right now.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I'm just so funny.
[SPEAKER_00]: And he tried to swig.
[SPEAKER_00]: He didn't like it, but do you have an order there?
[SPEAKER_00]: I do have an order.
[SPEAKER_02]: What is it?
[SPEAKER_00]: It's called a strawberry breeze.
[SPEAKER_02]: OK.
[SPEAKER_00]: It is so good.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's water, actually, water base, but they put a strawberry flavor and coconut syrup in it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Real strawberries, heavenly.
[SPEAKER_00]: If you ever go, you need to try it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Is Utah the life, do you love it there?
[SPEAKER_00]: I love it there.
[SPEAKER_00]: I really do.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's, I think it's so great.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it's so beautiful.
[SPEAKER_00]: I love Swig.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, I love Utah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Where are you from there?
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm from Pleasant Grove.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's kind of, it's like 30 minutes away from Salt Lake.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you going back there once, towards over?
[SPEAKER_00]: That's a really good question.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know, like right now I'm kind of just planning on going with the flow like after the season I wasn't sure if I was going to go back to Utah I might have stayed in LA, but now that I'm going on tour that kind of keeps me occupied till May.
[SPEAKER_01]: Oh, wow.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think I would like to.
[SPEAKER_00]: go home for at least a few weeks just to see my family and all the things.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then Taylor Swift's tour picks up in June, y'all and brings you on that, and then you're booked out from June and until September.
[SPEAKER_02]: I think that's where the stars come together and that, wow, you are.
[SPEAKER_00]: Not gone wood, let's pray.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, yeah, who knows?
[SPEAKER_00]: We will see.
[SPEAKER_02]: How familiar were you with Charlie DiMilio?
[SPEAKER_02]: Did you know her throughout the dancing at all?
[SPEAKER_00]: I didn't know her personally at all.
[SPEAKER_02]: I know, I didn't know competitions with her or anything.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, none of that.
[SPEAKER_00]: I had never met her.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I'm a fan, like, holy crap.
[SPEAKER_00]: She's a legend.
[SPEAKER_02]: Were you competing in the same circumstances, sir?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, we had, I'd seen her go to competitions that I had gone to, but we had never actually competed against each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh.
[SPEAKER_00]: And a competition.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: What was the dance with her, like?
[SPEAKER_00]: It was so fun.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, it was TikTok night.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we were fully doing TikTok dances.
[SPEAKER_02]: Which was the queen of TikTok herself.
[SPEAKER_00]: The queen of TikTok herself, and we did one dance.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was called Savage, and she blew up because of the stance, not because of the stance, but she did it, and it like went so viral.
[SPEAKER_00]: And she did it like right in front of me in our routine, and I remember watching her for the time and being like, oh my god, like, family girling so hard.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, those are what we did with her, like, actual TikTok dances.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's so funny.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you doing, did you do a lot of TikTok dances before you got on the show?
[SPEAKER_00]: Kind of, yes, kind of no.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was really trying to be in my TikTok grind.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yes, like the summer before the season, I was really trying to do all the TikTok dances.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: I feel like TikTok came out, really got popular the perfect time for dancing with the stars because it's the exact same thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Exactly, yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: And honestly, like dancing with the stars is popping off on TikTok right now.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yon always says, actually, he's like, this is part of the job.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, take talk is literally part of our job.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, when did you first find dance?
[SPEAKER_00]: My dancing career.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, what is you start?
[SPEAKER_00]: I started, I want to say, like, six years old.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I was pretty young.
[SPEAKER_00]: I, my parents had put me kind of into everything.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I was really into soccer, actually, before.
[SPEAKER_00]: Soccer gymnastics and dance were like my three.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was trying to pick, because my mom was like, you need to do one.
[SPEAKER_02]: So we can't be driving you everywhere.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're driving you everywhere.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was a busy girl, but yeah, I ended up picking dance when I was about six.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then I joined the rec team.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was just like doing recitals, not really competing.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then when I moved to Texas, that's when I actually started joining a company and competing at competitions.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then you just fell in love with then you wanted to stick with it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like I, that was my passion from the very beginning.
[SPEAKER_00]: My mom and dad always tell me like, we knew you're going to pick dance.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just love it so much.
[SPEAKER_00]: I have such a passion for it.
[SPEAKER_02]: So, and then after Texas, you moved back to Utah?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: And that's where you kept going with it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_02]: Was Jenna living there two at that time?
[SPEAKER_00]: In Utah?
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: She was in LA at that time.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So even when I was in Texas, she was in LA getting started with dancing
[SPEAKER_02]: And then how do you find your way on to dance with a star's juniors?
[SPEAKER_00]: Good question, actually.
[SPEAKER_00]: They just had called me for an audition in a lot of me and my teammates had just gone to audition.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't really know how they got our info, but yeah, I just auditioned for it and luckily made it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Was Riley also part of that season with you?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, she was, and she auditioned with me.
[SPEAKER_02]: And you both were coaches on that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, we were both pros on it.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's crazy.
[SPEAKER_00]: Insane.
[SPEAKER_02]: How far on that shirt did you go?
[SPEAKER_00]: I... How far?
[UNKNOWN]: No.
[SPEAKER_00]: Not far, we were really good.
[SPEAKER_00]: My partner was a trip pale in, I was a genus, she was our all star.
[SPEAKER_00]: We were cut first episode.
[SPEAKER_01]: Oh wow.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, the drive home with Val is really awkward.
[SPEAKER_02]: Were you the only ones cut?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, it was a double elimination, so we were cut with someone else Oh wow.
[SPEAKER_02]: When does Val try and ease the mood?
[SPEAKER_02]: Does he take him with Donald's right there?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, wait.
[SPEAKER_00]: Sweet.
[SPEAKER_00]: He buys me sweet.
[SPEAKER_00]: We actually went to dinner and he like gave me his whole pep talk and I know he was sad about it Like it was fine.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was totally fine.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, I have to cut you.
[SPEAKER_02]: You have to learn.
[SPEAKER_00]: They had to happen.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's okay lessons learned.
[SPEAKER_02]: What's life like now with you Val and Jenna?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh, it's so fun.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you like, their friend?
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you like, their daughter?
[SPEAKER_02]: What roles you play in their life?
[SPEAKER_00]: I play a lot of roles.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't even know.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, we are best friends.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, every single night will either do a movie night or we'll sit in the kitchen and just talk for three hours and just make TikToks.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I feel like I'm just their friend, but also they give me so much advice as to like, I'm their daughter.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel like a bunch of things with them, but it's been so fun living with them.
[SPEAKER_02]: Who learns TikTok dance is faster, Valor Jenna?
[SPEAKER_02]: Really?
[SPEAKER_00]: Val don't watch this, but Jenna, for sure.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you always bringing ideas to them, too?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, it's kind of a three way thing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like we'll send TikTok to each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: Val will be like, hey, we should do a stance.
[SPEAKER_00]: Can you learn it and teach it to me?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's just, we all contribute.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, that's so funny.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: When the show ends, where did the three of you go?
[SPEAKER_00]: We're starving after the show so we'll always go to like some nice and fancy restaurant, but yeah, we'll have a big dinner after the show and just yeah, just chill and talk.
[SPEAKER_02]: Could we go to show today?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: What is your day like from the moment you wake up and what time does it start?
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay, so it's a bright and early morning.
[SPEAKER_00]: Our call time is usually like seven a a.m. Just around them.
[SPEAKER_02]: Where you get to the bottom?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, we'll get two CBS and start.
[SPEAKER_02]: So I do how cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like the first time I saw my name on a cone, I was like,
[SPEAKER_00]: I've made it in life.
[SPEAKER_00]: I get my own parking spot.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, we get there early and then we'll usually start on hair and makeup get that done and then we'll start doing our run-downs with camera and then dress rehearsal What time dress rehearsal started out dress rehearsal is usually around like one I want to say because it's a live show so everything has to be so strict
[SPEAKER_00]: No, yes, exactly.
[SPEAKER_00]: So dress will do around one.
[SPEAKER_00]: We'll get that done.
[SPEAKER_00]: I like, I want to say 240 something.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then you do a full run through.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's our full run through.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that's it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Our full run through.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then before earlier in that morning, we'll do the dances again.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we get a lot of repetition on the actual ballroom for with cameras and everything.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then yeah, after dress will have 40-ish minutes before the actual show.
[SPEAKER_02]: what's the energy like amongst the pros is everyone doing their routine with their select trying to make them as comfortable as possible.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, for sure.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like they're always especially right before the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: Everyone congregates like in the bar and they're all just like doing their routines right next to each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: Just like trying to get as many reps in as possible.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, it's very intense but exciting.
[SPEAKER_02]: Does it almost feel like you're at one of those competitions back when before the show?
[SPEAKER_00]: It kind of does because ballroom competitions were all dancing right next to each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: So when they're all practicing next to each other, it definitely does give that vibe.
[SPEAKER_02]: What's your ballroom experience?
[SPEAKER_00]: I started ballroom, like actually doing ballroom when I moved to Utah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I was about 12.
[SPEAKER_02]: And you were learning the drive, the Fox shot, quick step, all the time.
[SPEAKER_00]: I had actually only competed in Latin dance.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that's like, cha, cha, samba, rumble, all of those.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I had a partner doing that.
[SPEAKER_00]: We, I competed for a few years.
[SPEAKER_00]: I never competed in standard, but I had always just taken lessons, because I don't know I wanted to know it.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, that's kind of how my ballroom world started and how do you like doing it?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I loved it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I love learning different things in new things.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I was fascinated and I thought it was so cool to have a partner.
[SPEAKER_00]: I loved it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: If someone wanted to follow in your footsteps, what would what advice would you give them as far as the dancing and what schools you went?
[SPEAKER_02]: Not what schools exactly.
[SPEAKER_02]: But like what paths should they take?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, my biggest advice when it comes to training and dancing is train and everything.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like I personally for me, I think what's helped me in my dance career so much is knowing a little bit of each style and knowing the techniques of it.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's helped me immensely.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I would tell dancers that are trying to
[SPEAKER_00]: get into the professional world to try to be versatile and all styles and just know them all.
[SPEAKER_02]: What other professional stuff have you done?
[SPEAKER_02]: Have you done music videos?
[SPEAKER_02]: Have you done commercial or anything?
[SPEAKER_00]: Honestly, I have only done the Derek tour and dancing with a star.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like I've done other little side gigs with Derek, like his extra commercial and stuff like that.
[SPEAKER_02]: This is a band of bananas.
[SPEAKER_00]: This is a band of bananas.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like things like that, but I haven't really done any other jobs.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Good for you.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much.
[SPEAKER_02]: What was this band of bananas like?
[SPEAKER_00]: Insane.
[SPEAKER_00]: I had no idea what I was walking into.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's like, hey, you want to complete a game?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, literally.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was getting my hair done and he just texted me and he's like, hey, I want to do something crazy on Saturday.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm like, absolutely what?
[SPEAKER_00]: And he's like, the Savannah Bananas game.
[SPEAKER_00]: And that's all the context he gave me.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was like, so are we performing at it?
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, we're redoing it dance.
[SPEAKER_00]: had no idea.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then Saturday comes around.
[SPEAKER_00]: We both drive to San Diego and then we kind of came up with something on the field.
[SPEAKER_02]: On the field, you guys did that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we made it up that day.
[SPEAKER_00]: Did a little camera blocking with the players and then that night we did it.
[SPEAKER_02]: That was a full blown stadium.
[SPEAKER_02]: That was sold out.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was a, like, I think that might have been the biggest crowd I've ever performed in, like, live audience.
[SPEAKER_00]: When we walked out, I was not expecting that many people.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was packed, like, insane.
[SPEAKER_02]: Does that make you nervous?
[SPEAKER_00]: I was nervous.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I get nervous, but also I know how to call myself down.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, like, both.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was also very excited.
[SPEAKER_02]: What's your trick to losing the nerves?
[SPEAKER_00]: I have to go into a corner by myself and, like, have a sec.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, like actually, but y'all like go face a wall or something and I just close my eyes and I just take like Deep breaths and just like positive self affirmations.
[SPEAKER_00]: You can do this.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's really not that deep And yeah, just like take a moment gain my calm and then yeah go out there.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you still feeling nervous at this point in the season coming up on week six?
[SPEAKER_00]: The nerves are definitely going down like it's just different nerves now.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes different nerves.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I'm just
[SPEAKER_00]: Like whenever we only get like one routine where it's really showcasing us so I really want to be able to showcase technique the best I can so yeah I just I'm really like okay I'm going to try to showcase all my steps correctly try to do the best technique perform find the camera.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like that kind of nerve.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like I also feel super confident and excited.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, just like, I hope I can do my best.
[SPEAKER_02]: The charisma that you have when you're dancing really shows through.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, thank you.
[SPEAKER_02]: Do you ever get lost in what you're doing and you just make the worst face possible?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh, yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like sometimes I'll see playback of myself and be like, one Earth was I doing like I look like a psychopath.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, I even keep doing it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no, there are definitely times where I'm like, okay, let's not do that again.
[SPEAKER_02]: Do you have to watch yourself back?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, I think it's super helpful.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, we have a little manager with us and she'll during camera blocking days.
[SPEAKER_00]: She'll take all the videos of our passes, which is so helpful.
[SPEAKER_00]: I go and watch it right after, and I'm like, can you fix that?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, make that face.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's so smart.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, no, it's so nice.
[SPEAKER_02]: Can we play a game?
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's play a game.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: you're in the unique position where you get to bounce around and dance with everybody.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: So I'd love to know about the other pros.
[SPEAKER_02]: Who's the most serious during rehearsals?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, probably either Val or Mark.
[SPEAKER_02]: I get it.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's also funny because I know the two of them had that little rivalry when they were both competing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh yeah, and I don't even know about this.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just heard about this lore apparently they did.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, they're like not not real beef, but it was like secret beef, but like because they were just competing against each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I guess so.
[SPEAKER_02]: Which pro has the best fashion sense?
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm trying to think of a really good one.
[SPEAKER_00]: I really like Danny's style.
[SPEAKER_00]: She's super cool with it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, show come up in like baggy clothes and look so cool, but also sometimes show come up in like really cute sets.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know, she just always comes up in cute stuff.
[SPEAKER_02]: Who's always cracking jokes during rehearsals?
[SPEAKER_00]: Brandon.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's such a clown.
[SPEAKER_02]: Did you have any experience with him prior to the show?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, I knew him before.
[SPEAKER_00]: He was also in junior, so I knew him from that.
[SPEAKER_00]: He also lives in Utah, so we just knew each other.
[SPEAKER_02]: Were you ever part of the same school or competitions?
[SPEAKER_00]: We actually went to center stage my studio that I went to in Utah.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we grew up in the same studio never together, but yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: So was Lindsey Arnold and Riley part of that studio too?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, there are so many people from center stage that are on the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's such a small world.
[SPEAKER_02]: Why do you think Utah is such a breeding ground for dancers?
[SPEAKER_00]: Honestly, that's a great question.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think for dancing with the stars specifically, it's because we had a ballroom studio connected to our studio.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we conveniently were able to learn ballroom, whereas a lot of other studios, they just don't train in ballroom.
[SPEAKER_02]: They just learn hip hop or...
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like all the other styles.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think that was just super nice for us.
[SPEAKER_00]: We just knew it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Can you be boy like flip no like like dance on your back and like on the floor and do spins I yes like I've tried to do like head spins and all the things I wouldn't say I'm really good at it But you can we can get there.
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right stay tuned stay tuned.
[SPEAKER_02]: Absolutely Who would survive longest on a desert island?
[SPEAKER_00]: Probably, I feel like Val would do well with that because he can say calm.
[SPEAKER_00]: I also feel like Whitney is super smart, so I feel like she would do well.
[SPEAKER_02]: I'm picturing collab also, just because he seems like he's like, he'd get things done.
[SPEAKER_00]: That okay, yes, this is sure about Gov.
[SPEAKER_00]: He could get things done.
[SPEAKER_02]: We need to cut this tree down and build a fire.
[SPEAKER_02]: Like the lead would get the guy.
[SPEAKER_00]: We do it, 100%.
[SPEAKER_02]: Which pro gives the best advice to you?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I would say Jenna and Val.
[SPEAKER_00]: Val gives really good advice as well.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it's also too, because I'm just with them all the time.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I'm able to receive a lot of advice all the time, but they have given the best advice and just guidance through all this whole process.
[SPEAKER_02]: When you, when you give Val and Jenna, the Gen Z terms to read.
[SPEAKER_02]: That was a really funny video.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, Val thinks it's so cringe.
[SPEAKER_02]: What was your first impression of that when you met him?
[SPEAKER_00]: I was terrified.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I was so scared of him.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: Because I would only known him from the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then all of a sudden, he's at our house, like having family dinner with us.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was like, vows from our coffee is right there.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, what the heck?
[SPEAKER_00]: And he's dating like ants.
[SPEAKER_00]: This is so weird.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, I was scared of him.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's just an intimidating guy, but then when you start talking to him, you're like, oh, he's like the sweetest guy ever.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's such a teddy bear.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's so down to earth.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's so genuine.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, we were besties from day one.
[SPEAKER_02]: Were you familiar with him in the in the ballroom circuit when he was competing in like black pool and all that stuff?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, he's a legend like he was the real deal.
[SPEAKER_00]: He won worlds like yes, I was aware of who he was.
[SPEAKER_02]: So being a dancer, are you aware of what's happening?
[SPEAKER_02]: Like in Europe and who's winning that stuff?
[SPEAKER_00]: Honestly, I need to get more up to date right now because I'm, I'm not really paying attention to that right now.
[SPEAKER_02]: But if your schedule wasn't so swamped, is that something you would do?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, for sure.
[SPEAKER_00]: And also when I was competing in Ballroom and like actually competing, oh, I, I knew everyone that was winning and all the things.
[SPEAKER_02]: Was that ever an aspiration for you to go over there and compete?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, for sure.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like I had always wanted to do that.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was tricky, too, because I was also competing in the jazz world.
[SPEAKER_00]: So there were only so many competitions I could go to.
[SPEAKER_00]: I tried to keep a good balance with both.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, I would want it to go to as many as I could.
[SPEAKER_00]: How many siblings do you have four siblings?
[SPEAKER_02]: So your parents are driving everywhere for all these activities.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, my gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: They are so busy.
[SPEAKER_00]: My parents.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I don't know how they do it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you the oldest?
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm oldest.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, wow.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: My little sister, Gracie, she's a dancer.
[SPEAKER_00]: And she's starting to get really passionate.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm scared.
[SPEAKER_02]: She's coming for you.
[SPEAKER_00]: She's calling for me, actually.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, but it's so cute.
[SPEAKER_00]: She's very into it right now.
[SPEAKER_02]: Were you ever doing teaching or choreography at the school's there?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, I was.
[SPEAKER_00]: I had really started getting into teaching my junior year of high school.
[SPEAKER_00]: I would start choreographing some of my teammates, soloes and just trying to choreograph dances.
[SPEAKER_00]: the summer, not the summer, the year after graduating, I had really started getting into choreography, just for group dances, solos, and all the things.
[SPEAKER_02]: And how comfortable are you doing that?
[SPEAKER_00]: Pretty comfortable right now.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I've gotten, I've tried to get a lot of experience just in studios, but also I feel like being on true, we're, we're having to choreograph our own routines.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's been such good practice and experience for me, especially in different
[SPEAKER_02]: Is there any difference choreographing to a camera or for a camera for live TV?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, 100%.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's a whole new world, honestly, because it's all about the visuals.
[SPEAKER_00]: And sometimes, like, less is more when it's with the camera.
[SPEAKER_00]: And you never know, like, maybe they'll be circling you at one point.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you want to be able to face them whenever you can.
[SPEAKER_00]: So you just have to think about those things that are so important when it comes to camera.
[SPEAKER_02]: Ezra's really good at like hitting the smile on the camera.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's so good at it and just making those moments where you like makes eye contact.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I can't it.
[SPEAKER_02]: You had a dance with him too prior to the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, as you work with him together.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, we were on the same team as well with Carter and Jackson.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, that's crazy.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, me, Carter Jackson, Ezra and Riley were on the same team.
[SPEAKER_02]: So when you find out Riley's on the show and then Ezra's on the show are all these things coming up, but maybe I can't.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, honestly, like when Riley made the show, I was just like, holy crap.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, it was kind of a wake-up call like, oh, we're getting old and we can actually do stuff like this.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's our time.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, it's our time.
[SPEAKER_00]: Because she was a year older than me, so I was still in high school, but she blew up.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, she was doing so well.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that was really inspiring for me to watch.
[SPEAKER_00]: Just be like, this is actually a possibility.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, maybe this could happen someday.
[SPEAKER_02]: Besides, besides Riley and Ezra, are there any other dancers in the dance world that we're really inspiring for you?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, so many.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think in the Dancing with the Stars World, obviously, Jenna and Val, they're so inspiring to me.
[SPEAKER_00]: I always thought, Danny, Daniela was the most amazing dancer ever.
[SPEAKER_00]: So she always really inspired me.
[SPEAKER_00]: And she had also done the Derek Tour and went on to Dancing with the Stars.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I don't know, I just felt like I could connect to her.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I've always been inspired by her.
[SPEAKER_00]: And her passion did the whole Blackpool and they competed in... Oh, yeah, no, they did the real deal with all the ballroom and all of that.
[SPEAKER_02]: When you said Danny at first, I thought you meant Danny, I'm in Dolphin, last season of Mike.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he was pretty good.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, she was great.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, yeah, totally.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay, football players turned down to her.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay, I get it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_02]: Do you prepare mentally or physically any different for when you're performing on national TV?
[SPEAKER_02]: Like how do you make sure that you're ready for it?
[SPEAKER_00]: I think honestly, it's a lot about my mental space when it comes to this type of stuff because I think for me I'm so used to performing and competing.
[SPEAKER_00]: I kind of, those are like the same things to me performing and competing.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I know how to warm up, I know all the things.
[SPEAKER_00]: But now that it's in front of such a wide audience and like it's everywhere right now,
[SPEAKER_00]: talking to myself and talking positively to myself.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, it's been a mental thing for me, for sure.
[SPEAKER_02]: Because I imagine, at least even for me, I have to really make sure no outside interference is getting away before I do an interview.
[SPEAKER_02]: Because now I'm in my head.
[SPEAKER_02]: So I imagine you have to do that for every single show and the show goes on for so long.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, it really does.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, so it's just like finding that routine that you know is gonna work for you.
[SPEAKER_00]: And kind of what I was telling you, like finding some time by myself
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay, like you can do this, stay calm, just like do what you've been practicing this whole entire week, yeah, it's like everyone has their own thing that they like to do, but yeah, just for me, it's really talking positively to myself having a moment.
[SPEAKER_02]: How do you figure that out for yourself?
[SPEAKER_02]: Is that just from years of practice with Dan?
[SPEAKER_00]: But it's fun of years, yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like I used to have so much anxiety competing, especially solos.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like I wouldn't even know what to do with myself.
[SPEAKER_02]: I've seen some of your solos.
[SPEAKER_02]: They're incredible.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, thank you so much.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, that feels like a fever dream.
[SPEAKER_00]: I can't even believe that was only like two years ago.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's insane.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, like you just kind of figured out for yourself what you need to do.
[SPEAKER_00]: And for me,
[SPEAKER_00]: It's all about the mentality like it's all about my mindset and that really helped me once I figured out that like I just need to relax and it's really not that different from competing or just practicing on my studio for or just like my room where I'm just like practicing it's not that different so I just need to like say in that space and do what I've been doing if you have a misstep during your solo or even on the show how do you make sure you stay in that positive state to where it doesn't need it you.
[SPEAKER_00]: That also required a lot of practice because I used to like break when I would make a mistake like I couldn't get out of that holy crap you just made a mistake like you just ruined it for yourself.
[SPEAKER_00]: Now when I make a mistake there's nothing I can do about it and also I think it's really helped me knowing that the audience has no idea what the routine actually is so like I can twist it to make it look like I didn't make a mistake when you're competing in the solos and everything who are the judges there.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's different every time.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, so there are different conventions that you would compete at, and there's a different faculty at each convention.
[SPEAKER_00]: So they would usually pick four from each faculty to judge us, and yeah, it was different every time.
[SPEAKER_02]: And what happens when you win?
[SPEAKER_02]: What's that feeling like?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, it's amazing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, we all love winning.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, it's a really rewarding feeling, especially when you really work towards it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I don't know, it was a great feeling.
[UNKNOWN]: I loved it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Is there anything surprising about the show?
[SPEAKER_02]: Now that you've been on it for a handful of weeks that you didn't expect when you first came on?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh gosh, I mean, I already was talking about choreographing our own routines.
[SPEAKER_00]: That was so surprising.
[SPEAKER_02]: I also think that's such a crazy opportunity to give you guys.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, yes, and I'm so glad, like I think it's so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: choreographing a different style every single week too.
[SPEAKER_00]: I've just been like, oh my gosh, it's so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: But that was so surprising to me.
[SPEAKER_00]: This is also so random, but the amount of TikToks that happen isn't saying.
[SPEAKER_02]: I'm going to propose in this lab.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like everywhere you look, there is a TikTok being filmed.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was an expecting about, man.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, it's been so fun.
[SPEAKER_02]: I imagine you're spending all day in the rehearsal studio, right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, we spend quite some time there.
[SPEAKER_00]: We also do a ton of rehearsals at CBS, especially when there are opening numbers.
[SPEAKER_00]: We'll spend a lot of time there.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, and then that way you're actually in the ballroom doing it so we can figure out the actual spacing and just all the things was juniors in that same ballroom because it looked a little different yes it was just a fully different layout but same place and everything which crazy that's so crazy that you got to be there back then and now you're back now no yes like a full circle moment like I can't even believe
[SPEAKER_00]: that I did that, like it feels like so long ago, but yeah, it's so weird.
[SPEAKER_02]: Here in your love and passion for dance, I feel like I know the answer, but would you ever want the opportunity to be a pro on dancing with the stars?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh, that would be a dream.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, I would absolutely love that experience.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I feel like for so many years, I've looked at that and just been like, that would be so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: But now that I'm,
[SPEAKER_00]: actually in it, and I'm able to see the behind the scenes of everything and how it all works.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's made me even more like motivated to kind of push towards that goal, and I'm just, I don't know, I feel so inspired right now.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yes, I would absolutely love the opportunity.
[SPEAKER_02]: How do you challenge yourself to even keep it going and step up and make sure that opportunity comes your way?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I think just doing the best I can, that's all I can do.
[SPEAKER_00]: This choreography thing that, like the fact that we get a choreographer on dances, I think that's really helpful, just good practice.
[SPEAKER_00]: So if I ever had the opportunity, I'd know how to work with the camera and just smart steps to put in to make my partners look good.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, like I just think doing my very best is all I can do.
[SPEAKER_02]: Riley sat here and we manifested Robert Irwin.
[SPEAKER_00]: Really?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_02]: Who are your top three celebs that you would want if you were pro on dancing with the stars?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: Unless you big.
[SPEAKER_00]: I've always said Glem Powell would be like insane.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you watching Chad Powers?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, I'm not.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's not a Hulu, it's pretty funny with him.
[SPEAKER_00]: Really?
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay, I need to go watch, because I'm a big fan.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think he's so cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's so funny.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right, no, yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's like the new quirky, I feel like he can kind of follow that same path as Matthew McConaughey, who was doing all the rom-coms and whatnot.
[SPEAKER_02]: Nice.
[SPEAKER_02]: And then transition into dramatic roles.
[SPEAKER_02]: But Glenn could do anything.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, you can do anything.
[SPEAKER_00]: I feel like you'd be a good dancer.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know why.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just feel it.
[SPEAKER_02]: He has the charisma.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right?
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: So, I think that would be so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think a top athlete, like someone like Travis Kelsey, that would be so cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: Jason Kelsey would be cool too.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: I've seen some stuff like people being like he should be on the show.
[SPEAKER_02]: I can see him doing it.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know them at all, but like, that would be so cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think athletes doing it is so sick.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that would be really cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: I love seeing Dwight Howard do it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my god.
[SPEAKER_02]: A six foot 10 giant part of a Danny Danny.
[SPEAKER_00]: That height difference.
[SPEAKER_00]: I still.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know how she did that.
[SPEAKER_00]: That was crazy.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's in.
[SPEAKER_00]: But he was so good.
[SPEAKER_00]: And Danny too.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, so cool to watch.
[SPEAKER_02]: So we have two.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm trying to think of another really good one actor musician heartthrob who you want a musician that would be so iconic would be like Justin Bieber oh he crush he would crush Jenna and I were actually talking about that the other day Justin Bieber would be so iconic he'd be insane like yeah what uh what was your reaction when general one the mirror ball season
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I was freaking out.
[SPEAKER_00]: There's actually a video of me in Derek trailer because we were on tour.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was like on the floor crying, just so proud of her because I had gotten to live with her just for that month of tour rehearsals.
[SPEAKER_00]: And you just truly see how hard they work and how much care they put into everything.
[SPEAKER_00]: I just knew how much she wanted it.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, I was freaking out, so excited for her.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, so you get to see Jenna's trophies and Val's trophies and they're just there.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, yes, and actually they have a whole entire plaque of all their mirror balls right next to my room.
[SPEAKER_00]: So every time I go into that room, I get a good look.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like the 17 mirror balls they have.
[SPEAKER_02]: Does now have all of his trophies too from his past tense?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, they're all just out.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, they're all out.
[SPEAKER_00]: Wow.
[SPEAKER_00]: He, in my room, actually, on the two nights stands next to my bed, there are his two worlds, his world cups from his barrum comp.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that really humbles me every time I go to bed.
[SPEAKER_02]: I feel like you're the perfect mold because I feel like you can get away with everything.
[SPEAKER_02]: What time do they wake up?
[SPEAKER_02]: What time do they go to sleep?
[SPEAKER_02]: Tell me everything about them.
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay, let's see.
[SPEAKER_00]: Geno wakes up early to work out.
[SPEAKER_00]: She's always out in about like six
[SPEAKER_00]: her 13-pack.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh, it's insane.
[SPEAKER_00]: So she's always working out.
[SPEAKER_00]: Val, he'll be a bit like eight, nine.
[SPEAKER_00]: It depends on when he starts rehearsals, but he's pretty chill with when he wakes up.
[SPEAKER_00]: He usually stays up later, like he'll just like watch shows until 1 am.
[SPEAKER_02]: What's he watching drama's reality TV?
[SPEAKER_00]: All the things like a lot of time, it'll be basketball during basketball season.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's super into sports.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's really into the fighting right now.
[SPEAKER_00]: What do you call it?
[SPEAKER_02]: You have to say you have to say you know fighting.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's up.
[SPEAKER_00]: Alan actually came over to come watch.
[SPEAKER_00]: They had like a watch party other day.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh, I want to come.
[SPEAKER_00]: You're invited.
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: He's come.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, it's actually so fun.
[SPEAKER_00]: The one this pass out of it.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was three weeks ago.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, the big one when Robin.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, so they were loving that.
[SPEAKER_00]: So he likes all the sports.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then sometimes we'll just watch like Documentaries or just new shows that come out depends.
[SPEAKER_02]: You know, New York.
[SPEAKER_02]: All right.
[SPEAKER_02]: Like he loves.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, he's all.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, big fan.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: So he's very into sports.
[SPEAKER_02]: And what's there?
[SPEAKER_02]: Are they choreographing their routines?
[SPEAKER_02]: Are they listening to their songs on repeat throughout the week?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like last night actually Jenna and Valane.
[SPEAKER_00]: I love this We created like this whole chart of how many styles they have left.
[SPEAKER_00]: We're trying to like brew up song ideas and just Yeah, they are always coming up with ideas and just trying to cook up things
[SPEAKER_02]: That's so cool to still see them both in the competition.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, it's so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: And Jenna has been so supportive about this.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's what I think is so cool about their relationship.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, no matter who gets cut first or who's beating one another.
[SPEAKER_00]: They just want the best for each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: They want each other to succeed.
[SPEAKER_00]: So Jenna has been hands on trying to help Val with as much as she can.
[SPEAKER_02]: Now they're both part of the tour, which you're also part of the tour.
[SPEAKER_02]: What's that going to be like?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I think it's going to be so fun.
[SPEAKER_00]: We love hanging out with each other.
[SPEAKER_00]: So being with them and also just the other cast, like Holy crap, I can't believe it first of all, insane.
[SPEAKER_00]: But I think it's going to be so fun.
[SPEAKER_02]: And this is so cool to see the both of them do it together, because they haven't done it in a couple of years, no?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, it's been a sec and Rome's coming too.
[SPEAKER_00]: So that's going to be so great for them.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think that's going to be very helpful for them to have him on tour with them.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, it's the first time for them in a second.
[SPEAKER_02]: And this is a really long one too, didn't they extend it?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, they already extended it.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it ends sometime in May and starts in January, which is crazy.
[SPEAKER_00]: But awesome.
[SPEAKER_02]: So with all the eliminated pros that are there now, are you doing bigger numbers with them?
[SPEAKER_00]: with yes so we kind of make the joke that they join true after they get eliminated so we'll have practice with them they'll sometimes come in during opening number rehearsals just so they know it but they'll do bumpers together with us sometimes like we did one with.
[SPEAKER_00]: Brett, Jenna, Julian, just fun little add-ons together.
[SPEAKER_02]: Did you ever dance with Julian?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, I've never danced with Julian.
[SPEAKER_02]: But was she on the tour with Dirk or no?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, she wasn't.
[SPEAKER_02]: She wasn't.
[SPEAKER_00]: They started doing tours together.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like when he had first started doing his tours, they were doing it together.
[SPEAKER_00]: But she ended up, I don't know, just doing other things.
[SPEAKER_02]: Were you part of the, did you understand the lore with like Mark and Derek and just how they grew up together?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, I knew that they had lived together and that Derek was in England with him and trained with him and his mom.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like what the heck?
[SPEAKER_00]: So I knew that they were basically brothers and Mark actually was on tour with us for a long time.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like he would just come and he was just hanging.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, I was like, oh, hi, Mark, fellas.
[SPEAKER_02]: Did you watch the show a lot before?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, so you knew the show like yeah, I knew who Mark Boss was and it's so funny Because now we're buddies like we get along so I feel comfortable around him But I remember seeing him the first time during one of the tour rehearsals I was like trying to dance so well just like flabbergasted over here like one
[SPEAKER_02]: This is your Super Bowl.
[SPEAKER_02]: Val, Mark?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like insane.
[SPEAKER_00]: And Voss my uncle, like, what the heck?
[SPEAKER_00]: So weird.
[SPEAKER_02]: Did you, I, how was their wedding?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, it was beautiful.
[SPEAKER_00]: It was like, we're, we're growing up.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_01]: You were.
[SPEAKER_01]: Wow.
[SPEAKER_00]: So cute.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I got to like walk down a little.
[SPEAKER_00]: I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: They just love each other so much So that was the most beautiful wedding ever how cool So what else what else do you do now the rest of the day?
[SPEAKER_02]: This is your day off.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's Sunday I don't know what I'm gonna do with myself.
[SPEAKER_00]: I might go prep with Alan later today.
[SPEAKER_00]: Just like come up with a few ideas for next week
[SPEAKER_02]: for him in a lane stance.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we might go do that and then I don't know.
[SPEAKER_00]: How does that work?
[SPEAKER_02]: You're just waiting for a taxi.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's like, hey, yeah, let's do it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, usually they'll just text and be like, hey, are you available like now, then yeah?
[SPEAKER_00]: We'll just figure it out.
[SPEAKER_00]: So fun.
[SPEAKER_00]: It keeps me on my toes.
[SPEAKER_02]: That's so cool.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, I love it because I also got to see how they all work and how they choreograph and just like,
[SPEAKER_00]: their processes, which has been really cool to watch, just like, what works.
[SPEAKER_00]: What doesn't, and yeah, all the things.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I'm learning a lot.
[SPEAKER_02]: Is there anyone style who you've taken a big liking to that you want to put in your own back pocket?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, it's a coincidence that I'm saying this, but I think Jenna's process is very nice.
[SPEAKER_00]: I like being prepared and she does too.
[SPEAKER_00]: So she's always very prepared and just organized with the way she teaches.
[SPEAKER_00]: and comes up with her dances.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I really like her process.
[SPEAKER_02]: Were you there part of it when she was teaching?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, like we were in one of their dances.
[SPEAKER_00]: So we kind of got to see her working with him.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then like I just get to see a lot of BTS videos just because I live with her.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I had gotten to see a lot of the things that she was doing.
[SPEAKER_02]: Have you helped Val and Alex?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, I have, yeah, we've been in one of their dances, so we got to see that and then, yeah, he's always practicing at the house, so I get to be part of that too.
[SPEAKER_02]: Does he treat you any differently than the other true?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, no, like they're really good at not being biased.
[SPEAKER_00]: If anything, they're more, they're harder on me.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, compared to other true.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, it's definitely not like favoritism or anything, like that, he'll mess with me and joke around with me, but yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Can you see yourself ever moving to LA?
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh for sure.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, and this is like I was actually thinking about it when I decided to not go back to college dancing.
[SPEAKER_00]: I was like, I could go to LA just because this is such a prime spot for dancing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like if you want to try to go professional and get jobs.
[SPEAKER_02]: There's so much opportunity here.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh so much.
[SPEAKER_00]: So yeah, I would not be opposed to it.
[SPEAKER_02]: For dresser hersels are the judges there during that first drive on.
[SPEAKER_00]: for this season, they have not been there.
[SPEAKER_00]: We see them right before the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: So maybe they'll come and say hi after dress, but that's like the first time we see them.
[SPEAKER_02]: So the first time the judges are seeing the dance is during the actual live taping.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh yeah, like it's not fake.
[SPEAKER_00]: They're genuinely seeing them for the first time.
[SPEAKER_01]: That's just so cool about the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, it's all real, like none of it's fake.
[SPEAKER_00]: And I've heard so many people be like, oh, the pros, like,
[SPEAKER_00]: They've been able to prepare their dances like beforehand.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, they fully choreograph the dances like the day after the show.
[SPEAKER_00]: So it's all, it's all real.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's live TV.
[SPEAKER_00]: It is live TV.
[SPEAKER_02]: I think that is truly what captivates so many people is the fact that
[SPEAKER_02]: there's nothing else like it.
[SPEAKER_00]: No.
[SPEAKER_02]: There's truly nothing else like it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, like it's so raw and so real and just like you see the actual reactions from everyone.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like we're not faking it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, nothing stage.
[SPEAKER_00]: Nothing like that.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's just real.
[SPEAKER_02]: Even get in clearances for the music that you guys get to use.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, you can find out an hour before if it's clear by the record label or then the band has to play it live and then you're playing it to a
[SPEAKER_00]: that's crazy no it really is like you and honestly you never really know what the band's gonna sound like until monday or like oh okay this is what it's gonna sound like
[SPEAKER_02]: What about the tempos and versions of the songs?
[SPEAKER_02]: And let's say you want to cut out like Pasha did Maniator with Danielle.
[SPEAKER_02]: They cut out, say, a precursor, a precursor chorus.
[SPEAKER_02]: They decide that because of how long the dance has to be.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, so the dance length matters.
[SPEAKER_00]: So they're going to have to cut out a lot of parts of each song.
[SPEAKER_00]: Usually, at least from what I've seen from Valenzena, they'll send a reference and be like, hey, we could do this.
[SPEAKER_00]: But they're able to kind of switch around things and say, I want to accent on this part or I want it to fade on this part.
[SPEAKER_02]: Where the live band will add that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, like have a little bit of a say.
[SPEAKER_00]: Of course it has to get approved.
[SPEAKER_00]: But yeah, that's kind of how that works.
[SPEAKER_02]: Are you ever in the rehearsal studio with Ezra?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, actually.
[SPEAKER_00]: I filmed a couple of rides with Ezra.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Where you were the stand-in for Jordan?
[SPEAKER_00]: Uh-huh.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_02]: Wow.
[SPEAKER_02]: So fun.
[SPEAKER_02]: How does his choreography work?
[SPEAKER_00]: I mean, he's been, like, grinding and packing those dances with the style.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, he's been going hard on her, too.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, when I'll learn these words, I'm like, wow, like, this is a, this is a tough routine.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, it's, like, four real the style.
[SPEAKER_02]: So, I mean, I think he's been doing great as someone who doesn't dance and has only been watching dancing with the stars for two years.
[SPEAKER_02]: He's really blown me away.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, he, like, he can't.
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, he also didn't have a chance last season to prove his choreography.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, he was only there for so long.
[SPEAKER_02]: But it's actually insane how well he is at it.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, like, I truly think he's been doing so good.
[SPEAKER_00]: And also, I think he's a great teacher.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, the amount of growth that Jordan's had each week on us, I've been like, wow, he's doing a really, really good job.
[SPEAKER_02]: Did you watch all of last season?
[SPEAKER_00]: I did.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_02]: Who do you think had besides Joey?
[SPEAKER_02]: Who do you think had an insane amount of growth from week one to the end?
[SPEAKER_00]: I think Danny had a little bit of a... Amidola, yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh, that was really impressive to watch.
[SPEAKER_00]: Also, Alona, I mean, she literally had no dance experience and from her first routine to her last, there was a lot of growth there.
[SPEAKER_00]: So I think those two, there was a ton of growth.
[SPEAKER_02]: For you being a dancer and a choreographer and everything, to see somebody go from nothing to all of that like Joey's transition, what does that feel like for you to see in another person?
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it's incredible like truly like I because I picture myself when I think about this I picture myself like going and learning football and like.
[SPEAKER_00]: stepping in to go play a football game as the quarterback.
[SPEAKER_00]: That's like, that's basically what they're doing.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like, they have no idea what dances.
[SPEAKER_00]: How to do it.
[SPEAKER_00]: And they're like, they're growing so much.
[SPEAKER_00]: I think it's so cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: Football with the stars.
[SPEAKER_00]: No.
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's do it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Quarterback defensive tackle wide receiver.
[SPEAKER_00]: What position producers right now?
[SPEAKER_00]: Different position every week.
[SPEAKER_02]: water boy.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, I'd be so good at that.
[SPEAKER_02]: The best position.
[SPEAKER_02]: Here you go.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, but like literally it's like that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like I would have no idea what I was doing and I'd be scared.
[SPEAKER_00]: Like terrifying.
[SPEAKER_02]: At at base camp Jenna and Valerie you guys watch another reality shows like golden bachelor or special forces or other things.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes, we love, at least I love special forces.
[SPEAKER_00]: I always watch a, oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: And then Bachelor, we love that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yeah, we also love the, I don't know if this is considered reality, the British baking show.
[SPEAKER_00]: All in Netflix?
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh.
[SPEAKER_00]: Me and Jenna love that.
[SPEAKER_00]: Every night.
[SPEAKER_02]: I think I watched that one.
[SPEAKER_02]: I think I skipped the end just to see what the cake looks like.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, okay.
[SPEAKER_00]: You should watch it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah.
[SPEAKER_00]: It is so soothing.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's like comfort show.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's so far, I just, I go every episode of Mike to the end.
[SPEAKER_02]: Oh wow, that's true.
[SPEAKER_02]: And I go to an actual, oh wow, that's so cool.
[SPEAKER_02]: Just the good stuff.
[SPEAKER_00]: I'm done.
[SPEAKER_00]: No, it's a great show.
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, very exciting.
[SPEAKER_02]: I'm very excited for Tuesday.
[SPEAKER_00]: Thank you.
[SPEAKER_00]: I am too.
[SPEAKER_00]: It's going to be an amazing night.
[SPEAKER_00]: There is so much going on.
[SPEAKER_00]: had there's did they announced all the weeks but are there any other weeks to you really looking forward to assume Halloween how I was going to say Halloween I'm very excited for that I think it's going to be sick and also the makeup looks I think they're going to be crazy did you get heads up on what everyone's doing yet I don't know no so we don't have really any heads up I hope we're in their dances like
[SPEAKER_00]: Let's bless.
[SPEAKER_02]: Go from a zombie to a mummy.
[SPEAKER_00]: Right, and no, I hope I'm so excited.
[SPEAKER_02]: It'll be fun.
[SPEAKER_02]: Well, thank you so much for coming by.
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh, thank you.
[SPEAKER_02]: Guys, go see Haley on tour.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yes!
[SPEAKER_00]: Oh my gosh, I can't believe it.
[SPEAKER_02]: And you're Instagram is gonna be linked down below.
[SPEAKER_02]: Do you have a YouTube channel?
[SPEAKER_00]: No, I don't.
[SPEAKER_00]: You should be at me, I should.
[SPEAKER_02]: Yeah, and record some dances.
[SPEAKER_02]: I'm blog on tour.
[SPEAKER_00]: Okay, I'm inspired, I'm gonna do it.
[SPEAKER_02]: Okay.
[SPEAKER_02]: It's gonna be linked down below.
[SPEAKER_00]: All right, so you guys, that was so good.
[SPEAKER_00]: Yay!